The Healing Trail - Refugees Sharing with Australian Communities
On the weekend of 3-4 June 2006, Visier Sanyu (Refugee Program officer in Victoria) took 41 refugees and asylum seekers on a Healing Trail to Mooroopna in rural Victoria. The Healing Trail was hosted by the Uniting Church of Mooroopna and other churches in the area. Ten children took part in this Healing Trail, including a five month old and seven month month old babies. Stories, dance and music were presented from Dinka and Nuer of Sudan, Congo, Karen and Chin of Burma and Naga of India and Burma.The Healing Trail presentation was attended by over 200 people.
The Healing Trail - Refugees finding new dreams with us... some reflections
 Laura Vertigan: I lead a privileged life, and am often surprised by the wonderful gifts that come my way. Being asked to join this healing trail was one such gift. I do not know what I have to offer here, I am not a refugee, nor have I done any work particularly with refugees, but I am so grateful for the chance to walk together with this group for some of the journey, and to be associated with them. It was also lovely to get a chance to visit my hometown, Numurkah, and the church I was baptised and grew up in, and reconnect with old family friends. It highlighted a stark contrast my joy at returning home, together on the same journey with some who have been forced so far from home, who may never share that privilege.
Visier had asked me to tell my story in parallel to David's, which was confronting for me. While being in many ways blessed, my life has not been without it's struggles, some of them deeply painful for me even now. I did not want to box either of our lives into simplistic stereotypes, that is not being real. I have long ago learnt that suffering cannot be compared, and that while in so many ways Australia is 'the lucky country', we, like all of humanity, have deep hurts that cannot and should not be disparaged. I believe the world's suffering is intrinsically connected, and no single country can be whole and healthy while any other country is not. Still, I found it a real challenge to stand next to David telling his story, and to be the only non-refugee sharing my story, without feeling a bit like a 'whining Aussie'. I hope the message came across that we are all human, we cannot brush aside other people's pain by thinking they are not like us, because the human condition is always one of suffering and sadness, as well as joy and life.
When the two busloads first met up, a crowd of Sudanese children came out looking a bit lost and shy. I felt awkward and inadequate, and I prepared myself for a weekend of faltering conversation and nervousness. Within minutes, however, the kids showed themselves to be bright, confident and cheeky; normal, wonderful young people. We all introduced ourselves with a handshake, and after the formalities got right down to having fun together and being the 'bad kids down the back of the bus'. With squirting, sticky soft drinks and lollies (the spillage wasn't me, Ralph!) they reminded me of my 'rat-bag' brothers in years gone by, and from my now slightly older vantage point, I just appreciated every minute of it. We even got a chance to talk openly about some issues that will soon be facing them like other aussie kids their age. I would like to hang out more with them and be a friend as their teenage social pressures become more intense, I hope I can somehow create the space. I was so glad to have the kids along. The deep sharing is so important, but so is the natural hanging out that kids do, kicking a soccer ball, running my phone batteries down to empty with games, and getting into trouble for wrestling in the back seat. It is this that opens us up to each other's humanity and offers me hope that, however slowly, our world can heal. 
Joan and her Church Council: "I had no idea what to expect [from a man of 90!]. I thought it was a wonderful time."
"Wasn't it wonderful to see the children - as soon as the bus arrived, they were playing together & making friends. Wouldn't it be good if the world were governed by children!"
"I found it challenging to be a host, as the woman [mother] who was to stay with me was not confident with her English. But when we got home, I just watched to see how she handled her family. And I learned from that what to do. In our home she spoke more easily."
"They all loved the fresh fruit. One Chin girl was amazed when I said it didn't belong to the government, it belonged to the orchardist, & we can all buy it."
"The Chin girls who came to Numurkah Uniting Church were very shy at first, & nervous about the big congregation. But one girl, once she started, could hardly stop. The congregation members crowded around after the service to ask more questions. Now they want to know how else they can help."
"David Nyuol was such an asset in our two services [Colbinabbin & Murchison UCs]. He is a very impressive young man. What an amazing story he has, at such a young age! I couldn't help comparing him with other young Australians of the same age."
"It was wonderful how the mothers trusted us with their babies. We loved holding them as they fell asleep." [from Joan - I loved looking around the congregation & seeing the smiles of delight on our people's faces as some of them held the babies, & the little children moved among them.]
"I loved the music - weren't they wonderful singers? And to sing like that without any instruments! "[The Sudanese people.]
"Didn't the singing in church sound great with all the extra voices!"
From a lady wiping dishes after Sunday's lunch: "I learned things last night that I had no idea about."
Joan again - I really appreciated the strong faith, & the way people shared their journeys & faith so readily.
I was delighted that without planning, the weekend co-incided with Pentecost. It was for us all a wonderful way to celebrate, & see in action, the work of the Holy Spirit who makes the good news available to all people. We could see God's Spirit breaking down barriers again, just as happened 2000 years ago!
 Gail and Alastair: Let me begin at the beginning. We packed our bags by being carefully selective; a modest overnight bag each. Our Refugee friends carried a humble backpack half the size of ours! What ever did we have in ours again? Surely we do not need all the contents. A poignant learning.
I approached the group from Burma alone, introducing myself to each member and receiving a warm, sincere welcome into their midst. Alastair later joined us and the response was the same. A heartfelt start to our time together.
Then the group from the Sudan arrived with warm handshakes and smiles. It was time to assemble and gather some knowledge about the program for the bus trip. Alastair joined the group from Burma while I climbed into the front seat of the bus carrying the refugees from the Sudan.
It was time to set off. Suddenly half the bus load needed to find a toilet so a quick dismount was made. Then all was ready again. Martin, our very capable driver suddenly asked me, 'Do you know the way?' [to Mooroopna, I wondered?] I gulped and began to suggest a possible route. Together we decided upon a direction that seemed feasible. It only had to take us out of the city leaving from Burnley station, but that was
the tricky bit! It was accomplished with skill and great aplomb by Martin.
