I just arrived from Southern Sudan earlier today and here are some initial reflections…

(View Photos by clicking the Flicker panel on the right)

Juba – city in motion

Buildings coming up everywhere

People moving in and out

Infrastructure pushed to the edges

Ministry officers open and ready to dialogue “ We are not like some politicians that you have to struggle to see and have a voice with. We are here to see our country move forward and we are glad to meet you people and hear what you are doing as we also share what we have in mind.”

Dodge city –

High prices for food and appliances.

Dependant on outside resources

People use to hand outs and others supporting them

UN vehicles and Land cruisers everywhere

Ngo salaries push local salaries beyond reach

Airport in renovation – example of what is happening to the whole city

Tee shirts – reminding people to vote and to claim their autonomous destiny

Kenyans at every corner and restaurant

English spoken most places

Prefab housing everywhere with high rental prices

Everywhere getting ready for July 9th

Food prices unbelievable

Many idle youth

ELI and the Nile River farm

Tuk Tuk three wheeled transport carrier for $2,300

Visit to US AID and FARM initiative

Large screen TVs – smart phones – motorcycles – dust – traffic – markets – Nile river – stadium under renovation – JIT Supermarket

Eggs for 20-30 cents each

Tents – mixture of wonderful housing amidst dilapidated tents and bamboo fencing

People in need of training and knowledge of the love of Christ!