It's Sunday morning and I'm sitting on our front porch. Three brown-grey geckos with spotted teal heads are sunning themselves on the stucco wall of the storage building beside the house. The purple sage and sunny coreopsis sway with the breeze in the little flower bed that bravely blooms and gratefully accepts what gifts of water we can offer it. To my left the frangipani are nearing the height of their glory with blossoms of sweet-smelling fuschia, pale yellow and salmon. The flame tree is beginning to burn vivid orange and just behind it the purple sprigs of the jacaranda tree are losing petals to carpet the dusty lane in violet.
Last Sunday at this time we were just beginning to hear about the massacres in four villages about ten kilometers from Jos. The news just seemed to worsen as reporters and human rights groups and others showed up to document what happened. That up to 500 persons, the majority children, women and the aged or sick, could be cut down in a few hours in the dead of night, when a curfew is supposedly in effect and masses of federal soldiers have been called in to keep order - such a reality has shaken the residents of Jos and deepened the conflict here.
It's easy to employ a search engine, typing in Jos Crisis, or Dogo Na Hauwa (the name of the first village attacked) and read reports or watch brief videos of what happened last Sunday morning, so I won't take the time or emotional energy to repeat it. I write to ask for your good will, thoughts, and prayers for Nigeria, and right now the people of Plateau State.
As leaders of MCC Nigeria, our primary focus is the physical and emotional safety of our staff and as we are able, to stay in contact with friends, neighbors and those we partner with. We are consulting with many knowledgeable, well-connected and respected leaders, both Nigerian and expatriate, to listen, learn, improve contingency plans and look for ways that MCC Nigeria, as a Christian organization promoting peaceful resolution to conflict, nonviolence and interfaith bridge building might have a small part to play.
As parents, we are keenly watching our kids. We are trying to delicately balance being honest with Greg and Val about what's happening here with firmly sticking to routine as much as we are able and sparing the gory details. As of today, I am amazed at their resilience and good humor about all the upset. I thank God for this. As parents, we are also trying to be wise and reasonable about how much conflict and what kind of risk we can live with. Some of you wonder about our choices right now - thanks for that kind of concern and love. All I can say is that we are doing the best we can to weigh our commitment and desire to live and work here with the reality of deepening conflict and instability. Please trust us and know we are in contact with many people, including MCC administration, Nigerian colleagues, and mission leaders.
As humans, we are weary. Today, I begged my fine husband to let me have a few hours at home alone and he graciously took the kids to church and then out to eat at a favorite hamburger and pizza place. Hence my sitting on this cool and shady porch. But we are doing okay, praying each day for wisdom to prioritize and to let go of the rest. We know home leave is 63 days off, according to Val's latest count.
But always, as I write of my white weariness, I am reminded of the exhaustion, grief, fear and bewilderment that so many Nigerians live with. With my blue US passport, I can get out of here if it gets too bad, or I can't take it anymore. Our Nigerian friends have no such choice. And today I still think that if we can reasonably assure our safety and contingency plans, there is so much yet we can learn from our Nigerian brothers and sisters, from living here, from serving with MCC especially at this time when our country program is moving its strategic focus into peace and reconciliation - a direction desperately needed now.
And there is still hope. Many are feverish working with security, the government, traditional and religious leaders and among more informal networks to bring order, restore a sense of safety and face the conflict with the goal of peace. Even now people are giving the full force of their energy to mediate the conflict between major tribes vying for land and power here.
On Thursday, about three thousand women marched in peaceful protest of the violence against women and children, against the lax security, against the ongoing conflict. Donned in black they went to the House of Assembly and then the Government House. Bold, but non-violent protests will increase awareness and inform the government that Nigerians are not willing to sit around and wait for an end to this mess.
This latest violence finally got the attention of the international press. World leaders are starting to take notice and publicly object to Plateau State's worsening situation and government's failure to decisively, authoritatively and justly react to it.
We are somehow most fully ourselves when we are giving ourselves to this work and we continue to be held here by God's grace, most days at least. :) Shady porches, a day of rest and bearing witness to the incredible spirit of Nigerians help during this tense time.
But we will not be stupid or heroes or martyrs. When the Spirit of God is at work, it can continue to bring change, healing, love, transformation or simply an accompanying presence whether or not we live here.
If you pray, please pray about these things:
*need for the international community to put pressure on Nigeria to deal with its human rights lapses, to manage this conflict which can easily spread to other parts of the country, to bring justice to those behind this calculated and well-funded violence and for those who commit acts of violence
*for those whose lives are shattered by death or loss of possessions, livelihood, homes, schools
*for all who live in fear and in distrust of the security forces sent in to protect them
*for Nigeria's federal and state, community and traditional leaders. With a respect for authority in this culture, a religious leader's words and vision can flame a fire or calm a storm.
*for the male youth planning a peace march this week
*for the women who were first to the protest plate and have so much to offer to this peace process but are often left out of it
*for the ability to bear witness to pain and suffering and the sweet singing of the yellow-breasted bird flitting through the fragrant frangipani tree on this Sunday morning
Written by Brenda Hartman-Souder
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
March 2010 Update
A blog update is long overdue. I find more time to write in the midst of a crisis, when the office is closed and everyday life stops. The adrenaline also surges then.
