The following is a statement released by Amanda Lindhout
MEDIA STATEMENT FROM AMANDA LINDHOUT
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Home at last! After being in captivity for so long, I can't begin to describe how
wonderful it feels to be home in Canada; without doubt the best country in the world.
The freedom, prosperity and peace we're so fortunate to enjoy, and often take for
granted, truly holds new meaning for me.
Now that I'm home, I'd like to take this opportunity to thank the incredible community of
people who worked so hard to bring me back to Canada and without whom I might never
have returned. I have countless reasons to be grateful and so many people to thank.
To begin, I'd like to acknowledge the Government of Canada. I know there's great debate
about the role government should or shouldn't play in a situation such as mine, and I
understand the Government of Canada is being criticized both for what they did, and
didn't do to support my family. I accept they did what they could within the confines of
Canadian policy, and for that I am grateful. I also recognize the efforts made by the
Government of Australia.
In particular, I'd like to thank the Canadian High Commissioner in Nairobi, Ross Hynes,
and his wife Vanessa, who are not only exceptional representatives for our country
abroad, but inspiring examples of selfless, kind human beings. Thank you for providing
my family with such wonderful support after my release.
I am deeply grateful to the multiple support team members in Canada and Nairobi, as
well as their family members, for their incredible dedication. In the first days following
my release, I was fortunate to have the support of Major Joy Klammer, Survival
Psychology Advisor, whose gentle council eased my way and made my transition as
comfortable as possible.
I would also like to thank the staff of the Aga Khan Hospital in Nairobi for providing
Nigel and I with excellent treatment and care during our stay and most especially, to His
Highness, the Aga Khan, for personally supporting our recovery and ensuring we were
well taken care of.
I am also grateful to John Chase and his colleagues from AKE for their tireless dedication
to our case, and ultimately, for bringing us out of Somalia safely. Their expertise was the
guidance our families needed. Our successful release would not have been possible
without the assistance and cooperation of the Government of Somalia and several of the
country's caring citizens, so I'd like to thank them for working closely with AKE in the
final days of our captivity.
I must thank my good friend Nigel Brennan. His strength of character in the midst of
extreme hardship inspired me during the darkest days. Despite our separation, he always
managed to find small ways to remind me that there are gentlemen in the world, even
when I was surrounded by just the opposite. His resilience and positive attitude after our
ordeal is a tribute to the strength of the human spirit. Nigel, I look forward to seeing
what amazing things you will do with your life.
The belief I would one day be reunited with my family gave me the strength to endure a
difficult situation that often looked hopeless. I find it hard to express the depth of my
gratitude to my mom, dad, and Perry, who each put their own lives on hold and sacrificed
everything so I may live to return home. They never gave up and I am blessed to be so
loved.
A special thank you to my mother, Lorinda, and Nigel's sister Nicky, who acted as the
primary negotiators the entire 15 months, dedicating an unbelievable amount of time,
energy and love and to successfully negotiate our eventual release.
I thank the rest of my wonderful, selfless family and friends who likewise endured 15
months of hardship and remained utterly committed to my freedom. Thanks to the
Brennan family who shared the experience every step of the way with my own family
and to those who supported them in Australia through this ordeal.
There is a group of extraordinary individuals in Calgary who deserve special recognition.
Sarah Geddes of Sass Communications and David Singleton of The Met Group
spearheaded the fundraising campaign and took on a seemingly impossible task at great
personal sacrifice. Michael Going and Steve Allen had the courage to become the trustees
of The Amanda Lindhout Trust Fund. They each showed integrity and commitment to
saving my life without ever having met me.
I am so proud to be a Canadian. 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. I would like
to especially acknowledge my home community of Calgary, and the people of Central
Alberta who made my dream of freedom a reality. There is no adequate way to express
my thanks to those who generously donated funds, and who continue to help my family
and I through this very difficult financial situation. In particular, I'd like to thank Alison,
a member of the Brennan family and a Canadian citizen, for the significant gift she gave
Nigel and myself.
I went through an extremely trying ordeal, but I never forgot the world outside was a
beautiful place. The road to recovery will not always be easy but I will take it one day at
a time, focusing on the moments I've dreamed about for so long. I am excited as I begin
to walk on a new path in life, one full of opportunities to help others.
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