I arrived in South Sudan on Saturday, 9-14. I was with my friend Joy and a new friend Margit. We arrived in Juba from Nairobi, Kenya. Juba is the capital of South Sudan, a country just 2 years old. I think it has some growing pains. The airport was extremely crowded and confusing. It was wall to wall people and luggage. We had to stand in line to have our visa stamped and then have our bags checked. Thankfully we didn't have to open them. Joy had a friend pick us up and take us to a missionary guest house. (like a very very low budget motel) Everything is expensive partly due to so many NGO' s willing to pay higher prices. We tried to rest but the room was almost suffocating even with a fan, mid to high 90's. Next door is a large church. There was a wedding going on and I could see through the open door that it was packed. I was shocked to see that the couple's car was a decorated Hummer limo! There is some money in Juba.
At 5 pm, we took a short tour of the city including driving on a bridge over the Nile River. I wanted a photo from the bridge so we took the walking path on the bridge. I snapped a couple of photos from the bridge and then 4 young men in civilian clothing came up to us and said I could not take a photo from the bridge. They said it was illegal. There were no signs that said that. One of them told me to give him my camera. I refused but he said I needed to delete the photos which I did. My thoughts are they were hoping for a bribe. Joy' s friend took us to a motel with outdoor restaurant on the river. I took all the photos I wanted and we enjoyed cold sodas and a beautiful view of the Nile! The city is 1.2 million. Small huts as well as new several story buildings being built.
The next day we flew from Juba to Wau (pronounced wow). Then a 3 hour trip over a bumpy road with huge ruts and holes with mud. Staff from the clinic picked us up in the only vehicle currently working, the clinic's Toyota ambulance! I was fortunate to be in the front seat. We were very happy for a safe trip. Today was my first day at the clinic but that is for another blog.
Monday, September 16, 2013
Monday, September 9, 2013
Thank You!
Asante (Swahili), Kongoi (Kipsigis), Yin aca leec (Dinka), Thank you!
Swahili is a language commonly spoken in Kenya and I know a few words. Kipsigis is a tribal language and was spoken in the community that I worked in at Tenwek Hospital over 30 years ago. I still remember a few words in Kipsigis. Dinka is the name of a tribe and their language. When I am in South Sudan I will be using an interpreter for Dinka. I do not know any of the language. I looked up this word on the internet and it might not be correct. I will let you know.
I want to thank those of you that have encouraged and supported me in recent weeks as I have been preparing to go to Kenya and South Sudan. I leave tomorrow afternoon and have a 8 hour flight from Minneapolis to Amsterdam and after a 5 hour layover another 8 hour flight to Nairobi.
In preparing to go I have read 3 books that had a big impact on me. They were recommended by my friend Joy Phillips that is a missionary in South Sudan with World Gospel Mission. First I read SIX MONTHS IN SUDAN by James Maskalyk. It was written by a doctor that told very interesting stories and was an eye opener to the medical conditions and the political environment. He didn't try to cover up how he felt emotionally either but told it the way it was.
The book WHAT IS THE WHAT by Dave Engers gave me a fresh look at the extreme suffering that occurs in war and the amazing capacity for some to survive without bitterness. This book was based on a boy that became a "lost boy" and eventuality went to the US as a young man refugee.
Another book I read was about 3 "lost boys" that told their stories in THEY POURED FIRE ON US FROM THE SKY. The boys almost did not survive many times. They too became refugees to the US. I highly recommend all 3 books.
Several years ago when I was working at Family HealthCare Center in Fargo I cared for several of the young men that had been "lost boys." I was struck then as I am now with my reading that so many have overcome so many obstacles, though they suffered so much.
I am impressed with the Dinka people of South Sudan and I am looking forward to get to know many as friends during my time there.
Thanks again for your gifts and prayers.
Swahili is a language commonly spoken in Kenya and I know a few words. Kipsigis is a tribal language and was spoken in the community that I worked in at Tenwek Hospital over 30 years ago. I still remember a few words in Kipsigis. Dinka is the name of a tribe and their language. When I am in South Sudan I will be using an interpreter for Dinka. I do not know any of the language. I looked up this word on the internet and it might not be correct. I will let you know.
I want to thank those of you that have encouraged and supported me in recent weeks as I have been preparing to go to Kenya and South Sudan. I leave tomorrow afternoon and have a 8 hour flight from Minneapolis to Amsterdam and after a 5 hour layover another 8 hour flight to Nairobi.
In preparing to go I have read 3 books that had a big impact on me. They were recommended by my friend Joy Phillips that is a missionary in South Sudan with World Gospel Mission. First I read SIX MONTHS IN SUDAN by James Maskalyk. It was written by a doctor that told very interesting stories and was an eye opener to the medical conditions and the political environment. He didn't try to cover up how he felt emotionally either but told it the way it was.
The book WHAT IS THE WHAT by Dave Engers gave me a fresh look at the extreme suffering that occurs in war and the amazing capacity for some to survive without bitterness. This book was based on a boy that became a "lost boy" and eventuality went to the US as a young man refugee.
Another book I read was about 3 "lost boys" that told their stories in THEY POURED FIRE ON US FROM THE SKY. The boys almost did not survive many times. They too became refugees to the US. I highly recommend all 3 books.
Several years ago when I was working at Family HealthCare Center in Fargo I cared for several of the young men that had been "lost boys." I was struck then as I am now with my reading that so many have overcome so many obstacles, though they suffered so much.
I am impressed with the Dinka people of South Sudan and I am looking forward to get to know many as friends during my time there.
Thanks again for your gifts and prayers.
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