My first visit to an IDP camp was a sobering experience. An IDP (Internal Displacement Camp) is commonly set up by a government during times of war within the country. These camps are designed to bring remote populations together so they can be better defended. Kony had been very active in this region and had raided many villages raping, killing, stealing, torturing the people, and kidnapping many children to serve in his army. I remember walking amongst the throngs of people living on top of each other in the wide open space thinking this was surreal. Moses, a middle aged man who had survived the attack, was our guide that day. He remained in the camp trying to do what he could to help the people. Children who had lost their families in the attack came to him each day and he tried to provide them a cup of rice. Moses introduced me to a solemn young boy named Dicken.
He and his older brother of 8 years were retrieving water from a mile away when the soldiers attacked. Warned by a villager running away, they laid in the grass and hid while their mother, father, aunts and uncles and siblings were forced into their hut ..shot and burned.
That day has been imbedded in their soul and I could catch a glimpse when looking into their eyes. A six year old and an eight year old, traumatized and alone. My heart ached for them and rejoiced at the same time as I shared with them we were going to help…
