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
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
No comments:
Post a Comment