A teammate of mine recently got back from Burundi and had a chance to meet Esperance, the woman we featured in a video in 2022.
He told me the first thing she asked him was: “where’s Philippe?”
I’m not sharing that to say I’m famous in Burundi (though I’ve picked up some Burundian followers since visiting, so who knows?!) But to me, this was such a powerful reminder that the work of storytelling isn’t just about dropping in, recording some sound bites and peacing out.
For the people who allow us to share their perspectives and experiences with the world… it’s a momentous occasion. When done right, it’s an affirmation of their dignity and legacy. There’s a real connection made.
I’m real privileged and fortunate. These storytelling trips are once-in-a-lifetime experiences and I get to have them every year. But I don’t want that to obscure how transformational each one can be.