We have so many stories from our last trip and we can’t wait to share them with you. We’re taking a brief hiatus to celebrate the holidays and we’ll back in the New Year. Until then, please enjoy this video footage from our visit to South Sudan last December.
It is hard to believe I will be back on South Sudan soil within 35 hours. This past year has been a whirlwind – actually, more of a hurricane to be truthful. I haven’t been very good at keeping everyone informed – I guess part of me has been trying to process what I have seen and the other part was trying to figure out what to do about it. A trip to South Sudan and two trips to Cameroon later, here I am. I am not sure I have found all of the answers that I have been looking for, or that I have been able to accomplish as much as I wished, but I do know one thing. Change can happen – big or small – it can happen, as long as we take that initial step forward.
I came across my journal from my LAST December trip and wanted to share my very first entry with you.
December 16th, 2010
I am on a plane to Sudan. Sudan. I think for the first time in my life, I am actually stuck for words. Usually I have some idea of what to expect, some frame of reference, something to help formulate my thoughts but this time I have nothing. Sudan is so remote, so hidden, so far away from everything I know.
This morning I took my kids to their West Vancouver school with their lunch kits overflowing with healthy food, and then I took a long hot bath in my house that overlooks the ocean. After, my husband and I went for lunch together at a great downtown restaurant and agreed upon a family vacation to Mexico in the New Year. Later after I picked up the kids, we watched in fascination as our stick-bug eggs hatched while we ate gingerbread cookies. Ironic.
Tomorrow I wake up in a country destroyed by 40 years of civil war, 2 million people brutally killed and another 4 million people displaced. Where children and mothers are dying of thirst and tribes are fighting to death over access to basic needs. Oil and water run deep and plentiful beneath the ground yet above ground there is so much suffering and destruction. A country raised on violence, forgotten by the rest of the world.
What am I doing on a plane traveling to Sudan? I have asked myself the same question and I do not know the answer. Ever since I first heard of Sudan, I have felt a pull. I can’t explain it, I just now that I am meant to go here. I don’t choose these places, the places choose me, of that I am certain. Perhaps I will find out on this trip? Already I feel my soul start to engage, my heavy heart start to lift as I get closer and closer….
We have come a long way since I wrote this (over 100 water wells drilled!!!), thanks to all of your support!!! Sometimes we accept these adventures in life, without knowing their outcome. Not only do I look forward to what this new trip may hold, I look forward to sharing it with all of you.
There are pictures that gnaw at our soul and convert us from apathy into action.
This provoking image was taken by renowned photojournalist Brian Sokol and is a stark reminder there are children within this world that see safety as a dream. Brian has spent the last decade in Asia documenting the Nepalese fight for independence and in now in South Sudan to capture the humanitarian crisis occurring as you read this. While in Sudan, Brian will be working with the Obakki foundation to document the people’s story so we can work to change it. These images will be showcased on the blog to document our work and we hope they inspire you as much as they do us.
With excitement we announce Treana arrived back in Africa last week to focus on Sudanese water projects!
Over the year, this region has been a global focal point as South Sudan gained independence and became the world’s newest country. The people’s independence has provided renewed hope and we foresee this time as being one of tremendous growth and inspiration.
As health is essential for growth, our first job in Sudan is to drill as many clean water wells as possible. During the next few weeks, Treana will be there to oversee well development, connect with the people and share their stories with us.
We hope you are looking forward to these stories as much as we are!
We want to express a heartfelt thank you to everyone who supported the Rainmaker Auction.
Every dollar of every donation is currently making its way to the people of Sudan for much needed water relief. This relief will come in the form of wells, which we are preparing to drill in the coming weeks. As these wells are created and clean water is delivered, we expect to see an immediate and profound difference in the Sudanese communities we support. Each glass of clean water delivered will evolve the landscape of these communities. With the expansion of access to clean water, comes the opportunity for future developments including education and healthcare. It is those developments that we eagerly anticipate providing you in the coming weeks.
For inquiries regarding this charity contact us at foundation@obakki.com | 1.866.410.9701
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