My Verbal Diarrhea

Workplace Bullying

2023-12-13T11:07:00.000+08:00

It is interesting to know that as I dug deep into performance appraisals, I realized I was being micromanaged. And when I further probed on this topic, I realized I am living workplace bullying IRL!

There is a LinkedIn profile called "Workplace Bullying Project".

And here is an excerpt from its post..."But that's not what imposter leaders are doing...they are purposely micromanaging you so that you fail. They are requiring that you do YOUR work THEIR way..."their way or the highway"...and they will set you up in such a way that you are guaranteed to fail. They are going to nitpick, require changes, nitpick some more, require updates, require more updates, re-do work, they are going to change their minds, you have to read their mind, you have to redo work all over again because they are so confusing and you can't read their mind because who can possibly READ THEIR MIND?"

As one commenter said, "Micromanagement is the surest sign of an imposter. Someone who is leadership in title/name only. Only there for the power and status and the ability to wield both like a hammer."

Dealing with difficult performance appraisals

2023-12-13T01:26:00.000+08:00

I've been intentionally posting/reposting health and nutrition-related articles on Linkedin with my thoughts and summaries. I have also been actively pursuing self-development courses and reading books related to leadership, management, and finance- basically, anything that will mold me into a better person and leader.

This quote from Leadership First in Linkedin, caught my attention today as it is timely and actually resonates with my own stand when it comes to Performance Appraisals. Performance Appraisals have two goals. These are the following:

(1) establishing performance standards,

(2) comparing actual performance against standards, and

(3) taking corrective action when necessary.

In my current experience, I have seen how my manager has confused his managerial function of controlling with controlling my behavior to conform to his own in a manipulative sense. A managers managerial function should in no way attempt to control or to manipulate his/her subordinates personalities, values, attitudes, or emotions. (This is beyond micromanaging!) Instead, this function of management concerns the manager’s role in taking necessary actions to ensure that the work-related activities of subordinates are consistent with and contributing toward the accomplishment of organizational and departmental objectives.

Here is a htought provoking question from Leadership First, "What does it mean to be a leader who leads from a place of humble privilege vs. a place of perceived right?"

Here is an excerpt from "The Golden Rule of Leadership: Leading Others is a Privilege Not a Right (and My Challenge to You)" by Milo Sindell that attempts to answer it...

" Many leaders seem to forget that leading others should be held in reverence more than anything else. Being the leader means that you have been placed in a position to serve others.

Too often, I have seen leaders duck and cover, throw their people under the bus, throw their positional weight around, and instead of leading from a place of service, lead from a place of ego when things get rough.

You are privileged to be in a position where you can direct, shape, and focus people’s potential to a specific result. When you are given the responsibility to lead, you are given an awesome opportunity to influence the lives of many people positively, a responsibility you should never take for granted."

Reviving my old blog

2023-11-23T04:39:00.003+08:00

Hi! Long time...

I am typing this in the middle of Sudan, Ethiopia, and South Sudan at midnight.

My last entry was in February 2021. Today is November 22, 2023, and a day before Thanksgiving Day. Two years later, I am a phoenix rising from the ashes. I am now intentionally pulling myself out of my retirement and will start chronicling my life and adventures once again, so watch out. I know I need to work on the HTML code for this site, so that would be a future project as it has been a long time and I am now rusty. Currently, I am swamped with work, my Master's, and trying to get a Global Nutrition Cluster Level 1 certification before I miss another chance.

Here is my YouTube channel by the way:

So...watch out for my endless prattle again...

Bye!

101 Things I Want to do Before I Die

2021-02-21T19:13:00.002+08:00

I was listening to this Youtube video today for the nth time and today, I finally started something.

So let's begin and let's see how much I can accomplish after this post...

2021 February 21

I am happy and grateful to be married to the love of my life.
I am happy and grateful to have multiple streams of passive income.
I am happy and grateful to build a beautiful beach resort on a white beach with plenty of palm trees and a waterfall.
I am happy and grateful to own a hacienda with a river passing through and plenty of carabaos, chickens, beards, pigs, cows, and goats.
I am happy and grateful to operate a social entrepreneurial enterprise, sewing clothes and bags.
I am happy and grateful that my paintings are known internationally.
I am happy and grateful that I now have an international bestseller.
I am happy and grateful that my Youtube channel has now over a million subscriptions.

9. I am happy and grateful to backpack Europe with Yumi.

10. I am happy and grateful to have hiked the Santiago de Compostela.

11. I am happy and grateful that I now have a Master's in International Public Health.

12. I am happy and grateful that I can now speak fluent Arabic.

13. I am happy and grateful that I can now speak fluent French.

14. I am happy and grateful that I can now speak fluent Spanish.

15. I am happy and grateful that I am now PMDPRo certified.

16. I am happy and grateful that I am now a Certified Lactation Consultant.

17. I am happy and grateful to have experienced a Safari in the Maasai Mara in Kenya.

South Sudan: PDF Party

2019-10-26T16:15:00.000+08:00

Last night, we had a PDF party. PDF stands for payment disbursement form and we fill them out when we need money to implement certain activities in our program.

For several days now, my roommate has been trying to make heads or tails out of her PDFs but reconciling the amount spent out of the South Sudanese Pounds which are exchanged at the border to Sudanese Pounds and back again has proved too much for her. So she asked for the support of our PSM and we ended staying up late yesterday to help her out.

As I always make calculation mistakes, I did not volunteer to do the maths. I am glad I can memorize a bit of the Arabic numbers so I was the official translator of the numbers.

Kendall Jenner, New Celebrity Spokesperson for Proactiv

2019-10-21T23:10:00.000+08:00

Kendall is an American model and media personality best known for her role in the reality show Keeping up with The Kardashians. With an outstanding modeling career and one of the highest-paid models in the world, supermodel Kendall has walked for many high-fashion designers and modeled for fashion magazines and brands.

A lot of people might envy this beautiful, tall, and very successful fashion model but like most of us, Kendall’s also once-unwavering confidence was tested.

“I remember last year, I was in a work show. I was very excited about it like I’ve never been before. I got on the carpet; I felt really good about myself. I love my dress and my hair and my make-up was so beautiful. I went through the night. Felt great…Then I remember going online and seeing all the horrible things that people were saying about me and my skin. I felt so good that I completely forgot that I have bad skin.”

But Kendall persevered and realized that she has friends and fans supporting her, and she is not alone in her struggle against acne.

“Then I remember getting a couple of tweets. That became a lot of tweets -- of how proud people were of me. Some people coming through being nice to me, almost sympathetic. I was like -- wait, that’s actually kinda cool and it completely flipped my energy. But at the same time, I do want it [the acne] gone.”

So what’s Kendall’s secret in fighting acne? That’s right, it’s Proactiv.

“If you have acne there’s a feeling that you’ll never get out. But definitely, there’s a solution for you. For me, I can honestly say that the magic was Proactiv.”

