We traveled today from Abeche to Guereda on a small humanitarian aid plane piloted by two South Africans. The one giving the security overview had quite a sense of humor and after almost every precaution would chuckle and say, “hope we don’t need that.”
Once in Guereda we were able to connect to a wifi and receive a cell signal. Last time we were here, almost a year and a half ago, neither of these were available. Overall, here in Guereda, as well as Abeche and Goz Beida, the humanitarian operations are more and more a permanent fixture in the community. More buildings, more amentities for workers, more compounds with the typical barb wire and more humanitarian vehicles.
On one side, this may mean that the refugees feel the affects of a more committed staff who can better help serve them. On the other side the feeling of permancy makes my heart sink further. This is not a temporary operation as of right now. There is no telling how long the refugee and IDP camps will remain in E. Chad.
Tomorrow morning we head to Camp Kounoungo. I am so excited. I haven’t been since my very first i-ACT trip (this is the 5th!) in January 2008. I am so grateful that our team has the opportunity to go to the different camps. The difference in people and culture is challenging and inspiring.
I am hoping that we will get to see all the old friends: Ahmat, Adam, Yacoub, and Fatne. We will be posting a few more days of i-ACT even though this is day 10 – so stay tuned and be reunited with old friends just as we will be!
paz, ktj