Melut Kalas Kuis (Good finish)

Ladies and Gentlemen, welcome back. I hope you enjoy this the next installment of Engineering Africa.

Month's Re-cap

So in my last entry, I discussed the creation of the youngest Nation in Africa. Since then the radio has been heralding possible country names, new national anthems and details of a new constitution. All these things seem so far away as I wake up each morning, down a cup of coffee, brush my teeth, and drive out to the water distribution kiosks that have developed more leaks, broken taps and had fencing torn down - all in the space of 24hours.

Sometimes it feels like I am fighting a losing battle. There are now 10 water distribution kiosks in town, all of which are used from dawn until dusk - this is definately a battle I cannot win. So how do we finish a seemingly unfinishable project. That is what this entry will explore.

Project Agreements

In September 2010, after my arrival in South Sudan. The WASH (Water and Sanitation, Hygiene) programme manager met with Melut local authorities and signed a Memorandum of Understanding. This document detailed an agreement of the work Medair would carry out, and what the community would contribute.

On the Friday the 11th of February I took a number of soda's to one of the new kiosk sites, and congratulated the contractor and a number of his workers. I paid him the last sum and helped fix the clutch on his motorbike. Kalas ('the end'), I thought. The following week Medair ran a two day workshop to facilitate discussions between the Water Management Committee and the local authorities. In a previous workshop, the Water Management Committee had discussed the idea of charging an affordable amount for water from the kiosks. If this were effectively implemented, it could finance the maintenance and development of the town water system, and indeed the entire town.

In this workshop they agreed on an affordable price, and the way the funds should be spent. To my DELIGHT, they agreed that guard should be employed to supervise each of the kiosks. My hope is that this will reduce the petty vandalism that they have suffered so fiercely. Maybe this fight will turn around!

I am very happy to be linked to Melut for the coming year, with a small budget to follow up on their progress.

Girly emotional stuff

So almost two months ago I was sat in Heathrow airport waiting to leave the country. The time has spead by indeed! I am between projects at the moment, which is a painful time for me because I like to be active. The time has been made all the worse by the doctors and project support staff running around with a thousand things to do.

I have been preparing designs and plans for forward projects, and also volunteered to make the Medair 2010 conference Video. The last one was fantastic, developed by our IT genius who is also very busy at the moment. This is a fantastic opportunity to inspire the team through pictures, music and video. After watching the 2009 video and being totally blown away by the work we have accomplished as an organisation, I hope the 2010 video can have the same effect.

So that is all I am going to write about this time - one last thing, since my last entry, the team here were involved in a serious security incident. If you want more information, you will have to come and ask. It made the front page of the BBC news website.

Blessings,

The Birth of a New Country

Sudanese Referendum

Greetings readers. So I am jumping straight in with a South Sudan update. As I write this entry the Medair team based here in Melut is listening to the results of the South Sudanese Referendum results on the radio.

There is no need to rush though because announcing each dignitaries title is taking about 5 minutes. His Excellency, General, Right honorable, Dr, Reverend…

A croaky voice explains that the CPA is meaningless without the peoples right to self-determination. The right to choose between unity and separation.

Voting took place in North Sudan, South Sudan, and eight countries outside of Sudan. Many Sudanese fled the country during the conflict, becoming refugees.

So the South Sudanese voting went as follows. Some of the figures may not be accurate because the Nile House became very noisy with excited Sudanese staff.

TOTAL
South Sudan 3,770,600 registered, 3,724,194, 99% of registered voted
Unity total 16,000 0.42%
Separation 3,697,467 99.57%

 Central Equitoria, Voted 469,000, 98.9% voted for separation
 Eastern Equitoria, Voted 463,406, 99.95%
 Jongelei, Voted 430,056, 99.9%
 Lakes, Voted, 299,040, 98.9%
 Northern Baharezal, Voted 382,049, 99.9%
 Unity State, Voted 498,231, 99.98%
 Upper Nile, Voted 347,319, 99.48%
 Warrap, Voted 469,698, 99.9%
 Western Baherezal, Voted 492,594, 95.5%
 Western Equitoria, Voted 214,031, 99.52%

TOTAL
Northern Sudan 116,857 registered 69,780, 67% of registered voted
Unity 22,329 32%
Separation 40,472 58%

TOTAL
Out of Sudan Countries
Unity 1%
Separation 99%

Out of Sudan
 Australia – 97%, 99% for separation
 Canada – 97%, 99% for separation
 Kenya – 99%, 100% for separation
 Uganda – 93% voted, 96% for separation
 UK – 98% voted, 98% separation
 USA – 97% voted, 99% separation
 Egypt – 97% voted, 98% separation
 Ethiopia – 98% voted, 100% separation


They send their thanks to El’Bashir (Northern President), and their own Salva Kir (Vice President).

