Tuesday, December 23, 2008

LIFE IN THE CAMPS

Life in the Refugee Camps outside Goma, Congo seems, to me, to be a blur of endless need, coupled with a certain resignation that this is the way it is going to be, while the various political factions work out their differences and deeds.

I changed this picture from its grim black and white and tried adding some color...as if that might change the subject or tone...but dressing up a bad situation doesn't change a thing...the eyes speak louder than the background colors... 
This little guy was cold and hungry and alone outside his tent. The tent he is assigned to has 140 people living in it and I feel like he just came out here to get away from the set of problems inside the tent. 
When I left the camp he was huddled in the exact same place...in the exact same squatting stupor.
Looking out, but at what? I don't know...
In this tent...where you sit...is where you eat...is where you sleep...is where you live...is where you play...is where you dream, if you can, in all the commotion.
At this camp, OXFAM(www.oxfam.org) supplies the water and gathering the daily water is a task of the children.

2 comments:

  1. As always Steve your words and photos remind us what is truely important and what is actually happening around the globe. Prayerfully this is the perspective by which we all choose to define our perceived day-to-day "challenges".
    The eyes of these little kids are heartbreaking...

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  2. Hey Steve

    my gosh i see the pictures you have and i wish i could jump through them and come and help you. I want to hug every child there and wish i could make it all better. I am praying for you and keep trucking...you are amazing!

    Blessings
    tiff

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