CAT
Resum d'aquest primer mig any a Maban, aquí:
CAS
Resumen de este primer medio año en Mabán, aquí:
ENG
Summary of this first half a year in Maban, here:
dilluns, 29 de desembre del 2014
dimecres, 24 de desembre del 2014
READY FOR CHRISTMAS - LLESTOS PER NADAL
CAT
Tot llest pel Nadal.
Les cases de palla i fang es converteixen en murals acolorits preciosos. Les dones pinten les cases i els homes desmunten els matalassos i "fan volar la llana" per tenir un matalàs com nou. No cal tenir massa coses per rebre l'infantó.
ENG
All is ready.
Women decorate the humble huts with vivid colours. Men bring out the matresses and beat them with sticks to make them like new ones. There is no need for too many things to receive the Infant Jesus.
 |
| I went around the neighbourhood and this is what I found - Els veïns ja estan llestos pel Nadal- Maban_PV |
dilluns, 22 de desembre del 2014
EL RIU NIL
 |
| Front view. El Nil Blanc - PV |
A unes 4 hores de Bunj hi ha una de les meravelles d'aquest país. el riu
Nil. Impressiona, un queda estabornit per la bellesa imponent d'aquest llit
d'aigua immens, que travessa zones força àrides. Les dues fotos són preses
exactament al mateix lloc, una de cara al riu i l'altre d'esquenes. Quin contrast !
 |
| I just turned around and took this picture. Gir de 180 graus i voilà - PV |
Ambdues realitats són veritat, i convé poder viure-les com a
complementàries. Tan sovint voldríem evitar els deserts i erms (a qui li agrada
admetre que estem una mica pansits o ressecs?) però també són part del nostre
ésser.
Ni tot és riu, ni tot és desert. Ni tot és joia, ni tot és desconsol. La
nostra existència és aquest riu ple de vida travessant zones quasi mortes.
I no és això el que celebrem al Nadal?
diumenge, 14 de desembre del 2014
JOY AND SORROW
Joy
A few days ago, Rebeca, a former JRS Maban staff, was wearing
a JRS T-shirt in Juba and was stopped by a deaf person. She was asked
whether JRS was in South Sudan. This person so greatly benefited from JRS that he wanted
to reconnect with the organization. He was supported through our scholarship
program while in Kakuma refugee camp (Kenya) to complete his primary and
secondary education attending special needs schools where he learned to master
the sign language. Later, he pursued his education in Kakuma refugee camp through
the JC:HEM program.
attaining an on-line diploma accredited by the Regis University (Denver, CO,
USA), focusing on Education.
His name is Abraham and he is back in his home country
despite the current conflict. He is trying to help children who face similar
challenges as the ones he faced when he was a kid, supporting primary students
with hearing impairments by teaching them sign language and other skills.
Abraham is deeply grateful to JRS for the opportunity
offered to him while in exile and he is now sharing what he learned with his
own people.
Sorrow
Yesterday around 10 am I receive a phone call. Philip, one
of our psychosocial workers in Doro refugee camp has passed away. In fact, he was the first one to recieve JRS in Doro camp. He used to
visit elderly people in the camp encouraging them, listening to their problems,
stories, complaints, etc. He battled for
few months with a serious sickness. Last time I accompanied him to the hospital
the diagnosis was bad: a big growth in his liver. “Father, not much can be done”
the doctor told me. We are in a remote corner of South Sudan, a country at war,
so even a biopsy or appropriate treatment in his case was just not possible.
Upon receiving the news we rush to his home. As we approach
his shelter we hear the wailing sounds. At least two hundred people have congregated.
Many women are crying loudly, some uncontrollably. We enter the small house
made of grass and roofed with a plastic sheet. In it around fifteen women are on
the floor surrounding the body wrapped with a shroud. They are singing a
religious song, a Christian song with a sad and repetitive tune. Many of them
are shedding tears. I recognize Philip´s wife, her face is shaken. It is such
an intense moment and the little house is so hot that some of the women faint and
are taken out.
We move then to the cemetery, an anonymous place under a few
trees just five minutes away from the home. A large group of men are digging
the grave taking turns. It is an arduous task that takes around two hours. There
is not much talking. People are mostly in silence considering this tragic
event. A man of 52 years has died, leaving behind his wife and 8
children, plus a good number of grandchildren.
Death is always a mystery, but to die in exile is a tragic
mystery, one would dare to call it an unjust mystery. The wailing sounds of the
women were in fact like a cry out to God, asking
“why, why, why do we
have to continue burying our beloved ones in this strange land?
Until when will this
terrible pain afflict us?”
divendres, 12 de desembre del 2014
WHEN THE BISHOP COMES TO VISIT US
 |
| Fr. Luke, Parish representatives, Fr Pau & Bishop Daniel listen to the refugees tell their story (A. Sánchez) |
(aquí el Castellano: jrs.net)
In a visit to the conflict-affected region of South Sudan, Bishop Daniel Adwok underlined the importance of education and hospitality for refugees living in the border district Maban.
In his first visit in more than four years, the auxiliary bishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Khartoum-Sudan spent an intensive few days meeting public officials, parish representatives and refugees. Both refugees and host community members welcomed him wholeheartedly.