Proactiv+ 3 Step Clear Skin System has Smart Target technology that delivers acne-fighting formulation directly into the pores. The 3-step system starts with a Smoothing Exfoliator facial cleanser which removes excess dirt and other impurities. The second step is called the Pore Targeting Treatment. It stops the acne at the source because it delivers blemish-fighting ingredients directly into the pore. The final step of the Proactiv+ 3 Step Clear Skin System hydrates the skin with the Complexion Perfect Hydrator.

“Every country has its own version of Proactiv. The American formula worked for me. Check your Proactiv formula and your country.” Kendall adds.

The Proactiv+ 3 Step Skin System with salicylic acid is available in the Philippines at Watsons and SM Department stores nationwide. You may also shop online at watsons.com.ph. Get it at 20% off from October 10 to December 31, 2019 for a limited-time offer!!

Happiness, a healthy recipe for the skin

2019-09-23T16:01:00.001+08:00

Did you know that you only need 17 muscles smile, versus the 43 muscles needed to frown? To make matters worse frowning causes facial lines and wrinkles, making you look old and tired.

Flashing a smile does not take much effort. Aside from being gracious and friendly, you are actually spreading good cheer.

The positive vibe resonates even among strangers. In a room full of people, notice how you are easily drawn to the one who flashes a beautiful smile. Having a light and cheerful outlook easily spells happiness. It is an unexpected treat especially when one is having a stressful day.

Starting the day with an infectious smile is like opening the door to more good tidings. You feel light, happy and beautiful. There will always be days when our patience will be tried and tested. But we can always choose to lighten the load by looking at the bright side, or taking a deep breath to and allow the entry of positive vibes.

Happy feeling is caused by the release of neurotransmitters like endorphins, dopamine, and serotonin. Every time we receive good news or we feel excited the brain releases these happy hormones into the nervous system bringing out infectious giggles and laughter. This simply means that happiness can be found around the corner. We don’t have to wait for good news or thrilling events to happen. With a little bit of freedom and creativity, we are capable of experiencing happiness.

Goal Fulfillment

When you feel good about accomplishing your desired task for the day, or your boss compliments your excellent performance that wonderful feeling is known as a dopamine hit. You can achieve that vibe, by setting realistic goals or by simply finding ways to love your work.

Regular Exercise

Seratonin is a natural anti-depressant. You release a healthy amount of serotonin when you exercise regularly. A 10-minute brisk walk or 30-minute hip hop exercise can do wonders to your mood.

Healthy Skin Maintaining a happy disposition also brings out a youthful glow. Positive emotions promote skin renewal because it keeps the hormones in check. Notice how pimples immediately show up when you are sad and stressed out. Aside from negative emotions, other factors that can cause pimples includes a poor diet, genetics, and exposure to dirt and pollution.

Achieving healthy skin could get easier as one, two, three steps. Address skin problem areas like pimples, blemishes, and breakouts with the Proactiv+ 3-Step Clear Skin System. It uses Smart Target technology to deliver anti-acne formulation directly to the pores.

The Proactiv+ 3-step Clear System starts with Step 1: Skin Smoothing Exfoliator. After washing with a facial cleanser to remove dirt, oil, and other impurities, apply the exfoliator on damp skin. Give the face a two-minute massage before completely rinsing with warm water.

The second step is the Pore Targeting Treatment which stops the acne at the source. The blemish-fighting solution is directly applied on the pores by spreading it evenly all over cheeks, forehead nose and chin. Leave on face until full absorption.

The final process of the Proactiv+ 3-Step Skin System repairs the skin with the Complexion Perfect Hydrator. The moisturizer heals redness, helps diminish awkward acne marks and brightens skin. Apply on face until full absorption. Reapply during the day as needed. Don’t forget to put sunscreen if you need to go outdoors.

The Proactiv+ 3 Step Skin System is available at Watsons and SM Department stores nationwide. The 30-day kit is sold at Php 3,250.00 and includes the Skin Smoothing Exfoliator 60 ml, Pore Targeting Treatment 30ml and the Complexion Perfecting Hydrator 30 ml while the 60-day kit is sold at Php 4,680.00 and include Skin Smoothing Exfoliator 120 ml, Pore Targeting Treatment 60ml, and Complexion Perfecting Hydrator 60 ml.

Visit watsons.com.ph and start your Proactiv+ 3-step Clear Skin System.

Unexpected Cathartic Trip

2019-09-22T16:47:00.002+08:00

I just returned from my trip to the Czech Republic. Two years ago, this was on my bucket list. I wanted to go there on Christmas and see the old town square covered in snow. I dreamed of checking out the handmade items sold in the Christmas market. I have even screencaps of these scenes from Instagram! But above all, I wanted to do it with one special person.

However, when my Czech boyfriend broke up with me, I drew a line over it on my bucket list. Since then, I have been to Switzerland and the neighboring countries. It would have been easy to go there by train but I never did. I told myself that I will never go there for tourism purposes. I will only go when there is an intentional purpose.

Sometime during April, a friend posted about the IOM Summer School. I counted the days towards it and it fell perfectly on my R&R cycle. So, I applied for it. I filled out all these essay questions on how relevant the Summer School will be for my field of interest today. As my program often involves internally displaced individuals or refugees, I felt that the issue of migration would be interesting. A month later, I got the admission letter and it said IOM Praha. My heart skipped a beat.

I want to attend the class but I was afraid that being in his homeland will open a flood gate of emotions that I have mentally trained to stay as far away from my brain and heart as possible. I've worked so hard in the past year for all my walls to just come crumbling down!

Surprisingly, I was not a cry baby during the trip. I enjoyed myself. I met new friends and even recognized some things from his stories. My guide even called me a spoilsport as I kept answering his trivia's correctly. I want to give myself a pat on the back and say, 'Hey lady! You did it! You are strong and courageous!'

I felt that God was telling me that I do not need to push aside my plans in life just because I am heartbroken or alone. There is so much to do in life that I can enjoy even the plans we made together. My life does not need to stop just because someone decided to quit midway.

P.S. I left my shoes in Cesky Krumlov. So if you are there, can you please pick it up from Hostel Skippy and send it to me? Much love xoxo

Proactiv+ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

2019-08-27T13:17:00.002+08:00

PROACTIV+ FAQs

1. What is Proactiv+ 3-Step Clear Skin System?

Proactiv+ 3-Step Clear Skin System is a 3-Step system that clears blemishes and prevents future breakouts.

Proactiv+ 3-Step Clear Skin System also helps to:
• Clear Blemishes and prevent future breakouts
• Hydrate and soften skin
• Improve visible texture and clarity
• Reduce visible pore size
• Control and balance oily skin
• Helps reduce the appearance of redness
• Brighten and smooth skin
• Enhance overall skin radiance
• Diminish the look of dark marks and wrinkles

2. Who can use Proactiv+ 3-Step Clear Skin System?

Proactiv+ 3-Step Clear Skin System is for any teen or adult who struggles with blemish-prone skin and suffers from breakouts.

It works for men and women of all ages, skin types and ethnicities and will appeal especially to women in their twenties, thirties, forties, and fifties who desire high-quality skincare products.

