"Dear Friends,

Greetings to you all from MARIDI

We are all okay in Maridi, the situation is still calm except in Yambio where the Lord’s Resistance Army disturbed people three days back.

The rains have started in Maridi and mangoes are ripe and ready to eat. Life seems to be a bit fair. The World Food Programme came and distributed some food items in Maridi and Ibba. Red Cross gave out plastic sheeting and cooking utensils. The church is also distributing blankets, some food items and agricultural tools. We are still expecting to distribute jerry cans when they arrive from Yei.

It is still very difficult for people to return to their villages as the situation is unpredictable. So it’s likely that the whole population this year will continue to be displaced from their homes.

Inspite of all these spiritual activities are going on well in the churches within the town. Our schools are also pushing on well with very huge numbers of children. It is very difficult to handle the large numbers but also very difficult to avoid them since there is no where else to send them. The roofing of Haddow Secondary School started last week and it will be completed this week.

I’m also glad to report that road construction is continuing between Ibba and Maridi.

Convey our greetings to all friends in Ireland

Thank you,

Rt. Rev. Justin Badi Arama Bishop of Maridi Diocese"