Manic Monday

First off, last night was soooooo hot.  We had a rain storm and the humidity was awful and it never cooled down.  Probably not too much below 95 most of the night.  So I woke up groggy and feeling the lack of sleep.  It has been a scorcher today.  Am sure around 120 in the afternoon.  I was standing outside talking to some people and my feet (in flip flop type sandles) were just burning!!!  I got something out of my bed, kneeling over the end of the bed to quickly grab my nano, and the bar at the end of my bed burned my legs!!!  This crazy country of Deng's. 

Worked the clinic this AM and also continued on with the sorting game.  I found the most interesting thing, I came across a craniotomy drill.  We do tons of neurosurgery around here.  Sheeesh, same story, different day.

Aaron, Tanner and Thom  have been working on the front end loader.  It is now running.  They installed the new bathroom.  It is off in a corner of the compound and I made a comment on having to use the old one because the grass is so long around the new one I am afraid I will run into a snake.  So they made a really wide walkway to the outhouse.  Isn't that nice of Aaron to do for me.  Catherine's corridor is what they called it.  Make sense to me.  I got pics.  Aaron also dug a hole that we can put medical stuff in to bury.  It will be the expired things that will never be used.  It will be nice to get the xray room cleaned up from all those boxes.They have also moved all the junk that was laying around.  Parts to the tractor, blocks of cement, I was waiting for a pink trailer on cinder blocks to show up to the compound.  We are like a bunch of hillbillies. I took pictures to show how nicely they cleaned the place up.

Everyone except Jon Jok, Jacob and I went to Bor for the night.  Compound is really quiet.  I worked until about 6 pm and came to the dining hall to eat, then shower, then lay in bed and read.  Hmmmm, no dinner.  It was left for me to make.  Not sure who arranged that one.  But I am not happy. 

It is still really hot out.  still and hot.  Probably around 110-120 degrees.  There are whispy clouds but it doesn't seem like rain.  Just summer heat.  Well I hope all is well with everyone.  It is hard to believe that I may be starting my journey home in a week or so, depending on how I am getting out of Sudan.  Still working on that one.  VOM comes on next tuesday.  Maybe they are headed to Nairobi and I can catch a ride.  I hope to hear from them soon.  We will see.

Sweet dreams to all
C

Saturday and Sunday

Internet down all day yesterday.  Worked clinic in the morning.  It was not too busy.  Finished around 1:30.  Had an I&D on the left breast of a woman who is 2 weeks postpartum.  I felt so bad for her.  We had to pack the wound.  She returned today and is so much  better.  She said she is feeling much better and slept well last night.

Yesterday most everyone went up to Padok.  Jacob, Jon Jok and I were the only ones here.  Compound .  Had alot of reading time in the afternoon.  It was really hot yesterday and today.  Nights have been OK.  I hope tonight stays cool. 

Not alot going on.  I made dinner.  Now I am just chilling.  Am just really ready to go to bed.  I am suppose to go to the schools tomorrow.  But I may go later in the week.  Tomorrow is their first day and it is always so busy here on Mondays.  We will see if I go.  I think Ajak will be coming back tomorrow night.  We will make our plans for some things I need to do in Bor. 

As time goes on, it seems to be clearer that the making of a gov't is extremely difficult.  I don't hear of much happening, but the bureaucracy seems to be growing.  That is just my perception.  I don't think Bor County is doing all that well.  The stories I hear about the loss of things for Bor Hospital is crazy.  Where has the stuff gone that was designated for that hospital?  They have no sutures.  We gave them some.  I think I mentioned that the other day.  We shall see what fate has in store for this place.  It is backwards, that is for sure.  And despite all of that, I love it here.  I just offer up my services and care for the people who show up to clinic each day. 

Good night to all
C

Wow, it is Friday

Hard to believe that I will be home in two weeks.  The time is passing so fast.  Did some clinic stuff today and then started going through the stuff that was sent here on the container.  I must admit, it is a daunting task to go through all of these boxes.  There are hundreds of them and one box can have 40 to 50 different types of  items in it. Wound care stuff, open heart supplies, art lines.  There is no sense in this.  I don't want to sound ungrateful, but there is a problem when Africa becomes a medical rummage sale.  WE HAVE NO ELECTRICITY!  Please don't send 4 cases of dialysis tubing or the wound vac sponges and tubing, there are at least 12 dozen boxes of the pressure leg wraps used to prevent DVT's.  We have no wound vac.  We do not do art lines.  What a shame that a group paid $20,000 to have that container shipped to Sudan.  That money could provide medicines for two years.  This is such a shame.  OK, off my tirade.  Just had to vent.

Peter and I walked to town after I finished making dinner.  It took a long time to get there because of all the people coming out and saying hello.  Saw many people that I know.  All the kids are too cute.  No camera today.  In town we got a cold pop.  And then I greeted the Chiefs.  We talked about the town and the hospital.  It was interesting.  I watched Ajak play dominoes again.  Saw James, who use to work for PCC on the compound.  He was the person who brought info to Dave Mueller regarding farrell cement.  Dave and James made several of the buildings on the site out of this.  They are still standing and in good shape.  It was good to see him again.

The sunset was beautiful - it goes right through the trees in Werkok.  This place is so beautiful at that time of the day.  Everything has a glow and the yellow grasses are so golden bright.  I just love it.

I still don't know how I am getting to Nairobi.  Have a couple of things planned.  I hope to make plans soon as there has been some changes on flights from Juba.  I am sure I won't have any problem.  Just need to do it. Maybe tomorrow.

Good night, all

C

Life Is A Highway

The big machine was in the distance, dirt and dust flying all around.  Yes, it is the grater, filling in the ruts in the road.  It will be so much easier for patients to get here.  Going to Bor Town will be 30 minutes instead of an hour.  This is such a great thing.  Some people from Bor Hospital arrived today to get some sutures.  Their hospital is out of them and they have had to cancel surgeries.  Crazy.

Had clinic this morning.  Surgeries this afternoon.  Sick old lady we rehydrated and gave meds to.  She was able to walk home.  It has been very very hot out.  A little bit of a rain today.  That is unusual.  Every time you move sweat appears in all parts of your body.  I think it got up to about 115 degrees today in the shade with a bit of humidity and no wind.  Usually there is a wind.  No air movement right now.

Ajak and I went into town this evening.  Most everyone else is gone.  Ajak played dominoes with the local guys.  Few of the hospital staff also playing.  It was fun.  Lots of laughing.  Life is good.
All is well
C

Hump Day

Mid week.  The Team got off this AM.  I still am not clear where they were going.  But at some point they 'will end up in Central African Republic.  Compound still not quiet.  Tom, Tanner and Aaron are working away at a list of thing.  Getting the backhoe going, laying wire for underground electric, getting rid of bee hives.

I spoke with three instructors from the secondary school.  They have just returned to teach for the year.  They are Sudanese, in their 30's. Now I will be able to deliver the soccer balls I brought with me. They were so curious about the United States and our culture.  They asked about my kids and I told them about Jase and Bits.  I had my computer with me so I showed them pictures. They said now that they have careers they help support you.  Hmmmm, maybe these Sudanese are on to something.  They could not believe that they don't support me.  I told them they would if I asked, we just don't ask.  We are just happy that we are not supporting them.  They could not believe this.  They asked about my house and car.  I told them I had a 1996 Toyota.  Ahhh, they said, you are very frugal.  Because Ajak was there, I felt I had to tell the truth and so I told them that a kind person has given me a new car and I will get it in September.  I asked if they knew Oprah.  They looked at me and said "is that an NGO?"  HaHaHa,  I was crackin' up.  No, I said, but she could be.  I said she has a TV show and she does nice things for people. They want to know how they can meet this Oprah.

