Yesterday was a rough day. We traveled from Gulu down to Makono. It was a long 5 hour bus ride. On the way down, we stopped at an IDP camp. At this camp, the pastor of the local church met with us and brought to us some people that have radically been affected by the war. Personally, having talked with George and Stephen, I assumed it would be more of the same. And we were very wrong. George and Stephen were definitely affected by the war, but have had the opportunity to turn things around, and have hope again. They are doing things. We met with about 10 people in the IDP camp that were BRUTALLY affected by the LRA. Woman who have children due to being rapped by the Commanders, boys who were forced to kill their own siblings, boys who were forced to watch their mothers die. And after being abducted, forced to walk for 5 straight days with 100 pounds on their backs until they reached SUDAN. They trained in Sudan for years to come back to for the War. Beaten, abused, tortured, mutilated. It was gut wrenching to listen to. Several of us broke down and started crying listening to them.
What made their stories even harder to hear, was that now that the war is over, these people have nothing. They were forced out of school, so they have no education. They have no money or anyway to make money to pay to get back in to school. They literally have nothing. Hopeless. You could see it in their eyes. It was very difficult. The war has stolen their future.
We then made the rest of the journey down to Makono. It is a beautiful drive. The country is spectacular. Just gorgeous. On the road, we stopped to see some Baboons that were sitting on the side of the road. We feed them some food and they came right up to our bus. It was very cool. We crossed the Nile again and awed at its beauty. It is amazing to view Gods creation.
This weekend back in Kampala and Makono, we are hanging out at the church and doing a little sight seeing. We head to the airport on Monday to return home. Pray for continued protection. We have been blessed.
It seems that only God's Grace can get you through the reality of their horrific life stories. It is amazing what they've been through. I don't understand but God does. My prayers are with you daily as you travel. May God Bless you and Protect you all. Love,Shebbie
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