The recommended age to begin using Proactiv+ 3-Step Clear Skin System is 12 years and older, however, the products are safe and effective for all age groups with adolescent and adult breakouts.
For preteens, we recommend that you start slowly, by using the products every other day. However, if you are unsure, we suggest that you consult your GP or pediatrician before using the products.

3. Can I use Proactiv+ 3-Step Clear Skin System on my body as well as my face?

Yes, you can use Proactiv+ 3-Step Clear Skin System on any blemish-prone area.

4. Will Proactiv+ 3-Step Clear Skin System work if I use the products individually rather than as a system?

The products within the Proactiv+ 3-Step Clear Skin System have been carefully designed to work together to achieve maximum results. Each product has been formulated to complement the other two. To keep your skin looking and feeling its best, use the products together as a system. You will also receive optimum results by using them twice a day as directed.

5. Will Proactiv+ 3-Step Clear Skin System clog my pores?

No. Proactiv+ 3-Step Clear Skin System was formulated to be non-comedogenic (non-pore-clogging).

6. Is Proactiv+ 3-Step Clear Skin System an anti-aging regime?

Proactiv+ 3-Step Clear Skin System is better described as an anti-blemish regime designed with skincare benefits in mind - notably smaller-looking pores, improved texture, and tone, visibly faded unwanted pigmentation, diminished appearance of fine lines and wrinkles enhanced hydration and suppleness, and a brighter, more luminous complexion.

7. Can I wear make-up over Proactiv+ 3-Step Clear Skin System?

Yes, you can still wear make-up, but always look for products that are non-comedogenic and oil-free. And always remove make-up before working out.

8. I am outside in direct sunlight for most of the day. Is it safe to use Proactiv+ 3-Step Clear Skin System?

Yes. However, you should always wear a sunscreen of at least SPF 15. Apply Proactiv+ 3-Step Clear Skin System first, then the sunscreen.

9. Does Proactiv+ 3-Step Clear Skin System have any side effects?

Side effects are usually mild and include drying or irritation in some users who are sensitive to Salicylic Acid. If you are concerned or desire more information, we recommend you discuss with your GP.

10. Is Proactiv+ 3-Step Clear Skin System hypoallergenic?
Proactiv+ 3-Step Clear Skin System is not for people who are allergic to Salicylic Acid. However, many of our ingredients were selected due to their hypoallergenic properties. The products found within the Proactiv+ 3-Step System is also paraben-free, oil-free, non-comedogenic (non-pore clogging) and suitable for all skin types.

11. Is Proactiv+ 3-Step Clear Skin System sold as a pack or can components be bought individually?

Proactiv+ 3-Step Clear Skin System is sold as a kit. It includes Skin Smoothing Exfoliator, Pore Targeting Treatment and Complexion Perfecting Hydrator.

The Proactiv+ 3-Step Clear Skin System is available at Watsons and SM Department stores nationwide. Proactiv+ 30-day kit is sold at Php3,250 and includes the Skin Smoothing Exfoliator 60 ml, Pore Targeting Treatment 30ml and the Complexion Perfecting Hydrator 30 ml while the Proactiv+ 60-day kit is sold at Php4,680 and includes Skin Smoothing Exfoliator 120 ml, Pore Targeting Treatment 60ml, and Complexion Perfecting Hydrator 60 ml.

South Sudan: Missing Weddings and a Funeral

2019-08-11T17:40:00.004+08:00

The other week, one of my best friends got married. A couple of weeks from now, one of my guy best friends is tying the knot as well. In between these celebrations was the death and burial of a surrogate mother, my best friend's mom.

Due to my two months R&R cycle, I cannot just up and leave my work when such events happen. Also, my hands are full rolling out nutrition interventions to answer the alarmingly high GAM rate-the highest GAM in South Sudan right now.

My friends think aid work is a fun job. I can't blame them. I and my colleagues often post photos of the new places we travel to as well as our exotic cultural experiences almost every other month. On top of this, we are saving lives.

However, I feel like aid work is a lonely job sometimes. Although I have colleagues to hang out with, at the end of the day, they are not my blood family. I miss eating my comfort food or speaking my own mother tongue. I crave doing things without thinking about what its cultural and social implications could be.

The place where I am in right now may be the most comfortable in the area (a stone house with a mattress to sleep on and AC while 95% of the population sleep on the ground in mud huts) but it does not provide me half of the comfort of home.

When I am in the Philippines though, I oftentimes feel left out when I am with my circle of friends. There are a lot of inside jokes and references I do not get, simply because I have never experienced it with them or I do not even know what is happening in their daily lives as well as what is happening in my country.

Where is home really?

Devotions: FAITH

2019-07-21T17:29:00.001+08:00

But without faith, it is impossible to please Him...

Hebrews 11:6

How do we have faith in something which no eyes has ever seen or no ears has ever heard?

Already in real life, we have difficulty in having faith in one another's capacity or even in our own. We judge people according to our perception about them or what we have heard about them from others. We also have a tendency to have self-limiting beliefs.

We only use faith when we run out of options. We tend to turn to prayers and to God and say 'Bahala na!' when we have done everything through our own strength but nothing has happened. We only turn to God when our worrying, procrastinating and blaming others has rendered no results. Maybe this is because faith is unnecessary when we are able to rationalize things or we have the resources. It is then true that our strength is made perfect in our weakness. (2 Corinthians 12:8-10)

When Job's faith was put into test when he lost everything he owned, God said to him in Job 38-41:'Job, who am I? Who flung the stars into the heavens? Who created the great monsters of the deep? You know who I am Job. Knowing me, why are you calling me into account? Trust me!'

To ave faith in something you also need to trust. Trust requires courage to believe in something greater than yourself and in turn, this gives you strength.

There are many ways that God wants us to act in faith. And these are also the areas where God often tests us.

The first one in our own personal GROWTH through the challenges we encounter in our daily lives. 'Rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught and overflowing with thankfulness. Colossians 2:7

Next in SOWING wherein 2 Corinthians 9:6 says, 'Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly. Whoever sows generously will also reap generously.' The classic example for this is the Golden Rule where whatever we do unto others is also done to us or tithing by giving back 10% of our income to the Church. This can be a bit challenging because 10% is also a big chunk of one's income.

Lastly, God challenges us in GOING. 'By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going.' In fact, going to Iraq or here in South Sudan is an act of faith by itself because these are unknown insecure places I am going to. Even dating another person is also an act of faith as you open your heart for the possibility of heartbreak.

However, when we step out in faith, it is when miracles and breakthroughs happen.

I always tell myself that if I am able to ride an UNHAS flight to the Upper Nile with crazy white-haired Bulgarians on a stormy day and relax, why can't I entrust the course of my life the same way to God as well?

Skincare Tips from Proactiv+ 3-Step Clear Skin System

2019-07-21T16:53:00.000+08:00

I remember reading a story about an encounter between an enlightened man and his student. One day, the student caught his teacher spending time in front of the mirror, fixing himself. The student then asked him, 'Guru, why do you still check yourself in the mirror when the beauty of the soul is what truly matters?' The Master replied, 'So as not to offend others with my look.'