Mawil went fishing in our pond this afternoon with a spear he has been making.  You can see the pond on the picture of the compound. We had fabulous fish for dinner.  It was great.  I did not even know that pond had fish.  Dave Mueller dug it with the front end loader about 3 years ago.  I have no idea how fish got into it.  Thanks Dave, and thanks, Mary, for cooking the fish so perfect.
Sleep tight
C
 

Tuesday, Tuesday

Great sleeping weather.  Up early, Mary here early to start pancakes.  So many people here sleeping all over the compound.  No one is worse for wear.  Enough cots, nets, pillows, covers.  I have been working on an inventory method for the meds.  After working in the pharmacy yesterday, I saw what we were out of.  I gave a list to Ajak as he was going to Bor.  I also gave him money for the meds from the donations that I got.  Thank you everyone for your contributions.  I am almost done with the inventory and the process to keep up with having an adequate amount of medicines. 

I went back into the kitchen this afternoon.  I taught Mary how to make chicken soup.  I think she got it.  I used spices by pouring them in my hand so that she could see how much to use.  I think she got it.  We also talked about some other cooking things.  She just needs a little guidance, now that we have food supplies here.  I hope she keeps up with what I have taught here.  All the Dinka's seem to like the food I have made.

The Team is still here.  AIM Air is waiting to get their renewal - to enter into Central Africa Republic.  They get this every six months and timing is that it is up for renewal right in the middle of their trip.  I think they will be off tomorrow first thing.  Capt. Jon is on the phone right now getting the license number.  It has been nice having interesting people around.  Also here is a guy named Scott from Chad.  He and his wife are there with their five children.  They have been there for six years, two more to go on their contract.  He is Capt Jon's cousin and the two of them grew up in Africa as children of missionaries.  What interesting lives they lead.  Also, Dr. Glen worked with Scott's parents in Zambia when Scott was young.  So it was a reunion between them.  It really is a small world.
 
Dr. Ajak is giving an annual report on the state of the hospital in this past year.  It is interesting to hear the types of illnesses.  There were only three deaths this past year, a 65 year old and two of the triplets that I spoke so much about last year.  They died two weeks after I left last year.  Very sad, but a truth about this area.

Well, off to bed.  Hope all is well where ever you are.  All is well here.
Night, night
C

Ahhhhh, Monday

Up and moving early.  Plane expected around 10:20 with three more people coming here.  One is Tim Williams, one of the board members of PCC.  I promise to behave.  Got their beds ready, got some meds together for the pilot to take to Pibor (village northeast of us) and went over to the clinic for some work. Headed to the airstrip around 10:30 but the plane did not come until 11:30.  Also, a guy from the government was here, he was catching a ride to Pibor to pay all the government workers there.  And he was a Murle.  You know, that tribe that wreaks havoc on the lives of Dinka.  When he came into the compound,  there were audible gasps.  I knew he was coming and I said to someone "Is that the Murle".  Yup.  So I told them I was expecting him.  I had to tell them all to be on their best behavior and welcome him.

Clinic today was so busy.  Did not finish until after 7 pm.  The plane came back to drop off Ajak and Jacob.  Turns out the pilot, Jon Hildebrandt, did not yet have the paperwork to continue on with "The Team" to Congo, or where ever they are going.  It will be ready tomorrow.  So the team is back in Werkok.  They had a fairly horrific time in Pibor - I guess it depends on how you look at it.  500 patients per day, no facility, no food, just what they brought in.  This place is like the Hilton compared to that.  And they said so.  They truly seemed glad to be back.  See, it's not so bad here.

After doing clinic stuff, I went into the pharmacy to help.  Peter, James and I were working like crazy.  Some of the people were so impatient.  But when you have as many patients as we had, each getting 4 to 6 prescriptions, it takes awhile.  I started making up a game, I would see how someone was acting and then imagine who they reminded me of in regards to my patients in ER at home.  Some would call them frequent flyers, but in case Dr. Hamel is reading, it would not be me or any of my coworkers in ER who would dare use that terminology.

It has been  a long day.  Jon Jok said I did good for an old woman.  Hmmmm, he almost got a knuckle sandwhich.  All is good here, beautiful night, hoping to sleep tight.
Blessings, sweet (I almost wrote sweat) dreams (I crack myself up)
C

Who Said Night is for Sleeping

First I want to tell you about the night.  As I said yesterday, it is very hot.  The night did not cool down for the first time since I arrived.  My cot is back outside.  During the night, several things happened.  First I was woken up by a guy yelling and pounding on something.  Unsure what.  It was almost like he was chanting.  Where is that guard I was thinking to my self.  He was right across the compound from me.  Then a little while later Jon Jok came outside and was throwing rocks.  What are you doing? I asked.  He said there was an animal around and he was trying to get it out of here.  What????  I said I thought it was a drunk man.  No, didn't you see the animal?  He was crying like a human.  Yeesh, crazy land.  It was probably a jackel.

Back to sleep, a couple of hours later the wind woke me up.  Rut row, storm coming.  The wind was fierce, lightning, long low rumble of thunder lasting longer than any I have ever heard at home.  I ran over to see if Aaron was inside, as I know he sleeps out like I do.  He was already in .  I found out later that he went in early because the light of the moon kept him awake.  Jon Jok came out and told me I had to go inside.  He helped me.  Then it only rained for a few seconds but the wind and the lightning continued.  The sky was cloud covered and with the moon behind it there was a feel of a gray dawn.  But is was 3:00 am and the grayness just continued through the night until the sun rose.  I don't think anyone got a good nights sleep.

I decided yesterday that I would cook breakfast.  Joy Mueller use to make this delicious baked oatmeal.  I went on line and found a recipe that we had all the ingredients, or at least I could fudge it.  I got up early and started putting it together.  Mary the cook came and I showed her what I was doing.  Then I said she had to figure out how to bake it since I did not know how to bake it over a fire.  She makes incredible bread, so I thought she could bake this like her bread.  I suggested that, she just looked at me, hard stare.  Hmmm, whats that mean.  She came back to me 10 minutes later, the top was all burned.  I had her take off some of the coals, and put the pot on it to try to cook the inside of the oatmeal.  It only kinda worked.  Aaron was a trooper and said it was great.  (I think he is a typical young man and eats anything)  So breakfast was a bust.  Good thing we ate a lot last night.

Aaron and I went to church.  We went to the Pentacostal Church.  Many of the staff go there.  It is in a large mud building with large limbs of trees rubbed smooth to make the upright supports. It is as big as the nave at St. Paul's.  The roof, as is the syle, goes down to about four feet from the ground.  You have to duck to get inside the door.  The walls are smooth mud and they are about 5 feet tall.  The  roof does not rest on the top of the wall.  Instead, there is a space,  with some netting.  This lets air into the building.  The netting helps prevent birds and mosquitoes from getting in though there are a number of birds that fly around but seem to be able to get out through the door.

When they sing their hymns, they dance.  Their instruments are drums.  The women dance by jumping straight up and down, flinging their arms as they go up and withdrawing them as they come down.  No wonder they are do skinny.  Great aerobics.  The men, particularly this old guy named Johnson, do a back and forth hop onto each foot.  Now I thought this was traditional.  But the sermon today was imitating Christ.  We do by his example.  And one of the examples the Pastor gave was how Johnson has this funky little dance hop and all the young boys imitate him.  So I guess this is "doing the Johnson".  All the little girls jump up and down like the women.  There are so many kids there.  They are just darling.  All dressed up.  They run around and dance.  So many of them hang on my chair, staring at me.  One boy stood by me and I put my hand on this arm, as so many mothers do, running my fingers softly on this forearm.  When I stopped, he grabbed my hand and placed it back on his arm.  He had on a red shirt that said "Obama" on the front.

