A Family Experience

Spencer Neiman, board member of the Dillon Henry Foundation, and his mother Anne Roberts are joining with three other delegates travelling with JWW to Congo's eastern provinces to work with survivors of the country’s decades-long conflict, which has claimed nearly six millions lives. They will meet with JWW's partners on the ground, with whom JWW works to create innovative programs and projects that change lives and transform communities. 

Spencer:

I have all my clothes and assorted items for this trip to Congo set out on my bed.  For the most part, minus the malaria medication and some premetherin (insect repellant) sprayed clothes, the spread looks the same as any trip I’ve taken, but I know that this is far from the case.  I will come back in about two weeks having experienced a part of the world so vastly different from the privileged life I live.  I have read and prepared for this trip, but no amount of reading could truly prepare me emotionally for what I will learn on the ground in Congo, listening and speaking with the Congolese people who have faced atrocities I could never even imagine.

I go to Congo representing the Dillon Henry Foundation.  My friend Dillon’s joyous spirit was infectious and he lived a life of service.  He tragically passed away at the age of 17, long before his time.  But since his passing, the Dillon Henry Foundation has worked to build his legacy and carry on his mission of making the world a better place.  I am honored to serve on the board of this foundation, which has partnered with Jewish World Watch to sponsor programs and facilities in Congo.  I bring Dillon with me on this trip, with his understanding that those of us in the position to help are obliged to do so.

  Anne:

When I attended the orientation meeting to learn about JWW’s upcoming trips to Congo, I thought I was simply obtaining the trip information for the Dillon Henry Foundation because they would be sending a board member on the trip.  I never intended to go — this was never about me. My son Spencer hoped to be selected as the representative who would have the privilege of going to Congo to help dedicate one of the new projects in Dillon's name.

The lunch meeting was emotional and enlightening as I learned more about the scope of problems in Congo and how JWW truly makes a difference in the lives of those it serves. The Dillon Henry Fondation ultimately decided to send two representatives —Irvin Kintaudi (who went in May) and Spencer would be going in July.  Then, our family was talking about the trip and Spencer said he would like me to join him, sparking a revelation. Why shouldn’t I go? This would be an extraordinary experience to share with my son.

Now I am focused on what this trip means to me.  I was raised with the strong core values of tzedakah and tikun olam — as Jews we have a duty to repair the world by spreading justice. While I have been very involved in the Jewish community, this trip is different because the horrors are beyond my comprehension. As a result, I am nervous, but excited to engage.  My intention is to be receptive to all that I experience. Coming to Congo and Rwanda with JWW to bear witness to the atrocities and to the individual success stories presents me with a unique opportunity– to show that we care.  I will be coming to Congo not only for me, but as a representative of all who know me.  When I return to Los Angeles, I too will be a storyteller about the women and men whom we will be meeting and why we cannot stand idly by.  And I will continue handing down this tradition of tikun olam to Spencer, as we bear witness together.