The Hippo

The hippo floats in swamp serene,
some emerged, but most unseen.

Seeing all and only blinking,
Who knows what this beast is thinking.

Gliding, and of judgment clear,
Letting go and being here.

Seeing all, both guilt and glory,
Only noting. But that's MY story.

I sit here hippo-like and breathe,
While inside I storm and seethe.

Would that I were half equanimous
As that placid hippopotamus.

By Steven Hickman

Gather together

This picture was taken the day Bior and I met for the Seven Days photo shoot. I think it pretty much sums up the Organizational Mission of NESEI
The New Sudan Education Initiative (NESEI) is a partnership between Sudanese and a global network of supporters, who have come together to bring the gift of education to Sudan. We are working to ensure a lasting peace in this region by building 20 schools by 2015.

Preparing for Flight

On April 13, 2008, Bior and I sat down at Uncommon Grounds, he with his favorite Chail Tea and began finalizing our last minute preparations for our departure to SOUTHERN SUDAN! We got all the shots, sent in for the visas, and talked exstensively about how I'm going to see a Hippo. He thinks I'm crazy. "They are mean and you are crazy," he says. But I'm on the look out.
We are now patiently waiting for May 9th to arrive.
We have similiar feelings about the trip and also very different feelings. This is my first time travelling to this continent I'm so intriuged by and this will be his first time back after fleeing the violence of civil war in his home town of Bor.

This blog will be our diary. Whenever we're able to get internet access we'll tell you of our travels. Getting to Uganda and then Sudan and yes when I see my hippo ya'll know!

If You Build It

This weekend the Burlington Free Press featured an article on NESEI. It's an inspiring piece and highlights our one and only Bior Bior. Take a look: http://www.burlingtonfreepress.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080427/LIVING/804270308/1004/LIVING