We are looking forward to returning to Juba in a few weeks, particularly reconnecting with friends and colleagues. Beyond the people, we wanted to share a few things that we enjoy or appreciate about life in Juba that are very different from life in the U.S.:
1. Easy and available public transport. No apps, cards, registrations,
or monthly fees. Just flag down a rickshaw or bus and go!
2. Greeting people (even strangers) along the road as you walk or while in the market
3. Venders who walk the road selling their wares. Need a broom, some peanuts, a suitcase or a new pair of underwear? Just wait for someone to walk by selling what you need. Definitely not an easy business to do, as these venders have to keep moving. We appreciate their hard work and ingenuity.
One girl's basket of roasted peanuts and sesame cakes for sale.
4. Tea shops along the road. Watch the world go by as you have your tea. These shops might be just a few chairs by the side of the road, but can be an important place for neighbors or friends to connect, play chess, or hear the neighborhood news. And, of course, when it is hot in the afternoon, one way to cool down is to drink hot tea! :)
5. The expanded view of time. We admire that South Sudanese are rarely 'rushed' like Americans are. I have been asked "why are you walking so fast?" as I try to save time. Yes, sometimes a 3-hour long church service is tiring, but we do appreicate that they savor the time in worship and connecting. As they say, "Americans have watches, but Africans have time."
6. The Nile River - The Nile passes through Juba on its long journey north through Sudan and Egypt to reach the Meditteranean. The Nile provides water for much of the city of Juba, and we often see the water trucks loading up near the river. The lush green trees and the shorebirds near the river provide a refreshing place for a quick recharge in Juba.
We hope you are inspired by some of these differences. What stands out to you? Any questions about other aspects of life in Juba? We would love to hear your thoughts!
3 comments:
Thanks for the Juba insights, and we’re glad you are both excited about returning very soon. I love the expanded time concept, and the lack of rushing, although I would definitely have some adapting to do to the three hour church services. I wish I could get the world around me to slow down. I would enjoy all the people activity on the street. Is the water treated after the water trucks take it from the Nile river? We’re excited for you as you prepare to reconnect with your South Sudan friends. Our prayers go with you.
"Americans have watches, but Africans have time." I will be sure to share that at our meeting, later this afternoon!
It also crosses my mind how much better it is to appreciate differences than to try to fight them out! I am sure that just during your brief visit, you got enough of a taste of how contentious everything has gotten around here! You would have gotten that far just by listening to the news!
We are still coming to terms with various intolerances of longstanding! And that is very tough work within a culture of arrogation and derogation!
I am still learning the best, most gracious ways, to call on others to explain themselves whenever differences emerge. I just need to be careful not to put myself first—not even in the slightest!
Blessings on all of your labors!
Bob and Kristi,
I have been reading your Thank You Note. You are Very Very welcome! It was a blessing to have you share our home for a couple of days! I was so glad I went to visit Steve Pointon's class with you. I learned a lot about the work of reconciliation AND much about NWU where both my Mom and Dad attended. I think we have made a Nebraskan out of Steve!
I have been thinking that we should connect more physically our South Sudanese Community and our Lincoln Nebraska Communities. It would be a wonderful way for our Lincoln community to grow. Do you think there is a way to have visits from here to Juba? Could we accomplish that without being a burden? I would like to know your thoughts.
Many Blessings to you both!
Bill
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