I used my captors' names every chance I had. It was intentional, a way of reminding them that I saw them, of pegging them, of making them see me in return. Amanda Lindhout captorchanceintentional Change image and share on social
For a while, the world for me was like a set of monkey bars. I swung from one place to the next, sometimes backward, sometimes forward, capitalizing on my own momentum, knowing that at some point my arms... would give out, and I'd fall to the ground. Amanda Lindhout armbackwardbar share on social
Going into Somalia, I didn't anticipate how many people's lives would be affected by it. In hindsight, I certainly wish I had taken more time to think about that, but I can't change it. Amanda Lindhout affectanticipatechange Change image and share on social
My faith in human decency was sorely tested at times during my captivity; however, after my release, I am humbly reminded that mankind is inherently good by the tremendous efforts and support of fellow Canadians. Amanda Lindhout canadiancaptivitydecency share on social
Maintaining my dignity is so important for me. Amanda Lindhout dignityimportantmaintain Change image and share on social
It's difficult to put into words what freedom feels like. You only know what freedom feels like if you know what it feels like to not be free. Amanda Lindhout difficultfeltfree Change image and share on social
I made a vow to myself while I was a hostage that if I were lucky enough to live and to get out of Somalia, I would do something meaningful with my life - and specifically something that would be meaningful in the country where I'd lost my freedom. Amanda Lindhout countryfreedomhostage share on social
My captors were definitely aware that what they were doing was wrong. It came out in small ways - occasionally through a show of guilt or compassion. One of the boys bought me a gift. Another used to sneak me acetaminophen tablets. Amanda Lindhout acetaminophenawareboy share on social
I'm afraid of elevators, because they are an enclosed space, but I get in. Amanda Lindhout afraidelevatorenclose Change image and share on social
