we are tired of war..

14 hours of travel and some extortions of USD along the way finally brought us to where we were supposed to be. By this time, my spirit was already so weary. Not from the hours and hours were travelling but from the few who were just interested in procuring money from me. It felt that what I had to give just wasn't good enough, they just wanted money from me.

The Philippines was never like this. But then again I had always been protected by my companions. But Africa is a different ballgame and I need to be wise because it is impossible to help everyone. Hungry, tired and frustrated, I just think - I need a break from Africa.

We arrive at the church where we will hold our teaching and there are people singing, dancing and beating drums as they herald our arrival. As we sing together, there is a warmness that fills my heart and even spills over as a few tears. The introductions begin and the first of many welcomes starts with these resounding words 'We are tired of war. We are TIRED of war.' The smile on my face breaks as does my heart as I listen to the gut wrenching words of a people who have been victims of a war that has come and left them no better. In places where the aftermath of the war is fresh, there are an abundance of NGOs or UN signs posted everywhere. But strangely, there is a scarcity of foreign aid here.

I know that people asking for money is part of a culture that has been ingrained into so much of the developing world. An idea that money can do anything and money equals power. But then there are also those who will surprise you. Perhaps the lack of people to ask aid from has taught them to rely more on themselves. And you find that there are people who earnestly believe that you come just out of love, even if you have nothing much to offer. Those who believe that heart and education and hard work are more valuable than money. The situation is dire in South Sudan. Milk, eggs and meat are a luxury, other things are a rarity and have to be imported from Uganda. So many live below the poverty line, crying out for a chance to build their lives.

South Sudan, I know one day the world will hear your cry.