Stories of Peace from the Nile’s West Bank

Film produced as part of USAID’s South Sudan Transition, Conflict and Mitigation Program. Currently being projected to youth audiences in order to help create positive dialogue amongst neighboring communities in Lakes, Unity, and Warrap States.

2013 Spring Newsletter

The first two surgeries were MCH family. Mary Garang’s niece, Mary, had her vocal chords repaired and Michael underwent surgery to remove a goiter from his neck. I put on my blue dress scrub and went to take photos. Paula and Christi were there assisting the surgical team. Mary did well and was out and recovering quickly. She is a brilliant young girl who came all the way from Kenya to visit her Aunt Mary and be seen by the doctors. Seven months ago she lost the ability to speak and she suffered damage to her cornea. I am sure she will be fully recovered and speaking in no time. For now, she speakes with a soft whisper. She has great ideas and a helpful spirit and has become like my Sudanese sister:) I am going to miss her.

Michael will also be missed. On Monday, he let me ride his motorcycle to meet the medical team at the airstrip…well, he drove and I rode on back. It was so fun! He is the funny guy who always has jokes and smiles. He was even smiling as he lay on the operating table, hooked up to IV and preparing for his surgery! Then the drugs kicked in and he was out. The procedure was quite long and he was still recovering when we left, so we did not get a chance to say goodbye. Get well soon Michael!

Praise God I made it through the sight of blood and needles to take some good photos and be there to encourage my new friends. I am awaiting updates on the other surgeries from the day. I went to the village with Gabriel and Simon to collect plastic bottles with the kids for our recycled crafts project. We got three bags full and the kids got candy:) It was a good day!

As patients waited to be seen, I went over and greeted each one using my new Dinka vocabulary. “Ci Rujn,” (Good morning). “Kudual” (Hello).

“Encol Dana” (My name is Dana). Oh how they got a kick out of this!

The American girl from Kalamazoo, MI speaking Dinka, lol! I must have been believable at first because some of the women wanted to continue the conversation, but lost me after the first few words. I resorted back to smiling and searching for a young person who knew a little English. “Ha Ha Ha!” There was such laughter in that waiting area. If only the hospital waiting areas in the U.S. were as entertaining and joyful as this! I wanted to serve them, as I went around asking if anyone wanted “pu” (water). With the heat being 122 Degrees Fahrenheit, it was a small courtesy to offer those who had braved the journey.

Back under the tree with the women, the numbers doubled from our first sewing and craft project interest meeting the day before. Those women went and told their daughters, sisters, mothers, aunts and friends. 46 women’s names were written on our roll. Each woman was captured on video raising her hand in agreement of the terms. These women represent their household of daughters and daughter-in-laws that could not attend the meeting. Once we gather all of the women together, that number could more than double to include 100 women. There are exciting this happening under our modest tree of hope!

The doctors ended the day with an exploratory osteomyelitis of the right tibia. I admire their sacrifice and world renowned skill. All of them are volunteering their time and knowledge to be here helping the people. Stay tuned for the many success stories and pictures to come in our next PCC/MCH Newsletter.

The team from Tenwek included surgeon Dr. Russ White, Grants Coordinator and Russ’ nephew Gabriel Ellsworth, anesthetist Phillip Lamgat and surgical resident Elijah Mwaura. Before unloading their luggage, they joined PCC staff for a meeting with the County Commissioner to further express our security concerns and needs. Mary and I met with the women under their usual tree behind the hospital. I asked them their ideas and told them about the sewing and craft project. They clapped at ideas they liked. Every woman clapped as I explained how they could use their crafts to make money for themselves and their families. They said that even thought they heard last year that they would get sewing machines, they did not believe it until now. Eager to begin, I hope to get them to the machines to them within the next month or two, but definitely before the rainy season begins. In the rainy season it can rain all day with no breaks and they have nowhere to meet. We are praying that we can use one of the empty community buildings in the village until we have completed the construction of the Growth Center.

After the meeting, I found a large plastic bag and two sacks that I can use to collect empty plastic bottles. Following the Banana Box organization’s model, we are going to use recycled materials, melt them down and mold them into strips to weave baskets, make toys, mats and other crafts. Mary helped me sew up one of the torn sacks. On Tuesday, we will go to town with the boys and pack up bottles. Please pray for this project. The women finally have hope and we want their efforts to yield results. With the crafts and garments, they can sell them in the markets in surrounding towns as well as in churches here and the U.S.

