CPTnet
June 6, 2002
COLOMBIA: A letter home from Lena Siegers

[Note: The following letter has been edited for length and clarity.]

Dear family and friends,

Life does go on amidst death here in Colombia. Sometimes it seems there is
more death than life but there is life and love all around us. I really
love to spend time with the farmers in the country side. Little chicks and
ducklings pick the mosquitoes off our legs as we sit and visit. At those
times it is hard to imagine all the war going on here. I play and sing with
the children. They sing in Spanish and I sing in English. I miss my
grandchildren but I entertain myself with other folks' grandchildren.

The Navy has been out on the river. They carry huge army rifles. One young
fellow proudly showed me his gun. I told him I don't believe that guns
resolve violence. He said that Colombia needs guns to combat the illegal
armed groups. I responded by reminding him that in 50 years of violent gun
battles the war is ongoing and Colombia is in worse condition today than it
was 50 years ago. He said he agrees with me but he had to do something, and
he likes his career. He said his commander trained at the School of the
Americas in Georgia.

The Navy was bringing their guns into peoples houses while they drank
coffee. I asked them if there were enemies in the houses. They said no, so
I asked them to leave there guns outside the house. They did. It is very
intimidating for the farmers to have armed groups visit.

CPT asked the Navy to set up their check point away from the houses. It is
dangerous for the civilians because they can get caught in crossfire when
another group arrives and starts shooting.

The return to the Cienega has not yet happened. Many displaced families are
waiting to go back home. It is hard for me to imagine living as a refugee
in my own country. I have had a very easy life and it is not because I
deserve it any more than these mothers who try to live out a family life in
an old dilapidated school. The showers they share with many others are
always leaking. The toilets don't flush but need to have water carried to
pour down them. I just take life too much for granted.

Thanks for all your love and prayers,

Lena