Today was a day that I don’t think I will ever forget. Today for ministry we did something that I had never done before… we went to a refugee settlement.
For those of you who are not aware, there is a war going on within South Sudan. I am not an expert by any means, but from what I’ve learned since being in Eastern Africa, there are rebels within South Sudan trying to attack their government. These rebels are being funded and armed by people from North Sudan. In the midst of all of this, there are tens of thousands of people being killed: men, women, and children. As a result, people are fleeing from South Sudan on foot to try and seek refuge in Uganda. Uganda is currently home to over 950,000 refugees from South Sudan alone.
Here is a link to a website with more information. Please take the time to read it and educate yourself on what is going on.
This month, we are in Northern Uganda. Our host speaks at many of the refugee settlements in Uganda. We expressed interest in visiting one, and so our host was able to find a date that worked. That was today.
The settlement that we went to was very large. We were only able to meet with one group of people since we could only be there for one day. Our host set it up so that we would be meeting with the children from an orphanage. Upon arrival, we learned that these children were at an orphanage together in South Sudan. They traveled together as a group to this settlement. There were just under 100 kids there that we were able to spend the day with.
Despite the absolutely terrible circumstances, it was a really good day. These children have been at this settlement for a few months now, long enough that they are starting to be able to have fun again. We taught them some songs, and they returned the gesture. They even performed for us some of the songs that they have been able to compose and record. We were able to put on a skit for them, share some messages, and just hang out.
By the end of the day, we had many new friends (and some rather interesting new hair dos). While the boys played soccer (football), the girls showed us around. We were able to see where they sleep, where they get their water, and where they eat their food. We played games with them and took lots of pictures and videos.
While it was a good day, my heart is breaking for these kids – and everyone that is affected by what is going on in South Sudan right now. The children that we were with today, they not only are orphans, but they have also had to flee the country they call home. Tens of thousands of people have died in South Sudan, and over a million have had to leave the country. I can’t even imagine being so concerned for my safety that I felt the only thing to do was to leave the country that I call home – not knowing when, if ever, I would be able to go back.
And unfortunately, once these people arrive in Uganda, they aren’t worry-free. We learned today some hard realities about being refugees. I am not trying to be a downer, I just want to accurately share with you the information I learned today so that we can all be more educated and hopefully more able to help in finding solutions.
One big problem that they are having (at the settlement we went to today for sure, but also the other ones I believe) is a lack of water. To drill a hole for a well, including all of the labor and supplies costs, it’s around $10,000 USD. I’ll say that again, $10,000 USD. AND, the water bed is extremely low in the area, so they are even having trouble getting water once a well is drilled.
Another problem is that food portions are very small. I believe that it is the UN supplying food to the settlement that we were at today, which is awesome. They are also trying to encourage the refugees to start to plant their own food. Over time, the UN will lessen their food portions in hopes that the people living in the settlements will begin to grow their own food. This is both to help with food rationing, but also to help the refugees begin to live close to normal lives even while they are displaced from their homes.
School, or lack thereof, is also an issue. Many schools require you to show them proof of completion of whatever grade they have last completed. However, as many of these children left their country in a hurry, they didn’t wait for their school papers. As a result, they are not able to enter the right grade because they do not have proof. School fees are also an issue. Many of the children that we have come across even in the village where we live for the month can’t afford to go to school.
So, what can we do to help? Well for one thing, we can educate ourselves on what is going on. If you’ve made it this far, that is already an awesome step in the right direction. Secondly, we can look into what organizations are on the ground in these countries and making a difference. I know the UN has played a major role in supporting the settlement we went to today. I also know that the Red Cross and World Vision have been involved. Making a financial contribution to an organization that is around and making a positive difference is a great way to help. Also, even if you cannot make a financial contribution, you can be praying over the countries, people, and organizations involved.
Lastly, I don’t know where any of your hearts are at for short and long term missions trips, but there is a huge need for people to come here and help. One example of a need I heard about today is setting up a school where documents are not required for refugees and teachers on the settlement are able to teach. This creates a sense of hope for the children. Even though they are not home, they are able to continue their education. Another example is to put on workshops and help provide resources for agriculture. Inspiring and encouraging the refugees to begin to grow their own food and begin to make a home for themselves rather than living in a state of limbo.
Again, I am in no way an expert on any of this. My heart was just deeply touched today as I encountered these children face-to-face. I know that I am often not nearly informed enough on what is going on in the world. I know that I often want to help, but I don’t know how. My goal in writing this blog was to help you with both of those things – inform you on what is going on and let you know some ways that you can be helping.
Love you all, and as always, thank you for following along on this journey of mine. Can’t believe I’m already half-way through month 10. How did that happen?
