7 February - African turmoil

There is endless discussion amongst the team about our route through Kenya and the political situation there. We have been in discussions about every possible route around Kenya, the safest routes through Kenya, and the options to fly over it… All are less than ideal and it will be a massive shame to miss such a beautiful country. What is also concerning is the alternatives are few and far between - this is an area of Africa that is in apparently endless turmoil.

I met a woman from the church yesterday afternoon. She is from Southern Sudan but has been based in Khartoum since 1985. She talked of being a refugee in Uganda, the Lords Resistance Army and their attacks on her family in Southern Sudan, about improving education for women in Khartoum, and the pending return of her husband and children to Southern Sudan. She talked of the upcoming referendum, in her opinion the unlikely unification of Northern and Southern Sudan, the influences of Chadian rebels and the crisis in Darfur. It is a fascinating, but terrible world that she speaks of. I am awed by the opportunities to have frank and honest discussions with individuals such as herself.

On a more superficial level, life in Khartoum is now dedicated to recuperating and social engagements. There is an Ireland France rugby match on Saturday eve… So we leave Sunday! We have had a lovely stay in Khartoum. We are staying with Joanna and she has been incredibly helpful. We have also had a reception at the South African embassy, had lunch with the Khartoum rotary club, and are off to a presentation at the international school this afternoon. It is awesome to be able to get involved with local communities and share ideas about our cause and how individuals can get behind projects like Millennium Promise.