Aweil at last...

On Monday we flew from Juba to Wau on a comfortable and clean Fokker 50 named after the President of the South Salva Kiir. At one point the plane dipped quite suddenly, and when we arrived at Wau airport I heard the pilot saying another plane was coming towards us and he had to duck out of its way. Our friend Ronald Ruay Deng arranged our transport by car to Aweil – about 1 ½ hours - and we are now comfortably settled in a new hut Mama Adut Dit has prepared for us. Once again we were offered free accommodation at the hotel, but we prefer to stay with our “mum”.

Joseph and I are enjoying renewing relationships and Ros is making new friends. The delegation from the American churches who were to be here for the opening of the hospital at Malek Alel in Aweil South has postponed their visit, so we will not be meeting with them as planned. And the town is busy with election campaigns which will occupy the time of those involved in the state government. But we have a lot to do and are keen to make the most of the two weeks we will have in Aweil.

Juba Town...

Joseph and I had a chat and decided to appoint Ros the official team photographer. Here are a few of her shots of our time in Juba Town.

Joseph with sister Ajok and brother Maluak. They couldnt remember the last time the three of them were together.

The view from the back of our hotel

The central business district of Juba.

Shopping for a phone - Because 3 phones is just not enough in Sudan.

To Aweil...

It has taken a bit longer then we planned, but we are all set to go to Aweil tomorrow. Ros' luggage arrived from Addis Ababa yesterday and we immediately booked flights to Wau and transport by car to Aweil.

This morning we attended a Kenyan Pentecostal church. The pastor told us to think positively, set goals, and God will give us new cars and a new house. If it was really so easy we could end world poverty today.

We have been able to spend time with Joseph;s family, including a brother Joseph hadnt seen for 10 years. Sudanese hospitality is really something to be experienced. We are like part of the family here.

Obvisouly the three of us are an odd looking group, and people try to work out the relationship between us. I tell people that Joseph and I are brothers and Ros is our mother - that sems to resolve any issues.

Ros has fitted in easily and has coped well with Sudan. Already she has made many friends including a youg Ugandan woman who greets her with hugs several times each day. I have enjoyed renewing some friendships too, and making some new ones. If I want to get a laugh, I introduce myself as Majok Dit from the Pacher tribe in Waaynjok.

Achincrutch!

First Impressions…

Having been in Sudan for a couple of days, I asked Ros to share her first impressions.

Flying over vast deserts then seeing the effect of water where the Nile creates lush greenness. Then seeing how the harsh climate affects both building design and its effect on any structure. Added to this is the continuous smoke haze create by numerous fires, particularly by burning rubbish – much of which could be recycled.

The people are amazingly resilient and cheerful, despite incredible sadness. Ive already had first hand contact with situations of great loss due to the war and oppression. However at the same time there is a real sense of moving on and not being dominate by the past.

Ive been amazed at the amount of English spoken here in Juba and the conversations Ive been able to have. Everywhere people have peen friendly and helpful and Ive been surprised at the variety of African countries they have come from.

There is a sense of hope and anticipation for the conditions in Sudan to improve, especially expressed being here at a new year, concurrent with Independence Day. Many seem to sense a personal responsibility for this to happen, rather than an expectation of others to address the issues.

Everywhere there are many children, teenagers and young people, with few old people. Everyone seems to know everyone else, and how and when things happen.

Having flown in from a very Moslem country into Sudan I have been surprised at the very open expressions of Christianity. Many got dressed up to go to church and give thanks on New Years Day and at the special celebration hosted by the President’s wife which we were privileged to be invited we all stood to be led in prayer.

There are cute lizards of various sizes which dart around trying to avoid the kites which circle overhead. As a bird lover I have several as yet unidentified and interesting birds. The huge red sun rises over a pink haze and a light breeze last for a while before it becomes still and hot. In the shade it is quite tolerable. Infrastructure such as power are intermittent, and roads “designed” for 4WD take all cars and motorbikes, often used as public transport.

I feel very welcome and relaxed knowing that Joseph knows everything and everyone and Steve with computer and 3 phones will organise everything.

Photo: Ros with children in Juba yesterday.

Joining hands across the ocean…

When I first met Deng Deng Akon in Juba 18 months ago I commented on the difficulty of travel and communication between our two countries. He reassured me that Australia didn’t seem so far away because his wife and children were there. I have since learned that leaders in South Sudan have a stronger relationship with Australia than any other western country because of the number who have family members amongst us.

In my first 24 hours back in Sudan I have seen how strong this connection is. Already I have met dozens of Australian Sudanese, several that I know and have assisted in various ways. At an Independence Day concert and dinner last night which was hosted by the President I sat on one side of the Aweil Community Chairman from Adelaide, and on the other side of a man who has a wife and children in Adelaide. Amongst the dozen or so ladies escorting the First Lady were three from Adelaide.

Joseph said to me that he could see the reality of Deng Deng’s words – that the link between our communities was indeed like joining hands across the ocean.

Financial Ironies…

Juba is known as a wild frontier town, full of danger and opportunity. People who are prepared to face some risks come from many places to make easy money in the rapidly developing capital. But while many are making their millions, finding money for health and education isn’t so easy.

I was discussing this with Ros and Joseph at breakfast, and soon after met a business woman from Kenya who has a vision for returning some of her profits into the development of women’s education. If enough people have the conviction to work for the good of the wider community change will come more quickly. The great hindrance to development here is the wealthy and powerful who only provide for their family and friends. Millions of dollars are being syphoned from the local economy to individuals in other countries.

The sad reality is Sudan is one of the poorest countries in the world, with one of the fastest growing economies. While the rich can take advantage of this, the poor don’t see any benefit.

New Year in Sudan...

Happy New Year from Sudan! Ros, Joseph and I arrived in Juba a couple of hours ago from Addis Ababa. Unfortunately Ros' luggage didnt! So far it has taken 5 flights and 4 days to get to Juba and now it will take a few more days before we get to Aweil.
While in Aweil in June-July 2008 Joseph and I were asked repeatedly when we would return to Sudan. We said we hoped to be back the following year. We made it by 8 hours!
Already we have had to change our plans, but we know that is normal here and we adjust. We're excited about what lies ahead in 2010.