Grand Totals Announced at 10.45am, Sunday 30th January 2011
 23% Unity
 77% Separation

After 50 years of conflict, we see the emergence of two states, and Africa’s 54th and youngest country. The speaker explains that the North and South will forever be joined geographically and historically, leaving their mark on civilization and history in sight and view from the whole world. They are descendants of common ancestors. These bonds are insoluble and will not dissipate; they will continue to transcend lines. The country must now arrange their affairs, economic, political, borders and forge constitutional ties to preserve these bonds.

For the time being, it falls to the Southerners to solve the problems ahead. This is Self-Determination. They will have six months to address these issues before the separation is recognized.

Following Thoughts

Following the final announcement, we sat around the Nile House dinner table (mess room) congratulating our Sudanese staff, and joking with them and the Kenyan staff about the out of country voting. Kenya, 100% for separation, and the UK only 98% for separation.

In Juba there was traditional dancing and singing until late into the evening. I was reminded of my parents involvement in the anti-apartheid campaigns in South Africa. They celebrated Nelson Mandela’s freedom and later his inauguration as the first democratically elected President of South Africa. We still have the newspaper cutting on our wall at home, 9th May 1994.

“Perhaps it was history that ordained that it be here, at the Cape of Good Hope that we should lay the foundation stone of our new nation.”

“Out of the experience of an extraordinary human disaster that lasted too long, must be born a society of which all humanity will be proud.”

“The time for the healing of the wounds has come.
The moment to bridge the chasms that divide us has come.
The time to build is upon us.”
- Nelson Mandela 1994

There are many similarities between 1994 South Africa and 2011 Sudan, none greater then the realization of single moment in history. This is the hope of a bend in the road? This is the hope for a new story?

I wonder if my generation will ever encounter a moment of equivalent gravity. In search of such purpose, maybe our existing challenges should be taken more seriously. Climate change, energy crisis, broken families, broken hearts, world food deficit, population boom, and natural resource stretch. What calls out to you? Which makes you angry? Why does it make you sad?

Joanne (my girlfriend) emailed me a week after arriving in Thailand laden with tears, anger and frustration with the awful state of the disability wards. Should these emotions be traversed? Should she come home? Or, should we open our eyes, and remind ourselves that these emotions are products of Compassion… and what higher purpose is there?

It is natural for you to feel like a drop in the ocean, and that your efforts are inadequate. Your fear of failure should not restrict your endeavor to achieve. Remember, it is not that you succeeded; it is that you tried to succeed.

I have walked that long road to freedom. I have tried not to falter; I have made missteps along the way. But I have discovered the secret that after climbing a great hill, one only finds that there are many more hills to climb. I have taken a moment here to rest, to steal a view of the glorious vista that surrounds me, to look back on the distance I have come. But I can rest only for a moment, for with freedom comes responsibilities, and I dare not linger, for my long walk is not yet ended.”
- Nelson Mandela, 1995

Smiley face and banana cake

Greetings friends, family and people who are bored at work!!
I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New year. I hope your break was enjoyable.

So I am currently sat in the Medair team house in Nairobi after a beautiful day in Nairobi National Park, stroking Cheetah's and learning the difference between Black and White Rhino's. Tomorrow morning I will be returning to Juba, then on to Melut on Tuesday. This entry will not have much technical content, it is mainly my thoughts on returning.

Sun to Snow, then Girlfriends Go

Three weeks ago, on a cold, winter morning, my Dad collected me from Heathrow Terminal 5. Miles of fields flashed by, sleeping beneath a white duvet of snow reminding me that I was not in Africa anymore. Questions, fears had been running through my head, how would I react with the contrast of basic need to excessive living? Would Joanne and I be ok?

The moment the sweet sweet drop of orange juice touched my lips, all my fears were gone. Seconds later, Joanne walked in, more beautiful then ever with her deep eyes like dark coca cola pools.

Joanne and I were inseperable over the coming weeks, similar to a ball and chain, but more like salt and pepper. Never appreciated quite as much when they are not together. We were blessed to spend so much time with friends an family. Enjoying a WILD new year - me making Joanne Pizza, and Joanne making Profiteroles, then watching the London fireworks with a cup of tea. Happy days!