But several weeks after a crisis, speaking from the experience of now living in Jos during two major uprisings, I deflate with fatigue, fear and the question that buzzes like a hungry mosquito, "What the heck are we doing here?" Just getting through the day, listening to grim stories of murder and destruction along with hopeful testimonies of grace and love, and providing constancy and care for the kids are goals enough.
Soon after the crisis, two trained trauma debriefers came and spent a morning with most of MCC program and support staff. Each person was given opportunity to tell their story and share how the recent crisis impacted them. The debriefers normalized feelings and symptoms. We prayed together and were prayed over. It was a good start toward healing.
And we are regaining an equilibrium even if it is one that must be flexible, living as we do on shaky ground. Life is calmer now and energy and strength for daily tasks is returning. Still, an uneasy tension buzzes in the city and we're still on a restrictive a 6 - 6 curfew. Gone are evenings spent with friends, school programs or the occasional meal at a restaurant. Men in military uniforms roam the streets. Our friends report that reprisal and "side" killings are still happening in back alleys and the less protected countryside. And the country's president remains incognito after being flown to Saudi Arabia and then returned to Nigeria; a reality that creates more uncertainty and worry.
February was tough too because we had to make so many budget cuts, prepare year-end reports and write plans for the next fiscal year. We also helped to coordinate a small relief effort with our partner EPET and are working to listen for ways MCC might be involved in peace building and reconciliation efforts.
March is busy with the need to catch up on paperwork since the office was closed or in crisis mode for so long. At the end of the month we'll help host CWARM meetings - a five -day gathering of the MCC representatives from DR Congo, Rwanda/Burundi, Burkina Faso, Chad and Nigeria .
Val and Greg are doing well now that school has resumed. Greg is into basketball; he goes out every night after practicing his piano lesson and doing his homework to shoot and dribble with friends on the rough but functional basketball court. Val seems to be growing about an inch a month and spends her energy on schoolwork, reading and friends. She can make a mean crepe and delicious cabbage salad. Our children are certainly aware that bad things have happened here and we talk about the crisis as much as they want. They also fare better with the resumption, however, short-lived, of comforting routine.
But much as we strive to live in each day and enjoy its gifts, we are also eying our approaching home leave beginning in May - eagerly looking forward to seeing family and friends and the opportunity to rest and regain perspective.
written by Brenda Hartman-Souder
But several weeks after a crisis, speaking from the experience of now living in Jos during two major uprisings, I deflate with fatigue, fear and the question that buzzes like a hungry mosquito, "What the heck are we doing here?" Just getting through the day, listening to grim stories of murder and destruction along with hopeful testimonies of grace and love, and providing constancy and care for the kids are goals enough.
Soon after the crisis, two trained trauma debriefers came and spent a morning with most of MCC program and support staff. Each person was given opportunity to tell their story and share how the recent crisis impacted them. The debriefers normalized feelings and symptoms. We prayed together and were prayed over. It was a good start toward healing.
And we are regaining an equilibrium even if it is one that must be flexible, living as we do on shaky ground. Life is calmer now and energy and strength for daily tasks is returning. Still, an uneasy tension buzzes in the city and we're still on a restrictive a 6 - 6 curfew. Gone are evenings spent with friends, school programs or the occasional meal at a restaurant. Men in military uniforms roam the streets. Our friends report that reprisal and "side" killings are still happening in back alleys and the less protected countryside. And the country's president remains incognito after being flown to Saudi Arabia and then returned to Nigeria; a reality that creates more uncertainty and worry.
February was tough too because we had to make so many budget cuts, prepare year-end reports and write plans for the next fiscal year. We also helped to coordinate a small relief effort with our partner EPET and are working to listen for ways MCC might be involved in peace building and reconciliation efforts.
March is busy with the need to catch up on paperwork since the office was closed or in crisis mode for so long. At the end of the month we'll help host CWARM meetings - a five -day gathering of the MCC representatives from DR Congo, Rwanda/Burundi, Burkina Faso, Chad and Nigeria .
Val and Greg are doing well now that school has resumed. Greg is into basketball; he goes out every night after practicing his piano lesson and doing his homework to shoot and dribble with friends on the rough but functional basketball court. Val seems to be growing about an inch a month and spends her energy on schoolwork, reading and friends. She can make a mean crepe and delicious cabbage salad. Our children are certainly aware that bad things have happened here and we talk about the crisis as much as they want. They also fare better with the resumption, however, short-lived, of comforting routine.
But much as we strive to live in each day and enjoy its gifts, we are also eying our approaching home leave beginning in May - eagerly looking forward to seeing family and friends and the opportunity to rest and regain perspective.
written by Brenda Hartman-Souder
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Worship in a War Zone
Today we returned to church, having taken an advised hiatus last week when the violence was too recent and security still uncertain. (Although right now many here wonder if any place of certain security exists.)
We turned off the main road, where several scorched buildings and cars marked the beginning of the “war zone” to drive the bumpy dirt lane back to church. Almost every building on either side of the road was in charred ruins. Normally, or before this recent crisis, Anglo-Jos would be bustling - those of the Muslim faith would be selling wares or snacks, and Christians would be walking to church in Sunday finery.
Today it was quiet and dead, except for those still trekking to churches. Where was the old woman who sat against a wall and stacked oranges in little piles? Or the old men who lounged on worn benches to chat and chew kola nut? Or the young girls who sold doughnuts and peanuts from plastic bins or trays carried atop their heads? Everyone is gone – shops and homes smashed or burnt, the vegetable market at the foot of the hill is silent and empty.
