A load of pap-aya

A papaya tree near to the Wildlife Service office in Yambio, looking pretty in the sun. We were doing the rounds of copious goodbyes and friendly handshakes before setting off to Juba. Ivan will return in January but it'll probably be longer for me because of juggling other things.

In Juba Poni made her tasty usual lunch of liver and fried potatoes and we asked her and Sebit for the latest news from the city. Three holy events are being reported, on which Poni insisted and Sebit labelled as exaggerated rumours spread by social media.

A baby has been born in Juba, emerging from the womb clutching a tiny bible in its hand. Ivan and I were sceptical of the biology behind this.

At the hospital a cactus-like plant forming the shape of a cross has sprung through the solid concrete overnight. Leaves can be plucked (sounds painful) and they regrow immediately. Poni has seen the crowds thronging the hospital to visit the plant. Sebit chuckled at the idea. I imagine a plant has sprung through some cracks and only recently been clocked.

An angel sent from heaven visited a church while it was being cleaned and prepared for a service, with a message for President Salva Kiir. Sebit was even less convinced by this one. I imagine coffers at the church need replenishing and that the publicity is useful.