These feet were made for walking…and other modes of transport in South Sudan

"Come, O house of Jacob, let us walk in the light of the LORD."  Isaiah 2:5

You, who have been part of our journey in South Sudan, have witnessed the abominable road conditions that are likely to exist.   As you would guess, walking is the most frequently used mode of getting from one place to another; happily walking isn't dependent upon road conditions.  

While we were stateside we enjoyed walking for exercise; but that is very different from walking out of the necessity of getting from one place to another.  We have witnessed people walking to the hospital; four men, one at each corner of the blanket walking for two days transporting their sick relative/friend to the hospital.

Folks don’t give a second thought to walking two, four or even ten miles to town or school – two miles to fetch water is an everyday occurrence for most women, farther than that and they would most likely try to use a bicycle. 

Speaking of bicycles…

Next to walking, bicycling is the next most common mode of transport. Those who have the means of purchasing a bicycle try to do so.  While we often see bicycles carrying paying passengers or transporting loads of goods; the picture on the right is unique to South Sudan (at least for us).  A good idea for transporting those too young to “hang on" well – although this little fella looks like he is pretty good at “hanging on” – a good thing too as his driver seems to be talking on his cell phone while dodging potholes, animals, cars and people.

Awaiting customers

Motor bikes are another popular means of movement. While they preserve your strength, they deplete your wallet; however, in South Sudan, motorcycles are used as taxis throughout the country.  There are very few automotive taxis. Motor bikes can maneuver paths in the bush where cars cannot go. 

 

---AND --- as in all of Africa, there is always room for one more. So don’t think you are limited to only one passenger!

Unfortunately the AK47 is also a frequent sight.  

Around town these little tuk-tuk vehicles can be seen.  With a motorcycle front and a seated trailer behind, they afford a bit of protection from the ever-present dust.  They are more comfortable than the back of a motorcycle and can carry more goods safely. However as you may guess, they cost a bit more to hire than your regular motorbike and are operated only in the town centers.

Here you go!!

 This young Dinka man has polio and is unable to walk; however he has a convenient mode of transport which is eco-fuel efficient and can go practically anywhere!

 

This is a frequent sight, especially on the major transportation route which travels in front of the Baptist compound. 

Long distance trucks transporting goods to all parts of South Sudan can take weeks to travel the distance from Uganda or Kenya to their destinations in South Sudan. (Notice the men sitting on top of the load.) Three or four men travel together on one truck to help when the inevitable breakdown occurs. 

We often see these trucks on the side of the road, sometimes camping for days if not weeks waiting either for roads to dry, digging out -- in the rainy season -- or waiting for mechanical parts to arrive from town to get the truck running again.  It is a dangerous and dusty place to travel.

As you think about the different modes of movement, pray that the Gospel message would move throughout South Sudan as well, penetrating hearts and changing lives.

Pray for safety on the roads. Travel anywhere is a dangerous prospect and South Sudan is no different. Passing or even driving behind a truck in the dry season is very dangerous as the billows of dust make it impossible to see; the possibility of a breakdown in places of unrest or insecurity and the ever present abominable road conditions make traveling in South Sudan an act of faith.


Pray that the people of South Sudan would hear of God's love and believe so they will  "walk in the light of the LORD."