Our kids were sobered; this was their first time in a violence-stricken area. Greg sat down on his white plastic church chair, pulled out his orange marker and little notebook and wrote while the congregation sang songs of praise. He shares it with permission:
The Crisis Includes:
1. Burnt homes and shops
2. More poor people
3. Loss of food and water
4. Loss of school
5. Sadness and madness
6. Boredness
7. Attacking of homes
8. Fleeing or being killed
9. Crying for loved ones
10. Shortness of church
11. Curfew
12. Scaredness
13. Curiousness (increased suspicion is what he means, I think)
14. More car accidents (as people fled)
After church, with a sermon that included why Christians hold joy even when filled with sadness and that Revelations warns of such horrors, the leaders pulled the adults of the church together. They sought to update us on relief for the church members affected by the crisis, (there were fewer than in some areas as most members don’t live in Anglo-Jos) the difficulties faced by the total destruction of the empty parsonage, and the hope that energy and determination will be directed toward rebuilding and healing this community. Anglo-Jos stayed peaceful in the 2001 and 2008 riots and was a diverse, yes, even cohesive, community.
I do not know how the violence started or spread or who burnt what buildings…the stories vary and regardless who is talking there is almost always a sense of being victimized. I am not an expert on Nigeria or Plateau State. For those interested, I will include links -once I figure out how to do it or can nab Mark who usually handles the technology part of writing - to good articles by scholars and journalists on this issue. What I know, however, is that Anglo-Jos as we witnessed it today, is a microcosm of what happens when a government is unfair and unresponsive to the basic needs of its citizens, when security forces cannot be trusted, and when rage, frustration and powerlessness are spark into a deadly combustion. There are little and big Anglo-Jos’s throughout the city, throughout Nigeria, throughout the world.
And yet, worshipping among members who almost filled, as normal, the church less than two weeks since a mini-war raged here, I thought these odd words: “There is no better place for us than here.” I do not know what our future holds and when or if at some point it will be time for us to acknowledge that we are no longer the ones to serve MCC in this position. While our term formally ends in 2012; more crises and insecurity may shorten it. While I prefer normalcy and have wistful flashes of memories of life in the states when things seemed much, much easier, I also would grieve leaving what is now home to us, chaotic, uncertain and stressful as it is. Friends and colleagues are here, people who flesh out their faith under the most strenuous of challenges, people I need to learn more from and work together with for the time being.
Our kids love their school and friends, and while protecting them is our high priority - they are so far facing life here with optimism. We pray that seeing the effects of violence may move them to consider peace and nonviolence as the only way through life. Maybe they will even reduce the quarreling between them!
Our team continues to struggle with and make some sense of the realities following crisis. Trained debriefers will meet with most of our program and support staff in a group trauma debriefing this week, and individuals or families can also avail themselves of further help. I’m grateful for an active member care team in Jos that’s available to debrief both expatriates and Nigerians who have lived through trauma.
Still, "there are flashes of grace" as our friend and long-time missionary the Rev. Dr. Sid Garland (Mission Africa-Ireland) shared, "Our (church) member was saved from Muslim mobs pursuing him ... they saw him looking out of his window and started coming for him. He jumped over a wall into his Muslim neighbor's house, was hidden by her in spite of questioning and searches, and then was brought out safely by her through the crowds - dressed in a hijab !!"
Such glimpses, we pray, may strengthen a resolve to build equity and peace here, so that more stories of love, kindness and determination not to let hate triumph might blossom. Today it is seems a foolish, meager hope, but we'd rather dwell there than turn to despair.
by Brenda Hartman-Souder
We turned off the main road, where several scorched buildings and cars marked the beginning of the “war zone” to drive the bumpy dirt lane back to church. Almost every building on either side of the road was in charred ruins. Normally, or before this recent crisis, Anglo-Jos would be bustling - those of the Muslim faith would be selling wares or snacks, and Christians would be walking to church in Sunday finery.
Today it was quiet and dead, except for those still trekking to churches. Where was the old woman who sat against a wall and stacked oranges in little piles? Or the old men who lounged on worn benches to chat and chew kola nut? Or the young girls who sold doughnuts and peanuts from plastic bins or trays carried atop their heads? Everyone is gone – shops and homes smashed or burnt, the vegetable market at the foot of the hill is silent and empty.
Our kids were sobered; this was their first time in a violence-stricken area. Greg sat down on his white plastic church chair, pulled out his orange marker and little notebook and wrote while the congregation sang songs of praise. He shares it with permission:
The Crisis Includes:
1. Burnt homes and shops
2. More poor people
3. Loss of food and water
4. Loss of school
5. Sadness and madness
6. Boredness
7. Attacking of homes
8. Fleeing or being killed
9. Crying for loved ones
10. Shortness of church
11. Curfew
12. Scaredness
13. Curiousness (increased suspicion is what he means, I think)
14. More car accidents (as people fled)
After church, with a sermon that included why Christians hold joy even when filled with sadness and that Revelations warns of such horrors, the leaders pulled the adults of the church together. They sought to update us on relief for the church members affected by the crisis, (there were fewer than in some areas as most members don’t live in Anglo-Jos) the difficulties faced by the total destruction of the empty parsonage, and the hope that energy and determination will be directed toward rebuilding and healing this community. Anglo-Jos stayed peaceful in the 2001 and 2008 riots and was a diverse, yes, even cohesive, community.
