Oh Ya!

Yes, I laughed out loud! Out loud! when I read you are in charge of a

cafeteria!! How incredibly funny is that?! Its perfect, absolutely

perfect postioning for you. You love the food and serving of it to

others, and what better worker care than providing it! that's the best

yet! Don't especially like the news of the landmines being replaced

with new ones though, that must make you quiver a bit, no? Your stories

of how difficult things are with UN folks and the people of Malakal

remind me of Romeo Dallaire's story in Rwanda. Certainly the image of

the 'good' UN doesn't stand up. Although one of the things that I

remember being problematic was that partner countries with the UN

weren't contributing the dollars they promised which meant the UN didn't

have money. At any rate, you sure have your work cut out for yo

supporting those folks, but a daunting task! Especially considering the

short time frame. It seems an overhaul is required really, which is way

out of your role, for sure. But, I have no doubt already the place is

better...with your energy and willingness to dive right into working.

Metal bars? Rebar maybe, from construction sites? If so, they are

worth a lot of money. Here when they take down buildings they save the

rebar and sell it to Asia somewhere, who recycle it for their buildings.

They weigh a lot! Maybe by the time this is done you'll have defined

muscles on your arms, stomach and legs? (grin)

How wonderful to be meeting all these people from around the world,

different cultures! How especially wonderful to work with the people of

Malakal, to become perhaps, someone they can trust, even a little.

Here things are moving along. I had the first Provincial Disaster

Psychosocial Advisory Council meeting yesterday and it went well. I

look forward to seeing how this will work out, the main goal is to now

move this forward integrating psychosocial planning etc. into the larger

system, across ministries. Right now, as you know, the province is

preparing for very serious flooding, they are working 12-14 hours every

day getting ready. Maybe I told you in the last email that in the worst

case scenario, if the weather melts the snow too quickly we may have to

evacuate up to 100,000 people! And for those who have no place to go,

we will be putting them into group lodging. Evacuatioln of hospitals is

a possibility, over 600 beds, including the forensic hosptital. Anyway,

DSTRS is on alert. Next week is the DSTRS workhop again.

Otherwise, my life is very tame. I spend a lot of time alone now,

interesting. Perhaps I have withdrawn again.

So, my friend....you are no doubt richer today than yesterday, with

experiences and learning. Money wise too perhaps...the school board

cheque came.

Hugs to you,

Love heleen