Keeping a good appearance is sometimes not about vanity. Not only does it make yourself feel good, you make others feel better in your presence as well. Proactiv dermatologist Dr. Laura Savage shares with us her tips on how to take care of your skin

Tip #1 - Cleanse gently and wisely

While deep cleansing sounds desirable to purify oily blemish-prone skin, over-washing and harsh cleansers can do more damage than good – by stripping away the protective barrier, skin is left dry and vulnerable to bacteria. Avoid using soap too – the high pH of soap will dry the skin and cause a compensatory surge in oil production, leaving skin in a confused state with an undesirable combination of dry and greasy patches.

Choose a cleanser containing helpful anti-inflammatory ingredients such as salicylic
acid to help soothe inflamed pimples, and gently massage over the entire face and neck for at least 60 seconds (to allow any active ingredients to take effect). Avoid cleaners and toners containing harsh alcohol-based astringents and ingredients such as witch hazel, which typically cause a sting on application and make the skin appear red. Small flaking patches might indicate you’re over-cleansing, so ease back and then gradually increase the frequency of use as your skin adjusts and gets used to the product.

Tip #2 - Make salicylic acid your star ingredient

Salicylic acid is one of the most effective breakout-fighting non-prescription ingredients and is a great choice of exfoliant for those with spot-prone and oily skin. Salicylic acid targets pimples by sloughing away dead skin cells that clog pores and lead to breakouts, and also minimizes pore visibility.

Tip #3 - Moisturize!

A common misconception is that moisturizing is bad for oily skin prone to breakouts. It’s true that many creams and lotions contain ingredients that can block pores and make breakouts worse, so never put a product designed for your body near your face.
Look for products labelled 'non-comedogenic', which is a fancy way of saying they don’t contain ingredients that block pores and lead to the formation of blackheads and whiteheads. Hydrating the skin with an oil-free moisturizer will not only counteract the drying effect of many spot treatments, but also loosen the pore-blocking sebum (skin debris and grease) leading to clearer and healthier skin overall.

Tip #4 - Give it time and be optimistic

Sometimes your skin can take a while to adjust to new products or active ingredients.
Direct your attention away from the guide on the bottle and focus only on your skin. If you experience signs of irritation or over-drying, try reducing the application to every other day (or even less often) for a couple of weeks before gradually increasing back to daily.
Remember that it can take 4-6 weeks for breakouts to diminish, so you need to persevere with a new product for at least this long (and ideally a bit longer) before really deciding whether it is doing the trick and clearing your skin.

Tip #5 - Keep your hands off!

As tempting and satisfying as it is, squeezing a pimple really is the worst thing you can do so keep your hands off! Pressure on an inflamed pimple will push the contents of the grease gland (oil, bacteria and dead skin cells) into the surrounding healthy skin which causes damage and more inflammation.
Squeezing can lead to a temporary darkening of the skin (so called ‘post-inflammatory pigmentation’) that can take weeks, even months to settle, and scarring, which can be permanent and difficult to treat – not cool. If you really find it difficult to resist squeezing, instead try applying a warm compress (like a clean face cloth) to the pimple for 5 minutes to reduce any swelling and then apply a for example a` salicylic acid-based product.

Tip #6 - Review your make up choices and clean your brushes

It’s a fact that as breakouts worsen, the more make-up we use to try to conceal the problem. For pimple-prone skin, making the right cosmetic choices and regularly cleaning applicators are essential if future breakouts are to be prevented.
Mineral-based make up products are a good option as they contain ingredients such as titanium dioxide, zinc oxide and silica that mop up excess oil without blocking pores. Also, switch to a concealer that contains a blemish-fighting ingredient such as salicylic acid to not only reduce the visibility of blemishes but also help reduce the size. And just as would be the case if you didn’t wash your face each day, make-up brushes accumulate a daily layer of pore-clogging product, dirt and bacteria – your skin’s worst enemy.
Aim to cleanse your brushes at least once a week using baby shampoo or a professional brush cleaner to keep them in tip top condition.

Tip #7 - Review your diet

For many years, the jury was out as to whether there was a link between diet and breakouts – the hard evidence was simply lacking. But over the past decade, many dermatologists now agree that hormones in cow’s milk may stimulate oil production and promote breakouts.
Similarly, foods with a high glycemic index can cause a spike in blood sugars, causing a rise in hormone levels and sending grease glands into an oily overdrive.
Try reducing cow’s milk intake to just 1-2 servings per day (or choose an unsweetened alternative like almond milk), and cut out fatty foods high in omega-6 fatty acids and refined sugars (generally found in all the foods you know are bad for you!) – even if your skin doesn’t dramatically improve, your waistline will!

Tip #8 – Use a good skincare routine like Proactiv+

Proactiv+ 3 Step Clear Skin System has Smart Target technology that delivers acne-fighting formulation directly into the pores. It is formulated to address blemishes help deliver PLUS benefits such as improved visible texture and clarity, brighten and smoothen skin, and diminish the look of dark marks. The 3-step system starts with a Smoothing Exfoliator which removes excess dirt and other impurities. The exfoliator is applied on damp skin and rinsed with warm water after two minutes. The second step is called the Pore Targeting treatment. It stops the acne at the source because it delivers blemish-fighting ingredient directly into the pore. The lotion is
applied all over face to allow full absorption. The final process of the Proactiv+ 3 Step Clear Skin System hydrates the skin with the Complexion Perfect Hydrator. The moisturizer will reduce redness, help lighten acne marks and help brighten skin.
Try Proactiv+ today!

About Dr. Laura Savage:
Dr. Savage studied Medicine at the University of Edinburgh, where she also obtained an honours degree in pathology. She trained as a Dermatologist within the Yorkshire Deanery. This included three-and-a-half years of research investigating the use of biological therapy in psoriatic disease culminating in the award of a PhD degree.
Please share this video by Dr. Savage on your blog.
Dermatologist skin tips: The importance of sticking with a skin routine to get rid of blemishes.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TBYAyytTPv8&feature=youtu.be

SOUTH SUDAN: Honeymoon is Now Over

2019-07-15T03:27:00.000+08:00

I still remember our induction in Switzerland and Juba. They have always emphasized that our first month in the country feels like a honeymoon. Everything will be new and novel to us; like tourists. We would be excited about everything we see, feel, taste, and experience.

Having done several hardship assignments, the first three months never felt like a vacation. I just told myself that I have a contract to finish and an obligation to fulfill. My tech advisor always reminds me that my sole purpose here is to help the starving kids and that is true. That is what keeps me moving each day.

Today was a bit different. I woke up with my roomie sad, downhearted and crying. She said that this must be the end of the third-month honeymoon for her. She misses friends and comforts. I can't blame her. I missed those things since I have arrived.

Our friendship circle is very small. It is just me, her, and another girl. We do not really have a lot of people we can talk to here because we do not speak Arabic. Other than this, we live and work in the same place so our life just revolves around this 10 to 20 meters periphery.