I do not know how the violence started or spread or who burnt what buildings…the stories vary and regardless who is talking there is almost always a sense of being victimized. I am not an expert on Nigeria or Plateau State. For those interested, I will include links -once I figure out how to do it or can nab Mark who usually handles the technology part of writing - to good articles by scholars and journalists on this issue. What I know, however, is that Anglo-Jos as we witnessed it today, is a microcosm of what happens when a government is unfair and unresponsive to the basic needs of its citizens, when security forces cannot be trusted, and when rage, frustration and powerlessness are spark into a deadly combustion. There are little and big Anglo-Jos’s throughout the city, throughout Nigeria, throughout the world.
And yet, worshipping among members who almost filled, as normal, the church less than two weeks since a mini-war raged here, I thought these odd words: “There is no better place for us than here.” I do not know what our future holds and when or if at some point it will be time for us to acknowledge that we are no longer the ones to serve MCC in this position. While our term formally ends in 2012; more crises and insecurity may shorten it. While I prefer normalcy and have wistful flashes of memories of life in the states when things seemed much, much easier, I also would grieve leaving what is now home to us, chaotic, uncertain and stressful as it is. Friends and colleagues are here, people who flesh out their faith under the most strenuous of challenges, people I need to learn more from and work together with for the time being.
Our kids love their school and friends, and while protecting them is our high priority - they are so far facing life here with optimism. We pray that seeing the effects of violence may move them to consider peace and nonviolence as the only way through life. Maybe they will even reduce the quarreling between them!
Our team continues to struggle with and make some sense of the realities following crisis. Trained debriefers will meet with most of our program and support staff in a group trauma debriefing this week, and individuals or families can also avail themselves of further help. I’m grateful for an active member care team in Jos that’s available to debrief both expatriates and Nigerians who have lived through trauma.
Still, "there are flashes of grace" as our friend and long-time missionary the Rev. Dr. Sid Garland (Mission Africa-Ireland) shared, "Our (church) member was saved from Muslim mobs pursuing him ... they saw him looking out of his window and started coming for him. He jumped over a wall into his Muslim neighbor's house, was hidden by her in spite of questioning and searches, and then was brought out safely by her through the crowds - dressed in a hijab !!"
Such glimpses, we pray, may strengthen a resolve to build equity and peace here, so that more stories of love, kindness and determination not to let hate triumph might blossom. Today it is seems a foolish, meager hope, but we'd rather dwell there than turn to despair.
by Brenda Hartman-Souder
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Update to Jos Crisis
I’m sorry I did not update this as I promised. The days sort of blur into evenings and then another day has passed. Here are some key updates:
The current curfew is from 6 p.m.-6 a.m. curfew. Daily life picks up more a little every day. People express worry and fear. Suspicions exist where they did not earlier. We feel that even within ourselves.
C.I.D., the MCC House Day Guard, helped move Hyeladzira’s possessions from Bukuru to Jos. The home her flat was in is one of only two left standing in their immediate neighborhood. She is glad to be in a safer place with her mother, but now carries the tasks of searching for housing, a different school for her children, and most of all, of building a new life in another section of Jos. Her story is repeated over and over although thousands lost everything they owned to the fires and looting. Others face the gaping hole left by loved ones who were killed.
Val and Greg continue to go with the flow, spending time at friends’ homes or with Mama Lydia at home so we can work. School is scheduled to re-start February 1 if the city remains calm.
Our energy has shifted completely to helping organize a relief effort with our partner EPRT, to greet and listen to folks stopping by the office and to care for our team members as best we are able. The stories we hear are difficult to digest. However, they keep us in touch with the pain and humanity of our dear friends here.
EPRT volunteers have registered 34,000 displaced persons so far and are accepting donations from individuals and organizations. MCC has committed $17,300, other faith-based organizations have promised substantial amounts of money as well. EPRT will purchase and distribute food and non-food items like buckets, soap, sleeping mats, blankets to as many IDPs as possible. This will happen in the next several weeks.
If you have any desire to support the relief effort you can send a check to MCC, P.O. Box 500, Akron, PA 17501. Your check should be earmarked Nigeria Relief Response.
Jos looks mostly normal, especially parts where no destruction hit. But there is nothing normal about what happened and without undue paranoia, we expect more unrest unless unresolved issues are addressed and changes made at the highest levels of government and society level.
Today, an MCC team meeting brought us together to share, pray, lament and listen. As a bi-cultural team we have diverse concerns, reactions needs and questions. We appreciate your prayers on behalf of the MCC team and the people of Nigeria.
written by Brenda Hartman-Souder
The current curfew is from 6 p.m.-6 a.m. curfew. Daily life picks up more a little every day. People express worry and fear. Suspicions exist where they did not earlier. We feel that even within ourselves.
C.I.D., the MCC House Day Guard, helped move Hyeladzira’s possessions from Bukuru to Jos. The home her flat was in is one of only two left standing in their immediate neighborhood. She is glad to be in a safer place with her mother, but now carries the tasks of searching for housing, a different school for her children, and most of all, of building a new life in another section of Jos. Her story is repeated over and over although thousands lost everything they owned to the fires and looting. Others face the gaping hole left by loved ones who were killed.
