When it is necessary to go with the flow

Friends/family,

So, plans have changed again. It is very hard to overcome logistical hurdles in this place, but when in Kenya... We have come up with a new plan that will satisfy donors and IDPs alike. We have coordinated a project with Fadhilli helpers to help build a car wash outside of the IDP camp that we distributed food at last week. This car wash is beneficial because of two main reasons, it is cheap and it will provide long lasting and self-sustaining employment and wealth for several IDPs. This car wash will be financed by the volunteers here. Donation money will go to food for the IDPs and a little may go to any extra charges for the car wash. So, the food will help sustain the starving IDPs in the short-term and the car wash will provide long-term income and less tangible benefits, like the self-esteem and pride that comes from being able to feed your family without hand outs. The IDP's expressed a deep yearning to work, to do something. These people are not lazy, they want to work, they want to do something, but right now, they have no options.

Even more hopeful is the fact that 4 of us, Dan, Ameer, Dave and I have convinced Fadhilli helpers to create a program with the IDP camps and their volunteers ensuring that the camp will not be abandoned and will be the focal point of future volunteer's attention. More businesses will be established in the area, provided jobs for more of the IDP's. Iso, from Fadhili is going to allow some of the residents of the camp to sell his art work and pay them to do so. I am so happy, our brief stint here is resulting in a whole new program and business programs for needy people, as well as short-term aid. If you still want to donate, you have time (whoever "you'' might be).

In other news, I thought I would relay a conversation with a Kenyan from the Kenyan armed services, whose name slips my mind at the current time. He was a very nice and congenial guy, he paid for my bus fair without asking and showed much deference and respect for Americans. One of his questions really struck me, he asked, "why do Americans hate Muslims?" I replied that, "Americans don't hate Muslims" and that "a lot of Americans were just scared after 9-11." I said most Americans were very tolerant and that some people just react with hatred when they are frightened. He said Muslims perceive that Americans hate them. He told me that Kenyans love Americans. I thought it was interesting that he considered Kenya a peaceful country when last year the country was engulfed in violence, I guess it depends on comparisons used-neighboring Sudan, Somalia, and Uganda are all hotbeds of violence. I think that it is so important to open up dialogue with every nation possible and especially a person to person "hand-shake" dialogue through foreign exchange and volunteer programs. A lot of misunderstandings can be cleared up that way.

Speaking of Sudan, I have been very concerned about recent developments in the Genocide/war ravaged country. Violence between nomadic groups in the south and central portions of the country have cost hundreds of lives recently, more so even than the recent toll of the genocide in Darfur. I fear that the CPA, which is holding the country together after the 2,000,000 casualty civil war, may disintegrate. If this happens, the death toll will be unfathomable. Please write and call your senators to make sure the U.S, especially Scott Gration, plays a vital role in making sure the CPA doesn't falter and that the Genocide is ended- Sudan needs an all country solution.

Anybody hear about North Korea firing more missiles? The country is run by a complete maniac!! frightening? yes.

With hope,
Cameron