The day is hot.  There is a level of humidity we have not had before.  You can't move without breaking out in a sweat.  I think our cool weather is gone.  I am glad it is Sunday and I only have to clean my underwear.
Will write later.

This afternoon I was going around checking things, as there will be some people arriving tomorrow.  I went to the large tukel where they will be staying.  I was not paying any attention, approached the door and heard something and there was a big ol' snake.  I turned and ran one way, it turned and ran the other way.  I have not moved that fast since I got here.  Gosh I hate snakes.

Aaron and I went to downtown Werkok.  Thriving local metropolis.  We were sitting there drinking luke warm pop (cooler than our water) and there at "Lake Werkok" was the most beautiful bald eagle flying in.  This is the first one I have ever seen,  I did not have my camera with me.  We walked over there and he was in a tree, then would take off and soar.  Landed on the water once, quick drink then back to the sky.  He was magnificent.  Gosh I had to come to Sudan to see my first bald eagle.  What a great day.
C

Weekend!!!

Well that doesn't really mean too much here.  We work Saturday morning.  Had many patients this morning.  Peter and I were the nurses/pharmacists.  Simon, the lab tech is back.  He got his office all cleaned and started working.  Jon Jok saw the patients.  Lots of colds, some malaria, some UTI's.  We were kept busy.  Finally closed up shop around 1:15.  No inpatients.  They were all discharged yesterday.  Aaron is working on putting together the hospital beds that came.  Then we will switch things around.

Yesterday, I noted an odd odor at one end of the hospital near the surgical suite.  Today I brought Jon Jok there and said I smelled something.  I think he thought I was crazy.  He said he did not smell anything.  I said it was like a dead animal.  I don't know if he said anything to someone, but next thing I know there is a ladder against the wall by the back door of the hospital that is close to the surgical suite.  Apparently there had been quite a large bee hive inside the wall, you could get to it up top.  Someone sprayed stuff in there, so all the bees have died and it is a stinky mess.  Yeesh.  Lucy you have some 'splainen to do.  I have no idea what will happen.  I guess the hive is about six feet long, it is between the outside siding and the drywall.

Yesterday afternoon and evening were very warm.  In anticipation of the hot night, I brought my cot outside.  I put my scarf over the top of my mosquito net to block the full moon, so it would not shine in my eyes.  It was like daylight.  The birds sang all night, I am sure they thought it was daytime.  It did cool off a little bit.  Sleeping was great.  Today is very warm.  Our warmest day so far.  We no longer have a thermometer, but I would guestimate it being around 120 degrees, maybe a little warmer now that it is 2:20 in the afternoon.   I am also working on trying to get out of here around the 8th of March.  So far I don't have any firm plans to get out.  I guess it is time to figure that one out.  No one else is leaving around then, so I guess there won't be a charter.  May have to make my way back to Juba.  Then catch a flight to Nairobi.  We will see.  I have plenty of time.

I will cook dinner tonight.  Hmmmm, what delectible delight would my fellow Sudanese (and Aaron) like to have?  I will have to rummage through the container.  All is well here in South Sudan.  I am happy to be here.
Maybe I will continue later.   C

Low keyed afternoon.  I did cook dinner.  Made a soup out of canned tomatoes, canned chicken, spices, onion, garlic, and cooked the heck out of it.  Turned out ok.  Everyone ate it.  Now we are sitting outside.  The moon has not yet risen, but I expect it soon.  It is hot.  Not much wind, just a small breeze.  The crickets are so loud, natures orchestra.

We are listening to BBC.  We don't even know the country they are talking about, they just move from one to another with protests going on against governments.  Pick a northern African nation and it is happening.  Aaron was talking earlier today about Egypt.  He was crackin' us all up with his stories about how the people would take turn patroling their neighborhood.  He said people would be out their for their shift with homemade weapons.  Curtain rods, (and the curtains, too) brooms, mops, household items.  I was cracking up.  Aaron said he used a baseball bat.  What a crazy world we are in right now.

Enough said, Goodnight, Moon
C

The Sounds of Silence or at Least a Low Chatter

"The Team" is off!  They left around 8:45 this morning.  Aaron is in Bor with the blue truck to take equipment to the airport along with Ajak.  The plane left here, goes to Bor, picks up Ajak and the equipment (our airstrip is not long enough to take off with all the equipment).  Aaron will go to the market for some supplies and then head back here.

The compound is quiet, except for the chatter of the Sudanese, kind of a low hum all around.  I am the only kawaja.  Jon Jok and I will start clinic in a few minutes.  One last cup of coffee.  The night was peaceful, the compound was quiet.  Peter told me  story last night.  He said the night before around 10 pm he was washing some clothes.  Some of the team were out still talking medical stuff.  The moon was bright.  He looked over the fence and saw someone move near the trunk of a tree.  He looked hard, he said, and the person moved back into the shadow of the tree.  He said he called out and could see someone moving.  Then the person ducked down into the grass and disappeared.  Peter could no longer see him due to him being down in the grass. He is certain this was murle as this is how they operate.  The case out a place, see if there are children and cows and then attack at night.  Sections of the murle people have a very high infertility rate.  This is why they steal children.  Crazy land I am in.

Will write later.  Oh, and the chickens are already out of their coop where they have been kept while the "guests" were here.

Aaron and I took Chol and Juma to Bor Town so they could then journey to their villages and continue their work in the clinics they run.  Both are Dinka and they are CO's - clinical officiers - this is equivalent to  physician assistants in the U.S.  There has been some problems in the area of Chol's clinic and so many people have fled to the clinic compound for safety.  He is wanting to get back there so he can see what is going on and hopefully be a reassuring presence for the people.  I spent a lot of time talking to them about clinical officer education for Gabriel.  They gave me much information which I have  passed on to Gabriel, as I saw him in Bor today.  I think things are progressing nicely on that front.

In Bor Town, we had to go shopping for the compound.  We took Roda, one of the hospital Mama's, because it is better to have Dinka with us for good prices and Roda speaks Arabic, which many of the merchents speak.  This was my first time shopping for the compound.  Jon Jok made the list and put the prices down, so we knew how much to spend on each item.  Roda drove a hard bargain on many things and we came home with money in our pockets.  The market is full of people; mechants, buyers, customers, animals, kids running around,.  I think I got some action photos of Roda and Aaron in action.  Aaron also speaks Arabic. 

After that, we headed south on the road to Juba.  We were headed to S-com.  This use to be Total Oil Company.  Now it is "The Russians" or S-com.  We heard there was diesel fuel cheap.  We are nearly out and thought we could use a bargain.  So off we went.  About a 40 minute drive down the road.  We pull up and ask if they have diesel fuel for sale.  The guy says "come back at 2 pm, that is when we sell the diesel".  So we had 45 minutes to kill.

We drove a short way down the road and pulled off, looking at the Nile sweep by. I was really beautiful. Several Mama's were washing clothes.  Kids were jumping off the bank into the water.  They all seemed very efficient swimmers, even with the current.  It looked refreshing and both Aaron and I wished we could join them.  Roda didn't want anything to do with it.  Three boys, maybe 9 or 10 years old, came down to the shore.  They started stripping their clothes off.  And then they were all running and jumping into the water, jumping onto each other, dunking each other and laughing.  Such a good time.  No different than a group of boys on the beach in St. Joe.  They were so cute and having such fun.  If they splashed any of the Mama's too much, they would holler at them.

