When Takween was young, it was common for the boys from different villages among the Moro Tribe to come together and have stick fights for sport. Two guys would face off, holding a sort of palm frond as a shield and a long stick with the other. Essentially a sword fight with sticks.
So Takween went to represent Korarak, his village, one day, and came home having lost one eye. After some time, maybe a month or so, he went out for another stick fight. He came home without his second eye. I estimate he is now about 70 and has been blind since he was a teenager.
At one point during the brutal civil war that raged through out Sudan, and especially the Nuba Mountains, Takween was left to flee by himself as the government attacked. He stumbled up the mountains, trying to escape. Someone from the village found him and helped him through the mountains. That man took Takween into his home in the mountains, feeding and caring for him. That man and his family were Christians. Takween became saved and has never looked back.
I met him early in 2007 while researching the churches in Nuba. My first translator and best friend Pastor Morris Kartena is the pastor of one church in Korarak, while Takween belongs to the other. I heard Takween's story and testimony at the time, sincerely enjoying his animated story telling.
A few months ago I was able to return to Korarak, while helping to host a group of visitors and donors. It was my first time there in more than 18 months. I found Takween, and as soon as he heard my voice, he grabbed my arm. My arms are hairier than most Americans, and a whole lot hairier than the locals. As soon as he felt the hair he spoke my name, Haroun, knowing exactly who I was.
The visitors met with him and heard his story. At the end they asked him what his needs were. Takween did not seem to understand the question. He replied that he didn't need anything. Those visitors asked probably twenty people what their needs were, and everyone had a list ready for them. Only Takween the blind man, and a cripple named Kamal Tutu were able to say that they did not need anything. They were content. Paul the Apostle said, "I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want." Amazing that the two guys who had the least in the eyes of the world - a blind man and a cripple - were the only ones who had learned the secret to being content.
I was in Korarak again this past Thursday. I spent only one day, but I went looking for Takween in the afternoon once I finished work. Our compound manager/village chief told me I would find him at the church.
Takween was asleep on some rocks sitting next to the wall of the church that SP had helped to build in the 18 months that I was away. I called greetings, in what seemed like pretty good Arabic to me, but he knew me immediately anyways. We sat and talked for 30 minutes. Really we just talked at each other. It's weird that I consider him a friend though we can't speak two sentences to each other without a translator.
Pastor Morris later told me that Takween is always at the church. He is there for youth services on Wednesday and women's prayer time on Thursdays. On Sunday I am told he is the most vocal attendee, his hallelujahs raining out over the congregation. He naps beside the church when nothing is going on inside.
As much frustration as I've had in my time with this church building program, I do have this comfort: My friend Takween has a very nice wall to take his naps against.
A couple other pics.
We have some problems with the soil blocks used a couple years ago when building churches. Thus some churches have started to fall apart and we have replaced them. Though I hope this comical sight only exists in this one spot.
A tent I spent quite a few nights in back in 2007. For some reason it still lives with the family there instead of being reclaimed by SP. Whatever.
And finally, one of the moments that helped me remember why I am here.
