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.

Thursday, February 10, 2011

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

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