It was seven minutes before two and so off we go.  Only the battery is dead.  Yeeeesh.  We had noted some Somolis when they pulled up near us in a big 18 wheeler truck.  Six Somalis got out of the cab!!  Of course this started a banter of "how many Somalis fit.......".  When the car would not start, Aaron said, "no problem, I will just talk to the Somalis.  They know everything about cars".  Aaron walked over to the small "truck stop" that was near us and found the group of Somalis to help give us a push start.  They would come help after they finished their meal.  Sure enough, a few minutes later, out they came and they gave a push.  Off we went to the Russian's for some fuel.  We got there at 2:15 and someone directed us to the office.  They made Roda stay at the gate.  No Sudanese allowed, I guess.  As we drove to the office (their compound is HUGE) I kept seeing short, stocky, kinda creepy guys with really big brows.  And they all did it a double-take when they would see me.  Ick.  Aaron went into the office, I stayed in the car because we could not turn it off.  I could not imagine the Russians pushing the car.  Aaron came out 3 minutes later.  They are out of fuel.  He said there was a sign but he went into the airconditioned office anyway to ask.  The guy answered fast so he did not get to stay in the airconditioning very long.  You just can't make this shit up.  So we went there for nothing.  Poor Roda, just wanted to go home.

So we headed home.  We stopped at a place on the way and filled up the barrell with diesel.  The guy gave us a good deal because we are regular customers there and besides, he had really cold pop.  A nice treat.  So now we really are on our way home.  As we drove Roda made some noise about something, I turn and look and there are all these baboons along the road.  They were huge.  I said "Aaron, stop I want a picture".  So he pulled over and stopped.  Rut row, Houston we have a problem, the eagle has exploded.  You name it, we thought it.  "Aaron, how are we going to push start the car?"  Hmmmm, let me think about that.  So first off we stopped a bota with three young men on it.  They could not push the truck.  Fuel barrel in the back made the truck too heavy.  So off they went.  Next we waved down a white land cruiser.  It was Samaritan's Purse  that was headed the other way.  They were very kind and jumped out and gave us the push we needed.  OK, no more stopping, no more pictures.  As we went down the road, I saw many more baboons.  I did try to get one picture, without asking Aaron to slow down.  It did not turn out very well.  Looks like a mound of mud.  Oh well, maybe another time.

We made it home about 4:15.  I was in the shower by 4:30.  I started to write this before I forgot things and Quickcorn (Peter) came and wanted me to take pictures of the Mama's here at the compound, as they were winding down their day and gathering at the cook house.  I took some, they are so good, and then Peter got into the pictures with them.  He is looking like they are all his wives.  I can't wait to add them here.  They are hilarious.

I think this is enough for today.  I don't want to bore people too much.  It has been a day!
Peace,
C

Almost Friday

Last night was the strangest night.  It was very loud in the compound.  I am not sure what was going on.  Lots of animals, I think.  Very odd.  So it was a restless night for me.

Yesterday I cooked dinner.  It was really good, I must say so myself.  Just grabbed stuff out of the container and mixed it all together.  It was put over rice.  Kind of a chicken stew, soup.  There is not much choice of food to mix together, but I seem to make due with what we have.  I think everyone liked it.  I hope so.  I have been looking up recipes that include the stuff we have here.  I think there are several things that can be made.  We will see.

Today has been somewhat slow.  I am working on a "Needs Assessment".  That is keeping me off the streets.  The team is very busy sorting out the medical supplies from the container that came the other day.  It will be divided up for different clinics.  I hope there is good stuff for us - IV's, syringes, alcohol wipes to name a few.  We got some beds, but no mattresses.  Oh well, can't get it all.

This morning in the ward, Daniel and James both came here.  If you look on last years blog, you will see pictures of both of them.  We looked at pictures on my computer from last year.  Naomi, Roda and all the patients were also looking at them.  It was hilarious.  I showed them all pictures of themselves from last year. James brought his two and a half wives and his youngest son so I could take a family portrait of them.  I took care of his son last year, he was one of the "diarrhea kids" I talked about in my blog.  James has what he calls a half wife.  She is the widow of his brother and so now he is responsible for her.  Crazy world over here.  I can't wait to post the family portrait I took.

Tomorrow the team leaves.  Ajak and Jacob will go with them.  They are headed to Pibor tomorrow.  I think they are going.  There is some stuff going on near there, not in Pibor, that they are waiting to hear if it is safe for them to go.  We shall see.  Ahhh, I just wish the Southern Sudanese would enjoy the silence of weapons that the Peace Referendum has brought them.  I has been short lived, I think.

Well, that is all for now.  Maybe I will add later.
C
I am sitting out in the middle of the compound with this incredible bright yellow full moon.  It seems so close, I can almost reach out and touch it.  I am so lucky to witness this.

Aaron drove Ajak to Bor.  The car was loaded with equipment and med supplies for "The Team" to take to their next stop.  Ajak and Jacob will go with them, as I said before.  It will be a quiet compound.  This evening I went over to Peter's.  We talked about stuff going on in Werkok.  A great big meeting was going on regrding some issues in the cattle camp.  Should I get a clue on what is going on, I will pass it on.  I don't think it is anything to worry about.  I just wonder what the compound will be like with the locals, Aaron and I.  I hope it is busy at the hospital.  Somehow, I think things will be just fine.

Until the next time,
C

A Word Guided Walking Tour of the Compound

I am going to guide you around the compound.  I will take pictures so that you will be able to see what I am writing about - of course I can't upload them until after I am home.  Using the picture above, start on the road near the bottom of the photo.  This will take you into the compound and then you will go from right to left  starting at the hospital.

Here goes:   We approach the hospital from the road out front.  The road is full of ruts and bumps due to the road flooding during the rainy season and trucks and tractors creating ruts.  The ground here is clay.  When it dries, it is as hard as concrete.  It holds the shape it has been molded into.  Hence, deep ruts from big tires.  When you turn into the drive, facing the gate, you will see the hospital, a little to your right.  The front yard is grass (as good as grass gets is South Sudan).  On the northern (left end) end of the hospital is a white container that is perpendicular to that end of the hospital.  This is the old surgical suite which is now used as a med storage room.

Now, perpendicular to the left side of this container are two other containers.  These make up a U shaped structure with the white container at the bottom of the U.  There is a roof on this and it is a garage/storage/work space for all that construction/guys need a garage stuff.  Gor the snake lives under the right hand container, which has our medical supplies and equipment in it.

As you continue on into the compound, you will pass our guard who sits in a chair, making sure we are safe.  See picture, tell me what you think.  On my right is a housing structure that Jacob Gai lives in.  He is the Site Administrator.  Across from him are two more containers, set up parallel to each other, with a roof.  This is the cement block factory.  Aaron and some other guys set up this operation.  They make cement blocks for building structures.  Right now Samaratin's Purse is helping us make a ward for Maternal and Child health.  So many blocks are being made.  As you continue on, to the left after the cement factory, is our shower.  Isn't it cute.  It has banana trees growing and finally bananas are starting to grow, right into the shower.  I will get a picture of this also.  On the right, across from this is the chicken coop.  I won't say any more about that!