Val and Greg continue to go with the flow, spending time at friends’ homes or with Mama Lydia at home so we can work. School is scheduled to re-start February 1 if the city remains calm.
Our energy has shifted completely to helping organize a relief effort with our partner EPRT, to greet and listen to folks stopping by the office and to care for our team members as best we are able. The stories we hear are difficult to digest. However, they keep us in touch with the pain and humanity of our dear friends here.
EPRT volunteers have registered 34,000 displaced persons so far and are accepting donations from individuals and organizations. MCC has committed $17,300, other faith-based organizations have promised substantial amounts of money as well. EPRT will purchase and distribute food and non-food items like buckets, soap, sleeping mats, blankets to as many IDPs as possible. This will happen in the next several weeks.
If you have any desire to support the relief effort you can send a check to MCC, P.O. Box 500, Akron, PA 17501. Your check should be earmarked Nigeria Relief Response.
Jos looks mostly normal, especially parts where no destruction hit. But there is nothing normal about what happened and without undue paranoia, we expect more unrest unless unresolved issues are addressed and changes made at the highest levels of government and society level.
Today, an MCC team meeting brought us together to share, pray, lament and listen. As a bi-cultural team we have diverse concerns, reactions needs and questions. We appreciate your prayers on behalf of the MCC team and the people of Nigeria.
written by Brenda Hartman-Souder
Friday, January 22, 2010
Silence That is Not Golden
The quiet in urban Jos proclaims that something is seriously amiss. Curfew now ends at 10 a.m. and begins again at 5 p.m. Our seven-hour window of “freedom” allows people to buy supplies, check on loved ones, move to a safer place and bury the dead. Motorcycles and commercial vehicles have been banned for the present. As I sit here, while Greg practices his piano lesson and Val washes the breakfast dishes – our home still a modicum of normality – the world around us has fallen apart.
All residents of Jos and the surrounding area are anything but free. Rumors of more “attacks” abound and we try to hear them but not let them paralyze us with fear. Yet with the intensity of the reactions, with the unbridled killing, maiming, burning and looting, it’s easy to believe that more revenge --suppressed for now while the city remains under tight control of the military--will rage upon this area again and again. Intervention at the highest levels of government and cooperation among key religious leaders has to be a top priority if Jos is going to keep from disintegrating into a war zone.
We have not ventured back to our office or the main part of town but some stores are open; the ones I visited near our home were running low on supplies. Banks have been closed all week so people can’t get money to buy what they need. Our street is lines with walking refugees, many with cooking pots, a sleeping mat or bag of possessions on their heads.
With a series of helping hands, we managed to facilitate the move of our secretary and her family to her mother’s home across town; we hope tomorrow we might be able to get her possessions out of her apartment. She told us today that it would have burned had not her husband stayed back. He pulled well water and was able to extinguish the flames. Only three buildings in their neighborhood remain intact.
Mark took our house helper home on Wednesday afternoon, with the friendly help of two federal soldiers who bargained hard and pocketed some extra spending money for their half-hour task.
Checking in daily or even more often with our associate director based in Abuja provides us with support, guidance and encouragement. And we thank each one of you who have emailed and are remembering us in thought and prayer.
We’re already working with our partner EPRT (Emergency Prepared Response Team) to try and help with a relief effort. If any of you wish to contribute in any way, please let us know and we will send you information about where to send donations. It is still too early, - the smoke is still settling – for anyone to know for sure how many people have been displaced and need relief; but the numbers will no doubt be in the tens of thousands.
We hope to gather our team when it is possible for prayer, sharing, listening and support. Again, we are so grateful that all were spared.
Our kids are doing amazingly well; although they really, really hope school starts again on Monday.
Our friend Obed Dashan, a pastor in the town of Bukuru (about 15 minutes south of Jos) where much was lost and destroyed writes this to friends: “Thank you so much for all your prayers. It means a lot to know that one's brothers and sisters around the world are standing with us. We feel your love. We find courage in your fellowship and partnership. The name of one of my nieces which I gave is Velret meaning "two are better than one,” further understood as community is better than individualism. Your support to us has been Velret. Thank you. We love you all very much and pray that your own faith will grow and stand the 'giants' in your life.
On a brighter note – the coreopsis have begun to bloom in our garden. I felt indulgent insisting on using precious water in keeping this small flower bed alive-- even during dry season-- as a way to soothe my soul and provide splashes of color. Now each coreopsis stem holds a burst of sunshine, a tiny promise. Somehow, life keeps being born.
written by Brenda Hartman-Souder
All residents of Jos and the surrounding area are anything but free. Rumors of more “attacks” abound and we try to hear them but not let them paralyze us with fear. Yet with the intensity of the reactions, with the unbridled killing, maiming, burning and looting, it’s easy to believe that more revenge --suppressed for now while the city remains under tight control of the military--will rage upon this area again and again. Intervention at the highest levels of government and cooperation among key religious leaders has to be a top priority if Jos is going to keep from disintegrating into a war zone.
We have not ventured back to our office or the main part of town but some stores are open; the ones I visited near our home were running low on supplies. Banks have been closed all week so people can’t get money to buy what they need. Our street is lines with walking refugees, many with cooking pots, a sleeping mat or bag of possessions on their heads.