On the 12th of January I watched Joanne walk through the departures gate and swiftly get stopped, as they unpacked her bag knickers and all. Very funny!

Both feeling positive, I believe the prospect of 8 months apart is enough to dampen our spirits in the coming months.

Looking ahead to the coming rotation, I feel excited to be re-united with the team and keen to get started on the projects with a new energy. It has been fantastically encouraging hearing peoples support for the work Medair are doing, and reminds me what a privelidge it is to serve others in this part of the world.

Until next time, blessings and keep well.

Praise be the Water Policy!

Abstract
Greetings, and thank you for logging on to check out my blog. So the trees have made the transition from romantic red, to shivering splinters. The UK has had the first snow of the season, temperatures as low as -2oC. The Coca Cola advert has been playing on TV, reminding us that the ‘Holidays are Coming, Always Coca Cola.’ This subtle advertising will not work on me… gosh, I am so thirsty!

Here in South Sudan temperatures have continued to rise, along with anticipation for the referendum. Buses loaded with people moving to the town centers send great dust clouds into the dry air. Through the dust we can hear the passengers singing songs of joy and independence. After 21 years of conflict between different tribes, resistance armies, liberation movements, governmental forces and international actors, the Southern aggressors are united under the Sudanese Peoples Liberation Army (SPLA). The past five years since the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA, Jan. 05’) have the been the only peaceful years all generations can recall.

The arid wind brings the smell of independence, and with it extended peace, a chance for a new beginning and for the country to guide it’s own fate. The country still faces enormous birthing pains. Setting up a new currency, developing a constitution, establishing future visions, preparing Juba to become a capital city, preparing all sectors for mass urbanization and population increase, negotiating the joint Sudanese debt of $36.2 billion (Dec. 09’, most of which was accumulated by the North financing the war against the South). We hope that somewhere in Juba, or Khartoum, some high powered Sudanese officials are addressing these issues, although a mix of cynicism and realism warns us there are no such talks.

Month’s update
Here on the ground, work is more simple. The work initiated before my departure on the Melut water distribution system was well underway. Most of the pipework was complete and the two new water distribution kiosks were almost complete.

Medair signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Melut local authorities. The MoU identifies different responsibilities for the community (lead by the local authorities), and Medair.

Medair’s responsibilities are:
 Training of the water treatment plant operators, water technicians and water management committee
 Repair and improvement of the existing water distribution kiosks
 Construction of a new link pipe from the Melut County Authority Offices to Melut Hospital (to improve water pressure)
 Construction of two new kiosks in locations to be agreed

Melut County Authority Contributions are:
 Seek funding or a partner for the construction of the new water tower
 Mobilise the oil company to carry out recommended repairs to the water treatment plant
 Mobilise the community to participate in the water management committee
 Introduce a cost-sharing scheme for water

Following the CPA in 2005, the Government of South Sudan (GOSS) developed a Water Policy with the goal of supporting social development and economic growth by promoting equitable, efficient and sustainable development and use of water resources. I recently reviewed this document to present during the Melut water management committee training. Without realising it, I am doing exactly what my father is doing in Tanzania, Niger and Ethiopia! I can see the appeal of this work to him. With a clear understanding of this topic, the water management committee have such power to influence positive or negative development within an area. It is critical the water management committee understand this message and the goals they must address.

While traveling around the community, we noticed enormous trenches in the road. We questioned the volunteer community engineer about these. He told us they were private connections. The significance of having unregistered private connections in this community is that we have no information on the quantity of water they are taking. They might have enormous taps running all day, preventing any water from reaching the downstream community water distribution kiosks. Does this qualify as fair allocation of resources? Not at all!

Developing a solution for managing these private connections is one of the key objectives the water management committee will be addressing.

There are eight existing water distribution kiosks in Melut town. The water pressure at the end four kiosks has always been poor, but recently we noticed that no water was reaching these kiosks at all. The community engineer came with me to map the private connections, and on the way he pointed out 5 small ponds supporting a family of goats and ducks. I was unable to remember the last time it had rained, so it was clear they were from leaking pipes. Upon closer inspection, I noticed there was a small bridge spanning a ditch with about 1 foot of running water. I thought, ‘Is this a miraculous spring in Melut town!?!?’ No, it was all from this leak. Miraculously, a valve appeared approximately 100m upstream of the leak. The valve was closed and two days later the leaks dried up, and the ditch ran dry. If only leak detection was always this easy Halcrow! The increased water pressure at the remaining four kiosks was enough to attract queues of 50+ people.

