Updates From the Field:  Kenya # 20:  January 16, 2008
Dear Friends and Family, I read an old adage in the paper this week that said, “When two elephants fight, it is the grass that suffers.” It is hard to think of a better description for what is happening in Kenya right now. Though our country is in the middle of a political battle, it is those who are already marginalized that are suffering the most. The latest reports claim that over 600 people have lost their lives and close to 300,000 people are displaced from their homes. Some people fled for their safety and some ran as protesters burned their homes down. This controversial election has brought out what seems to be underlying anger and tribalism. Though recent days are much more peaceful in Nairobi and other areas, the effects of the unrest will be felt for a long, long time. Of the 300,000 displaced, some were able to return to their homes and some are now staying with relatives. However, there are those who have no where to go and are staying at “camps” around the country. Though there are several big agencies helping with the relief effort, The Salvation Army is trying to do its part to reach out to those affected. Poverty is so great that it is a challenge to distinguish between those needing help because of the crisis and those who just need help. Though some did not lose their homes and possessions, life is still harder right now. Prices have gone up considerably and some items are still hard to obtain. Therefore, it is the general feeling that we will help whoever we can. On Friday, our emergency chaplain team (which I’m a part of) travelled to one of the small IDP (Internally Displaced Persons) camps at the Huruma police station. We arrived to find about 250 sitting in straight lines looking for any help they could get with food and supplies.  We gave them maize flour, blankets, and cooking fat. As we were distributing this, another 250 people lined up along the fence, hoping to get a little of our help. We were able to give all of them blankets as well. We also managed to give each of the children a bottle of juice. Sometimes the little things can encourage people. There were 57 families at this location that were registered with the police and lost everything in the violence. We left supplies for all of them as well. As an emergency chaplain team, we are committed to giving spiritual and pastoral counselling, as well as practical help. On Monday, I was able to return to this camp with a partner to visit. As we entered the camp, we met with 26 families that have lost everything. They are staying outside on old mattresses if they are lucky; on the grass if they came with nothing. Most have the same story. They fled in the middle of the night with the clothes on their backs to find refuge from the violence. They have no home to return to. There are over 30 children at the site, most of whom cannot return to school. The needs are great, though some of the women tell me the little things that would make it better - sugar, clothes for the infants, more mattresses. . . . We were able to bring 2 bags of charcoal to make cooking easier for them. Many are worried about their identifications and important papers. I met a refugee from Tanzania that now does not have ID or paperwork. She does not know what she will do. I opened a large envelope of stickers and the children mobbed around me. Some were desperately trying to get more than one sheet, hiding what I gave them behind their backs. Who can blame them? There is so little fun in this place. I smiled as I watched the children put stickers all over their faces and their friends. As Major Rebecca played games with the children, I sat on one of the dirty mattresses with the women to talk to them. They all smiled as they watched their children act like . . . children. I walked over to one young man in a wheel chair. I spoke to him when I was at Huruma on Friday, but he was somewhat afraid of me and tried to avoid me. Mentally, he is probably close to 5 or 6 years old, though I could tell he was about 20. Though he talks very little, he did tell me his name was David. So, I bent down and said, "Hi, David. Are you well today?" As I gently touched him on the arm and knee, I kept talking to him in a soft voice. He turned away, but didn't try to move. I took out a crocodile sticker and told him it was very special, and it was for him. He looked at it stuck to his finger for a moment. Then I asked if I could put it on his jacket. He slowly opened his jacket and pointed to a prized spot on his T-shirt underneath. I placed the sticker on him and said, "Wow, David! That looks great there!" Suddenly, the most beautiful smile came across his face and he laughed. That was the highlight of my day. We are continuing our effort to find the gaps in service and fill them as we can. I think people will be living in these camps for a long time, at least until homes can be rebuilt and safety is assured. Western Kenya is still in a lot of turmoil. It is recommended not to travel without police escort. Tourism is way down, which will have a major financial impact. One newspaper article claimed that there has already been 4 billion shillings lost in tourism in the last 3 weeks. As I sat in my office yesterday and today, I watched army personnel in full riot gear pass by my window. It is a strange site, but one that is necessary right now. The opposing party called for some protest rallies in the next few days. Nothing has happened today, so we are all optimistic that no more violence will break out. I continue to remain completely safe. No foreigners have been injured or killed during these days. It is a fight fought among Kenyans, and they are not interested in involving anyone else. I apologize for this letter being extra long, but I wanted to give everyone a picture of what is happening. Please continue to pray for this country. The majority of people are stunned that this is happening in “their Kenya” and are hoping for peace. The verse of the week is: “And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose”. - Romans 8:28 I have placed several pictures taken by our PR department during our distribution at Huruma on my web album www.picasaweb.google.com/armidajoy Love to you all, Armida