I urge you to listen to the podcast of Susi Childers, my leader and mentor here, as she describes a journey in her life that has led to transformation not only herself, but in the lives of many individuals, an ancient tribe and nation as a whole. It is the story of a girl who survived the practice of infanticide (killing children) in indigenous tribes in the Amazon. They believe that if a child is born to a single mother, as a twin or triplet or with a physical or mental handicap that the child has no soul and has an evil spirit dwelling within. They believe that when the child dies and lets out the last breath, the evil spirit exits the body with that breath and will inhabit another person. Therefore, tribal customs involve not only killing the child, but burying it alive. This is so that the last breath is exhaled under the earth and the evil spirit released remains trapped under the earth and cannot transfer into another body. The story of Hakani is one of death, life, courage and determination. Hakani means "smile" and it's the perfect name for this child. I cannot do the story justice, please take the time to listen for yourself. Click the link and then chose the hour long podcast released 4/16 (Hearing and Obeying God's Voice, Part 5) entitled Susi Childers shares her experience in the Amazon.
It's an hour long, but it's so worth the time. It's a continuation from the previous day's talk, which unfortunately didn't get recorded, so if some of it doesn't make sense just bear with it. The first 9 or so minutes are more of a recap from the previous day so you can fast forward through those if you want. Once in a while, someone in the class talks and since they don't have the microphone, it may sound silent for a bit, but hang in there. Also, Susi has a German accent, so you may not understand a word or two, but you'll get the idea. Oh, and her husband's name is Paul, so when she is referring to Paul, she's talking about him, not the Paul of the Bible!
She is incredible. Inspirational. So full of trust and faith in the Lord. A mover. A responder. Someone who obeys when God asks. She's incredible. Hakani's story is incredible. What one person can do with a little courage is incredible. GOD is incredible.
You can learn more and watch the movie through the link below. I encourage you to please listen to the podcast first though. Throw it on when you're in the car, on the treadmill, or just sitting in the living room. It would mean a lot to me for you to hear and know the woman who is guiding me through this time, a bit about her experiences and the ways that photography DOES impact the world to heal and repair God's people.
Hakani and her adoptive parents are in Kona this year, staying at the YWAM base. They were invited to come and be part of YWAM's 50th Anniversary celebrations happening later this year. A group of us happened to run into Hakani and her parents when we were downtown, the same day we listened to Susi's story. It was amazing. She was smiling, hula dancing and having a great time. She showed us pictures of her tribe and relatives. We asked her adoptive mother if they have taken her back to visit the tribe and she told us that they had done so once, and Hakani stopped speaking for 3 months following. They felt the trauma was just too intense, so they have said if she chooses to go back and visit when she grows up, she can. She is remarkable. I really hope you listen to the podcast.
Here are a few pictures from our meeting with Hakani:
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