Things continue to move along here. This past weekend was a milestone as the power plant was officially inaugurated (google "Kapoeta" and "electricity" for news reports--there's a bunch). We had the US Consul General (like the Ambassador for South Sudan--the #1 State Department guy in the country) and the governor here, along with about 2,000 community members. It went well--everyone seemed happy--but it was exhausting. I'm glad that everyone is gone, and Francis is happy to get back to the work of hooking up new customers.
On the eve of the inauguration, I was summoned to the house of the governor--more than a little intimidating! He asked me if I would be interested in doing a survey of the roads in town, and then creating a town plan so that plots can be demarkated and sold to people since right now no one really owns their land. I'm currently working on a proposal for him, and am thrilled about the opportunity to finally do something that puts my engineering skills to work in Sudan (well, at least for pay)! If it all works out, I know it will be long hours and will undoubtedly put me in the middle of some political quagmires, but it would be a great stepping stone for what I hope will be a change in careeer path following our time here.
The real reason that I sat down to write is to report on the weather. So, I have long written about it being hot and dry, but without proper instrumentation, I haven't been able to explain exactly how hot or dry. Our recent shipment of mail (this is the first mail drop since mid-October!) included a weather station. As I type, the outdoor sensor (placed in the shade) is reading 104.7 degrees F and 2% humidity. I didn't even know that 2% humidity was possible! Inside, we are at a rather balmy 92 degrees with 15% humidity. And the funny thing is, I'm so used to this now, that I'm not even sweating! While I'm sure that it would be extremely detrimental to my health to go directly from this to the frozen winter wonderland that you are all experiencing in the States, I do wish dearly for some snow...
So that is all for now. I'll keep my eye on the weather station and post if any records are broken. Hope you all stay warm...
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was thrilled to talk to joey yesterday. he sounds exhausted though. exciting news about your job! way to go sarah! i think the hotest i was ever aware of in copperopolis was 120+. it would be hotter there than sonora or stockton. it got so the only time it seemed bad was 107 and above. and the slightest bit of humidity and we thought we wer gonna die! sounds like you are getting accustomed to it. miss you both. plyglra aunt faith & uncle john
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