After retrieving quotes for excavation of the five leaks, I was ready to start work. When I checked with my manager, he reminded me that this was not one of our responsibilities in the MoU. Work halted and once again I was stung with the principle of; Capacity building being more important then project completion.

Malesh (Arabic: Oh well…)


Emotional girly stuff
So my ticket home for Christmas is now booked, and I will begin my count down very soon. Emotionally I am feeling well. The team support here is brilliant; when someone is high they support those who are low. Every morning we commit the day to the Lord, sing some songs, and someone gives a short message. The messages can be challenging, or inspiring, but they always bring us closer together as a team.

Living, working and playing with the same people, we have to learn patience and forgiveness everyday. My role within the team has been established as the energetic guy, cracking lots of jokes, incredibly inappropriately sometimes. I think members of the team have begun to see me at my fragile at times also. A few nights ago I was exhausted after shifting tones and tones of cement. I went to my tent early to watch a movie. About 1 hour later, I was joined by a team member, and five minutes later another came. We ended up talking till about 11pm, it was brilliant! Maybe doctors have a nose for these things.

Joanne sounds well, and she seems to be making herself quite at home with my family in Goudhurst. It is comforting to know they are supporting one another.

I have begun wandering how I will react to being in the UK again. Some people returning home after a long period in the field have trouble re-integrating back to English culture. I think things will be fine. I am dreaming of family festivities, yoghurt, fires, and a few festive London day trips with Joanne. Good times ahead, seeing these things through fresh eyes certainly bring a renewed appreciation.

Keep safe, and have a wonderful Christmas!
Blessings,
Damon

End of my first rotation

Good afternoon, wonderful friends and family.

So, I am coming to the end of my first rotation in South Sudan! All field staff here in South Sudan are flown back to Nairobi every 6-10 weeks. The reason for this is to rest, catch up on sleep, clear your mind of work and to re-align yourself with God.

When I was first instructed of this procedure I thought to myself; 'Ace, mandatory holiday, I won't be tired.' WRONG! I am exhausted, and because you are working so hard with your back-to-back activity filled days, in temperatures greater then 40 degrees C, you do not even realise it. It makes me wonder, how unnoticed my stress and energy levels got in the UK without assessment. I agree with this Medair R&R policy. In this tense environment, a loose comment can make such a difference to base and personal security. The authorities we deal with on a daily basis, all have close ties with the military, who spend most of their time drunk, and scared of the future. Anticipating war, living in peace with very little to do, leaves your average adolescent soldier quite trigger happy.

Months Update

So in my last entry, I was in Wadakona, located on the border between North and South Sudan, in the Upper Nile State. I was testing concrete latrine slabs, and working on water treatment and distribution system designs for three towns to the South.

Three weeks ago, I relocated to our base in Melut to focus more of my time on starting up the Melut Water Distribution Project. As I said goodbye to my manager who was returning to the UK for a month, I felt the increase in purpose and responsibility. If this project was going to begin, it was down to me, the task was set...

JP (my manager) and I had largely agreed on the design, and a Memorandum of Understanding had been signed by the county Commissioner, so the first step was to order materials. The inefficiency previously experienced in the Aid sector, has rightfully forced NGO's to supply greater accountability to their Donors. One of the area's being monitored was procurement (the buying of materials). I had to find the best quote from at least three different suppliers. This was also the case when appointing a contractor. Materials were transported from Khartoum (Capital city, North Sudan) on huge trucks and were offloaded in our compound. Contractor interviews began soon after, and I tried my best to explain to them the works information.

We received four contractors who boasted years and years of experience. I took a translator with me, and drove them to the existing water distribution kiosks. The work would involve, excavation, minor block work, concreting, plastering and painting, fencing and pipework. The value of the work ahead would be approximately $75,000, including materials, labour and transport.

During this period, I have been taught the importance of clear understanding and patience, unfortunately I learnt the hard way. I thought all the contractors had a good understanding of the work, so we decided to invite the lowest bidding contractor back, to discuss the contract. I spent one hour explaining to him the details of the contract we would sign. "Do you understand?" I asked. He replied yes. "Do you have any questions?" I repeated. "No." he answered. 'Great!' I thought, but sure enough, the following morning he had arrived with a revised quote that had doubled.

