A moment of peace

After escaping from the rebels for a long time, Ishmael and his friends haven't talked much. This continued for weeks until one day, they reached the ocean. Here they for the first time in many time they started talking and making jokes between each-other. This was one of the best moments Ishmael had since the rebels attacked.

"My eyes widened, a smile forming on my face. Even in the middle of the madness there remained that true and natural beauty, and it took my mind away from my current situation as I marveled at this sight". (59)

This quote shows that Ishmael is still a kid and things can still get good for him although those terrible situations have happened. As long as there is people like him, that no matter the circumstances can find something good in evil, there is still hope between the people of Africa. 

One of the unsettling things about my journey, mentally, physically, and emotionally, was that I wasn't sure when or where it was going to end. I didn't know what I was going to do with my life. I felt that I was starting over and over again. (69)

The special moments like the beach were almost a miracle concerning the situation Ishmael is stuck in. Sierra Leone has turned into a battleground, where Ishmael and his friends needed to constantly flee from violence in order to survive. People were not only running from violence, but they were turning violent as well since rumors of people killing for food and stealing were being spread (people who were not the rebels).

In my opinion, what Ishmael talks about is something similar to apocalypse and no one was really doing something to help. I think that ignorance between humans is one of the main reasons why this sad event happened since before turning to violence the people needed help to find other answers but no one cared; no one stepped up.