A group of 23 pastors are gathered at KISOM this balmy afternoon to deepen their understanding of trauma. Dr. Margaret Diddams (professor of psychology) is part of our IAFR team on this trip.

She began by asking the pastors to share their trauma related questions. The questions came rapid fire.

The people in Kakuma refugee camp have suffered multiple traumas. They have all suffered the trauma of being uprooted from their homes and countries. Many have personally suffered and lost loved ones.

Once in Kakuma, they live with the toxic stress of simply trying to survive here. Things like child abuse, exploitation, violence, and rape are common place.

On top of that, they live with complete uncertainty concerning their own future as people they will never meet make the decisions about where they live, what they eat, and if/where they can travel.

Our hope is that this session will be a helpful refresher to the pastors as they are on the frontlines when it comes to caring for people in this challenging environment.