I come from a long line of wanderers so it is not strange that I go to South Sudan - Now called The Republic of South Sudan - to work at Memorial Christian Hospital. I have been doing this since 2008. The hospital is located in the bush near the village of Werkok. It is northeast of Bor, if you look on a map. People walk, sometimes for days, to get medical care. Dr. Ajak is the Dr. Boss-man. He arrived a week after I did in 2008 and has graciously stayed, keeping the place open and allowing me to continue to visit and work.

Memorial Christian Hospital & Compound

Memorial Christian Hospital & Compound
I will be returning to South Sudan next month, October, 2011. I am very excited to be on my way back to the land I so love. I miss the people and hardly a day goes by that I don't think of my colleagues and friends. And, as I said in the past, I come from a long line of wanderers and the call to get back wandering is very strong!

I have recently added pictures to my blog. Please go to the beginning of the blog and read forward to see the work that is being done. This puts faces on all the people I have written about. Learn about Gabriel and his family, Dr. Ajak's work and all the Mamas. I will begin writing again as I prepare to go next month. I hope you join me on this adventure.

Tuesday, February 9, 2010

Back in the swing of things

Tom & Tim working on the veranda


Back in the OR with Dr. Ajak
 Day consisted of 6 surgeries and also clinic. I helped Dr. Ajak in surgery while Junko worked the clinic. The construction team, I have only mentioned 2 - Tim and Tom who flew in with me - has been very busy working on the veranda. This is so great since I pushed for one for the past 2 years. It will give shade, keep direct sunlight out and keep the rain out. Patients can sit outside on the veranda and be in a relatively clean area. This is good. Aaron, a young kid (maybe 21) is kind of in charge. He has been here since November and has done so much with the compound. He was here last year while I was here. One of the best things is that he is buying local. That can mean as far away as Uganda. But it is African and it is employing people. Many of the same workers are around from before - John, Blind Daniel, and alot more I recognize but don't know their names. Rounding out the team is Matt.  Matt is from around Grand Rapids and will be going to Michigan State University next year.  He, along with Aaron, are here long term.

Neighbors of the compound
Junko and I took a walk to downtown Werkok this evening. Lots of kids. Also met a lost boy from Atlanta. This is his third trip back to see his family since finding them. He is having a good visit but recognizes how hard life is here. He does not want to move here permanently. The kids we saw are cute as can be. Of course lots of dirt and head fungus, eyes are swollen with the fly bites. But they are very happy and kind. Also very shy.

Ajak has left this evening for Juba. He has an interview with the Defense Minister who is interviewing all the Cuban boys. I'll explain that whole connection tomorrow. I think he is being interviewed on his past military service. Hope they don't make him reenlist. That would be terrible.

This is all for now. Hope all is well. We are HOT HOT, HOT. Thanks for reading.
C
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3 comments:

  1. AnonymousFebruary 9, 2010 at 10:24 AM

    Hi Mummy! I love you and miss you. Please tell Dr. Ajak that I say hello. While you're HOT HOT HOT in Sudan, we're under feet and feet of snow. People are calling it SNOWpocalypse and SnowMG! Pretty funny. Love you.

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  2. SueDFebruary 9, 2010 at 2:40 PM

    Sounds like an exciting time ,Catherine. How long a walk to town? I truly admire your involvement! Waiting for the Snow to hit us tonight(hoping for a snow day)...apparently Bits is already inundated!

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  3. SuzyQFebruary 9, 2010 at 4:58 PM

    Wow, that sounds like a busy first day. The snow is coming and the winter weather is back in all it's raging glory...UGH! Missing you muchly...already counting down the days until you come home.

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