Gun shots resounding in the air, running and praying for my life at the same time. As I am running I pass dead bodies, the land that I grew up in now full of blood stains. The beautiful land that I once called home, now dark and tainted by the many sins of man. As I am running the thoughts that I did not want a part of this pass before me, and in the distance I hear and see the vehicle of the enemy drawing closer. Discarding those thoughts I lie down and cover myself with the blood of my fellow country man, the aim to disguise myself as dead. As the vehicle draws even closer the enemy steps out of the vehicle, holding my heart in my hand I say a little prayer. Believing God protects his children and praying that all people all over the earth who are free from war and oppression would appreciate the blessing. The enemy kicks a few bodies to test that they are truly dead and I hear the footsteps right behind me, so I increase my prayer, then in the distance gun shots are fired causing the enemy to leave and drive off to the scene. When the coast is clear I allow my self to breath, grateful to God for being my life line and for protecting me. Soon after I get up and continue on with the race for my life, praying to God to get into the nearest refugee camp before dark. Knowing in my heart that someone out there in the world is interceding for me and my country, and their prayers are my life line, so that is why I am alive and hence there is hope for the future.
by Rumbidzai Chekeche - January 2008
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