On some days when we feel stressed and in need of freedom, we venture out to the market to get kerikede, a local reddish tea made from dried gumamela that is sour to the taste or the local bon or jabana aka coffee. However, my friend has gotten tired of this little treat as well. She is right in saying that even getting that tiny cup of coffee is stressful.

We get followed around by dogs and chased by children who keep on shouting 'Kawaja! (Strange white person) How are you?' which she finds annoying. Me? I just shout back 'Kawaja!' at them and this shuts them up. At the coffee stall, the chairs are usually broken and there are so many flies in beautiful colors that we need to ward off. Oftentimes, drunkards and beggars would often find their way to us or some random persons would walk up to us and say, 'Keif? (How are you? )Tamam?!(Good.)'

I sometimes wonder which is worse-this place or Tanna, Vanuatu? This place is as isolated but at least in Tanna there was the beach at the end of the day and Filipino snacks sold at the local store. Here, there are no chips/crisps. No chocolate. No junk food. There is ice cream but the water and milk source is dodgy so I would not want to take the risks of having a GI upset. The Nile hosts crocodiles.

Some days like these, I find it harder to find the silver lining. Honeymoon is indeed over.

South Sudan: The Coming of the First Rain

2019-06-26T19:44:00.002+08:00

The first real downpour has finally arrived in Renk! Everyone is happy because rain equals to blessings in this part of the world. Meanwhile, on my tiny island in the Philippines, rain comes almost every afternoon and the arrival of one is not as welcome. Catholics even offer eggs to saints so rain won't come on special days like weddings!

For the first time in a long time, I strapped on my high ankle waterproof hiking boots, shrugged into my blue travel-worn windbreaker, and popped open my reliable umbrella-an accessory every Filipina has on her bag all the time!

As I opened our gate, the once dry and parched sand road has turned into a bajar (river) complete with currents! Floods in the desert never cease to amaze me because I have grown up thinking that the desert is just a hot and arid place. I never thought it could also get cold or have rain or even snow nut until I lived in Iraq.

View this post on Instagram

The first rain in South Sudan...and it brought with it jumping crickets and insects whose wings seems to easily fall off and a hedgehog!!! #plague #rainindesert #floodindesert

A post shared by Ge Ann (@gedaleann) on Jun 25, 2019 at 11:20pm PDT

So, there I was, intuitively hopping from one shallow part of the road to another to get to my office, keeping my shoes dry while the rest of my workmates waved inside a four-wheel drive for a one minute ride to our office. I should thank the thigh-high floods in the Philippines for making me resilient for such a time as this.

At around lunchtime, the health PM asked me to go with him and check out our clinic. We hopped and ran and slipped from one hut to another checking out how our colleagues and beneficiaries were doing. I learned that there were two kind of soils we used to fill the area. One holds water so it tended to be sticky and slippery. The other holds little water and tends to be harder so stepping on it gave me more stability.

Just a few weeks back, I was busy arranging murram or soil to cover the ground in this area. This is an expensive annual activity we do before the rain comes in. The murram helps in better traction for our vehicles. As I watched the flood water slowly rise up in our vicinity, I wonder if it is wiser to just put gravel instead. I voiced this thought out loud to our 'engineer' and he told me that gravel is not available in our area and is very expensive. So there goes our expensive murram being slowly swept away by each heavy downpour of the season.

As our roofs are made of sticks or reeds, I was not at all surprised that most of them were leaking and needed repairs. Our staff were busy rearranging things to escape the water. Pails and buckets were in place to catch the drips to no avail. Past managers have just perpetuated the use of local materials which has to be replaced almost every quarter. My silent resolve is to stop this practice and put galvanized iron instead for our next cycle.

Our clinics were flooded. The flood water has just naturally found ways to find itself into lower grounds even if this means passing through our stick walls. In places where the water was high, I and the team rallied with a pickaxe, shovel, and hoe to create canals. It was a fun exercise as we would usually pause to check the natural path of the flood water before creating a waterway.

Later that night, the first rain also brought with it a plague of crickets and a swarm of termite-like creature. The crickets were the biggest I have ever seen and can jump at great distances. It was most annoying when you are trying to eat and they hop on you or on your food. One of these crickets even managed to hitch a ride on my luggage to Ethiopia. Also, these crickets found my hiking shoe as a good habitat! When I stuck my foot on my shoe the next morning, I saw long legs and antennae popping out of my shoe! I threw my shoes in surprise and out came 10 more crickets! My other shoe was also as populated.

The termite-like creature on the other hand, visited our house in huge numbers that we had to turn off any source of light because they were attracted to it! We had to sweep them off our floors. However, we left the light outside our house on and here we saw a thick carpet of their wings on the floor as if they auto dewinged themselves! The locals, our support staff said that they actually eat these creatures and I told them it is weird. I told them that in Asia, we eat the crickets and they thought that was weirder. Oh well! I guess different cultures like different sources of protein.

Oh and did I tell that before we went to sleep, there was a little creature that made a bump in the night! Charlie thought it was a lazy, overfed rat but when we took a closer look it was a hedgehog!

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Ge Ann (@gedaleann) on Jun 25, 2019 at 11:54pm PDT

Proactiv Plus 3-Step Clear Skin System Product Information

2019-06-07T15:30:00.002+08:00

Proactiv has always delivered what it promised. This time around, they stepped up their game with the new
Proactiv +! Now, you might wonder what they added to their product. In this case, the new formulation uses
Smart Target Technology that allows easy absorption and penetration of Benzyl Peroxide into the skin pores.
This makes it more effective and efficient than the older version! This also causes less inflammation for users.

What is the Proactiv+ 3-Step System?

We believe that everyone deserves the confidence that comes with clear skin. Whatever your skin condition, age or lifestyle, the Proactiv+ skincare solution can work for you. You don’t have to accept that you have problematic skin. You can transform your skin and you can change your life with Proactiv+.

Proactiv+ has been developed by dermatology doctors and contains blemish-fighting ingredients as well as our exclusive Smart Target technology. The ingredients we use are key to how our products work.

+Salicylic Acid: this ingredient is important to our products because it helps to remove dead skin cells, which can lead to clogged pores.

+Glycolic Acid: like salicylic acid, glycolic acid is renowned for its exfoliating properties. It helps to loosen dead skins cells and make your face appear more radiant.

Proactiv+ is for any teen or adult who struggles with blemish-prone skin and suffers from breakouts.

Proactiv+ works for men and women of all ages and will appeal especially to women in their twenties, thirties, forties, and fifties who desire high-quality skincare products.

Proactiv Plus benefits:

∙Helps to clear blemishes and prevent future breakouts

∙Hydrate and soften skin

∙Improve visible texture and clarity

∙Helps reduce visible pore size

∙Control and balance oily skin

∙Helps reduce the appearance of redness

∙Brighten and smooth skin

∙Helps enhance overall skin radiance

∙Helps diminish the look of dark marks and wrinkles

Proactiv Plus Kit Includes:

Step 1: Skin Smoothing Exfoliator

Step 2: Pore Targeting Treatment

Step 3: Complexion Perfecting Hydrator

When using Proactiv+ the most important thing to remember is that consistency is key for the best results. You’ll find that you’ll notice a much bigger change in your skin if you follow all 3 steps of our Core System both in the morning and at night before you go to bed. By using Proactiv+ regularly, our blemish-fighting ingredients can work to keep your skin clear and your pores targeted.

