Nyasala

PROLOGUE This little book is not an exact chronicle, nor does it pretend to be a historical account of what transpired in South Sudan. That being said, several of the events included did take place or could have happened in different places or ways with a similar sentiment. Others are pure fiction. At the end, the reader will find ties to some articles related to the real life facts that make up this story. The vast majority of characters resemble real people—it is not by coincidence. To those who didn’t know how to lead in order to achieve peace, there is no room for them in this book. With others, I had the privilege of sharing a time in my professional life that will never be erased. So many lives were saved, thanks to those people and, above all, the aviation of WFP and UNMISS. They, on many occasions, got involved in high-risk situations and made the maximum effort to support people in the countryside who were only getting help from them. We are born with certain abilities and, in our time on Earth, our task is to improve on those, develop new ones and choose a tool to help others and make this world a better place. Some people come across opportunities, others make a concerted effort to seek them out. It’s all about not giving up, and following your dreams if you really want to give meaning to our short time in this world. Those who with optimism, consistency and dedication use their skills, improve upon them and develop others to reach their goals, have found their true career path which will take them on a fulfilling road both professionally and personally. The journey is already a great reward. There are those who use this job so that other humans—with similar abilities but fewer opportunities—may have at least the chance to have a better life. With a commitment to service, courage and hope, they fight on a daily basis—with ups and downs—throughout different parts of the planet. All over the world there are conflicts arising out of power disputes that destroy the few opportunities which exist to get ahead and open up the cruel backgammon game determining the destiny of men, women and children. If at least one of them succeeds in grabbing onto the opportunity it is a big victory; if one child doesn’t succeed, that is one too many. In this framework of humanitarian aid, aviation has a defined role with its capacity to access areas and support on the ground when there is a demand for an urgent and efficient response. Aviation efforts work better when they are fortified by Aviators: women and men who take on a special and unique job. For those who carry in their souls an aviator’s spirit, without actually being pilots, this task takes effort, one I’d define as the sum of sacrifice and motivation. The best payment lies in the satisfaction of a mission accomplished. Getting ready for the challenge of the next mission keeps an aviator alert, active, alive and happy every day. Through this book, I want to honor all those who work in humanitarian aid, in various roles, but mainly on the ground. They risk their lives so that others might have opportunities, beginning by alleviating unjust disadvantages. To them, I humbly dedicate this book. Chapter 1: PIBOR The traffic jam piled up on Airport Road as the orange sun rose over the African horizon in Juba. A dust cloud, typical of mornings during dry season, revealed silhouettes and reflections of 4x4s, SUVs and minivans jam-packed on their daily commutes. It was also backed up because of new drivers on the road. The juxtaposition between the dust cloud and the oxidized clay ground was augmented by the impeccable uniforms, tunics and colorful ties. White socks, white teeth and children half-aware of their uncertain future. Chapter 2: NYASALA At the northern border of Jonglei you’ll find Old Fangak, a small village on the banks of the Zaraf River, the Nile tributary, inhabited mainly by Nuers. That is where Dr. Jean developed her practice, established more than 20 years ago. After working with Doctors Without Borders, she decided to stay in South Sudan to save lives in her own hospital, in Old Fangak. Chapter 3: AKOL At the Juba airport, Carlos readied the Cessna 206 5X-EDA to set course for Bor and later, Rumbek. He carried Somali transport contractors who had businesses in both cities. During the dry season, the road transport was quite efficient and, except for some skirmishes, attacks and robberies, they usually complied with what was agreed upon. They had to pay more than an unofficial toll, but that was included in the price per ton transported. Skilled businessmen, the Somalis had an important community among the business world of South Sudan. Chapter 4: ZAWADI After making a last check of the weather in the north, and communicating with Old Fangak via e-mail to announce his estimated time of arrival, Kevin jumped into the Caravan, registered as 5Y-BFT. It was good to give destiny a heads up. The runway at Old Fangak was close to the middle of a river and the community center.