A month later...

I've been here in South Sudan for one month now, and a lot has happened.  So much, in fact, that I really haven't had time to either write in a journal or here on the blog.  There is really a lot to do with this mosquito-net distribution and not a lot of time.

Although, this is fairly late to be doing this, I would like to give my first impressions of this country, as I have never experienced a place like this before.  This is truly unlike any experience I have had.  There are certainly times when I have drawn comparisons between South Sudan and the other African countries to which I have been, but this area is truly unlike anything I have ever seen.

1.  Juba, the capitol of South Sudan, has an interesting and terribly sad mix of abject poverty and rapid growth that has been constantly shocking for me to see.  I caught my first glimpse as I touched down on the runway and saw a little child standing in the tall grass not 20 feet away from the 747 I was landing in.

As I understand, once Juba was named the capitol after the signing of the CPA, the city has continued unprecedented growth without any urban planning whatsoever.  Within the boundaries of Juba, I have yet to see any planting fields or even small vegetable gardens.  It just isn't possible to find open land because there are so many people moving into the city.  Food is literally flown and trucked in from Uganda and Kenya.  I will admit that I didn't believe it for a while, but things like beef and tomatoes are all coming to Juba from other countries.

The city is also lacking significantly in regards to utilities... no water, no sewage, no water runoff, no landlines or electricity (although there is a semi-working power grid).  

2.  The entire country feels like a graveyard of generations past.

Everywhere I have been so far, there are remnants of South Sudan's history... broken-down planes on the side of every runway.  Rusted out tanks on the side of the road along with old road construction equipment left behind when companies pulled out of the area.

South Sudan's history is laying in the streets and is underneath the houses.  It is something I am still trying to fully grasp, but even if I do not yet understand the subtlties, it is apparent everywhere I go.

I am going to try and write regularly as I am now out in the field and am allowing myself to be more pensive.

I miss you all and would love to hear from you.

Todd