This quote from a travel documentary became very real to our volunteers from their first moments of arriving in Sudan. But persevering through missing travel permits, rapidly changing plans, and cultural challenges, these men from the Midwest were able to impact a tough group of cattle-herding youth in a way that will never be forgotten.
Our original plan had been to stay in the Pacuok cattle camp to do the AIDS awareness presentations. But when we arrived at the camp with our volunteers, we found only a few small boys running around, with a couple sick cows tethered down amidst the still-smoking dung fires. The boys informed our team that the rest of the cattle camp had moved just that morning to an area inaccessible by vehicle.
We re-grouped and tracked down a new audience, following a winding, muddy path through the bush until we came to the Kaguet cattle camp. The two volunteers, two CAP personnel, two translators, and another journeyman camped at Kaguet for three nights, serenaded by young men’s songs in praise of their bulls, the mooing of cows, and the occasional barking of a hyena.
During the day, the youth of the cattle camp met under a tree to listen the volunteers. At times, the teaching had to carry on in the rain under a large tarp strung between the tents. By the end of the week, we were able to present the entire curriculum, including the AIDS lessons and Bible stories.
This experience has already proved invaluable in helping CAP improve the curriculum, volunteer orientation, and plans for future cattle camp stays. Please continue to pray for the people of Kaguet, and for CAP personnel as we seek to follow up with those who heard the teaching during our stay.
[Check out pictures from our volunteers!]
