Chaotic Juba

I knew I had arrived in Juba the moment I stepped off the plane. The heavy, hot air seemed to consume me.
It was about a-thousand degrees! Well, at least 110.

A new addition to the chaotic hussle at the Juba International Airport: Testing for Ebola which consists of filling out a questionaire, having hand sanitizer squirted in to my hands before you're allowed in to the terminal, and having my temperature taken.
Fun times!
But this is now standard operation in most countries in Africa. No cases of the lethal virus have been sited in South Sudan.... and everyone would love to keep it that way.

I'm greeted by my brother Daniel Majok Gai and after we leave customs we load up the bags in to a van driven by his friend, another Daniel, who has reggie music pumping from the stereo.
We whip through the streets as bota botas (small motorcycles used a s public transportation driven by, well anyone) squeeze through tight spots inbetween cars and pedestrians.
The air is hazy with red dirt and exhaust. Ah, yes, this is Juba!

We head to the Espicopal Guest House, the place where we (PESS team) typically stays before venturing off to the bush.
All four huge bags with our training materials have arrived with me as well.

The Espicopal Guest House, ESC compound, is filled with missionaries, people representing NGO's and the occasional journalist. It's an inexpensive, safe, relatively clean place to stay.

The conversations are always interesting and rich and one can learn a lot by being a fly on the wall.
Last night was a perfect example. While doing work on-line after dinner in the dining room I listened to a conversation of young people which included the ever diplomatic and passionate Daniel Majok Gai.
It was great to hear the young people share their experiences of how they ended up in other parts of the world and eventually back in South Sudan, if only for a visit.
Young people, as are all South Sudanese, are concerned about the future of their young country and how they are portrayed by the media and seen by the rest of the world.

Looks like PESS' Youth Leadership training program is right on time!

-Tamara

Nairobi

I awoke this morning to the melodic sounds of tropical birds ushering in a new day.

I made it to Nairobi last night. I'm staying at The Methodist Guest House where they love Project Education South Sudan.

In fact, they practically revere the organization. As many of you know, this is where our friend and brother, Daniel Majok Gai and his wife and nine month old baby, escaped to when they fled South Sudan last year due to the fighting.

They love Daniel ... and Carol... PESS and now they are taking good care of me! 

All of the luggage it made is here, which is a God send on many different levels.

My flight out of Newark was delayed due to a mechanical problem (glad they checked!)

So, I had about two minutes to make my connecting flight in Zurich.

But the pilot flew fast (can you get a speeding ticket in the air?) and.... my connecting gate at the Zurich airport was just two gates away! Thank God!

It was great to sleep in a bed and not have to fly in a plane for a while ;-)

The weather is nice and cool now in fact it feels as though it may rain today.

Next stop: Juba, South Sudan. Early tomorrow/Friday morning, Phillips, a dear friend of PESS, will drive me to Kenyatta Airport where I get to negotiate the luggage overage charges ;-)

Now, off to study the training manual!

- Tamara

On The Eve of an Important Journey

Anti-malaria pills - Check!
Head lamp - Check!
Jungle Juice (serious mosquito repellent) - Check! Check!
Must be time for another incredible trip to South Sudan. This time for Project Education South Sudan.

I'm so excited to work with my dear friend and bother, Daniel Majok Gai, in Jonglei to implement the PESS HIV/AIDS Youth Leadership Program.

Tonight, I'm packing for what will be my 7th (or is it 8th trip) to South Sudan. This may be one of my most important assignments ever! A three month endeavor. The PESS HIV/AIDS Youth Leadership Program's goals are to improve the knowledge of young people and teachers in South Sudan about hygiene, maintenance and the use of sanitary pads, biology and HIV transmission.


South Sudan is the world's newest country and the young people there are eager to lead their country on multiple levels. Healthy bodies is one of the best places to start!

And I'm thrilled to be part of a program that will help young people and teachers develop their leadership skills!

Check out my blogs as I keep you posted on this "Journey of Hope 2015."

Lots more work to do before I leave!

Getting Ready for our 2015 Journey of Hope!

Hello Project Education South Sudan friends and family! We are getting ready for our 2015 Journey of Hope trip taking off from Denver Jan. 20th!  Tamara Banks, who was on our JoH 2012 trip is going to help Daniel Majok Gai, our South Sudan Director implement the HIV/AIDS Youth Leadership Development and Menstrual Management Pad Production programs. Daniel is also overseeing the completion of our last four classrooms, drilling our 7th water well, getting desks made, and gathering up all our sponsored girls for their winter term. Tamara Banks will be blogging from the field in Kenya and South Sudan from Jan-April. Let's wish her well on her journey as she moves into 130 degree weather! Thank you Tamara!