Peace

The Friday before we left to go to the villages was the International Day of Peace. Since living here, I don't think peace has ever been such a reality to me. I have never been around people that depend and pray for peace so much! As I have spoken to individuals, one common thread seems to run through our conversations. They know the value and worth of life, because they know what it feels like to be close to losing it. Sierra Leone has been without war and "at peace" since 2002. Even though there is no fear of war currently in the country, this does not mean that Sierra Leoneans are at peace. As we drove out of the city and into the country I saw many camps for displaced people. The way these people are forced to live is anything but peaceful. They are without the basic necessities of clean water, food, and shelter. Each day as they struggle to survive, they are reminded of the events of the war that caused them these hardships. As I witnessed the conditions the people live in, it was hard to believe what my eyes were actually seeing. It was definitely not a community at peace. Peace is the work of justice and love in the world. In my opinion, the peace that comes from God is the restoration of order to the way God meant for things to be and this is done through love. A common krio phrase that people say when you ask them how they are is "TeGotanki." It means "Give God Thanks!" One thing that I have learned to "TeGotanki" for is the example of those who, no matter what the circumstance, continue to thank God. They may not have physical peace, but they experience peace in their hearts in knowing the love and faithfulness of God.