"Today you are here in this land, in exile, but the people of Maban [Upper Nile] can remember that not too long ago they were the ones who had to flee to the north or to Ethiopia seeking for a safer place. Thus true hospitality is very important," said Bishop Adwok to a group of refugees and parish representatives.
Prior to its separation from Sudan, people from Maban were being hosted across the border. These roles have been reversed, as Maban now hosts more than 130,000 refugees from Blue Nile State in Sudan. Bishop Adwok, who spent time visiting the Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) projects, underlined the importance of meeting both refugee and host community needs and fostering a welcoming environment.
"It is very important for JRS to be a bridge between the refugees and the host community. I also ask you to be strong advocates of the needs of the refugees. I have been with them; I have heard their plea, and it cannot remain unattended," the bishop added.
While visiting the JRS teacher training and English adult education programmes being offered to the host community, the bishop encouraged the students to take this opportunity to learn more so they can serve better their people.
The words of the bishop, who spent the afternoon in Doro refugee camp sharing the joys and sorrows of the Sudanese refugees, reflected those of Adolfo Nicolás SJ, Father General of the Society of Jesus. Speaking at an event organised in Rome to commemorate the thirty-fourth anniversary of the foundation of JRS, Fr Nicolás emphasized the centrality of the hospitalitytoward refugees.
"Our understanding recognises the claim that all of us have to be welcomed, not because we are members of a specific family, race or faith community, but simply because we are human beings who deserve welcome and respect."
This call to welcome the refugees and to be active advocates of their needs echoes the vital role the Catholic Church played during the long years of war in South Sudan, as it has been captured by John Ashworth in his recent book, The Voice of the Voiceless. In times of war and destruction the voice of the Church can become a source of consolation to those who suffer and bring some international attention to conflicts otherwise forgotten.
Despite having been evacuated twice in 2014 due to the insecurity, the JRS team on the ground hopes to build peace and stability, deepening its commitment to the refugees and host community members in Maban in the journey towards a more dignified future. Bishop Adwok's recent visit has been a joyful reminder that the Church leaders remain with their people through thick and thin, even asking them to go an extra mile and become true beacons of hospitality.
In a visit to the conflict-affected region of South Sudan, Bishop
Daniel Adwok underlined the importance of education and hospitality for
refugees living in the border district Maban.
In his first visit in more than four years, the auxiliary bishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Khartoum-Sudan spent an intensive few days meeting public officials, parish representatives and refugees. Both refugees and host community members welcomed him wholeheartedly.
"Today you are here in this land, in exile, but the people of Maban [Upper Nile] can remember that not too long ago they were the ones who had to flee to the north or to Ethiopia seeking for a safer place. Thus true hospitality is very important," said Bishop Adwok to a group of refugees and parish representatives.
Prior to its separation from Sudan, people from Maban were being hosted across the border. These roles have been reversed, as Maban now hosts more than 130,000 refugees from Blue Nile State in Sudan. Bishop Adwok, who spent time visiting the Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) projects, underlined the importance of meeting both refugee and host community needs and fostering a welcoming environment.
"It is very important for JRS to be a bridge between the refugees and the host community. I also ask you to be strong advocates of the needs of the refugees. I have been with them; I have heard their plea, and it cannot remain unattended," the bishop added.
While visiting the JRS teacher training and English adult education programmes being offered to the host community, the bishop encouraged the students to take this opportunity to learn more so they can serve better their people.
The words of the bishop, who spent the afternoon in Doro refugee camp sharing the joys and sorrows of the Sudanese refugees, reflected those of Adolfo Nicolás SJ, Father General of the Society of Jesus. Speaking at an event organised in Rome to commemorate the thirty-fourth anniversary of the foundation of JRS, Fr Nicolás emphasized the centrality of the hospitality toward refugees.
"Our understanding recognises the claim that all of us have to be welcomed, not because we are members of a specific family, race or faith community, but simply because we are human beings who deserve welcome and respect."
This call to welcome the refugees and to be active advocates of their needs echoes the vital role the Catholic Church played during the long years of war in South Sudan, as it has been captured by John Ashworth in his recent book, The Voice of the Voiceless. In times of war and destruction the voice of the Church can become a source of consolation to those who suffer and bring some international attention to conflicts otherwise forgotten.
Despite having been evacuated twice in 2014 due to the insecurity, the JRS team on the ground hopes to build peace and stability, deepening its commitment to the refugees and host community members in Maban in the journey towards a more dignified future. Bishop Adwok's recent visit has been a joyful reminder that the Church leaders remain with their people through thick and thin, even asking them to go an extra mile and become true beacons of hospitality.
- See more at: http://en.jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20141211091944#sthash.kzuhoQFs.dpuf
In his first visit in more than four years, the auxiliary bishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Khartoum-Sudan spent an intensive few days meeting public officials, parish representatives and refugees. Both refugees and host community members welcomed him wholeheartedly.
"Today you are here in this land, in exile, but the people of Maban [Upper Nile] can remember that not too long ago they were the ones who had to flee to the north or to Ethiopia seeking for a safer place. Thus true hospitality is very important," said Bishop Adwok to a group of refugees and parish representatives.
