Views from the camp

Truck loads of refugees are arriving at this camp everyday. The Red Cross team are doing an amazing job of getting people through the registration process but facilities are straining. The reception centre is designed for 1800 people and today they counted 12,000.

Caffeine queen

There are times when a cheap packet of instant coffee granules stirred into tepid water can make a girl happy. Tonight I am profoundly happy to have just that and from a lady who loves her coffee that’s saying something. Let me explain… Today is International women’s day and Im travelling up to the North…

What happens when hubby is out of town

Im not going to say I enjoy it when my husband is travelling but life is certainly different. Here are some of the things that have happened since he’s been gone. Left the door unlocked (by mistake) Invited myself for a sleep over at a friends Spent the whole afternoon making jewelry Avoided supermarket shopping completely Forgot to…

Back in Congo

  Im back in DRC after 11 years. The place where I met my husband. The place where I cut my teeth in the humanitarian sector. The place where I experienced the greatest atrocities but saw the hugest smiles. Here are some of the things that have taken up my time over the last few…

Dealing with the “little friends”

Back in Juba and after my failed attempt to extract a jigger (I count 5) I decide to go to a clinic. Im a bit worried as Ive described what I have to the driver and he has a look of bemused confusion. “You have chickens?” Me, “No, jiggers”.  Him, “Chickens”….”No, little worms, jiggers”. Him,…

Gruesome “little friends”

Health warning – do not read if you are squeamish A few small “friends” have decided to join me on my travels round South Sudan. These friends are in the form of small worms that have decided to burrow into my foot looking for a warm place to lay their eggs. Not sure where I…

South Sudan

Yesterday I asked if you could guess where I am. Its South Sudan – somewhere near the Sudan border and in the midst of where the IDPs (internally displaced people) have come to seek safety from the on-going conflict. This is how we traveled.  I was hosted by ACF and there to support emergency WASH…

Nairobi siege: It started like a normal day

I was sat choosing which salad to have whilst 1km down the road the start of a nightmare was unfolding. We had driven towards Westlands first to look at a car for sale and then to drop into a friends house for coffee. One of my favourite places to have lunch was a short ride…

The marvelous baobab

Im back in the land of baobabs and lemurs and a place very close to my heart. Nearly nine years ago Chris proposed to me here and I have the engagement ring he bought here to prove it. I’m in Madagascar! This time it’s for work and there’s no Chris, so opportunities for romance; nil….

Training in South Sudan

A day in my life: I have just returned from leading a workshop in South Sudan. In what other job would you get to challenge people to make a spaghetti and marshmallow tower, make a frog out of Plasticine and have them walk through a “landmine” blind folded?? Just some of the things I thought…