Training Day

Eid breakfast treat (19.8.2012)!

I'm tired. Seriously, tired: physically, mentally and psychologically. However, this last Sunday  made me feel better as I did absolutely nothing and I was treated with a lot of good food for Eid.

Being tired throughout last week was the reason why I could not even get myself to sit up at night to update this page.

The reason why I was so tired is that last week we had our nutrition program's first supplementary food distribution activity that has lasted for 5 consecutive days to cover all refugees present in Gendrassa camp.

It was simply exhausting! The heat and then the rain; going house to house, east to west of the camp to mobilize target groups to go to the screening/registration & distribution site; on-job training and dealing with national staff (who usually lack discipline and interest in anything) AND dealing with a very bad program manager... last week has simply sucked all energy out of me.

So, I have finally had a good 2 day weekend for the first time. It was especially nice because of the batch of fresh foods that came into our compound. Yes, we ran out; but it was nice! I mean, to eat aubergines, cabbages, tomatoes, eggs, pumpkins, pineapples... luxury!

My week has started at the office though with me spending the whole day Monday preparing for the first Community Nutrition Promoters' 3-day training. I've just come back from the field with the first training day completed and I think it went well (despite the scorching heat, the fact that participants were 1 hour late and 2 did not even show up). All in all, so far so good with the training and I'm just hoping for a better day tomorrow.

Oh! and we have moved into an actual office "building", instead of the wall-less, bug-full, wire tangled canteen area where we all used to huddle, and sometimes just stand in the center when it rains so hard.Its annoying though that our team leader wants a "no shoe" policy in the new office, because she doesn't want mud to cover and ruin the nice new brick floor. I understand that; but its still annoying and I can't get my head around walking all over the place barefoot. This basically means more socks in my laundry bag (!)

Maban, South Sudan
21.8.2012