Monday, February 15, 2010 at 09:16PM 
I'm inspired by confident individuals who embrace their passion, think creatively, and act with courage despite fear and challenges too numerous name. Just seeing this image of Dativa, an entrepreneur and technologist speaking about her fledgling business in Kigai, Rwanda fires me up. This is a woman I admire.
rwanda in People, Picture Hope Friday, February 5, 2010 at 12:00AM Picture Hope: Kwizera Alfred, Musician from LittlePurpleCow Productions on Vimeo.
Five minute video interview.
Alfred came in and out of Alex and Goreth's home during our stay in Rwanda, sharing tea and stories with us. And when he spoke in a soft voice about his dream of sharing his music with the world, I could feel his unwavering faith in that dream. A faith that has been tested by the loss of his parents, lack of finances, and a commitment to help provide food, shelter, and school tuition for his brothers and sisters. "So how do you hold on to hope?" I wondered aloud during one of his stories.
"You have to trust. I trust everyone, and believe that God is there for me – even when I have no one and nothing," he replied. And then he placed his trust in me, and insisted that I accept his bible as a gift just before we left Rwanda. Packing that bible was difficult for me. I don't deserve it. And as the months have passed, seeing that bible beside my bed has been a gentle reminder of Alfred's presence. A visible sign of his faith. There's not much that I can do for him, but share his light with you. And hope you'll share it too.
africa, kwizera alfred, musician, rwanda in Moving Pictures, People, Picture Hope Friday, January 22, 2010 at 08:34AM 
If I could have one superpower, I'd have the power to slip and out of an invisible state. I'm perfectly content being the silent witness in a room such as this beauty shop in Rwanda, but as a photographer it takes time to attain this status. First, I always connect. When I walk in a room, I'm open. I reveal myself as much as possible. I ask questions. I listen. I ask permission. I give my subjects time to evaluate and accept my presence because I know they need to trust me in order to forget about me.
Sunday, January 17, 2010 at 11:03AM 
Much of our time in Rwanda was spent with Michel, Goreth's brother. His English was near flawless. Because of this, he played the role of translator throughout our visit. He joined us as we toured the home of Juvénal Habyarimana, the past president of Rwanda who was shot down in a plane crash igniting the Rwandan genocide, and he explained the genocide to me. He followed us many miles to the village in Kizarakome and kept me company on the front porch under a dark sky. And he climbed with us to the top of the mountain where we prayed under the tree with big leaves and he translated Innocent's soulful story. I appreciate the role he played for us during our time in Rwanda so much. His instant friendship. His focus on the voice of others. A man of many words.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010 at 11:57PM 
My friend William's daughters sharing their birthday photo albums with me in their home in Konombe, Rwanda. Photo by Jen Lemen.
She listened. Always, so intensely. I'd start these lengthy conversations about big ideas and small discoveries moving through my mind. I'd pour over the details of an experience, yielding at complex intersections to dip beneath the surface in an effort to dissect, connect, and process thoughts. To make sense of things. And my mother would sit there comfortably across the kitchen table from me, tilting her head and following my words wherever they lead us in this deconstruction process. Focused. In lock step. She listened to me think as if there was nothing more worthy of her attention. And when I'd pause, she'd ask the most significant question. Or voice an observation that redefined the equation, clearing the way for a new solution to emerge. And I'd think about that question or that observation in the quiet and give it space to inspire me – long after the exchange.
rwanda in Giving Thanks, People, Self