Today we traveled with the repatriation convoy. At 7:15 am we left the office, headed to Camp Nduta, where 40,000 refugees live. More rain last night had created an even muddier mess, and when we arrived, 70 Burundian refugees were waiting to load onto trucks and return to their country. We traveled with them as they crossed the border and landed at the UN reception center. Provisions were lined up in neat rows to be distributed- plastic buckets, tarps, cornmeal and farm tools were among the items.

I can only imagine their fear of the unknown. After years of living away, what will they find? I know that I myself feel overwhelmed after just a few days here. Even though everything is graciously provided by my hosts, just traveling, speaking different languages, adjusting to all the new details of life- I still can't light the stove or make a phone call or get coffee. I'm sure I'd figure those things out if I were here longer, but not knowing can be a bit disorienting.

It is only a small glimpse into what the returning refugees must feel. I can't pretend to truly understand the uncertainty, though I imagine that returning must be better than an extended stay in the camp.

All the NGO staff members that I've met work very hard (harder than I've ever worked before) and under very difficult conditions, with limited resources. It's impressive, and not something I could do...I've enjoyed my time here immensely, but it's not an easy life- in some ways, it feels like I've been here forever, but I also can't believe it's almost half over. I wish I had more time to talk with people, to get a more in-depth look at daily life here.
Tomorrow's plan is to visit community development projects among marginalized people in Tanzania and observe a meeting with the local village facilitators in charge of implementing TCRS' (Tanganyika Christian Refugee Service) work in the field. (TCRS is currently transitioning from working primarily with refugees to providing community development in Tanzania.)

Pictures are pending!