Land of the Lost

 

Angola,  home to 19 million people and an estimated 10 to 20 million land mines.  One unexploded mine for every single man, woman and child.  Planted in fields, roads, villages and often unexpected places to terrorize, maim and kill innocent victims.  Leaving Angolans disabled physically, and by limiting their ability to mobilize, to farm and even to move freely.  As a result,  the country has somewhere between 100,000 to 150,000 amputees, many which are the countries most vulnerable, it's children.  Angola, still recovering from a bloody civil war,  has limited resources to remove the mines and limited resources to treat those who have lost their limbs. Not all  lost their limbs to land mines . Villages were ambushed and limbs were inhumanly disarticulated (men, woman and children). Many world organizations have mobilized in effort to help those injured, but unfortunately,  it will never be enough as the numbers of amputees continue to grow exponentially.  One positive observation is noted in the strength I seen in the victims.  Miss Land Mine,  a reminder to the world and  a reminder of acceptance.   Peace.