Past the shower is our satellite and then the dining hall.  This has a covered porch and is the central gathering stop.  Our meals are set out here, there is a sofa and chairs, the computer stuff is here, running off a solar powered battery.  So we have limited power even when the generator is not on.  The solar panel is near the satellite dish.  Across from the dining hall are two guest houses.  I am in one, Dr. John Sutter and Dr. Glen Geolhoel are in the other.  Mine is older and the termites are eating the wood.  Most structures no longer have any wood due to the termites.

Next to the dining hall is the cook hut.  This is where Mary and various others cook our meals.  It is also a place where the mama's gather in later afternoon.  I can tell they sit and gossip, talk about their day, sing songs while Mary is finishing up our dinner.  Then they all head home, walking together.  Our food is all cooked over charcoal fires.  They have it down pat.  A science.  Often the mama's help in cleaning all the pots and pans that have been used.  It can be an overwhelming task for one person when five or six huge pots are dirty, along with all dishes.

Just past the cooks hut is a guest room.  It is a guest room that is larger than the other two I mentioned.  It is newer.  I stayed there last year.  And next to this is what we call "the barn".  It is a small kit-type structure shaped like a barn.  It would probably be used as a shed back home.  We use it as a guest room.  Across from this is the old dining hall.  Now refered to as the men's dorm.  It is a larger structure, and I think the first structure that was made with ferrel cement.  It is holding up after four or five years.  I think about five beds are in there.  Next to this is Ajak's house.  It is a small, one room structure that is at the north end of the compound.  It gives him a little privacy and a little walk to work.  Back behind his place, quite some yards away is one outhouse.  The other is past the barn on the far north end.  So there is a walking tour of our compound.  Thanks for coming along with me.
C

Busy, Busy, Busy, Then Rest

Up and moving this morning.  It was really cold last night and this morning,.  So crazy.  I will move my bed inside tonight.  And the stupid rooster was going crazy from about 4 AM on.  I am going to have chicken dinner soon if Jacob does not do something with him. 

Busy morning with surgeries and patients.  Too many cute kids.  I have been giving antibiotic injections for several of them every day.  One of the guys came into the ward and was mortified that there was a dog sitting next to a woman who had a baby that needed an injection.  He was trying to get the dog out,  I told him to leave him be, he is with the woman and baby, their protection.  Besides he was not hurting anything,  And he was cute.  So was the baby.  I got pics.  Can't wait until I am able to post them. 

I made chicken salad for lunch.  Mary made incredible bread which was still warm when  she put it on the table  I think everyone liked the meal.  Even the Sudanese liked it.,  Then "The Team" headed to Bor and then they were going to the leper colony.  I think they were going to meet with the Governor before heading to the colony.  It will be good for them to see what goes on there,  And it made the compound very quiet.  I took a snooze after lunch!!  Then I went over to the hospital and worked,.  It was not busy.  I worked a bit with Naomi and Roda, who clean the hospital.  I helped them with things,  Also, Aaron cleared out the front yard of the hospital since the emptying of the container left lots of debris in the yard.  So it looks better now.  I am not sure what we are going to do with the whirlpool burn tub.  I think if we put it in the shade of a tree, then we could fill it like a little swimming pool.  This could be the spa of the South, South Sudan that is,  I'll work on that.

Went over to North Compound and talked to Peter.  He told me all about his neighbors.  He pointed out tukels and who lived there, and what was going on in their lives.  Such drama.  It was hilarious to hear some of these crazy stories.

Well, I am going to hit the hay.  Bed is inside.  This will be my first time not sleeping under the stars in Africa.  A new experience.
C

Happy Valentine's Day

It is late, I am tired, but there is so much to tell.  First off, it was cold last night.  Everyone complained this morning and so I got hospital bath blankets and put on everyone's bed!  After morning devotions,  Ajak was giving a report and he could not speak well.  He blamed it on the cold and someone gave him a towel to wrap around this shoulders.  Yeesh, these people don't know what cold is.  Ajak gave us an update on Madange, his friend whose sister was killed.  Also her grandson was kidnapped.  Such a tragedy.

The hospital waiting area was full for clinic.  Mondays are the same in South Sudan as they are at Lakeland.  Very busy. There was only one surgery scheduled..  "The Team" was involved in that.  I took care of outpatients and looked in on the few inpatients that we had. I also cleaned the nurse's station. Quite a job. I prepped the patient for surgery.  Just after she went in, the container arrived!!!  When it rains, it pours.  So many exciting things simultaneously.  All the guys ran outside, leaving the patients inside.  It was hilarious.

When we were emptying the container, I took a bag of tostito chips and a bottle salsa.  After lunch (beans and rice) I signalled to Aaron, we went into my tukel and chowed down chips and salsa.  WooWoo.  I felt so secretive.  We were crackin' up with our gluttony.  God forgive us.  Then my stomach hurt.  Serves me right.

Worked at the hospital in the afternoon.  Doing patient care - outpatient and inpatient.  I was walking to the hospital in the late afternoon and was so intrigued by the amount of different typed of birds sitting on the fence singing and yelling at me.  How strange  I was talking to them.  Arron was near and I said how strange this was, they are greeting me.  He said "No, they are telling you about gor, who is sitting over there".  He pointed about 10 feet away and sure enough, a big ol' snake was hanging out. Gor is the name of the type of snake that was slithering around. It was a nice thought that the birds were singing and talking to me. There you go, Wayne.  Sorry no picture.  After checking patients, I went and cooked dinner.  Mary the cook watched me.  I made spaghetti (with macaroni noodles) the marinara had chicken.  Mary made the bread.  And we had fruit cocktail.  I love it when the container comes in!!!  The container had lots of food in it.  It was donated by Tim Williams of PCC.  Thank you, Tim.  My stomach thanks you. 

Team Rubicon is who the container is from.  They had it loaded with medical supplies.  I am so grateful.  When I prepped the girl for surgery today, I had to use a 22 gauge IV because we were all out of 20 gauge needles.,  It was just overwhelming to see all the stuff that came out of that container for us.  I can't believe it.  I just don't know how to thank these guys.  Tomorrow I will start to go through the stuff.  It is like Christmas.

Life is good.  The dinner was good, I am full, I am tired.  I will talk to you tomorrow.

C

Saturday Night, Sunday Morning

I will finish the day from Saturday, as I did not get back on line to tell about the rest of the day.  Around 5:30 Aaron and I headed to Peter's in North Compound.  We continued with Dinka language lessons.  As people passed by going to get water, I tried out new phrases.  Some were a hit and some people just stared at me like I was some sort of idiot.  I think this is the part Peter and Aaron enjoyed the most.  Then a convoy went by.  It had a pickup truck with at least a million soldiers in it.  (OK, maybe 20) then a lorry with soldiers and then 13 cars with people (civilians) in them, a few trucks with furniture, then another pickup with soldiers.  It was so crazy.  They did stop in Werkok probably to get cold drinks.  So I will have to investigate today (Sunday) to find out who they were and where they were going.  Very odd.

Also, a man with a young girl came right into the compound and sat down.  Peter spoke with them.  Then Peter called me aside and said that the girl is to be examined on Monday for possible exploratory surgery on her abdomen.  I did not know anything about it.  Turns out they showed up around 4:30 Saturday wanting to be seen.  Usually Saturday afternoon and Sunday are emergencies only.  Allows the staff a little break.  Well they don't have anyplace to stay since there is a big funeral in town and all possible places are taken for funeral guests.  Then Peter tells me that the man is rather crazy.  He (the man) walks up and starts speaking English to me.  He was a lost boy and was in Rochester NY.  One of the places that took many of the Boys.  He said he had to return here to fix some family matters, as there was evil pervading his people.  I sent them back to the hospital to stay there and had Peter send for some food for them.  I feel bad for this 13 or 14 year old girl who obviously has some issue with her health.  Her brother did not seem too crazy to me, but then it was confirmed by others.  Hmmmm.  "The Team" will examine her on Monday, Ultrasound, I assume.

