Wednesday, October 24, 2007

Buduburum Refugee Camp (continued)

So, I am going to back up for a minute. While preparing to go to Ghana, I had come across the Liberian refugee camp and really wanted to visit it but didn't think I was going to get to because it was a couple hours outside the capital city. Then, the opportunity arose because one of the guys in the group knows a woman from his home town who sponsors two of the refugees in the camp. So, four of us decided to set up a cab ride and take a half day to venture to the camp. And we were all sooo glad we did! Not only did we get to meet Foley, his sister, his fiancee and others but we got to experience something that I don't think we even imagined. It really was eye-opening. I have read about refugee camps but actually walking thru one;walking thru the mud, being hit by the smell of feces, seeing the "homes" people were living in, stepping over the mounds of trash, and seeing the children...wow. Quite an impact. It is just amazing that people live in such conditions for years (8 years in Foley's case) and still have the will and drive to improve the lives of those around them and to still have hope and faith that things will get better! Just amazing. I don't know if I would be able to do it, I really don't. I admire them all for that. So, here are some photos I would like to share.



As you can see from these, there is a whole lot of trash, sludge and mud.























The first one shows some plant hangers made out of recycled plastic containers. Second one shows the church that Foley helped set up inside the camp. Third one is of Foley, his sister and fiance (to his immediate left). His fiance is a native Ghanaian. Since we have returned, they have been married!





Foley showed us the building they were working on in order to house some of the orphans. Since we have come home, it it now in operation as well! The second picture is from Foley showing us the abundance of applications they have received for orphans in the camp.







Here are some of the children living in the camp. A lot of them have been born in the camp or been there most of their lives.










If anyone wants to assist with any of the many needs of the refugee community, feel free to contact me! Otherwise, prayers are free and I'm sure they are appreciated!

3 Comments:

At 9:01 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

i will have to show these to Philip, he will be very interested, you never know they may start up a collection in his school for them. Right now he is talking about Africa & how we should help them, he's doing an article for school on it- Im sure he will comment after I show him, he would so love to work with you.

 
At 5:25 AM, Blogger jane said...

Kristin these pics are poignant. The qwest for beauty with the recycled plant hangers, even in a place of such gloom, and those smiles! Forget it - just amazing Chic! I need to show this to my kids, and I need to say again, how impressed with your life path I am!

 
At 3:10 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I love your photos. I came across your page looking for info on the camp. I am visiting in March and wanted to find out what their needs were. Can you tell me from your experience, what I should take with me? Any info would be appreciated.
Thank you
Sam

 

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