From High Rollin Back to Patrollin

It was quite a whirlwind trip to Las Vegas. A good time for sure, but after the long trip which I did not get alot of sleep on I hit Vegas hard. Saw the sun come up on at least a couple of occasions. I paid for it though and caught my first cold of the year. It was still worth it. My first day was took a bit of an adjustment. Not in a bad way, it was just alot all at once. People, lights, showers that don't smell like a sewer, water, green salads, beef, pavement, real orange juice...the list goes one. The best part was seeing some old faces as well.

When I arrived in back in Juba en route to Torit, I was approached at the airstrip by a fellow UNPOL from Sweden asking if I had read an email from my Sector Commander. I had not checked my email since I had left for Las Vegas. He said it was something to do with the Team Site Leader position in Torit. I went immediately to see my Sector Commander and sure as shit, I am now the Team Site Leader of Torit. His instructions, "Fix it. And don't plan on making friends, it goes with the job." Something to that effect anyway. So much for enjoying my last few months of the mission. He quickly briefed my on what needs to be done. He didn't have to. After a week in Torit I already knew.

I have to admit it was hard to come back to Sudan, but once I got to Juba and was on my way to Torit, I was back in my comfort zone. I landed in Torit by chopper at the local air strip and we were greeted by a crowd of school children all happy to get their photo taken. The next morning I went for my daily routine run. The dust from the roadway making my eyes squint. Women laughing wondering why the hell I am running. Children yelling "Kawaja" (white person) as they walk to school. A 2 year old boy squatting on the side of the road getting rid of last nights kasava root and bean dinner. Ahhh home again.

So I am in Torit now preparing to take over the Team Site from the current Team Site Leader. I officially take over on December 10th. At least my last few months will go by quickly as I will be pretty busy. Once things are in place, I am hoping to get out on a few final patrols during my last month as this is where the most action and exitement is. I have never been much of an office guy.

Cheers,

Rory

(Photos from top to bottom: 1) Roby & Chris at

their wedding, 2) Alita & Amanda aka "AA", 3) Jaz and I at Ghost Bar in Vegas, 4) Me trying to get Shawn to try the shisha at Myst in

Vegas, 4) After landing at the Torit Airstrip.)