The night was calm and peaceful.  The hawks gliding over, birds chirping before settling in for the night.  The moon is half full and so bright.  The stars are closer in Africa than in Michigan.  Again a cool, peaceful sleep.

Sunday Morning:
We were awoken by the sounds of drums - a sign that it is Sunday, the Lord's day and to get up and come to worship the Lord.  I rolled over and tried for a bit more sleep.  No use, up and moving.  Again a great nights sleep with the cool air whirling around all night.

Off to church.  First stop the Pentecostal Church.  Not too many people there, there was a retreat this weekend with the Pastor and the women of the church.  It was still a nice service.  Mary, Gabriel and all their kids were there.  The baby is just so beautiful.  He has fat cheeks and big eyes.  He is doing fine.  He was presented at church as the newest member.  It was his first outing.

We then went to the Anglican Church.  It was near the end of the service.  Got in some hymns and the closing prayer.  Much more formal than the Pentecostal Church, but very nice.  So we are well versed in Sudanese churches on this Sunday.

I had to wash my undies (too much info) as the Mama's don't do personal items.  Sunday is my day to do that chore.  I was mortified to see my new Oprah bra all stained with Juba red dirt.  How awful.  I scrubbed and scurbbed, soaked, soaped, bleached to no avail.  Juba red dirt could be used as a natural dye.  It is still on my suitcases and backpack.  I will have to remedy that.

Gabriel will come over this afternoon.  We are going to start developing a resume.  I do not think he can get into any schools this year.  The application process and interview took place last October and November.  he was preparing for exams at that time.  He also does not have the results yet, March or April he said.  So this is the time to explore different options and to get prepared.  I spoke with people in Juba at International Medical Corps and also with Samaritan's Purse.  Schools are in a dire straight right now.  NGO's conduct and teach classes.  Follow all the guidelines only to have the government say they won't accept their diplomas.  This is most discouraging.  So now everyone is sitting back to see where the new government will go with this.  So it may just be a good time to sit back and see what is going to happen.  In the meantime, he will look for work and continue to investigate potential schools.  I will keep everyone informed, as so many of you have helped by contributing to his education.  This is a very good thing.

I will continue later, as the day progresses and more very exciting things happen (what could top washing underwear?).  Later

 Aaron and I went for a walk to the south.  This is a nice walk down the very pitted road that is no longer passable.  Since I have come here, I always go down to a pond about 2 miles down the road.  It is actually a watering hole for so many animals.  Today all we saw were birds.  Not as many as last year, but it still was a great walk.  The landscape has subtle changes and I recognized a few landmarks to get  us to the pond which is off the road.  We also were searching for some tamarind pods so we could eat the seeds.  They are sour and a good thirst quencher.  We did not find any, it may be too early in the year.  Maybe next month. 

Our evening has been very relaxing.  Laid back, chatting and visiting.  Ajak will be back sometime this night.  He had a bad thing happen last night.  A guy who was with us at Liberty after the race yesterday, it was my first time meeting him, he is a friend of Ajak and Deng's, got a call late last night that his family home had been attacked and burned by Merle tribe.  So Ajak and he left right then and there and arrived at his village.  The house had been burned and his sister was killed.  That is all we know.  I am sure Ajak will have alot more details when he gets here.  What a horrific night for his friend and him.

I guess that is about all I have to report for now.  A new week starts.  Oh, did I tell you that the container finally made it out of Juba and that it then broke down outside of Juba.  Now the company is flying in a mechanic and parts.  I don't know when it will be here, but I do feel bad for Jacob who went down there to sort out the mess at the border.  Crazy place I am in.

Peace to all,
C

On Your Mark, Get Set, GO!

Today was the Big Race.  "The Team" left around 7:15 this morning.  Aaron, Jacob and I left around 8:10.  We arrived around 9:00 to Freedom Square.  There were many people gathered.  30 to 40 wore the t-shirts that I had made in St. Joe...."Jonglei Freedom Run, 2011.  Saw Dr. Deng, saw Daniel, saw Macuech.  It was fun.  I am so proud of Ajak pulling this off.  There was a DJ there with music and lots of equipment as things got started.  All the kids running around, very festive.  At least 8 women were signed up to run.  The morning was beautiful, cool breeze and the sun behind nonthreatening clouds.  All the runners were so enthusiastic.  The moment came and off they went.  An ambulance lead the way.  One runner, a dinka bor took off at a sprint.  Wow, he won't last.  And then before we knew it, in they were coming - or at least one of them.  It was the dinka bor.  He won and was so far ahead of all the other people. Wow, sign him up for the Olympics.  Then number 2 came in then number 3.  Number 4 was one of  "The Team".  That was nice.  Then over the next hour, hour and a half, the runners came in.  It was so much fun.  Lots of cheering and clapping.  Afterwards, there was an awards ceremony.  Ajak spoke for a few minutes about the importance of being a country and having diverse people within the country that are all accepted.  He said this is what freedom is.  Dr. G spoke for a moment regarding how good it was to see so many participate in this first marathon.  Then we gave out awards to the first four places.  I put a whistle around their necks (like a medal), Dr. G. gave them a packet of money, and Ajak thanked them for participating.  A great morning.

The team headed back to Werkok.  Ajak, Deng, Aaron, Jacob and I went to Liberty and got cold pop and some chapati with eggs and onions.  It was really good.  It was good to be back there with those guys.  They make me laugh and be happy to be alive.  Deng runs Sudan Medical Corp.  They have 16 clinics.  He is very busy and  successful.  His wife and son are fine, doing well.  It was a nice early afternoon.  We left Bor after purchasing a few things in the market.

A container is suppose to arrive today.  It is the one that "The Team" put together.  It was suppose to be here earlier in the week, but you know in Sudan, it rarely happens on time.  The guys are really anxious about it.  But it will get here when it gets here. 

While I was sitting in the shade reading this afternoon, I looked up towards the borehole that the town uses and there were kids filling containers with water.  They were so cute.  Two of the boys were slowly getting their clothes off.  Talking, laughing, walking in their hands.  Then dancing, twirling and teaching each other dance steps.  So cute, then they poured water over their heads and washed up, grabbed their water containers, and headed home. 

WooWoo It's Friday

Up and moving today.  "The Team" did a hernia operation.  I took care of the inpatients.  Two with malaria and three post-surgical.  Gave injections during clinic.  John, a kinda-nurse, gave penicillin by mainlining it.  That seems to be so much better than to inject IM.  Very little vein irritation.  Well diluted.  Good job.

"The Team" went to Bor.  Jon Jok, Aaron and I stayed here.  Quiet afternoon.  Aaron and I went to Mary's.  Saw the kids.  Gabriel is still in Bor.  I really want to connect with him.  I am sure that he is job hunting in Bor.  I hope something comes through along with some education opportunities. We took lots of pictures of all the kids.  They are soooo cute.  I can't wait to share pics with you all.  

Then in the evening was the usual meeting at North Compound.  Peter, Aaron and I.  Today I asked Peter to tell his story.  He is an amazing man.  He speaks many languages.  He is a teacher, a preacher, a Christian educator. He lived in the North for many years.  He originally went up there with Total Oil Company.    Soon after the war started, they pulled out as two of their planes were shot down.  They had flown down to South Sudan every Friday to let the workers go home.  So then Peter was not able to make it home as often.  Hit story is long and drawn out.  I will tell you about it some other time,  He lived through some horrific things.

