Spring Team 05 Report: "Constant Gunfire"

Spring Team 05 Report: "Constant Gunfire"

April 12, 2005
9:45 p.m.
by Mary


Gunshots! I am startled out of reading the newspaper by the sound of gunfire.
The sound is unmistakable and relentless. My ISM housemate, more experienced than I, confirms that it is coming from a moderate distance away, but within the city limits. Some of it is automatic weapon fire, some larger caliber shells. I am worried, for 2 of my Michigan Peace Team (MPT) teammates and two ISM staff had left hours earlier to get something to eat, then trek to the internet cafe - - They're still not back. My housemate, Yon, has no credits left on his cell phone, and the apartment has no landline. He reassures me
that the ISM staff accompanying the MPT volunteers will give wise counsel on
how all my return safely to the apartment.
It is surreal, listening to the constant drumroll of bullets and munitions. An
ambulance screems down the street, but virtually no one looks up. The handfull
of pedestrians that I can see hurry to finish their errands: They appear stoic
but determined to complete their self-imposed assignments before outside
circumstances make it impossible.
Suddenly, there is a sound at the door and my friends arrive home: they are
safe and sound. And all at once I realize I've been clenching my jaw. - - I
make the conscious effort to relax. I take a breath, then another. Start
again