SEPTEMBER 17 - Tuesday was definitely one of those plan B days and a day we learned much about how the Sudanese people adapt to the weather and the government. We awoke this morning to the sound of wind, rain, and thunder. The rain continued until nearly noon, raining hard at times. The roads which are only dirt (not even a bit of gravel) and full of ruts, huge holes and more were even worse. Our first stop was the Rumbek High School but it closed due to the weather. So we tried visiting the Commissioners Office but it was closed too. In the Sates school is generally closed due to bad weather to keep children from coming out but here there is no way to contact them so they walk to school, attendance is taken, and they are sent home.
With our morning plans foiled we decided to get some breakfast. While we were there we got a phone call. You see the President of South Sudan, Kiir, is considering a visit to Rumbek this week so the military and police were going door to door searching for unregistered guns. Our house was locked and they were going to break in. One of our "neighbors" called to let us know. We sent the driver with a key but before he could get there (remember the roads are terrible) they had broken the lock. We came home and dealt with this.
So much of our time has been spent not on the school but on "survival". We are wanting to get running water in the house so a contractor has been here this week making that happen. He was also able to get us in the house and then replace the door mechanism. We are close to having running water. The plumbing is done but we still need water in the tank. So tonight we are carrying water and "showering" with a pan and cup. Actually, we are really getting the hang of it but it will feel very good to stand under that cold water!
Marg
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