On the weekend we had a bit of
a Christian Veterinarians Mission party! There was Dr Val and Waffle, plus
another CVM couple, Dr Daniel and Rachel Graham, as well as Julie, Summer and
I. On the Sunday we all headed to Nabwal and Nakayot peace villages along the
slip and slide they call Karamoja roads.
These villages bring 11,000 people
or more together from two huge tribes, the Piyan (the people group we work with
in Nabilatuk) and the Bokora (the people Dr Val works with in Moroto), from 4
different locations to live together in one main location. This location is
pivotal to the peace village as it is in the raiding corridor between these two
tribes. This peace village, set up 3 years ago, has been able to try and stop
potential raiders moving between the tribes to steal cattle.
Check out 'Karamoja Peace Villages
- YouTube' to get more of an idea of what I'm talking about. When we visited this weekend we met with the village elders, hearing their struggles and victories. Many people are sick and even passed away, animals too. The main problem is the road. It is so bad, that if it ever rains, no one can get to them. They have a clinic but without a way to get there, the nurse and medical supplies can't make it to them. During the meeting, I felt super awkward at just how ferocious the warriors were when they were talking. The Karamajong are very strong people in many ways and their manner of speaking to each other is no exception. The purpose of the meeting was to persuade the members of the peace village on the importance of improving the road and by the end of the meeting 400 men had volunteered to get their shovels and hoes out and work on it. Dr Val volunteered the idea of a 'food for work' project, she would make sure they had food for the time they were working so that they could finish the road. Everyone agreed on that.
One of the more
troubling moments for me as I was sitting in the meeting was when one of the
warriors was talking about how much they need this road because so people are
dying from illnesses. He said things like "Our animals are all dying and
we're all dying! If you don't believe me, I'll show you their graves" and
he reiterated the same sentiments over and over again. I thought that although
yes, this is a serious issue of sickness, he was going a bit over the top. I now understand that he was doing that to get everyone on board for the larger vision of
persuading people that the road needs to be better to improve their access to
supplies. If the people aren't pushed to see the need and a way they can fix
it, then it may not get done for a while. At the time, however, I didn't know
this! I almost cried at this angry man's intimidating yet moving words (which
is not a wrong reaction but I have it in a better light of understanding now).
So they are making a step forward in the right direction on this which is an
awesome blessing for the community! It was a really amazing time and a privilege
to be a part of such a meeting. Just being in this spot, the raiding corridor,
they are helping Karamoja be one step closer to seeing each other not as
enemies but neighbours.
Psalm 37:2-7 says,
"Trust in the LORD and do
good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.
Take delight in the LORD, and he
will give you the desires of your heart.
Commit your way to the LORD; trust
in him and he will do this:
He will make your righteous reward
shine like the noonday sun.
Be still before the LORD and wait
patiently for him."
As Dr Daniel said as we were
leaving, "If they build it, we will come."
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