Abukloi School: We Can South Sudan!

Today we made a significant contact with the Minister of Education and got his blessings.  We also got an announcement on the local radio.  We have changed our plans based on a conversation with the Episcopal Bishop here.  Currently we have 16 applicants (ages 14-30!).  If we still need more applicants we will advertise in the 14 local churches this Sunday.  The Bishop helped us with those contacts.  Thursday potential students are to come to the Catholic Compound to apply.  Then Friday they will return to take the entrance exam. 

Also, Angelo and Moses are helping us create a more comfortable life for ourselves here at Uncle Jacob's compound.  We are trying to get running water and a man came today to give an estimate on doing that.  They have also spoke with a local young woman who will clean and cook for us.  We will pay her which will help her and us.

Speaking of food, most people here eat only once a day.  We asked our driver and he said it is for two reasons.  One is the work involved of gathering fire wood, making the fire, preparing the food and cooking it.  Then washing the dishes is complicated also.  The other reason is lack of money.  When you think about that, it is pretty daunting.  Bev and I are getting used to one meal a day but I have to admit that she is adjusting better than I am.

It is clear here that the women and girls do all the work around the house (carrying water, cooking, washing clothes, cleaning the house, watching the children, shopping, gardening, etc.).  So few men have jobs that you see large groups of them just sitting under the trees playing cards and talking.  The women are starting to notice but it does not seem to be changing.  However, this morning Bev and I noticed that we were washing our clothes and sweeping out the house while Angelo and Moses sat in the cool of the morning and talking.  We apparently have become Sudanese women - but Bob and Oliver should not expect this change to last.