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.

Sunday, February 14, 2010

I heard it was Valentine's Day

Happy Valentine's Day to all. Did not realize it until I turned on my computer! Not a big holiday here. Yesterday Ajak, John the driver/mechanic, and I went to Bor. We stopped at the Deng clan compound and found Dr. Deng, grabbed him, and then went to Ajak's sister's home. She has 7 kids and no husband. Ajak supports her. I  gave her clothes for the kids last year and saw they still had them on.. So this year I gave cash so she can get clothes as needed. She is well as is Ajak's mother. I met all of them on my first trip here, in 2008, and have made a point of visiting several times during my stay.
Ajak's kin and me

Ajak's mom
Dr. Ajak conferring with his Mom



Dr. Deng with Ajak's nephews
Ahh, Sudanese bar-b-que
We also went to Freedom Hotel and restaurant and had some refreshments. It was fun. It was as if I had never left. Saw the people who worked there and they all greeted me by name.  Again, we picked up a table and sat behind the restaurant where the staff lives, just like last year. Then nobody watches us us. Sounds odd, but that's the way it is. Bor is growing. It is so Africa. Yikes, have to run, but will finish later.

OK, I am back. Had a dressing change to do. Yes, like at home, nurses work on Sunday! Everyone went to Bor, Ajak and I stayed. A few patients in the hospital. They will all have Ethiopian food in Bor. I am sure I will get my fill during my time here. The truck was full and I am looking forward to a quiet day - blogging and washing my underwear. Who could ask for a better life?! So Ajak and I go over things here in the hospital and figure out where there needs to be changes (a clean utility room) and how to dispose of unnecessary things. We make some progress even on Sunday. And I enjoy the quiet of the compound. Not much traffic on the road. Only some troop transport vehicles. Ajak said they are the disarming crew. They are headed for the Merle (not sure of spelling) another tribe that have caused a few problems in this area. The Dinka in this area have already been disarmed. I have not heard any gun fire this year.

Well, on that pleasant note, I will say hasta manana or wo be yook nhiak - see you tomorrow
C
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2 comments:

  1. UnknownFebruary 14, 2010 at 8:55 AM

    Happy Valentine's Day to you too!

    ReplyDelete
  2. loreleiFebruary 14, 2010 at 10:04 PM

    Thanks for sharing the blog. I'm happy to hear about the progress over there and the team you're working with. Glad you're safe :) Stay outta the sun and continue washing your underwear on a regular basis.

    ReplyDelete

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