News from Juba

By Lindsay

The first months of 2023 have flown by as the hot and dry season reaches its peak, and we are often seeing 42 degrees in the afternoon. On the plus side - there are far fewer mosquitoes.

Steve and I have been discussing our time in South Sudan for a few months, and have decided to end our contract at the end of May, rather than waiting for December as originally planned. There's the possibility of finding another placement with Medair in one of the other countries the organisation works in, or we will return home. 

There is a lot to be thankful for having spent 9 months (so far) here, and we will leave with a lot of sadness for the friends we have made. On balance, the gains I have received through coming to South Sudan outweighs any cost - personal growth, the depth of experience, making new friends and appreciating the companionship of God have all been precious.

As for Medair, staff come and go with regularity, much to the disappointment of some of our colleagues. The average contract for international recruits is around 18 months, with some leaving earlier, and others staying much longer. It is tough on the local staff who often stay for years, and suffer through so many staff changes. But it is the nature of the Humanitarian world, and the work still continues in the toughest places, meeting the needs of the most vulnerable, mainly done by local staff. We are not irreplacement, and really hope new recruits will arrive before we have left.


Last week, I celebrated my 40th birthday with chocolate cake, pizza and friends on our lovely rooftop. Unfortunately, Steve was ill and isolating with covid, so we were apart for over a week which was very sad, but we will definitely celebrate another time - maybe on our next and final leave from Medair. Thank you for birthday messages and well wishes!

We hope you are well, and please do get in touch if you would like to!

With love,

Lindsay & Steve

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