Step 1: Skin Smoothing Exfoliator

Our Proactiv+ Skin Smoothing Exfoliator contains blemish-fighting salicylic acid and gentle exfoliating beads which helps to gently remove dead skin cells, dirt, oil and other pore clogging impurities while caring for your skin.

How to use

+Apply a coin-size amount to dampened skin.

+Using fingertips, gently massage in circular motions for 1 to 2 minutes, avoiding the eye area.

+Rinse thoroughly with warm water.

+Pat dry and follow with Step 2.

The secret to our Skin Smoothing Exfoliator is the gentle exfoliating beads (paraffin) and blemish- fighting ingredients. As you apply the product, the exfoliant work to slough away dead skin cells, dirt, oil, grime and makeup - as well as any other pore-clogging impurities. Because it contains salicylic acid, this Proactiv+ product gets to work at fighting your blemishes too, while glycolic acid helps to renew the look of the skin's surface.

Step 2: Pore Targeting Treatment

Step two is our Pore Targeting Treatment. The secret to this amazing product is how it gets to work deep in your pores to break down dirt, dead skin cells and sebum. As well as clearing your pores, our Pore Targeting Treatment also helps to tone and tighten your pores, which all help to improve the texture of your skin. If your skin is irritated and sore, it helps to soothe that irritation and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

How to use

+Apply to clean, dry skin.

+Use a pearl-sized amount and apply to the entire face.

+Do not rinse off. When fully absorbed, follow with Step 3.

Step 3: Complexion Perfecting Hydrator

Once our Pore Targeting Treatment is fully absorbed, it's time for step three. Our Complexion Perfecting Hydrator does what it says on the tin and much more. It starts by hydrating your skin, leaving it feeling smooth, supple and even-textured. It then helps to reduce the appearance of redness, blemish marks and any imbalance of dryness and excess oil. It works to help reduce the appearance of breakouts and helps prevent blemishes from reappearing.

How to use

+Apply a minimum of a large coin-size amount to dry skin.

+Gently smooth over entire face - do not rinse off.

+Reapply throughout the day if needed. If going outside follow with an SPF 15 or higher.

Availability

Proactiv+ 30 day kit – Includes Skin Smoothing Exfoliator 60ml, Pore Targeting Treatment 30ml, Complexion Perfecting Hydrator 30ml, SRP Php3,250

Proactiv+ 60 day kit – Includes Skin Smoothing Exfoliator 120ml, Pore Targeting Treatment 60ml, Complexion Perfecting Hydrator 60ml, SRP Php4,680

Available at Watsons stores nationwide.

Ethiopia: Food, Drinks, and Etiquette

2019-06-03T03:12:00.000+08:00

After the bland food of South Sudan, I am so excited to try out the richly flavored Ethiopian food! In fact, it is tops in my list. The average price for a meal is 120 to 140 Birr or around 5 USD plus 15% value added tax which is not reflected in the menu.

Each meal is meant to be shared, as cultural tradition dictates and is served without any cutlery. It is considered to be polite to use your right hand to eat here. So, it is a wise idea to bring wet wipes and hand sanitizer. Do not use your left hand to eat though as this is considered rude because we usually clean our butt after we poop with it, right?!

So, if you are traveling with a friend, you better share. Just make sure that you eat on your side of the serving pan and do not cross over. If you want to take away the leftovers, some restaurants would charge you 15 Birr.

Injera. If rice is for Asians and bread is for Europeans, then Injera is the staple for Ethiopians! It looks and tastes like a giant spongy pancake or as my best friends describe it, a towel. It is made from the grain teff which is fermented up to three days before it is cooked. It comes in red, brown, or white but the general rule is 'the paler the injera, the better.' The dark ones tends to be coarser.

This is usually spread out and then you pour the shiro or food on top of it. It is the perfect food wrap and you can also dip it into sauces! The injera tastes tangy...a bit bitter and sour. I love it but my friend just spat it out!(not the one on the pic) I could even see him with tears in his eyes!
Shiro. Shiro is a red sauce usually served with injera. It is commonly served on Ethiopian 'fasting days'.
Tibs. This is the usual accompaniment to injera. It is a spicy beef or lamb fried in butter.
Jebena or coffee. Coffee is said to have originated in Ethiopia so it is natural to see sidewalk coffee spots. Each tiny serving of freshly brewed black coffee will set you back 5 Birr if you take it on these roadside hole in the wall restaurants but if you order it in a restaurant, it will cost 20 Birr. This is traditionally served in a coffee ceremony.
Macchiato. This is the popular form of coffee in Ethiopia. I had one in In-N-Out Burger for 15 Birr. It was by Tomoca which they say is the gold standard of Ethiopian Coffee! However, it is best to go to Tomoca (To.Mo.Ca) Coffee Shop at the Piazza.
Tej. Tej is a honey wine or a mead made of honey and a local leaf known as gesho. It is only served at a tej beit or a tej bar. We had ours at Habishan2000 at 300 Birr for 1 liter. It was a good deal though as we also got to watch a cultural show.
St. George or Giorgis Beer. If you are a beer drinker, then you must check this pale lager off of your list. This is the oldest beer in Ethiopia! Since I do not drink, read more about it here.

If you are brave enough, you can also try tera sega or raw meat! Then, when you get home, take a dewormer or else run the risk of hosting tapeworms.

Ethiopia: Top 10 Things You Should Know Before You Go

2019-06-02T20:05:00.000+08:00

Booking tickets for Ethiopian Airlines on-line works out very expensive when compared with booking at their office in Addis Ababa. For example, the route Addis -> Gondar -> Lalibela -> Addis was quoted on-line for USD450 whereas at their booking office (at the Hilton in Addis) the ticket cost only USD150. Even better: if you have booked your international trip to Ethiopia via Ethiopian Airlines' webpages you will get a 60% discount on domestic flights. Even if you have arrived on an airline other than Ethiopian, you can still get the discounted prices (booked at offices in Ethiopia) by having proof of an international reservation with Ethiopian regardless of whether you have flown the flight or not. So you can get the discount by booking a refundable (eco flex) or cheap flight to a neighbouring country for the future and quoting the ticket number when booking domestic flights. Rumour has it proof of international flights is never checked, but they do ask for it occasionally especially if paying for it at the airport.

Ethiopia: Addis Ababa Bole International Airport

2019-06-02T19:51:00.000+08:00

The Addis Ababa International Airport is kindda small so it is pretty straightforward and easy to navigate.

VISA
Lines for Visa on Arrival is shorter than all the other lines. You can also get a an e-visa here for 52USD but the line is longer since Ethiopian Citizens and holders of transit and e-visa's use just one line.

