by Ryan Trinidad (written on August 2)
Today we visit the Liberian Refugee Camp in Buduburum. The main theme for today is to learn more about the war in Liberia and what has resulted from it. We were all unprepared to experience for what we saw next. We were under the impression that the camp was not in use, and we were just touring the facilities. There was a mix up in information and communication somewhere. But when we arrived to the camp, it was very full of people and very much in use. We came unprepared and had a bad feeling from the moment we stepped off of the van. As the tour guide took us to the first stop, we all felt very uncomfortable and out of place. I myself felt like an intruder on people’s homes. The schedule intended us to solely visit the camp and tour it. But we all asked ourselves, “Why are we just touring a refugee camp, shouldn’t we be helping?” I believe the people living there were asking us the same question as we walked through the complex. I’ve never felt so out of place. It was like we were in a zoo. Meaning we were there as spectators, the last thing I ever wanted to be in a place where people are in need of assistance. So as the group went on, we all decided that we needed to leave the complex immediately. There were a few awkward and somewhat difficult situations in the course of our exit. But, I won’t get into those details because they are too personal for me and my fellow students. I also decided to keep my camera away the entire time because I wanted to stay respectful as always. In fact, not one camera came out by any us students while we were there. So I apologize now that this post has no photos, but again this was out of respect for the people there. This was far from a spectating or tourist trip.
As saddening as this trip sounds, I take positive things away from it. First of all, it definitely brought us closer as a group. Secondly, it will be a situation and day that I will keep with me for the rest of my life. I will never forget this day. With this I am thankful…
