Some things have improved since the last post- and some things stay the same! Here's a quick update:
The generator noise is still there, but is reduced a little since someone at that neighbouring compound realised that they can run their generator with its doors closed, instead of flinging them wide open! This does help to take the edge off the grating sound we had forced on us before. Sometimes they open those pesky doors again, but when they are shut, our environment feels more "live-able".
These same noisy neighbours seem to have organised a generator timetable so that is is actually switched off for a few hours Monday-Friday. During these hours, I appreciate the quietness more than ever! Most of that time, I am working in the schoolroom, so I don't get to enjoy our home without the sound-invasion, but the whole environment around our schoolroom and home does feel nicer for those few hours on work-days.
Our sanity-saving bedroom arrangement is doing what it is designed to do and helping to block some of the noise. This means I am actually sleeping better, which is a huge relief! Life feels so much better without sleep-deprivation!
The other issues are still part of the reality of Juba- but pressure is easier to manage when I'm not so tired!
On the other hand, difficult news from home this week has made it hard to be so far from England. There are times when I wish I could just hop on a short train ride and be with those who are very special to me. Sadly, this is not the case- and this week I sorely feel the distance.
Meanwhile, we have had some lovely encouragement recently, which is nice...
Huge thanks go to Wendy Whitehead and Pete Short for running a half-marathon in Liverpool last weekend, raising over £1000 for MAF's work in South Sudan!
This is a massive encouragement- it really does spur us on and it is wonderful to see how others, so far away, get behind and support the work here in this country.
In addition, the latest edition of MAF's magazine, "Flying for Life" features South Sudan, using some of the photos and information on this blog (from a post in December), The article highlights aspects of the work here; a timely reminder of how MAF brings very real practical help. This encourages me to carry on here in Juba.
If you don't have access to the magazine, you can download it from this site:
And finally, a friend here who knows that the last few weeks have been challenging kindly arranged a "girl's dinner"last night. It was good to get off-compound and have time out and time off!
Hi Liz,
ReplyDeleteGood to hear the generators are slightly more tolerable. We think of you often and can't wait to see you soon. We hope the next few weeks are productive, but pass quickly. Xxx