South Sudan - health care, lepers, and life...

"Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy." Proverbs 31v8-9

I've just returned from over a month in South Sudan. Tenwek Hospital is beginning to explore a partnership with another hospital - Memorial Christian Hospital - located in Werkok in the Jonglei state of Sudan. Although my role became one vastly different than what I was prepared for I was no less fortunate to be able to partake positively in a hands on way in the life some.

I've God to thank for that and the generosity of others who work hard in the west to support this work which I'm so grateful to be a part of.

Below are some pictures and descriptions of life in south Sudan.

The Cessna Caravan which carried us and supplies to Memorial Christian Hospital (MCH) in Werkok, South Sudan.

The north side of the hospital compound - where life happens when one is not in the hospital itself.

A picture of MCH. In the morning there were patients gathered under the overhang awaiting evaluation and treatment. You can just see the corner of the white shipping container where I spent many long and hot hours working with Aret to create an Inventory and organizational system for the hospital supply of medications.

The inside of "the yellow container" - full of hospital supplies in unmarked boxes on top of unmarked boxes. We worked long and hard sorting, recording, organizing and labeling boxes and creating an inventory. Not to mention that if it was in the afternoon the ambient temperature was somewhere around 130 with no air movement! It was worth it. :)

South Sudan is composed of many different tribes. Cattle are significant to virtually all as a source of wealth, security, and livelihood in general. Presently the Dinka are experiencing attacks from the Murle who are making raids - killing Dinka and stealing cattle and children due to high infertility rates among the Murle. The un-official observation among locals is that the north Sudan government is indirectly supplying the Murle and capitalizing on tribal unrest to create instability during the coming elections. Such tactics are not uncommon of the extreme Arab-Muslim north (ever heard of Darfur?). As the Dinka represent the largest tribe in south Sudan it is not far fetched for them to hold this perspective.

On a visit to a nearby "tuckul" (house/hut) this lady initiated posing next to her cooking with pride. How does your kitchen compare?

Likely younger than she appears, the hard life is evident on this mama's face. In South Sudan each tribe has it's own decorative facial scarring which indicates their tribe. The v-shaped scars on her forehead represent the Dinka tribe.

An empty can left over from food-aid from the US.

This is how the laundry gets done. The nice part is that with the high heat, sun and wind everything is dry in about 5 minutes!

This animal was caught in the bush by some nationals and surrounded, cornered and beaten to death. Without a Giant-Eagle supermarket people here do what they can to survive and take what happens to come along. The odd thing about this one is NO ONE had ever seen this animal before - ever. If anyone can tell definitively what it is, you will be the first.

The more usual fare - Antelope - shot that morning.

All kinds of things are found in the bush, including this baby Antelope(?). Mary, one of the cooks at MCH is helping it out with a little breakfast.

A leper colony in Malek. Ajak, the Dr. at MCH has been advocating to the UN about the need to care for these people. The disease is completely curable and affordable to do so - yet they are overlooked and uncared for by local authorities because of corruption and lack of "value". I was incredibly touched by the children, whose laughter and smiles beguile the hardship, poverty and neglect that has defined their life. The following are some pictures of just some of them.

A mothers love is just as strong in Malek as in Ohio.

With the help of others Dr. Ajak of MCH is initiating a partnership with the Murle in developing health care at an old abandoned hospital site in Murle territory. Given that the Murle are currently attacking, killing, and abducting Dinka children this peaceful gesture speaks volumes toward the desire for peace and unity.

This is one of the buildings - Pibor (home to the Murle tribe) - sits one of several buildings that may be used as a center for health care. Currently it is used as a church. As I took this picture 3 young boys raced out of nowhere and without warning struck the coolest martial arts poses ever - as seen below.

An up-close shot of a wall of the church. Hundreds of bullet holes are visual reminders of all the conflict that has characterized south Sudan.

Drawn with chalk, Jesus' name is inscripted on a rusting and peeling metal door.

Apparently a martial arts pose is the popular thing among Murle Kids. Note all the bullet holes in the wall behind them.

Murle children

In the market at Pibor a sharp dressed man poses for a picture.

The genuine caring and hospitality of the southern Sudanese was incredibly humbling. One example was the staff buying a goat and preparing it as a feast to say thank you to those of us about to leave. A completely unnecessary and loving gesture. The generosity of the poor never ceases to amaze me.

From left to right: Glen, Me, Mike, and Jon. These 3 guys were there filming a documentary. I had my suspicions of a "media presence" but was able to observe them debunk every bad reputation normally associated with professional media. Becoming friends with them was one of the highlights of my trip!