With a series of helping hands, we managed to facilitate the move of our secretary and her family to her mother’s home across town; we hope tomorrow we might be able to get her possessions out of her apartment. She told us today that it would have burned had not her husband stayed back. He pulled well water and was able to extinguish the flames. Only three buildings in their neighborhood remain intact.
Mark took our house helper home on Wednesday afternoon, with the friendly help of two federal soldiers who bargained hard and pocketed some extra spending money for their half-hour task.
Checking in daily or even more often with our associate director based in Abuja provides us with support, guidance and encouragement. And we thank each one of you who have emailed and are remembering us in thought and prayer.
We’re already working with our partner EPRT (Emergency Prepared Response Team) to try and help with a relief effort. If any of you wish to contribute in any way, please let us know and we will send you information about where to send donations. It is still too early, - the smoke is still settling – for anyone to know for sure how many people have been displaced and need relief; but the numbers will no doubt be in the tens of thousands.
We hope to gather our team when it is possible for prayer, sharing, listening and support. Again, we are so grateful that all were spared.
Our kids are doing amazingly well; although they really, really hope school starts again on Monday.
Our friend Obed Dashan, a pastor in the town of Bukuru (about 15 minutes south of Jos) where much was lost and destroyed writes this to friends: “Thank you so much for all your prayers. It means a lot to know that one's brothers and sisters around the world are standing with us. We feel your love. We find courage in your fellowship and partnership. The name of one of my nieces which I gave is Velret meaning "two are better than one,” further understood as community is better than individualism. Your support to us has been Velret. Thank you. We love you all very much and pray that your own faith will grow and stand the 'giants' in your life.
On a brighter note – the coreopsis have begun to bloom in our garden. I felt indulgent insisting on using precious water in keeping this small flower bed alive-- even during dry season-- as a way to soothe my soul and provide splashes of color. Now each coreopsis stem holds a burst of sunshine, a tiny promise. Somehow, life keeps being born.
written by Brenda Hartman-Souder
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Jos Smouldering Again
Jos is in crisis and lockdown….again. The violence started on Sunday and escalated through yesterday (Tuesday). It spread to the communities of Anglo-Jos, K-Vom and Bukuru, communities which stayed mostly calm during the last (November 2008) crisis. We don’t have enough information to know where all the destruction is and who has been killed, harmed or made homeless, but we know the numbers are significant. Everything is shut down – banks, shops, schools, and all but military and medical traffic. The military is moving in and seem to be taking control of most areas. Thankfully all our MCC staff are safe. Magdalene, our house helper, is with us as she could not safely get home yesterday when they ordered the 24-hour curfew, which continues into today.
Yesterday we seesawed between eerie quiet with almost no traffic on the road below our home and gunshots, the cackling fires of destruction and the excited voices of hundreds of onlookers. They were standing on the rocks and hills behind us watching gangs of youth torch and destroy buildings and homes – Muslim or Christian - depending on which neighborhood you lived in. All of it barbaric and still hard to believe.
The gazebo about twenty feet up the hill behind our house is a barometer for tension. Groups of neighbors kept vigil almost all yesterday. We frequently climbed up there ourselves and once, neighbors pointed out where youth were taking down, piece by piece, the home belonging to someone of the Muslim faith. “They aren’t burning it because it could also destroy the homes of Christians,” they said. And I heard no outrage or sadness in their voices. Deep-seated distrust and stereotyping of those who are different seemed as destructive as the physical violence happening all around us.
The night was quiet at our compound – only sporadic gunshots. This morning we climbed the hill again to see raging bonfires in the empty lot over our wall. Youth were carrying loads of household goods – pots, pans, a bookshelf – and feeding the black and smelly fire. We realized they were burning the possessions in those destroyed houses and other buildings that had been occupied by Muslims. These acts of pure meanness and revenge are happening all over Jos. One group starts a fight or fire, the other side takes revenge, people are killed, their homes destroyed. And what has this accomplished?
The reports as people text and email each other are grim:
The problems started in communities of Jos North and there is significant death and destruction there. Varying reports from news sources point to the trigger, but it points to the same old issues of power, resources and government policies which identity some Nigerians as “settlers” and some as “indigenes” – policies that affect politics and distribution of that power and those resources. Policies that unresesolved will probably lead to more trouble. The most recent trigger hardly matters in light of the extremely flammable substance of festering wounds, unresolved past trauma, distrust and eagerness to fuel any spark.
In Anglo-Jos (about 1 km from our home), the NKST church parsonage and the home of a church member beside our church were burned. The parsonage was empty as our congregation planned to welcome a new pastor on Friday. And many of the Hausa Muslims were driven out of the usually peaceful and diverse community of Anglo Jos.
The town of Bukuru, where our secretary lives, is smoking. She and her three small children fled to the police barracks; but they are refugees until they are allowed to return home and see if it has been spared. Other friends there say the burning and destruction is significant.
On a personal note, Valerie and Greg are doing well. They are bored and would much rather be in school. I hate for them to hear about and witness this craziness. Yet they are seeing the world as it is in many places. They also will now again witness acts of generosity and care when relief efforts gets underway and try to bandage the wounds of the brokenhearted. We pray we can keep our children safe and that what will stand out for them is the witness of those who act in love and kindness.
We have no idea where we will go from here, or how MCC Nigeria will respond. We know there will be a great need for debriefing (even among our own MCC team), trauma healing, relief and rebuilding again. But what future are we cobbling together if this kind of violence just keeps happening? We are probably too much in shock to be able to discern what MCC can help to offer in this place of instability and conflict.
