We're getting there...

Its been a few days since I last blogged. Its basically because I've been overwhelmed by a massive amount of confusion with regards to work!

I don't think I have blogged about the kind of work that the team here and I are doing. So, I'm supposedly working with the nutrition team here to set up an emergency nutrition program for the refugee community coming from a flooded camp to where we are working right now (aka Gendrassa refugee camp). My main focus is to assess, analyze and mobilize the community we are working for.

My skeptical tone about the work is for several reasons:

1. The rate at which its going is very slow compared to what I've expected when I first signed up for this mission. It feel more like development than emergency.

2. The team I'm working with (2 experienced Ethiopian colleagues) is living in its own "La La" land; meaning, both are extremely bad in maintaining solid and consistent communication.

3. The previous Team Leader for this whole mission and the IMC procedures, especially logistics, of doing things are not exactly the most efficient or professional of all (!)

Today, I've managed to finalize a short summary report about a focus group discussion activity that I have started to conduct with the refugee population. I'm proud of this and excited about the upcoming few deliverables that I have to achieve like mobilizing and recruiting community nutrition promoters, training staff and training community chiefs and representatives (Shiekhs) on various nutrition related topics.

I believe we're getting there. Its just that its been so frustrating so far, especially with the lack of consistent communication within the IMC team as a whole. The previous Team Leader, who has left yesterday (thank God!) has been replaced by a very energetic and active American Team Leader called Chandra. She's a total hippie, but one that is here to get things done and this is what we need out here.

A few other team members have been getting on my nerves with their unbalanced priorities and attitudes. However, I choose to stick to those that are more professional and are here to get their jobs done.

Gendrassa Sheikh meeting (7.8.2012) with Mohammed and Sarah 

At a more domestic level here around the compound, I've been struggling with on and off bouts of diarrhea. I'm not sure if its a bug, a worm or just the high fiber diet that we've been eating for a month now. It is something and I hope I get rid of it soon. I'm planning to start a de-worming medical course just to kill whatever is in there.

Cory (a hilarious member of Team Rubicon) and I have shot a video of the compound. Its a pretty funny one. I would love to share it now before leaving, but its pretty big in size. Hope to get it out there online, when I get access to a better connection.

Checking out from here for now. More updates to come very soon!

Maban, South Sudan
8.8.2012