Second assignment: Assisting the Sudanese refugees prepare for their return and reintegration to their home. Based in Nairobi, Kenya covering Sudan, Uganda, Kenya and Ethiopia.... full info
Your digital camera creates a frenzyThe kids were unimpressed with my "snap & show" camera until they realized they were looking at pictures of themselves...then pandamonium! For some it was their first look at their own reflection.
Only 2% complete the 8th gradeWith classrooms like this, is it any wonder? But who has time for school when you have to fetch water, tend the sheep and collect firewood?
You both admire/question village lifeI would argue that they are not poor, but powerless. So then...how did it get this way? Has it always been this way? If so, why hasn't it changed? And finally, will anything I do here change this?
You shamefully achieve rock star statusMy organization provides the basic services in this part of Sudan, as such, the people greet us with songs and celebration....the closest i'll ever get to being a rock star!
EVERYONE comes to the meetingsOur meeting with the village chief and community board was attended by everyone in the village. Impressive show of participation. Or did they come just to see the white girl? Hmmm....
The market sells 5 varieties of datesBut were not talking about your plump medjool dates...these are hard, brush off the dust and crack-your-teeth kind of dates.
The donkey is more reliable than a LandCruiserIn the rainy season (May - November) all our community activites will cease because the rains will make these roads completely impassable...except by donkey - the local method of transport.
You live in the capital but have no electricityKhartoum is like an overgrown village with thousands of people living in cheap new buildings but many still don't have running water nor electricity.
You only need to learn one arabic phraseINSHALLAH (if God grants). "Can I get a travel permit?" "Inshallah." "Is the minister available now?" "Inshallah." "Is this water safe to drink?" "Inshallah."
It is Sunday....and you're at workFriday is the muslim sabbath...so the work week starts on Sunday and ends on Thursday. The work day ends at 4pm so men can go pray at 5pm. Praise Allah!
Powerless? Erica... howdy ho buckaroo! I see that you're finally over the robbery? Love this posting/photo collection. About the 'powerless' thing... isn't it interesting? Seems like they leave everything up to Allah (hence the saying 'Insya Allah'). Do you think that they think that their living situation is because of God's will? Anyhoo... glad to hear from you again. My blog >> [http://accordingtod.wordpress.com]
Missing You It is a snowy morning here in Bedford, New Hampshire. I am enjoying a cup of coffee before making what will be a slow commute to work, and am thinking of my friend thousands of miles away...... I miss you and hope that you are doing well. I love you!
more top rated photo's the photo's are just wonderful, all the natives with their beautiful colors, and esp. the childrens faces welcoming their rock star! can't wait to see more. take care, we miss you sooo much!!
love mom
Diny
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Powerless?
Erica... howdy ho buckaroo! I see that you're finally over the robbery? Love this posting/photo collection. About the 'powerless' thing... isn't it interesting? Seems like they leave everything up to Allah (hence the saying 'Insya Allah'). Do you think that they think that their living situation is because of God's will? Anyhoo... glad to hear from you again. My blog >> [http://accordingtod.wordpress.com]