Tomorrow is the Jonglei Freedom Run.  Ajak is really excited.  He gave the running shoes to Dr. Deng today.  I guess he was really happy.  I will see him tomorrow at the run.  It will be good to see him.  Ajak gave a very good talk on ultrasound.  It is amazing that I knew all the answers to his questions.  Thanks Lakeland for the continuing ed I get on a daily basis (everyday is a first day for me!!!).

I hope you all are surviving Michigan Cold.  It was really hot today.  The wind was very strong and HOT.  I think that anything that was going to blow away or blow apart did.  Now everything left is in good shape.  It will stand up to anything.

Off to bed.  We leave for Bor very early in the AM for this big run.

C

 

All's Well

Ajak arrived today.  He has been in Bor on business.  It is good to have him back and to see him again.  The day has been fine.  Patients and then some surgeries this PM.  I have not done too much.  Just made sure the OR was ready and that the patients were ready.  There are all these people here that are learning.  They are all eager to do things.  So it really is like a vacation.  OK, who goes to Sudan on vacation??

Ajak, Aaron and I went to North Compound this evening.  Peter was there and we started our dinka language lessons.  It felt like no time had passed and we took up where we left off.   We did lots of laughing and they all think I speak just terrible.  Oh well, I try.  The evening was beautiful with a nice breeze.  We had cold pop from town (orange fanta for me).  Ajak was getting a chair from Peter's "garage" and there were snakes where the tarp meets the ground.  He moved so fast!!  Did I mention that on Saturday he is having a marathon run called "Jonglei Freedom Run - 2011".  It is promoting health and exercise.  I told him he should have a 5 or 10 K and not a marathon.  So he compromised and is having a 15 K.  What is up with that?  I told him I would man the table.  I can't imagine he can even run 15 K.  I did bring him and Deng a pair of Addidas running shoes.  Everyone is ohhhing and ahhhing over them.  He feels he can run 15 K with these shoes on.  I think I better follow in the truck.  He even said the Govenor is going to run.  I hope the run does not kill him.  Otherwise, it will give the message that running is bad for you.  I think I will follow him with a car!

The nights have been cool.  This is so unusual.  I actually got cold last night, wishing I had another blanket.  Last year it was :so incredibly hot day and night.  The days are hot, probably 105 -110 by 2:00 in the afternoon.  I am sure in a few days we will see tons of sick kids due to the cold nights.  

I hope all is well in  USA.  Heard it is cold and that the snow keeps coming.  I must admit I am not missing it.

Peace

C

Back To Work

The day consisted of inventory of med equipment.  Thank goodness I did this last year and could just take the list and then count how much has been used.  The team that is hear consists of doctors and paramedics who are doing a tropical disease rotation.  The paramedics go into places that are in crisis - Haiti, the psunami area, earthquakes, etc.  Dr. G, there leader, is amazing.  He has more degrees and experience than anyone I know.  They all have their specialties and strong points and are here to learn more.

I went to Gabriel's house.  I knew he was in Bor, but wanted to greet his wife, Mary, who just had a baby a few days ago.  As I was walking up their path, Hok, their son, came to great me.  He was carrying Lual, who must be 2 1/2 years old.  They both are so cute and Lual was not afraid of me.  Last year, in church, he saw me and started screaming.  So I was so happy that he took right to me.  I brought a soccer ball (thanks Worship Center kids at St. Paul's) and Hok and Lual had so much fun.  Lual, for such a small guy, really kicked that ball!  Aya came out also.  She had on the same dress that I had given her last year and I could tell that Mary had sewed it many times.  So I was so glad I took two new dresses to her.  These dresses, two shirts for Lual and two shirts for Hok.  All of these were donated by Fresh Produce, a clothing company (one of my favorites).  My friend, Denise, use to work for them and she told them that I had some needs and they sent me many pieces of clothing.  Thanks Fresh Produce!!  I can't wait to show you all the pictures.

 The kids look well and then so does Mary - especially for just giving birth.  She said things have been difficult but that they are getting by.  They had to send their cow and calf to the cattle camp because the Merle tribe has been stealing cattle in this area.  This is an ongoing problem.  Many people have fled to Bor for safety as there have been many raids in the last few weeks.  It is an added expense for them to have their cows there.  In spite of their condition, Mary was happy as ever, praising God for her good fortune of having another child, a boy.  Incredible people.  It was a fun visit and I was so happy to see the kids.

I am off to hit the sack.  Love to all
C

Home Sweet Home

I am in Werkok,  What a great day I had.  Aaron and I got up, went out to breakfast and then off we went to do errands.  We went to see Abdi, the Somalian, who supplies building materials for projects at the hospital.  Aaron needs to put a roof on the generator building.  We had to go to his brothers shop.  We went in a pickup truck and a police pulled us over to try to extort money from the driver - who had all his paperwork in order.  I guess corruption is alive and well the New Sudan (I think always was here).  We then went to International Medical Corp and I was so fortunate to be at the door when the new Country Director pulled up.  She is just a great person and is from DC.  I told her about Gabriel Mabil and how I would like to get him into a medical education program.  IMC no longer has their nursing program, but she was sure there were others and she would work on it.  I was so thrilled and can't wait to see Gabriel tomorrow to give him the news.  After that we were walking to the Episcopal Cathedral, All Saints.  When we were walking I threw an empty water bottle onto a pile of junk and Aaron laughed because I never do that, I look for a trash barrel (there aren't too many).  Just as we were walking from there, someone starts whistling and yelling.  I am thinking to myself "I knew I should not have thrown that bottle".  Turns out is was John Makach who I know from the hospital.  He does not work there any more, but does work in Bor.  It was such a nice reunion.  He was the driver and mechanic at the compound.  He is in many of the pictures from last years post.  I swear, I can't go anywhere without seeing someone I know.

The Cathedral is on a huge piece of property.  Is a nice compound and they have a guest house.  The church is beautiful and looks like it is well loved and well used.  I will have to research it to see how old it is.  

Jacob Gai and Daniel, the driver, picked us up and we hit the road around 2:30.  Dirty dusty ride.  I took pics and will add them when I can.  We arrived at 7:30 pm.  There is a team here.  They are medical students with a prof from GW in DC.  I guess hundreds apply for this trip but only 8 get chosen.  So they are really the cream of the crop.  I hope they won't do all my work!!!!  I guess there is always inventory and to fix up the pharmacy.  I am so looking forward to getting to work tomorrow. 

Well, I am charging everything and then hitting the sack.  It has been a long day and now I feel that I have finally come to my destination.  It is good to see everyone.  We received such a heartfelt warm welcome.
 Night night
C

Doin' the Juba Hustle

Got up early, am glad I packed last night.  According to Nancy, the front desk, front run the show person at Mayfield, our ride to the airport would be ready in 5 minutes.  Yikes, no shower for me.  We (Aaron and I) got our bags outside and ready only to be told by the group going into Werkok that there was not enough room for us.  Hmmmmm, plan B (or C,D,E) goes into effect. We had two seats on the plane, so what we did was cancel our seats to make room for our luggage.  Then I purchased tickets to Juba at Jetlink Airlines.  We went toWilson Airfield to take our luggage and saw Pilot Jon Hildebrandt.  So good to see him again.  He has flown me into Werkok many times and I even stayed at his home in Loki once when we had a layover.  It was good to catch up on family matters etc.