The day was full and what better way to unwind then a drive in movie? Or in our case, a laptop propped against the barn, as we sat enjoying the movie, “We Bought A Zoo,” with a huge tub of popcorn. Nature was our amphitheater and the half moon and stars were our audience.

Dismissing for Sunday school, under the tree outside, we handed out the paper and crayons I brought. The children had fun drawing to their hearts’ content. The teachers told me they love to see the children happy. They asked if we could get more Dinka Bibles and children’s Bible stories on felt. This would make them glad.

I told them we would send something from the U.S. There are no markets around with these materials. After church, we had lunch and rested. With only four more days, we knew the week would fly by.

I wanted to spend quality time with the two boys, so we played pictionary. I began drawing an animal with short ears, a round face, and stripes. “Cat!” One of the boys exclaimed. I congratulated him for guessing correctly. The two boys proceeded to copy my version of a cat. I then told them to draw a dog, like our MCH dog David. They did an excellent job portraying him. Then they drew a cow and a house. Two other boys joined us. I drew a man, all four boys guessed correctly and began drawing a man. They are so smart and eager to learn. If you know of any organizations donating school supplies, please let PCC know. We would especially love any Dinka language books. Thank you for partnering with us to provide for these dear children!

Today, David, Stuart, Deng Alier, Deng Jong Kuch, Christi, Paula and I were like that woman with the issue of blood. We drove to Bor Town, crammed in a truck without brakes (the only one we had). We were on a mission to meet with the Government of Jonglei State to solve some of the many issues facing MCH. We had no appointment, but in faith we believed that not only would the Governor and County Commissioner see us, but we believed they would offer us tangible solutions and deliver on their promises. The road there was rocky, windy and unpaved, but we arrived safely to the gated Government headquarters. Armed soldiers stood on every side and United Nations trucks patrolled the area.

We tread confidently to the Governors office. His office representative, Manyang and his security guard welcomed us to sit, inquiring about the purpose of our visit. David told him of MCH and the insecurity of the Werkok area due to tribal attacks by the Merles. Many have fled the area and our patient numbers are being affected. Fear is trying to creep into the village. We requested security, but none had come. Additionally, we need vehicles to transport patients. The needs are great. Manyang empathized with our concerns. He shared that his uncle was cared for in MCH when Bor Hospital was unable to treat his Tuberculosis. He told us that MCH means a lot to him. He himself is one of the Lost Boys who was sent to Nashville, TN for a better life during the war and genocide. He was there for twenty-two years. Finding favor with him was God’s hand at work. He sent a messenger to the Governor and the Commissioner, who were tied up in meetings. Although it seemed they would be unable to meet us, we knew God would make a way.

Just as we left the office and were getting into the truck, Manyang stood in the courtyard with the Governor and some of his cabinet members, The Minister of Small Government and the Minister of Law to name a few. He motioned for us to return. We spent the next fourty-five minutes sitting with the Governor and the Minister of Small Government, telling him of the young mother and newborn baby who’s lives MCH saved by performing and emergency C-Section when Bor Hospital could not. We told him of the other 3-month old baby who’s life was spared after suffering from malnourishment and neglect. She had a yeast infection that would not allow her urine to be released. Unable to find a catheterizing tool small enough to fit her, the MCH staff had to send her back to home untreated. The staff later thought of a solution and Deng Jong Kuch had to drive around at night, in our truck with no brakes, from house to house until he found the mother and her baby. He brought them back to the hospital and Dr. Guy had to suck .5 liters of urine from the baby using a syringe. She could hardly move before being treated, but is now recovering well.

The Governors eyes welled up, he fought back tears. When he spoke, his voice filled with compassion and frustration. He wants to help us and so many. There are countless demands on him. He told us of the difficulties South Sudan has of running a country with no money. The North-South oil controversy has devastated the potential of the South Sudanese economy. There are insurmountable obstacles and not enough resources or people to help. I could feel his betrayal as he told us of the Lost Boys that he sent off to America with hopes that they would return and help their country. However, many of them have gone to school, gotten good jobs, made money and spent it on big houses, fancy cars and expensive clothes, but have not given back anything to their homeland. He spoke like a father whose prodigal son had spent all he had on wordly goods, but if that son would just return home, he would welcome him with open arms.

