This is blog submission about a brave man I met in the land of leprechauns and fey. But before I go into that here is a brief introduction of me.
My name is Freja, soon 22 years old, from Sweden. It is not easy to face conflicts when you have grown up in a country famous for its neutrality and people who are famous for their fear of conflicts. Enrolling at North Park University has tapped into my love of learning and my passion for people. That is the reason why I'm here in Derry with a mind for peace and reconciliation to learn about the Troubles by listening to stories of the people who experienced it.
Since I am from Sweden, Northern Ireland has always been close by and I knew some about the conflict before I headed into this. However, what I did not know was the depth of suffering - the intricate relationships of the people and the complex history they all share. During this time, I have been keeping a phone diary of my experiences here in Northern Ireland. My first impression of the land was its beauty, rich air and vivid green. It is no surprise that this land has been the source of many stories about the supernatural.
My first impression of the conflict started at the night of storytelling at the Junction, a Derry based peacebuilding community. Life is not fair. Forgiveness is power. Respect and honor the memory. When being exposed to injustice and unimaginable pain and sorrow, rage does not solve anything but rather contribute to the never ending spiral of hate, pain and sadness. After hearing Kevin's story, I believe that he is one of the most brave people I have ever met because even though life has thrown him down the harshest of path he found hope and peace.
- Freja
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