Dr. Benjamin Keyes group visited the IDP camp today. Due to
the last group’s experience, we seemed to be a little more prepared for what we
were to encounter. Driving up to the camp, all you could see were rolling
hills, trees, and many tree stumps. Nestled in the middle of this beautiful
land were the small huts that many people call home. Walking up to the camp, we
were immediately spotted by children who hesitantly made their way to our
sides. We began by talking to the elder of the people so that we could walk
freely and with his permission. During the time there our group was split into
two, each with their own interpreter. We were welcomed into many homes to
counsel people. It was a humbling experience to not only be welcomed into their
homes but we were also given a glimpse of the reality of their lives. It seemed
that most people were content with their lives until they remembered all of the
losses they had suffered. Many of the people told stories where everything was
suddenly taken away from them and they were forced to move into the IDP camp.
Not only had people lost their land, homes, and material goods; many had also
lost spouses, children, and friends. Many of the women have been left to
provide for their children and grandchildren on their own. A lot of children
are unable to attend school to due having to work to provide for their family.
Many families also told stories about suffering from domestic violence and
sexual abuse. Despite their loses and hard lives, many stated having continual
hope that the Lord would provide for them.
The groups that went to the school thoroughly enjoyed
themselves. There is nothing quite like the joy and laughter of children. The
students at this school were especially respectful and very responsive to the
teaching about self-esteem. Our main
purpose in sharing on this topic is due to the amount of domestic violence and
sexual abuse that the children are face on a daily basis. We shared our own personal stories related to
self-esteem and the children participated by sharing their goals,
accomplishments, and ideas about low and high self-esteem. In each class, we
had the children pat themselves on the back, stand, and say, “I feel good about
me.” The teachers and local pastors (who translated for us) told us that they
felt like the students learned a lot and that they themselves (the teachers and
pastors) learned a lot that they could apply personally as well as in their
teaching. You could see the children
beginning to understand the importance of self-esteem and the need to talk to
their parents, teachers, or pastors when they feel many symptoms of depression.
During debriefing there was a common thread of each team
member experiencing joy in the children, regardless of whether they were from
the IDP camp or the primary school.
Everyone on the team is doing well and thoroughly enjoying their time
and experiences. Please continue to pray
for opportunities, continued health, and traveling mercies.
-Jen, Kelly, & Sarah
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