There was just a monkey in my office. The little red verver (sp) monkey that hangs around our office compound. This doesn't happen often back in the States...in fact, never.

The Afterglow

If you recall after 9/11 in the US, how people were so nice to each other for a few weeks afterwards. It was strange to me how courteous people were to one another, people seemed a bit nicer for a while after the tragedy.
It is the same in Juba, in South Sudan now, though I believe people's attitudes derive out of a sense of joy and relief rather than pain. Wherever I go around Juba everyone is so happy and I find myself being greeted more warmly, and I myself greeting people more eagerly, than before the independence celebrations last Saturday.
It is a wonderful thing to experience.

Juba in Jubiullent!

What an incredible time to be in Juba!! There is so much excitement everywhere. There are groups and groups of people marching in the streets waving banners, playing local instruments and singing. I have run down from my second floor office enough times to either take pictures or join in the celebrations to lose count! Everyone is so welcoming and happy. All of the people I work with are so appreciative that I have returned to Sudan to witness the independence celebrations. The independence is a special, miraculous event. I am meeting people from all over the world who are here to enjoy the creation of the world's newest nation!! I am so looking forward to the independence celebrations tomorrow!! I have been fortunate to obtain one of the special passes so I can attend the actual ceremonies and witness the events first hand. This is so great!! (and yes, I know I cannot spell "jubiullent!)