Prior to its separation from Sudan, people from Maban were being hosted across the border. These roles have been reversed, as Maban now hosts more than 130,000 refugees from Blue Nile State in Sudan. Bishop Adwok, who spent time visiting the Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) projects, underlined the importance of meeting both refugee and host community needs and fostering a welcoming environment.
"It is very important for JRS to be a bridge between the refugees and the host community. I also ask you to be strong advocates of the needs of the refugees. I have been with them; I have heard their plea, and it cannot remain unattended," the bishop added.
While visiting the JRS teacher training and English adult education programmes being offered to the host community, the bishop encouraged the students to take this opportunity to learn more so they can serve better their people.
The words of the bishop, who spent the afternoon in Doro refugee camp sharing the joys and sorrows of the Sudanese refugees, reflected those of Adolfo Nicolás SJ, Father General of the Society of Jesus. Speaking at an event organised in Rome to commemorate the thirty-fourth anniversary of the foundation of JRS, Fr Nicolás emphasized the centrality of the hospitality toward refugees.
"Our understanding recognises the claim that all of us have to be welcomed, not because we are members of a specific family, race or faith community, but simply because we are human beings who deserve welcome and respect."
This call to welcome the refugees and to be active advocates of their needs echoes the vital role the Catholic Church played during the long years of war in South Sudan, as it has been captured by John Ashworth in his recent book, The Voice of the Voiceless. In times of war and destruction the voice of the Church can become a source of consolation to those who suffer and bring some international attention to conflicts otherwise forgotten.
Despite having been evacuated twice in 2014 due to the insecurity, the JRS team on the ground hopes to build peace and stability, deepening its commitment to the refugees and host community members in Maban in the journey towards a more dignified future. Bishop Adwok's recent visit has been a joyful reminder that the Church leaders remain with their people through thick and thin, even asking them to go an extra mile and become true beacons of hospitality.
- See more at: http://en.jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20141211091944#sthash.kzuhoQFs.dpuf
- Originally publised here:http://en.jrs.net
Today
you are here in this land, in exile, but the people of Maban [Upper
Nile] can remember that not too long ago they were the ones who had to
flee to the north or to Ethiopia seeking for a safer place. Thus true
hospitality is very important," said Bishop Adwok to a group of refugees
and parish representatives. - See more at:
http://en.jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20141211091944#sthash.JhK5Wewa.dpuf
"It
is very important for JRS to be a bridge between the refugees and the
host community. I also ask you to be strong advocates of the needs of
the refugees. I have been with them; I have heard their plea, and it
cannot remain unattended," - See more at:
http://en.jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20141211091944#sthash.JhK5Wewa.dpuf
"It
is very important for JRS to be a bridge between the refugees and the
host community. I also ask you to be strong advocates of the needs of
the refugees. I have been with them; I have heard their plea, and it
cannot remain unattended," - See more at:
http://en.jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20141211091944#sthash.JhK5Wewa.dpuf
"It
is very important for JRS to be a bridge between the refugees and the
host community. I also ask you to be strong advocates of the needs of
the refugees. I have been with them; I have heard their plea, and it
cannot remain unattended," - See more at:
http://en.jrs.net/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20141211091944#sthash.JhK5Wewa.dpuf
 |
| Bishop Daniel Adwok adressed the students from the Basic English course (A. Sánchez) |
dimecres, 3 de desembre del 2014
I AM A LION - SOY UN LEÓN
 |
| Jacob, a good carpenter and better friend - Jacob trabaja la madera de maravilla - Doro refugee camp, Maban _ PV |
ENG
A few days ago I went to visit Jacob, Ana´s husband, and as usual he was working hard on some piece of wood. He is a local carpenter who does wonderful furniture with just a few tools.
Since we meet the first time, a beautiful friendship has developed. Some time ago I brough a present for him: a brand new hacksaw. Last week when I visited him he gave me a chicken to take home with me.
When I asked him if we has able to use the saw, he raised his head, looked at me and said (through translation): "I am a lion now. I cut down trees like a lion."
Jacob, Anna, and many other of my friends in Doro refugee camp, remind me of the beauty of life despite all the challenges. Now next time you come here to visit, if you hear a roaring sound coming from the bush, you know who it is.
CAS
Hace unos días fui a visitar a Jacob, el marido de Ana. Es un buen carpintero, aprendió el oficio sin maestro ni librillo.
Desde el primer día que nos conocimos entablamos buena conexión. En Octubre le llevé una sierra de regalo, algo que en alguna ocasión había insinuado que andaba buscando. La semana pasada me regaló un pollo para llevar a casa y meterlo a la cazuela.
Al preguntarle por la sierra, levantó la cabeza lentamente, me miró con esos ojos medio tristes medio sabios suyos y me dijo: "Ahora soy un león. Corto árboles como un león."
Jacob, Ana y tantos otros amigos del campo de refugiados de Doro me recuerdan la belleza de la vida, a pesar de los retos y dificultades. Cuando vengais por estos lares y oigais un rugido salido de la selva, ya sabeis quien es.
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