In the end, we appointed two different contractors. One to manage the construction of two new kiosks and the rehabilitation of the existing eight, and one to manage the installation of 1300m of pipework. Contracts were developed and signed, and work began the next day. I breathed a sigh of relief...

The following day I woke with a smile on my face, excited to see work starting, and begin moving the materials from our compound to the work sites. At 10.30, I received a call from our pipework contractor... 'The SSRRC has halted our work. He wants to see you.' I jumped into the car with Isaac (our translator and a good engineer) and set off for town. The SSRRC is the South Sudanese Relief & Rehabilitation Council. They are the authority that manages all work relating to NGO's. They do not have much authority, but they have strong links with other authorities further up the chain, and make life very difficult. They have been known to have NGO vehicles taken due to insufficient visibility (flags, logos), they have removed NGO's from their bases, and prevented their return. In this case, the problem was that the pipework contractor, was managed by Kenyans - not Sudanese. I told him we would return later that day with a solution. When we returned, he brought us into his office and told us he was busy - '...come back on Monday at 9am, sharp.' That was that. It is a minor issue, but it is a shame the contractor was made to suffer - their enthusiasm to get the job done would be a real asset.

Kiosk work continues uninterrupted by the local contractor, and progress suggests the project deadline of December 20th 2010 is very possible.

Concrete latrine Slabs Testing

So I am still testing different latrine slab designs. Since arriving in Melut I have cast three more slabs.
1. Concrete slab reinforced with steel reinforcement
2. Unreinforced domed concrete slab
3. Mortar slab with three layers of 25mm chicken wire (12 gauge)

As you can see by the pictures, we had lots of fun testing them. The steel reinforced slab and mesh reinforced slab were tested with 400kg and did not fail. The unreinforced slab failed under 150kg. Rather it fails 1ft above the ground, then 2m above 1000 litres of rotting faeces. It is sad to say that the 400kg test weight was the total weight of 8 Sudanese men. Just imagine what the nutrition rate was like when they were children.

Girly emotional stuff

As I previously mentioned, I am feeling exhausted and am looking forward to spending time at the coast near Mombasa. I am especially looking forward to eating a variety of foods, yoghurt, muesli, cheese, chocolate. The diet is very similar day to day, all credit due to the cooks, who are able to make the most out of limited supplies.

Breakfast - Tea, bread and spreads (honey, home made peanut butter, sometimes Nuttela from Khartoum).

Lunch - Rice, beans and meat (still not sure what type of meat it is, they are definitely mammal bones that get lodged in your Trachea though)

Dinner - Rice, beans, meat, maybe greens (unknown what this is, maybe boiled grass), special treats include chips or ciabatti.

Lots of tea, so I have been surviving.

I have really been noticing how far I am from the family and Joanne. The occassional discussion via Skype is a real blessing, and I look forward to video calls when I am in an internet cafe on R&R. These facilities are available for the country HQ in Juba, but out here in Upper Nile state, we are limited to text conversations. Communication is so much more then words.

So I have typed far too much, but this will be my only entry for October. Keep well, and thanks for your prayers.

Blessings,
Damon

Building toilet slabs

GOOD MORNING, I hope you are well! In my last Blog I discussed the technical aspect of the job to date. I apologise that the title 'Sudanese Children are Deceptively Good at Football' was slightly misleading.

Sudanese Children are Deceptively Good at Football

To clarify this previous title; I have begun playing football with one of the countless teams. They meet Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays about 1 hour before sunset.

I am not sure if I will ever adapt to their style of football. They rarely pass, going on incredibly ambitious runs around the opposition, and when they do pass, they are usually short and misplaced. In their defence, the reason for this could be the uneven surface they play on. To their credit, they NEVER STOP RUNNING! These are the fittest footballers I have ever played with! To run their distances in this heat, they seem inhuman! I have had to substitute myself twice now, and switch with the goal keeper also (much to the amusement of the onlookers). I say they are deceptive because they are all 6ft+ tall pipe cleaners (SKINNY).

Football is THE BIG INTEREST here in Wadakona. Their football pitch spills onto the dusty road (which is barely distinguishable), and further down the road two other teams can be seen playing! They take it to the next level, some playing in bare feet, still sporting their favourite club shirts; Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea and Barcelona - and lots of 'Totti' shirts (AC Roma star player).