The question, however was confronting in its pointedness and I began to reflect upon its impact. 'Do I indeed know the way?' The Way.? Yes I do. This trip is all about following 'The Way' and together we will trust what unfolds and put in our best.
Not without some curious detours by the 'Burmese' bus, which made our planned stop at Nagambie together impossible [disappointing] and the hoped for 'getting to know you time', we all finally arrived at our destination, Mooroopna. Perhaps a delegated person in charge of directions would be an asset next time to avoid un-necessary detours and delays.
Our bus had a welcome stop at Lake Nagambie though, where the children enjoyed the playground and delighted to stand on a tiny piece of sand at the water's edge, daring the lapping water to drench their shoes! This was a very new experience of water, ducks, fishing boats and the peace of a welcoming environment. Added to this pleasure there was a bag of chips and a coke for all!
Over 'The Divide' the sun shone through the here-to-fore threatening clouds. Our spirits were high as we drove through beautiful countryside all very new to our refugees. The two young babies on the bus travelled without so much as a whimper. Reflection time again for me. Securely held and fed at will, these tiny tots were content and peaceful in the arms of their parents' new lives.
My journey was given entertainment by a seven year old in the front beside me. In 'charge' of the CD's and with a running commentary and barrage of questions from this delightful young man about the countryside, sheep, cattle, horses, haystacks, dams, tractors, semis, police cars [fortunately not after us!] and numerous other points of interest, he made my trip through beautiful Victoria an engaging one. It was great fun to be conversing with this little live-wire!
Later, in the afternoon I was to ask one of the young men from Burma how he enjoyed the country drive.' Very much....but it made me feel very homesick too.' I felt a stab of pain. The Uniting Church of Mooroopna people awaited our arrival with great expectation and joy. They had prepared a tasty BBQ lunch for us and
delighted in its reception. Over this refreshment, links were made with those who had generously offered to host us overnight. Relationships across the whole group were beginning to unfold as Chins, Karens, Sudanese and Aussies got to know one another and delight in each others company.
Communication was not without its hazards and there was many a laugh as we all tried to find a way of expressing ourselves with word or sign. The children of course were examples par excellence of breaking through barriers and running headlong with the greatest spontaneity into playful, accepting relationships. Children always lead the way really. We need only look to them!
The late afternoon saw us all dispersing with our hosts to enjoy their hospitality which they gave to us unstintingly. Saturday evening in the Community Centre was an unforgettable event. First an abundant and varied spread of food was offered which we ate at small tables making conversation possible of an intimate nature. On reflection I would have wished for even greater opportunities to share like this. It was a precious time in which Alastair and I were privileged to hear stories of personal trauma of the past and the challenges of ongoing life in Melbourne for refugees and in my case, of asylum seekers.
Then came the evening's program which opened with music and singing, closely followed by a warm welcome by Joan Fisher, Minister of the Mooroopna Uniting Church. Visier told us about the Healing Trail and its hopes of encouraging new life in Australia for refugees and those seeking asylum. The opportunity for sharing stories of fleeing conflict and wars in their country of origin and of living in refugee camps and detention centres has become the Healing Trail. As story, song and dance unfolded during the evening I caught glimpses of tears and compassion on the faces of many people present. No-one could have remained untouched, unmoved by the depth of sharing, the vulnerability and the courage of those taking part. We listened as two young people from the Sudan and Australia invited us into their stories of parallel lives, so remarkably different and devastatingly confronting.
More singing led us into a most harrowing story of a Karen; her life as a child soldier and the life she had been forced to lead in Burma. The content of the evening was rich in variety, colour, pace and pathos. It was inspiring, challenging, enlightening and we are sure, therapeutic for all taking part. From the songs and dances flowed a sense of sincere joy and gratitude from the refugees for being able to offer something intrinsic of
themselves and of their culture.
A candle lighting ceremony brought many people to their feet to light a taper for a loved one or for a situation of need. The tapers were accompanied by prayers. Again it was a moving time as yearning hearts were opened and hurts revealed.
Sunday worship was magnificent! How could it be otherwise on a Pentecost morning as we all celebrated the gift of the Spirit decked in our Red! Sudanese, Chins, Karens and Aussies; God's people together, God's people sharing the gift of vulnerability, mutuality, praise and new life together all under the wide outstretched arms of the cross. The timing of the weekend around Pentecost was indeed a blessing, the strength of which was keenly felt in this service of worship. The choice of hymns, songs, readings "in tongues, "an inspiring address from one of the Chins, the Lord's Prayer in native languages, a lengthy passing of the peace and communion, were all blessed with the gracious and particular presence of Joan , our hard-working and most attentive host and minister. The Spirit truly moved.
During lunch the fellowship flowed freely; the sun shone warmly. By now we had made friendships of a new order, we would never be the same again. Not after this weekend! Before eating together, there was more singing and story telling; chilling reminders of traumas in the past lives amongst us. We listened and we grew in understanding and compassion and a commitment to deepen our connection with those seeking a new life in our land.
 Time for farewells and thanks came all too soon. A keynote of the Healing Trail had been that of mutuality. Our hosts kept repeating their gratitude for all they had received. Privileged to offer hospitality, they farewelled the group conscious of new and lasting links and of their resolve to befriend their Congolese neighbours and refugee friends from Melbourne.
We all felt, I think, that the words on the cover of the Order of Service: 'Accept me as I am - only then will we discover each other, had been fulfilled this weekend. A blessing for all. We are grateful for the meeting of these wonderful young refugees, Visier, and look forward to further good times together. Shalom!
Photos: Visier Sanyu
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