I drank this Kenyan beer while in Tanzania. It’s delicious. Unfortunately, it’s also impossible to find in Ohio.
2 months agoPlease Read: Recent Statistics Concerning Southern Sudan
- More than 90% of the population lives on less than a dollar a day
- 1.2 million people in Southern Sudan are food deficit and will need assistance during this year
- One out of seven women who become pregnant will probably die of pregnancy related complications
- There are only 10 certified midwives in all of Southern Sudan
- 92% of women in Southern Sudan cannot read and write
- Only 27% of girls are in school and there are 1,000 primary school pupils per
teacher
- 97% of the population has no access to sanitation
- Polio, once eradicated from Southern Sudan has reemerged
- Some of the deadliest diseases in the world are prevalent in Southern Sudan,
including Cholera, Meningitis, Rift Valley Fever, Ebola, Hemorrhagic Fever and Guinea Worm; Polio has re-emerged.
- A 15 year old girl has a higher chance of dying in childbirth than of finishing school
- The maternal mortality rate is the highest in the world and the child immunization rate the lowest.
2 months ago
You have not seen darkness until you see the darkness of southern Sudan.— What is the What by Dave Eggers 2 months ago
Zombified on no sleep.Coked up on Malarone.
With the trip still fresh in mind, my emotions seem to change with every beat of my heart. Our departure was bittersweet. I was uplifted to see the Holy Spirit impact the hearts of many children. But still, so many remain hardened, even those who showed progress. As we left, the melancholy air was as thick has the sorghum posho we ate everyday. It’s heartbreaking to leave a job half finished. If only I could convince myself that, “I planted the seed, […] but God made it grow.” I can’t help but fear for their futures.
I can’t help but fear for Nimule. Living 23 years in America has cultivated in me a sense of superiority over all other nations. It’s something on which I have a white-knuckled, tight grip. But nevertheless, when I travel to places such as Nimule, it persists to rear it’s ugly head. I can’t help but think, “If they lived their lives like this, maybe they would experience prosperity.” Though not necessarily healthy, my intentions are good. I just forget that Nimule is Nimule, not Columbus. I forget that citizens of Nimule are just as worthy to be called “my child” by their Abba Father as Americans. I forget that every child that runs barefoot on the dirt roads is ultimately my Savior.
Leaving Nimule is like leaving the gravesite of a departed loved one. There is much loss, anguish, brokenness, and heartache. Simultaneously there is relief, closure, and a certain spiritual connection that occurs between the deceased and the living that leaves one feeling renewed, as if an old friendship were brought up to speed. One can’t remain at the plot forever. Departure must occur until the time is right to once more revisit that place of ache, that place of hope.
3 months ago