He showed kindness to us and told us he would pay to have the brakes fixed on our truck. He also ordered the County Commissioner to return to Werkok permanently and provide security to be stationed at MCH. This will bring the people peace of mind. David introduced each of us. The Governor said he would give letters of recommendation for the grants we weill be writing to bring aid and development to MCH, including USAID funding. I told him of the small business and sewing project we are starting with the women. He said it was very good and would support our efforts. We showed him the new site plan for MCH, with plans of a year round airstrip, the Growth Center, expanded housing quarters, a soccer field and the memorial garden. He was impressed and excited for this future 5-10 year expansion.

When the commissioner arrived, the Governor gave an overview of our plans and needs, telling him of his role to be sure that we are taken care of. We showed him the site plan and planned a time for him to visit us next week. We shook hands and proceeded outside for a group photo.

With much accomplished, all spirits were high! We took a drive past the Nile River and then went to the Bor market to refresh ourselves at the best juice bar in town. I got the lemon and pineapple mix. It was so good, fresh squeezed. The ladies went out shopping with Stuart as our chaperone, while the guys found some items for the compound. In my search for the perfect dress, I came across several women sewing designer Sudanese outfits. They were each sitting at a black sewing machine. African fabric of various prints draped the back wooden wall partition. The women were so lovely and sweet. One of them spoke English and told me they were in a sewing program. I told her I was from New York, visiting Werkok. She knew the area. I asked her if she would come to teach the women how to sew. She smiled brightly and said, “Yes, I will come.” I was so happy, I asked if I could take a picture. They all smiled and I snapped my camera. They liked the photo and laughed aloud, commenting on their images on the screen. I want the women of Werkok to see this photo and know that they too can make beautiful garments like these women. I hated to leave so quickly, but we had to get back to MCH and I still had not found a dress.

I returned to a shop I visited before, where I found a beautiful canary yellow dress with an adorning beaded necklace attached. Costing 65ssp, I bought it. Christie got a creatively dyed yellow lawa.

We met up with the guys, got a new volleyball:) and began our drive back. We stopped to visit Pastor Stevens at the Mission Garden of Christ, marveling at his developing property. He now has a school. After sitting with him a while, we went by the radio station to ask about announcing the doctors coming next week. At 300ssp, it was too expensive. The Government sent out letters announcing the news, so we trust God will do the rest in bringing the people.

The only noteworthy event on our drive home was when the two Dengs’ jumped out of the truck and chased a family of Baboons into the bush They resurfaced with a dead and bloody baby goat that had been killed by the baboons. They were just dragging it away when the Dengs’ went to retrieve it. We drove up to the closest house and returned it to the mother there. She knew who’s family it belonged to. Such a tight-nit community, the Dinka’s believe in working together. As the saying goes, “It takes a village to raise a child.” Driving back into Werkok, I saw a tukel colorfully painted with a pale pink stripe going all around it. Zig zags of color outlined it and the greeting said, “Welcom to New Yerk.” I laughed at the irony and humor. Surely, this place is no place like home, but it sure is growing on me:)

Mary shared great wisdom with me. She remembers old Sudan. She has seen a lot of suffering. Yet, she has joy, hope and expectancy. She has such a thankful spirit. Speaking as a woman of wisdom, equipped with the role of teaching the women the Dinka language, the Bible and helping them improve their lives. Humbly, she asks God to lead her and says, “If I am not the one to help these women, may God send another, but if I am the one to help them, may He enable me to do it.” I learn so much from her. Every time we speak, she teaches me something new. Including Dinka, she gave me a mini lesson so now I can introduce myself, ask someone’s name and use greetings for the morning, afternoon and evening. Baby steps to becoming fluent:)

We had a visit from USAID, which proved very beneficial to expanding our network of contacts and funding sources. We are greatly in need of the following:

• 2 Toyota 10-passenger trucks
• Additional funding for the Growth Center we are planning to build
  • Furniture,
  • Desks
  • Chairs
  • Sewing machines
  • Solar Powered Panels
• Digital X-Ray Machine
• Anesthesiologist
• More Staff
• Airstrip
• More housing on the compound

We are trusting God for these things.