A Long Walk to Water

Southern Sudan, 2009

After three days, the men finally hit water. Nya watches as everyone marvels, shouts, and laughs. The two drillers are drenched with the water. However, the water is muddy, not clean and clear as Nya had expected.

Ifo Refugee Camp, Kenya, 1992-96

Kakuma refugee camp is surrounded by barbed wire. The inhabitants are not allowed to leave unless it is for good. At age 22, Salva has lived in several refugee camps. His life consists of forever waiting for food and for news from the world beyond the barbed wire. The atmosphere is almost uninhabitable. For example, outsiders sneak in and steal the residents’ things. He wishes he could work and save some money, perhaps for his education, but no work exists.

Salva finally decides to set out for another refugee camp he has heard of—Ifo, a walk of several months. Several boys follow him as he wanders. Ifo, however, is no better. People never have enough food and sickness abounds. Salva is thankful for his health. However, Salva simply spends more time waiting there—years in fact.

English-speaking camp workers are plentiful at the camp. Salva develops a friendship with one named Michael after trying to speak some English he had picked up.