This morning we walked out to the see if the compound gate guard had gotten any breakfast – he’s now on the second day of duty as replacements could not get to work– and heard the buzz of talk and laughter of children. Just over the wall a school- turned-refugee camp is filled with displaced persons.
We chatted with the guard at his post and I noticed that someone had written above the door to the office what so often comes from the mouths of our dear friends, neighbors and colleagues here.
“Sai godiya ga Allah.”
“Just gratitude to God.”
written by Brenda Hartman-Souder
Yesterday we seesawed between eerie quiet with almost no traffic on the road below our home and gunshots, the cackling fires of destruction and the excited voices of hundreds of onlookers. They were standing on the rocks and hills behind us watching gangs of youth torch and destroy buildings and homes – Muslim or Christian - depending on which neighborhood you lived in. All of it barbaric and still hard to believe.
The gazebo about twenty feet up the hill behind our house is a barometer for tension. Groups of neighbors kept vigil almost all yesterday. We frequently climbed up there ourselves and once, neighbors pointed out where youth were taking down, piece by piece, the home belonging to someone of the Muslim faith. “They aren’t burning it because it could also destroy the homes of Christians,” they said. And I heard no outrage or sadness in their voices. Deep-seated distrust and stereotyping of those who are different seemed as destructive as the physical violence happening all around us.
The night was quiet at our compound – only sporadic gunshots. This morning we climbed the hill again to see raging bonfires in the empty lot over our wall. Youth were carrying loads of household goods – pots, pans, a bookshelf – and feeding the black and smelly fire. We realized they were burning the possessions in those destroyed houses and other buildings that had been occupied by Muslims. These acts of pure meanness and revenge are happening all over Jos. One group starts a fight or fire, the other side takes revenge, people are killed, their homes destroyed. And what has this accomplished?
The reports as people text and email each other are grim:
The problems started in communities of Jos North and there is significant death and destruction there. Varying reports from news sources point to the trigger, but it points to the same old issues of power, resources and government policies which identity some Nigerians as “settlers” and some as “indigenes” – policies that affect politics and distribution of that power and those resources. Policies that unresesolved will probably lead to more trouble. The most recent trigger hardly matters in light of the extremely flammable substance of festering wounds, unresolved past trauma, distrust and eagerness to fuel any spark.
In Anglo-Jos (about 1 km from our home), the NKST church parsonage and the home of a church member beside our church were burned. The parsonage was empty as our congregation planned to welcome a new pastor on Friday. And many of the Hausa Muslims were driven out of the usually peaceful and diverse community of Anglo Jos.
The town of Bukuru, where our secretary lives, is smoking. She and her three small children fled to the police barracks; but they are refugees until they are allowed to return home and see if it has been spared. Other friends there say the burning and destruction is significant.
On a personal note, Valerie and Greg are doing well. They are bored and would much rather be in school. I hate for them to hear about and witness this craziness. Yet they are seeing the world as it is in many places. They also will now again witness acts of generosity and care when relief efforts gets underway and try to bandage the wounds of the brokenhearted. We pray we can keep our children safe and that what will stand out for them is the witness of those who act in love and kindness.
We have no idea where we will go from here, or how MCC Nigeria will respond. We know there will be a great need for debriefing (even among our own MCC team), trauma healing, relief and rebuilding again. But what future are we cobbling together if this kind of violence just keeps happening? We are probably too much in shock to be able to discern what MCC can help to offer in this place of instability and conflict.
This morning we walked out to the see if the compound gate guard had gotten any breakfast – he’s now on the second day of duty as replacements could not get to work– and heard the buzz of talk and laughter of children. Just over the wall a school- turned-refugee camp is filled with displaced persons.
We chatted with the guard at his post and I noticed that someone had written above the door to the office what so often comes from the mouths of our dear friends, neighbors and colleagues here.
“Sai godiya ga Allah.”
“Just gratitude to God.”
written by Brenda Hartman-Souder
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Mid-January Update
After a month’s hiatus, I finally resumed my writing mornings and I am doing anything but writing. The electricity is off and my computer’s battery stands at 63% and that pretty accurately describes me as well. Swinging back into routine after the holidays takes a little time.
Happy New Year to all of you who might be reading this. In Nigeria, new year greetings ring out with the traditional greetings and might linger on into February and March if you haven’t seen a friend or acquaintance since last year. Nigerians frequently express gratitude that they are still alive. “We thank God that we have reached another year.” Even though I am more likely to focus on the suffering and death of so many Nigerians, with a median life expectancy of 46 years, some exuberance and gratitude “no matter what” must be rubbing off because I also find myself enthusiastically greeting Nigerians with, “Barka da sabon shekara!” Greetings in the New Year!”
In mid-December, Mark and I drove the 1 1/2 hours to Panyam for the wedding of Nicholas Wetkur and Kopret, his wife. Nicholas worked for MCC in the past and still helps us out with minor electric and generator repairs. We were happy to get out of Jos for the countryside and enjoyed sitting in a small, humble church to watch the joy, dancing and excitement as this couple started a new life together. The service started only one hour late and lasted just two hours! We didn’t stay for the reception where dancing, eating and celebration probably went into the night. A few photos of the wedding will soon be posted in an updated photo album.
