The atrocities of war often don't make sense.
James was awakened in the middle of the night and attacked in his home in South Sudan. He didn't know who the men were or why they were attacking him. They drug him out of his home, tortured him and cut off his foot.
After the attack, his neighbors helped him find immediate care at a clinic near his village. Then they brought him to the Uganda border with others who were fleeing the war.
Once in Uganda, he was able to get fuller medical care.
Since then, he has settled in Bidi Bidi camp, which is the largest refugee camp in Uganda. He has been there since 2016.
But life with a handicap is difficult for James. He doesn't have a wheelchair or prosthetics. At the time of the war, his family and relatives were scattered, so the church and the neighbors have helped take care of him. He is a recipient of care packages from Refugee Relief, which is he grateful for.
But when you are a refugee, whether you are handicapped or not, you must fend for yourself as much as possible.
James' disability makes it so he can't work. He leaves his hut without help. Even small things, like collecting firewood and cooking are a challenge. He relies on others for the basics.
While other refugees consider going back to South Sudan, that isn't an option for James. He doesn't have family there or a support system.
For now, he will stay in Bidi Bidi.
His hope for the future is to trust in the hand of God, he says.
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