Friday – May 20
Sitting here, on a grey cool morning, enjoying my coffee and yogurt and honey. It seems that we do not get perpetual sunshine – just most of the time!
Last night’s shift was very like the first one – hot and sweaty in the clothing tent – organizing, sorting clothes by type and size, and filling orders for folks. That takes the first few hours and then it gets cooler and much quieter – not quieter in the camp – but not very busy. In the camp, people are up and roaming around most hours, even very small children.
Subject – children. Many of the children just roam about unsupervised – even very little ones. Generally, they do quite well and run up for hugs or to check out one’s jewelry or tags. There are sweet smiles and such beautiful faces. Another volunteer and I started blowing bubbles for them. Very fun until two boys starting hitting and tackling the others. Tears and anger. Then the pebbles started flying. No injuries as they were stopped pretty quickly. Adults intervene rapidly and really support each other. However, it was alarming to see that the first response was to pick up a stone. Even at our wire gate, a little boy tried to climb up and was pushed back. He immediately started throwing pebbles and then picked up a large stone and threw it against the gate. It was almost funny as the stone could do no harm. But it is sad and hard to see this initial response. Even the children suffer from the frustration of living in such confined quarters with little to do each day. Some of the family compounds are much better organized and welcoming but those in tents are packed right up next to each other. But still, the overwhelming majority of people are kind, supportive, and even grateful! Each face has a story but language gets in the way of hearing them.
The other volunteers I am working with are almost all from YWAM groups. So that makes me the old lady! I really am the only one over 30 working in the clothing tent! Most of the kids are very welcoming – in fact one wonderful Finnish girl and I had some great conversations. She is new in her faith and she is a joy to listen to. She will be leaving Sunday. I will be sorry to see her go. However, one young man asked if anyone wanted to go walk around camp and visit people. When I volunteered, he just looked at me and very obviously did not mean me! I quickly bowed out, tail between my legs. Not really! It’s fine. Chalk it up to youth and immaturity. He had no idea what he was missing! 😊
After 9 or 10, it gets very quiet in the tent with not much to do. Stories are told but some cuddle up in blankets and doze. We wait for midnight and then head home to our very welcome beds.
This was my first day driving – an hour plus each way. The roads are paved but often narrow. There are frequent hairpin turns and one has to watch out for other drivers and the occasional animal. Going over, it was daylight and I followed another van. However, coming home at midnight, was another story. Dark, a little rainy and occasional sections of fog. Then throw in a little uncertainty about direction and all those turns and hills. I was a bit stressed when we got back. Fortunately, I had Rachel with me. She was a huge help and encourager. She helped me with a couple of turns and we made it back in fine shape! Thank you Lord!
In the daylight, the car is fun to drive – a Kia with manual transmission.
Enough stories for now.