When words fail: Bitter sweet reunion with the Uduks

When there are no words, a hug is best understood.  What words could you use to express how you feel about their short 5 years back in Sudan after being refugees for over 20 years only to find themselves as refugees again in South Sudan?  What words could you use to describe how you feel seeing someone you haven’t seen for over 3 years?  What words could you use to express the joy of finding friends in a sea of people in camps?  What words could you use to express back what you feel when you see their eyes welling up with tears?  It’s best just to let your heart be understood in silence.

Visiting Rebecca

When they caught sight of one another they dropped everything and ran to one another.  Rebecca and Claire have been the best of friends for almost 14 years.  As they locked in a long hug other women followed and took turns embracing one another.  The older women, much more quiet, started welling up with tears and could be seen quietly wiping them away.  This is a holy moment where God is present.  Where friends you didn’t know whether you’d see again suddenly appear before you.  This is a holy moment.

(March 2013)