Why I Wrote My Book, Amani’s River

The concept of Amani’s River started when I was stationed in Mozambique as a Peace Corps volunteer. While serving the community of Namaacha, a border town to Swaziland, it was impossible not to hear the locals speak of the civil war, and the pride they felt to be free, democratic and remembering the fallen heroes that fought for this right. Although Mozambique has not seen the likes of violence in over 20 years, the remnants of the 16 year civil war is clearly evident throughout the small country.  While serving, I befriended people with cut off limbs, scars on their faces and aches in their body, directly related to the brutal war that tore families apart, and left a country to rebuild.

I have lived in Africa for 7 years and have traveled back to the states multiple times.  I have seen a shift in the mindsets of people, and to a certain extent I have seen the glorification of war.  Before I continue, I want to make it clear that I support our troops, and I support the fight to preserve our military,but I also want people to stop this glorification of violence.

I was at a conference in Paris, held by an American University.  At the start of this conference, they asked all the military (current and past) to stand and receive an applause for their services. At the time, I thought this was nice.  While in the states, I was asked by multiple organizations if I served in the military, so that I can receive discounts (Of which I was not entitled to, due to the fact I never served).  On my way to New Orleans, they asked all active military to step forward and receive priority boarding ahead of the elderly and children needing assistance.  Several military members stepped forward, received an applause from a few, and took priority seating. In many regards, I thought this was nice, way to support our troops, way to be patriotic.  Here is the problem, what about the Peace Corps!

If someone asked me to stand to receive an applause because of my service, I probably wouldn’t stand, because that’s not in my personality.  I didn’t serve the Peace Corps to get a discount on movie tickets or priority boarding, I served to promote peace.  However, it would be nice to have the offer, so I could make the decision to reject or accept the praise.

Living overseas, it was clear that most citizens loved the US and their power, but detested the military presence.  However, my argument was that it was needed to help promote democracy, and I still believe this.  Although, my views are conflicted, I want Americans to start promoting the initiatives such as Peace Corps or AmeriCorps as much as we fund and promote the military.  American policy needs to change, if we are to continue being the leader of the free world.  We promote one thing, but often do the opposite to protect our interests.  We destroy countries and community to preserve a belief of the American people.

In 2014 the US government is set to spend over 700 billion dollars on defense, while the federal government spends 101 billion on educational expenses. Since the Iraq war, we have seen these numbers go through the roof, only to fail on multiple accounts. Furthermore, the US government spends around 24 billion dollars per year on poverty reduction and just 374.5 million dollars for the US Peace Corps in the fiscal year of 2013. I think it is safe to say that we are sending a message to the rest of the world that our priorities lie within the military, and not in the education, peace, and poverty reduction. I am in support of a strong military, but not a military that feels they need to be 700 billion strong.

Going back to the novel that was written, because this all links to the inspiration behind this piece of work. I set out to depict the brutalities of war, because I wanted people to understand that behind every hero, there are countless victims of war that were in the wrong place at the wrong time.  These people’s family, now destroyed, spend years suffering, mourning, and wondering if their freedoms were worth the life of their husband, wife, or child. There is a reason why Samora Machel was not mentioned in the book. I didn’t want to depict an ending where a hero swept in with their forces, played to music, displaying bravery while fighting, and leading their country to the greatest battle ever.

Roll end credits!

I wanted to depict the raw emotions, pain and brutal realities of many lives currently affected by war. I set out to tell a story in the eyes of a child soldier.  A soldier that did not ask for the war, nor do they understand the political reasons for the fight.  I hoped that this would make us understand the decisions we make and hopefully allow readers to gain a unique insight into these emotions.

Understand, that sometimes war is needed, for various political and ethical reasons.  But war is never to be glorified.  Please go ahead and honor our troops, I certainly do, but please start recognizing the many peaceful initiatives that we take part in.  Honor the men and women that represent the USA by promoting health and sustainable initiatives to improve the livelihood of multiple communities.

Amani’s River was written to give a give a voice to the current 250,000 child soldiers, and the 5,000,000 lives effected by the war.  It was an account meant to educate and make people think about the values of our beliefs, and perhaps think twice before we justify the killing of innocent lives.

Amani’s River is due out in 2015.  Please follow my blog for updates.