Aaron and I then caught a ride to Kenyatta Airport and off we went to Juba, our original plan.  We were met at the airport by Jacob Gai's (he was in St. Joe last summer) cousin and were wisked through customs. He got us a cab to where we are staying.  It is SIL guesthouse.  It is OK.  Internet and a fan.  It is hot hot hot.  Juba is usually hotter than Werkok.  Aaron and I will venture out in a few minutes.  Off to explore and to go to dinner.  I remember a few restaurants from a previous visit.

It was amazing flying over South Sudan and seeing the Nile, which is right at Juba, from the air.  I instantly recognized the land I have so come to love.  How strange it is to have such a connection to this hot, dry, dusty land.  It was so good to see the people.  To see their markings, their height.  They are kind and hospitable. I feel nearly home.  I will be home when I get to Werkok tomorrow.

If I have a chance later, I will fill you in on the night in Juba.  Otherwise I will do it tomorrow.  Until then
C
Yes I have a chance.  Aaron and I went out exploring this much changed city.  When I was last here there was only one paved road.  It was about 100 yards long.  Now a major portion of the city, at least the main roads, are all paved.  What a difference.  There is not nearly as much red dirt flying around.  We got on botas, these are motorcycle taxi's.  It was fun. I remember being here in 2008 with Ajak and Deng and going on the botas.  It was totally crazy and life threatening.  I put my scarf around my face (due to the red dirt/dust) and screamed the whole way cuz the streets were in such awful shape.  I will try to upload one here.

We had a delicious dinner at Queen of Sheba restaurant.  One of my favorites on this earth.  Not too many people there, as I am sure that many of the people NGO's and GO's) are not back yet after the vote.  But I do expect that to change in the next week or so.  Hopped a mutatu to get back to SIL guesthouse.  These are little vans that go on a certain route for a price of 1 Sudanese pound. So I am getting the Juba culture down. I look forward to morning to see what the next adventure will be.
C

My bunk at SIL in Juba

Taking a picture while on the bota

Aaron up ahead on a  bota on a beautifully paved road

After din, contented and full - great night

Are You Ready for Some Futbol?

OK, so it is Superbowl Sunday.  Big soccer game on TV here.  I will get to that later.

The day is beautiful.  After breakfast I went outside to drink coffee.  It was so beautiful out, calm, peaceful, birds chirping and warm enough to be in shirtsleeves.  The music from the Nairobi Baptist Church, next door, was wafting through the air.  I was curious, and it being Sunday, I walked over and joined in.  The music was beautiful, songs that I knew.  It really was not all that different from the type of service I am used to.  No communion, but the creed, prayers, New Testament lesson (Mark).  And the people were so kind.  Like at St. Paul's, the announcements were long but important.  I think that no matter the denomination, no matter the city, no matter the country, churches seem to have the same worries and issues - is there enough money for a project, is there enough participation to keep a program going, what are we going to do about the leaking roof.  I think that Omnipotent being I call God, you may call something else, makes things not too easy.  Things you work for and learn from make sense after you get past the human pettiness of life.  Each of us can soar if we just listen to the lessons we learn - good and bad.

I went to the airport to pick up Aaron.  He arrived from Istanbul.  He had been there for three days.  He really liked it.  He also had a good time in Egypt, regardless of his last few days.  I think he has found that the world was much more informed and worried than he was.  I made the comment that if all you knew about Chicago was what was in the paper, you would never go there.  The media does get fixated on the problems and somewhat magnifies a particular problem that the people in the middle of may be aware of, but not nearly as bothered by as those outside.  I found this to be true last year when the World Court put an arrest warrant out for President Al-Bashir.  Really had no impact on us here in Werkok.

Tomorrow Aaron and I are going to Juba.  There is a slight chance that we will go with AIM Air straight to Werkok, but that does not look promising.  I will let you all know tomorrow what happens.  We went out for Ethiopian food tonight.  I have been to this restaurant numerous times.  It is great and I got my fix.. At the Ethiopian restaurant, I made a comment of the Superbowl being on as so many people were inside this restaurant watching TV, turns out that there was a huge "futbol" game on the TV - Not our kind of football..  Here I thought I was going to see the Superbowl.  We just have to get our fotbols correct.  It will be on here around 1:30 am.  I guess I will not stay up for that.  Will look at it online tomorrow.

Everything is fine.  I am just most anxious to get to Sudan.  I think tomorrow.
God bless
C

Driving Nairobi Style

My friend, Joe the futbol player, came and picked me up around 11:00.  Off we went.  The traffic is terrible and Joe just goes with the flow.  Again, I was amazed by the people noticing him and waving, honking, yelling.  At one point we were entering a round-a-bout (I just laugh a the ones in Benton Harbor) and a bus full of students were merging in on us.  One of the kids saw Joe and everyone on the bus runs to the side we were on all cheering and calling his name.  It came in handy when we went to an open market to get "stuff".  He was a great help with the price of things.  I will try to upload a pic of him that I took.  There is plenty of power in Nairobi at Mayfield.  Just like home.

Nairobi is a beautiful city.  It is large, lots of traffic but also has so much greenery, parks, flowers.  Often the air is filled with automobile pollution while you are trying to get somewhere.  Then it opens up into a beautiful street or boulevard.  There is a melting pot of people - primarily your black Afrikaners but also many muslim, middle and far East people, Europeans also.  Not too many Americans that I am aware of.I told Joe I would meet him in an hour.  Then I got lost and could not find the entrance we came in.  I had to ask a security guard if he knew where Joe, the futbol player was.  He took me to him.  Sheesh, I have just got to get a better sense of direction.  I lost it in Buffalo some years ago.  That is another story.

Hope all is well and the sun is still shining.

Joe and his taxi

 

My friend, Joe, and I

Now That Was Easy

I am in Nairobi at Mayfield House.  The drive to Detroit was uneventful except for that strange thing in the sky making it hard to see.  Oh, that is Sunshine.  I could hardly remember it.  All flights went very smoothly including getting through customs in record time.  I was met by Samuel who drove me to Mayfield.  I know him from being here other years.  It is always nice to see a familiar face.

I am tired.  Received word that Aaron will fly here on Sunday.  We will then leave on Monday for Werkok.  I am happy to be off the plane.  It is 2:00 your time.  But I don't know what day and if it is 2am or 2pm.  Slightly confused.  Nothing a good nights sleep won't cure.

All is well and peaceful.

C

The Adventure Begins at Home

With all the snow, I was not sure what to do about getting out of here.  Spoke to Delta the other day and they said to just wait and see.  No delays in Detroit for the entire storm.  Chicago is a mess.  I chose well.  The adventure seems to have started early.  I am sufficiently frazzled.

Aaron made it out of Cairo to Frankfort.  I understand he will arrive in Nairobi via Istanbul .  I will wait for him in Nairobi and then we will fly straight to Werkok via AIM Air on Monday.  So, a few days in Nairobi to shop and aclimate to Africa.

My friend, Matt Finch, is driving me to the airport.  Right now he is in my living room trying to get the 5 soccer balls into my overstuffed suitcase.  Such problems.

I thank each and everyone of you for all your support, love, hugs and prayers.  I am doing the thing I love to do and am so excited to see everyone again (hopefully I will not throw my back out with the luggage).  Oh dear, Matt is muttering.

Remember, I will not be able to put pics up until I get home due to the amount of bytes it takes.  I think that is the proper terminology.

I will be back after arriving on the African Continent.  Love to all.
C