Daniel Comboni
Misioneros Combonianos
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South Sudan: Working and living with people on the margins
Monday, December 22, 2025
My second assignment in South Sudan is somewhat different from what I have experienced so far. I am still struggling with communication, cultural peculiarities, dust and mosquitoes. I have become accustomed to the heat, humidity and meagre food. In recent days, the weather has become more pleasant (high summer) and the children find it difficult to get up at 22 degrees Celsius. [In the picture: Bro. Hans Eigner, MCCJ]
I live simply but not badly here in Bentiu with Christian Carlassare, a young bishop who is close to the people and has been in the country for 20 years. Our accommodation is slowly being completed and has a floor that has been stamped and smoothed by women using manure, leaves and clay. So perhaps our simple dwelling smells a little like the stable in Bethlehem.
I have not yet become accustomed to the lack of prospects that people here have to contend with every day. There is a shortage of everything, and yet life goes on and takes its course. Perhaps, as an outsider, I feel the hardship even more than the people themselves do. With an absolute minimum of food, household goods and shelter, people struggle to get by. They are pilgrims in the truest sense of the word. When they do receive something, they have to share it, because everyone is in need. Tomorrow will be thought about tomorrow.
However, despite all the deprivation and hardship, people have not lost their dignity and hope. Laughter and Joy is not uncommon either. In the hospital, I saw a little boy sitting casually on a chair. He had ‘quite severe’ burn wounds, but his whole face was beaming with a joy that I know from children's faces at Christmas. The joy on the boy's face speaks of inner freedom and will remain in my memory. It moves me and motivates me not only to build a school for the many children who have no schooling, but also to reach out in many places.
I would like to thank everyone who has supported me so much and so attentively. The weeks have been exhausting and I have fallen asleep every night exhausted. That is why today I am only sending a short sign of life. In January, I will be in Juba and will have more time. We will have our provincial assembly there and I will buy building materials for the school construction. This is because the roads to Bentiu are only passable from the end of January to May. I wish you a blessed and merry Christmas and a healthy New Year.
Yours, Bro. Hans Eigner,
Bentiu, South Sudan