Stephen McGown recounts his life in Mali as a hostage during a press conference with the Gift of the Givers. He was in high spirits discussing his release.
On the 3rd of August 2017 we shared a story about Stephen McGown’s release. He was held hostage by the Al-Qaeda in Mali for six years. Stephen and his family sat down to discuss his life during a press conference. He remained in very high spirits and joyfully discussed how he remained positive.
He took joy in trying new things and remaining positive.
“Well to stay positive, I took the whole time in the Sahara really, I did not want to come home a mess. I did my best to see the best in the bad situation during the difficult time”
“You try and find routine. You try and find things that give you a sort of escapism from the situation like doing a bit of exercise. I was trying to make conversation with the Mujahideen. To get along with the Mujahideen.”
“I didn’t want to come out as an angry person.”
“I tried to see the best in the situation and be positive! And get involved in things that I’m not used to, like building things, different foods, the different animals in the Sahara. The bird migrations, I am a big bird enthusiast so I saw the Swallows migrate backwards and forwards six times across the Sahara. I got a lot of joy from things like that”
Stephen spoke to the press for over an hour. You can see the entire conference below.
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