Val and Greg had about a month off from school over Christmas. This year, we stayed out of the MCC Nigeria office for the official two-week closing. In previous years, we would sneak into work, but this year decided not to. We enjoyed a week of being with the kids, baking, and visiting with friends AND a nasty virus which kept some friends away. We attended a short service at our church on Christmas Day and then hosted several families and individuals for a succulent potluck. There were no sweet potatoes but we tasted just about everything else that one might find on a North American Christmas buffet. And green mango crisp perfectly mimics apple crisp.
Our MCC Nigeria program staff and their families retreated at Yankari Game Reserve and Wikki Warm Springs for five days over New Year’s. Thanks to the help of a very hardworking retreat committee this year, we ALL had a chance to rest and enjoy the fellowship of team members. Our new associate director from Abuja and his family joined us. We swam long hours in the perfectly pure and warm springs, took a safari ride (no lions but we got a glimpse of elephants) ate, played games, watched movies and enjoyed a true break from normal work and home routines. The hungry warthogs loping around our cottages and the baboons aggressively trying to steal food or climb through windows into our rooms were met with a mixture of exasperation and "Hey, this is free entertainment!"
Now the January page is once again on our calendars, the kids are happily back in school and we are gearing up for a busy four months. First on our lists are writing annual reports and plans, entering partner progress notes into the data base, setting a budget in place (not especially fun with the economy still in a funk), visiting long-distance partners and starting to prepare for home leave.
We're excited to get back to the States after almost two years away. Visiting and hanging out with family and friends is our highest priority. We won’t mind eating peaches, sweet corn and raspberries, driving smooth roads, shopping incognito, and experiencing electricity and cleaner water either. And yet, now that Nigeria is home, I am almost certain we will be happy to return to life, work and school after the summer visit.
Well, the Mac’s battery is at 47% now but I think I am gaining energy, full of gratitude for a good month, looking forward to challenges and work ahead, and no longer procrastinating about writing. Except now I need a little cup of coffee.....
by Brenda Hartman-Souder
--
Posted By The Hartman-Souders to Hartman-Souders in Nigeria at 1/14/2010 12:08:00 PM
Happy New Year to all of you who might be reading this. In Nigeria, new year greetings ring out with the traditional greetings and might linger on into February and March if you haven’t seen a friend or acquaintance since last year. Nigerians frequently express gratitude that they are still alive. “We thank God that we have reached another year.” Even though I am more likely to focus on the suffering and death of so many Nigerians, with a median life expectancy of 46 years, some exuberance and gratitude “no matter what” must be rubbing off because I also find myself enthusiastically greeting Nigerians with, “Barka da sabon shekara!” Greetings in the New Year!”
In mid-December, Mark and I drove the 1 1/2 hours to Panyam for the wedding of Nicholas Wetkur and Kopret, his wife. Nicholas worked for MCC in the past and still helps us out with minor electric and generator repairs. We were happy to get out of Jos for the countryside and enjoyed sitting in a small, humble church to watch the joy, dancing and excitement as this couple started a new life together. The service started only one hour late and lasted just two hours! We didn’t stay for the reception where dancing, eating and celebration probably went into the night. A few photos of the wedding will soon be posted in an updated photo album.
Val and Greg had about a month off from school over Christmas. This year, we stayed out of the MCC Nigeria office for the official two-week closing. In previous years, we would sneak into work, but this year decided not to. We enjoyed a week of being with the kids, baking, and visiting with friends AND a nasty virus which kept some friends away. We attended a short service at our church on Christmas Day and then hosted several families and individuals for a succulent potluck. There were no sweet potatoes but we tasted just about everything else that one might find on a North American Christmas buffet. And green mango crisp perfectly mimics apple crisp.
Our MCC Nigeria program staff and their families retreated at Yankari Game Reserve and Wikki Warm Springs for five days over New Year’s. Thanks to the help of a very hardworking retreat committee this year, we ALL had a chance to rest and enjoy the fellowship of team members. Our new associate director from Abuja and his family joined us. We swam long hours in the perfectly pure and warm springs, took a safari ride (no lions but we got a glimpse of elephants) ate, played games, watched movies and enjoyed a true break from normal work and home routines. The hungry warthogs loping around our cottages and the baboons aggressively trying to steal food or climb through windows into our rooms were met with a mixture of exasperation and "Hey, this is free entertainment!"
Now the January page is once again on our calendars, the kids are happily back in school and we are gearing up for a busy four months. First on our lists are writing annual reports and plans, entering partner progress notes into the data base, setting a budget in place (not especially fun with the economy still in a funk), visiting long-distance partners and starting to prepare for home leave.
We're excited to get back to the States after almost two years away. Visiting and hanging out with family and friends is our highest priority. We won’t mind eating peaches, sweet corn and raspberries, driving smooth roads, shopping incognito, and experiencing electricity and cleaner water either. And yet, now that Nigeria is home, I am almost certain we will be happy to return to life, work and school after the summer visit.
Well, the Mac’s battery is at 47% now but I think I am gaining energy, full of gratitude for a good month, looking forward to challenges and work ahead, and no longer procrastinating about writing. Except now I need a little cup of coffee.....
by Brenda Hartman-Souder
--
Posted By The Hartman-Souders to Hartman-Souders in Nigeria at 1/14/2010 12:08:00 PM
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