ATMs and MONEY EXCHANGE

There are three places with ATM machines:

Before the Immigration. Withdraw here only if you need it to process your visa on arrival.
After the Immigration. It is a bit crowded here.
By the baggage carousel. There is hardly any lines.

The bank exchange rate is 28 Birr to 1 USD (June 2019). You can also exchange your money in banks that are found almost at every corner of the city and on the front desk of big hotels for about the same rate. If you want a higher rate, there is the black market but if you are a tourist, tapping into one is a bit dodgy. The black market rate in Addis Ababa is about 30 BIrr and 32 Birr in Lalibela.

The ATMs are not always reliable. I tried three of my cards in different ATMs littered around the city and I was unable to withdraw cash. Although the machine recognizes my name, it does not recognize my PIN. It is better to bring in cash with you.

SIM CARD

Right outside the Arrival area where the hotel kiosks are, you will find the booth for Ethio Telecom. Each sim card costs 30Birr. Once you have the sim card, you can top it up either weekly, biweekly or monthly.

GETTING TO YOUR ACCOMMODATION

Just right outside of the Customs Check, you can see a lot of hotel kiosks. Most of them offer a ride to their hotels. However, if you do not have a hotel pick up, walk out of the building and keep walking down until you see the parking lot. You might get approached by a helpful for person who will arrange a ride for you. Beeline them and head to the yellow taxis.These are the only ones allowed and has a standard fee of 30 Birr or 10USD.

South Sudan: The Lean Seasons

2019-05-30T16:30:00.000+08:00

The sky is mostly downcast each day and there seems to be more gray clouds in the sky. Often the winds would blow and howl, showering dust in almost every surface possible. It also often finds its way down to my scalp despite my thick curly hair. It has all the signs that rain is coming but just as quickly as the wind blows, the clouds are gone too.

Yesterday was a bit different. It was cooler than before and there was a slight spray of water from the heavens which lasted for only a minute. Then, the sun shone as bright as ever. Nature is such a tease here in The Suds.

I was told this is the beginning of the lean seasons. It has been months since the people harvested food and the ground is dry and parched. Everything looks brown except for an occasional speck of green that one would notice only in the town center or near the banks of the River Nile. The borders to Sudan has also been closed for months so prices in the South Sudan side has doubled, tripled and quadrupled.

I once asked our Logs guy to check out the price of a cup for me. He told me it was 500SSP (3USD if using the bank currency exchange and 1.5USD if the black market) then a week later when I finally decided to purchase one, he told me it is already 1000SSP.

Our clinics has also seen an increased number of acutely malnourished children and women. Some of them are recent returnees from Sudan while some are internally displaced people(IDP) who has started to trickle in on 2010 then just settled here in the borders instead of moving on to their original ancestral lands.

Inshallah, when the rain comes, things will be different. Farmers can now start planting their crops and hire others to till their fields. However, the kids will still grow hungry until the farmers get paid during harvest season. We also expect to see an increased number of defaulters in our program as the mothers will be bringing their children to the fields which are so far from our clinics.

During our SMART survey, we have talked with a couple of people and I have learned something about the culture of the people on this side of the Nile. One person said that they would rather starve than ask food from their neighbors.

Ethiopian Tourist Visa for Filipinos

2019-05-28T04:12:00.000+08:00

For Filipinos who wants to travel to Ethiopia, you can't believe how easy it is to apply for a visa there! It can be done in 1, 2, 3! Trust me on this because even with my crappy satellite internet in the fringes of South Sudan, I still got mine in 3 minutes after I paid the visa fee with my credit card.

What I love about African countries (Kenya for example) is how easy it is to apply for their visa online. There is no need to go to an embassy to get one. For example, this trip to Addis Ababa is solely driven by my need to appear in the Czech Embassy to get my Schengen Visa. I had to cancel my original flight to Nairobi because the Czech Embassy in Kenya gave me no reply at all but Martina from the Czech Embassy in Ethiopia was so friendly and accommodating. Hence, here I am.

To apply for an Ethiopian Tourist Visa, go to https://www.evisa.gov.et/#/home. I tried creating an account but it took forever to load so I just clicked on APPLY. Then, I uploaded the scanned copy of my passport and a passport size of your ID picture. These files should be under 2mb. Lastly, pay 52USD. You will then receive an email to confirm your payment and immediately after is the visa!

Now, pack your bags and let us go for some injera!

South Sudan: Henna Tattoo

2019-05-15T04:41:00.000+08:00

One of my colleagues was leaving our program for good so there was a big going away party for her!

The preparations for the said event started a week early. For example, a young lady came to add extensions to her natural hair and plait it. It was the first time I have seen it done. The ladies fingers were fast and dexterous! The entire process was amazing for me! (Will blog about African hair soon.)

A day before the event, the same ladies came in and applied henna on her arms and legs. I do henna designs myself but I was totally mesmerized while observing the artist doing the designs freehand. Luckily, due to my curiosity, she also did henna on both of my arms. Little did I know that the henna she did for me is culturally reserved for brides. I only got to find out when my male co-workers were asking me arosa (bride). Men in the souk (market) would also ask me the same question. The local women were not as curious!

A Sudanese bride would usually get her arms and legs painted in "Black Sudani Henna". The designs are bolder compared to the intricate Indian mehndi.

The Sudanese henna is distinctive because of its black color. In the old days, they used natural henna. These days, the "Black Sudani Henna" is a mix of powdered hair dye and natural henna. The downside of this is that, the hair dye contains Para-Phenylene Diamine which causes severe allergic reactions. It has been said that some Sudanese brides have collapsed and died on their wedding day because of anaphylaptic shock.

Another word of caution is, since this has a hair dye content this will permanently color the following:

your nails until it grows out
your arm hair especially if you are blonde.

My friend had to shave the hair on her arms because they were dyed black while the rest was blonde! I comforted her by saying Iraqi brides shave all the hair in their bodies to prepare for their wedding!

South Sudan: South Sudanese Coffee

2019-04-29T03:05:00.000+08:00

The highlight of my stressful day is a walk to the souk (market) to buy a tiny cup of kahwa (coffee) or in the South Sudanese Arabic, bon for 100 SSP (as of April 2019). This coffee is infused with ginger or cinnamon, some spices, and cardamom. These poured out from a special tin ‘jug’ with a long spout known as a jebena and served in tiny tea cups with the tiniest spoons I've ever seen! The coffee is usually served with a generous amount of sugar, reminding me of my chai (tea) days in Iraq. If you do not like your coffee sweet, you can ask them to serve the sugar separately.

On days when I feel sick, I prefer to go to a stall which serves a strong ginger coffee but most days, I often go to a place that serve cinnamon flavored coffee. This has now become my personal favorite and I can't go on a week without a sip of it.

According to a very interesting article in scanews.coffee, wild C. Arabica coffee is abundant in the Upper Boma Plateau. Cultivated Robusta variety also grows here. The Belgians used to cultivate this in these areas but when the civil war broke out between the Islamic North and Christian South, it weakened the coffee production.

