Back in the 'Bong

(shout out to BG for the title…) It is so good to be back in Kaabong! I have been received so warmly here by my old friends. This place is really a world away from life back home – yet it feels so normal to be here, so natural to be back in a place that I spent a year of my life!

My first few days at work were quite busy as I dove back into the daily tasks of running Medair’s base. There have been many improvements and changes made over the past 9 months: a vehicle service pit, an abundant garden (!), an outside cooking kitchen for Stella, and various others that make the base run more smoothly. Along with changes, much is the same as when I left, so I’ve been able to resume my place quite easily and am trying to roll with the improvements as I learn of them. My staff are doing so well – it is so encouraging to see people I poured time and energy into continuing to improve and maintain their skills and performance on base. More than that, it is wonderful to see their smiles, hear about their lives, share in their physical presence!

The situation here in Kaabong seems similar to when I left. As I’ve mentioned in the past, the projects we do through Medair are really helpful and aid in the quality of life for the Karamojong, but will never truly solve the complex issues plaguing the people here. I was so pleased to notice, while flying into the area, that there have been many gardens (crop fields) dug (tilled) and planted this spring. Unfortunately, there has not been rain in the past few weeks and if it delays another few weeks, it will all be for naught. Pray for rain! The security situation is relatively peaceful right now. I am pleased that my first few nights in Kaabong were incredibly quiet – not a gun shot was noticed – and the mention of raids on local kraals and villages has been scarce.

Medair’s work has changed a bit since I was here. The main thrust at the moment is in more emergency relief through cash-for-work projects that infuse money into the economy by providing work, and that work is either to improve infrastructure through road maintenance/building and also the construction of sub-surface dams. These dams are built to provide a sort of water cachement beneath the river bed, which allows for greater access to water for livestock and washing, especially when rainfall is limited. I hope to visit one of these being constructed this week and upload some pictures. Another portion of the project is in constructing latrines at area primary schools, then providing education on hygiene & sanitation to the children. I hope to also stop in on one of these trainings – sure to be a fun time! Medair hopes to do some more borehole maintenance over the summer, depending on whether some expected funding comes through to support that.

It’s been a joy also to see and spend time with Terrill & Amber Schrock, the missionaries here with SIL. They are living here in Kaabong now, but are constructing a house so that they can live in Timu among the Ik people that they are here to serve. I am really hopeful to get to spend a day travelling there with them to see their construction, meet their community & villages, and get another glance at the great Rift Valley!

The days have been hot – I’m lucky that my job is mostly inside & therefore I don’t find myself out in the heat of the day, but many of our staff are out all day long. Their endurance is commendable!

I leave you with a few pictures from my walk home yesterday...or not, seemed to have misplaced my cable, will try again this week! Have any thoughts or questions? Would love to hear from you via comment or email. Lots of love!