Child in the Poor Compound

Home, in the Poor Compound

Heavy Load

Sunday 18th September

Only went up to the hospital for a short time today, so had a bit of free time afterwards. I went with one of the sisters to the Poor and Blind compound just behind the hospital.

They are definitely ‘the poor’, and just so many children. Hardly any clothes and what they had were falling off. It was quite cold today too, as we have had so much rain. Their huts are quite poorly made and must let a lot of rain in.

Some had big pieces of plastic they were sleeping under which were given out during the recent troubles. BUT the kids were very happy to see us and all had smiling faces, playing together in the dirt. Not a book or toy between them.

One mum was quite sick with malaria, so I sent her off to the hospital - the Dr on call will look after her.

The blind people were all sitting around under a tree talking and greeted us warmly when they heard the sister’s voice. If they want to go anywhere, they have a long piece of bamboo. A child takes hold of it at the front, then everyone gets hold of the stick, any number 1-10 and off they go, often with another child at the end to help guide them to the church or the market. After happy hour at the market they are a merry crowd!!

The rain started late this year and is still coming down; thought I had seen it bad here in past years, but more this year, good for crops to grow, but the ground nuts are still in the ground and need to be taken out and dried. They are a staple food here.

There is a car going to Rumbek tomorrow, but the chances of it getting through are pretty slim. There has been a lot of traffic on the track due to the ‘peace talks’ so the water holes are just so deep and wide. Glad I am not going, just hope it dries up before Ian comes. Working in wellie boots all day is playing havoc with my bunions!

Along with the rain comes the mozzies and malaria. An abundance of both. They seem to love my Tropical Rid and Bushmans… Just felt along my neck and I must have at least 5 bites, red and swollen, never mind how many I have on my bum!! Just hope my anti-malaria tablets keep working!