I’ve been trying to think over and over again of what to write. I can never seem to find the words though.
In the last few weeks I’ve collected some hilarious, very African, travel stories that would make you rotfl BUT they’re quite epic and I really haven’t been in the mood lately. I just got out of Congo. I’m in Rwanda staying with Melissa (TONS of laughs, in a real HOUSE with a HOT shower!!!) It’s fab. Right now we’re sitting by a gorgeous pool, surrounded by lush greenery, with a cup of tea trying to get some things done. I’ve been semi successful. The rain chased us inside, so now, trapped at a table in the restaurant, I guess I’m forced to finish my blog. (fyi- the tea is heaven. It came with a cookie on the side, ok I asked if they’d put a cookie on the side… and it tastes like a million bucks.)
So, this last Congo trip had many twists, turns and unexpected events. We arrived in Goma greeted with the repeated news that Mugunga IDP camp was empty. (The reason for our travel was to get clearance to work in the camp) I had heard this news before I even left Kenya but I honestly couldn’t wrap my mind around it. Empty? How could 20-30 000 people, who’ve made up Mugunga for almost three years, have all gone home in a month?? Seriously, it can’t be. Many IDP camps take YEARS to clear out. But as we toured Goma, talking with more and more people, it seemed to be true. Monday morning, bright and early (ha- actually cloudy and around noon) we headed out to see for ourselves. We arrived just in time to catch the tail end of various government workers celebrating the official end of Mugunga IDP camp. There was laughter and pats on the back, high fives almost. I picked my jaw up off the ground and dusted off the dirt so I could properly “congratulate” them. After getting their permission Sabrina pulled out her camera and we started walking around taking pictures.
Now, I’ve been warned by friends: “Those who leak Congo’s injustices, don’t work in the Congo.”
I’m not sure how much to say, or how to say it, but I’ve decided for now, a “blog” isn’t the best place to share all of my opinions. But I will state some facts:
Yes, Mugunga IDP Camp, is in fact, empty.
Yes, all 28 000 people (the last statistics we heard) went back to the bush in less than a month.
No, the bush is not safe.
Yes, the government was involved.
Yes, force was used.
Sometimes certain injustices are harder to deal with than others. This one definitely ranked high on the “difficult to handle” scale.
For the first week neither Sabrina nor I really knew what to do. We couldn’t cry, it felt deeper than that. Eventually we got it out but it seriously took a while. Lol And that’s all details I’ll share for now. If you want more, maybe email or over a large cup tea. (as I’m back in the states in less than a week!) ☺
After we realized our work in the IDP camp probably wasn’t gonna happen we starting plotting other ways to help. (aka – hung out on our faces. A LOT)
We visited another IDP camp that had no NGO or government assistance. It’s so hard to see sometimes. People living in “houses” the size of closets, held together by some tarp, old leaves and string. OI. They say two kids died every week from malnutrition alone. One baby we saw had half her face horribly burned from falling in a fire while her mom went to look for more food.
We did some great classes with the kids there and met with some leaders to pray for and encourage them as best we could. In my heart, of course, I secretly scouted the land for a place we could set up a “hall” like facility for feeding and more classes. Some people said by the time we come back though they’ll probably all have dispersed again. Suck.
So we started looking at where they’re all going. They’re IDPs. Displaced. They don’t really have a home or money to find a new one. It seems everywhere they go they’re either faced with extreme poverty, hunger and malnutrition, lack of education and health care or rebels.
So we went to the area in Goma, where many of them have relocated. The pastor we work with started a little school last month so we’ve come up with some brilliant plans to empower the community and provide STELLAR education, incorporated with Kingdom values. The program’s called “Excellence Rising” and I’ll have more info on it soon if you wanna get involved! (I also want to take Excellence Rising along with “bush outreaches” hehe to the villages…. But one-three projects at a time ;) (I know I said the bush isn’t safe BUT we spoke with the UN and they’ve so kindly offered a little military escort :)
As most of you know I LOVE justice. Like I really really LOVE it. I can spend hours dreaming of what justice would look like in various places around the world. And for Congo, one of the places justice is lacking most is with the military. Lol. Yup, the rebel soldiers. They’re “good” rebels though. (as in “apparently fighting for the good side”?)
We found out that again, roughly 30 000 of them are living in HORRIBLE conditions. The soldiers don’t receive a salary for their full time job so the poverty is ridiculous. There aren’t any schools in the camp so most of the children are uneducated and if you’re a female living there; you’re a HUGE target for rape and abuse. We heard several stories of little girls mostly 10 years old working prostitution among the barracks.
With that said, it seems like a perfect place for Kingdom. We were warned however that it’d be extremely difficult to get in. You have to write letters and meet with provincial leaders, then it takes time etc etc. We prayed though and gave it back to Jesus. Our team told him we were willing and if he wanted to open the door, we’d walk through it. Then we stepped aside and waited. In days, not only did we have clearance but a full open opportunity to go whenever we wanted in whatever capacity we wanted. (YAY!)
This is getting long but it’s still raining, so I’ll keep going.
This is when God’s love really gets me. Even among the rapists, the thieves and murders God’s love STILLLLLL, NEVER FAILS. It’s perfect. So we went and invited Jesus and he showed up. Sabri and I just couldn’t stop smiling. One soldier stopped us mid conversation and asked if we could pray for him cause He had “so much pain”. Of course we agreed and without missing a beat he fell to his knees lifting his hands. We released the power and love of Jesus and his whole demeanor changed! He said it felt like fire was flowing through his body and we could just see how in love and happy our God was. We played with the kids and fed everyone who showed up. They couldn’t seem more grateful to see us, (NOBODY works in the camp. No government agency or NGO for “obvious” reasons, pft.) and they invited us back to work however we want. ☺
So yes, life is good. Even in the midst of war, God’s love will always be enough, his hope will always sustain and his goodness will always empower.
We met with tons of different people; locals, government and UN officials and every time we would hear negative reports God would just whisper “Cass, this is their perspective, not yours, you have my point of view.” SO, we’re standing as “winnnnners” (lol for those get it ;) and refusing to be discouraged even when looking down the barrel of a gun. :)
Seriously it is still raining but my drink is gone and because it’s a nice place we only budget for one. :P Sorry it’s long but if you can believe it, I’m still cutting it short! ☺
Appendix: ;)
IDP- Internally Displaced Person
Mugunga- Large IDP Camp just outside Goma
NGO- Non-Government Organization