Weeks Re-cap

So the past few weeks has been very interesting, as the team travelled to a place called Ayeth to survey their existing water supply. We knew they were taking water from the Nile, but the distance they were travelling to collect it was humbling. During the wet season young boys travel 1.5km to collect water. In the dry season the collection point turns to mud, and they are forced to travel an additional 1.5km. Using GPS we were able to assess these distances, and develop a water distribution system strategy along with a treatment design.

The community was home to approximately 2,000 people, with an additional 6,000 nomads joining them in the dry season. This number expected to grow around the referendum as people return home to vote. We are hoping to have the system installed before we leave for Christmas.

Life continues in the compound, my Arabic slowly progressing (along with peoples frustration from repeating the same phrases). I wanted to put it to the test on the weekend, so attended the local church which is 100% classical Arabic. I did not understand anything! After talking with the Bishop afterwards he told me the message was about the rich man and Lazarus.

Seeing the church packed with about 500 people reminded me that this was probably what church used to be like in the UK. THE CENTRE OF THE COMMUNITY. A place to meet and chat with your pals.

I realised that I was not the only white person in the county (as I had originally thought). I met Sister Mary, an elderly Irish nun posted at the convent adjacent to the church. I hope to join her for tea at some point this week.

Building Toilet Slabs

So the main project for the past week has been the construction of trial latrine slabs. The significance of these slabs, are that they do not have any reinforcement. They designed as a dome with the knowledge that arches transfer the central load to the abutments. The concrete mix contains more aggregate and sand then usual concrete mixes making it very strong.

Sudanese children are deceptively good at football!

Good evening friends, family and folks!

I hope as you read this you are savouring the ebbing heat of the British summer. If you are unhappy saying goodbye to the heat, remember that Sudanese climate has begun it's turn around towards the summer. Temperatures are a moderate 24 deg.C at night, and in the afternoon 40 deg.C. Just a taste of things to come I understand!

So, the adventure has not disappointed. My manager (JP) is slowly easing me into various projects we are managing and implementing. My experience is working with an engineering consultant, and Medair operate in a very similar way. They conduct the needs/feasibility assessment, design a strategy, seek funding, prepare tender documents, appoint a contractor, and supervise the implementation and manage contracts.

The significant difference is that Medair is flexible to act as a contractor for their own projects to save costs. Doing this has drawbacks, such as the increase in Medair staff, and the additional associated implementation risks. I am involved in about five different projects in the Upper Nile State off South Sudan. The overview mandate is to provide access to improved drinking water to over 40,000 people before December 2011. This pivots largely on the outcome of the election in early January (this is a huge topic, I will talk about another time).

So Medair have decided to implement three of the projects themselves, bringing on casual labour from the community, sourcing and purchasing all materials. While this is an exciting variation to my usual work, I am sure it will bring enormous HR problems. Before employing local labour for jobs like trenching, excavation, concrete work and simple building we will request the community authority pledge labour support for free - after all, it is for their benefit.

Following construction, we formally hand over the infrastructure to the water committee (facilitated and supported by Medair). The Kiosk staff then charge customers a small amount for clean water, supplying more then enough revenue for maintenance and staff payment. Finally turning the water supply into a self-funding system, without bankrupting the local population.

So, I am sorry if this entry was a bit boring and technical for you, next time I will supply some classic Damon cheesiness about feelings and hearty things.

Keep well, Damon

APOLOGIES ALL.

After talking to my perceptive girlfriend Joanne - she tells me the post is 'Too Cold'... So, here is some soppyness.

The scale of the task is starting to be revealed to me. I am transerred fortnightly between Melut and Wadakona to supervise construction activities. During my last transfer I met a gentleman named Samuel. He was fortunate to have been driven about 6 hours to Melut, where he was diagnosed (at a Medair Public Health Unit) with an excruciatingly painful Cyst. From Melut he joined us on our four and a half hour boat journey North to Wadakona. During this time he was incapacitated, barely able to move, having to be lifted in and out of the boat, each time enduring unfathomable pain. Upon arrival, we unloaded the boat and he continued North for another four hours to the Medair Public Health Care Centre in the larger town of Renk where I understand he was operated on upon immediately!

Three days on we look back at his ordeal, and about seven of us are going to Renk (on the weekend) to wish him speedy recovery. As I look at his journey I remember something else odd that day. A random lady was also on the boat and never left his side. When I asked Stephan, our driver, he told me she was his mother.

Samuel travelled almost the distance of England, via land and river to receive treatment from one of 200 registered doctors in the country. Humbling statistics. But he survived, and is testimony to the value of life. Live it!