However, these days, the industry seemed to have picked up and you can observe small coffee/tea places all over the local souk. My favorite one is tended by a young barista named Alo. She always serves me the same quality of coffee every time me and my friend, Joyce visit her little cafe.

She would usually start roasting her coffee beans at around 6pm. (Yes, the sun is still up at 6pm here!)Then, she uses a stone mortar to ground this. The ground coffee is then incorporated into the boiling water. Upon reaching its boiling point, spices like cloves, cinnamon, cardamom, ginger and pepper are then added. This is then poured into tiny cups served. If you place the cup under the light of the sun, you will see that the sugar level is about a fourth of the cup.

Don't worry! The water for the coffee is boiled so it is safe to drink!

Watch out for my chai (tea) review on South Sudanese Karkaday (hibiscus tea) and peppermint tea soon!

South Sudan: Questioning My Life Decisions

2019-04-13T23:17:00.002+08:00

After the turbulent two hours plus plane ride and upon seeing where I was going to live, I began questioning my life decisions. Getting my security orientation upon arrival just added to my urgent need to just fold myself into a ball and cry.

I was overwhelmed by many different emotions. I began to appreciate my blessed living condition at home. The tropical weather is so nice even if foreigners complain it is humid. When it gets too hot, I can just go and swim in the beach or grab a surf board and paddle out into the ocean. If I wanted good food, my tita's will cook it for me or I just walk to the corner and there are many restaurants there. I do not even have to walk as there is always a mode of transportation to take me from point A to point B. I do not need to wash my clothes! There is also water from the tap, electricity, stable WIFI and everything is cheap!

The life here is very poor and very sad according to my limited human perspective. I've taught myself to look for the beauty in the faces of the children in my project, and to be grateful. I now see situations with a silver lining, and to assess where I could give something, where I could provide something as the project manager. Haay naku Catriona Gray!

So the silver linings here are the following:

More freedom than Juba. I am allowed to walk anywhere within Renk town as long as I have a male escort.
I am practicing my Arabic and my colleagues helps me practice.
Highest malnutrition rate and biggest malnutrition program in the country so my knowledge and skills in emergency malnutrition is being sharpened.
This org found me on LinkedIn and put their trust in me. I did not apply so this is godsent.
Coffee and tea here is delicious although the people laugh at the way I say coffee in Arabic because it is too formal.

South Sudan: First Impressions of the Upper Nile Sahel

2019-04-13T22:36:00.000+08:00

The Upper Nile is said to be the hottest region in the country since it is closer to Khartoum. I am not so sure of that.

When I was in Juba, as soon as the sun sets my sweat would start dripping. I noticed that it is warmer during those times. Where I am right now, the temperature is a bit cooler at sun set.

As I am not from Africa, I was curious if I am now living in the desert. I've been to the deserts of Dubai and those were vast empty spaces. This one has shrubs that looks like dried up twigs and grasses. Having done a fair bit of research, I believe that this is not the desert but a sahel.

A sahel is a flatland with a semiarid climate. It is mostly covered with grass and a few shrubs and trees. At this time of the year, everything is brown! Most of the trees has even lost their leaves. It is typically, hot, sunny, and dry!

However, when I arrived, it rained a little. The same thing happened when I arrived in Juba. The cleaning ladies told me it was their first rain for the season. So they say I am a blessing! Yes, the rain arrives when I arrive!

The airport here, they say is the worst in the whole country. It is an uncemented airstrip. There is no infrastructure except for the skeletons of a waiting shed that was abandoned and some rusty shipping containers eaten by time and the elements.

On the other hand, I have nothing to complain about because we landed safely and that is the most important thing for me. I am alive! Nothing else matters! And I've been to rudimentary airports like the ones in Vanuatu.(Best airplane ride views next to the Lukla, Nepal flights according to me!)

There were two vehicles on the landing strip. One was a rented car and the other was for our organization. As I've mentioned earlier, everything is just dirt road but since it is a flatland and arid, it is not as worse as the Vanuatu rides. One thing that amazes me though is how our driver expertly drove us to the town because everything looked the same for me.

From the outskirts, we can observe some random mud houses with reed roofs here and there. And as these clusters become dense, we saw the town. There were modern houses and cars as well as buses and vans for public transport. There were also donkeys, mostly pulling carts filled with barrels of water.

Women can be seen either carrying a load or a child. They were mostly dressed in colourful clothes that reminds me of the Indian sari's.

Credits to theresglitterintheireyes

As I am in a border town, this place is a melting pot of tribes!

South Sudan: The Real Airport Scrum and my First UNHAS Flight

2019-04-12T19:14:00.000+08:00

Traveling by road across South Sudan was considered a perilous ride before. This is because of the uncertain security situation in different areas. There were on-going armed hostilities between the South Sudanese Armed Forces and non-state armed groups in addition to inter-communal clashes like cattle raids. Next, there is still continuous cross-border movements of people into South Sudan. Lastly, perennial flooding results in temporary displacements of the population and periodically makes surface travel impossible.

The only paved road in the country is the one coming from Khartoum and ends halfway in Renk. All the rest are dirt roads or compacted ones. Even then, I have observed that there were dead trees or shrubs placed in the middle of these compacted roads.

These days, there has been an increase in the number of people traveling by road. However, taking a plane ride to your destination, although a bit expensive is highly recommended.

There are no local airline company operating in the country. To get from one point to another, you have to book yourself an United Nations Humanitarian Air Service (UNHAS) flight and depart form the Juba International Airport. Nope, not the previous airport I posted earlier but the one beside it. This is the real Juba Airport Scrum!

The departure terminal are a cluster of Rubb Halls. These are humongous tents often used as warehouses with dirt floors. My friend who was traveling me told me that the one we have now is in a better condition than it was before. He still remembers canopy tents and flooding during rainy days.

Typical Rubb Hall

Before we went to the airport, he told me that I should stay near to him and move fast. He says we just need to keep pushing forward or else we might get left behind. Thankfully, our flight was scheduled on a slow day so I did not really need to shove a lot.

We first went to the middle tent and headed to a counter on the left side where our baggage was weighed in. At this point, my shirt was already drenched in sweat! After that, our bags were tagged and we were given our boarding passes.

We then have to wade our way through people to reach the end where we presented our bags for a physical check. Once these were through, we moved our way back to the front of the tent and transferred to another Rubb Hall which serves as a predeparture area.

In the predeparture area, there are wooden benches and cold drinks are sold. Nope, there are no fans or air-conditioning available here. You can also notice that hardly anyone is fanning but me, because I have my trusty abaniko! You have to keep your ears sharp or else you might miss the man shouting the departure information.

Unlike the arrival terminal where most of the people coming in were foreigners, in the departure area it was a mix. There was a mix of locals and humanitarian aid workers.

Most of the flights from here to any point in the country is through small planes and helicopters. Ours was a 15 seater that was flown by two white haired Russians. It was a turbulent ride that at one point left my internal organs at a higher altitude than my body.

We landed on the roughest airport in South Sudan with me trying to hold all the food in my stomach in.