South Sudan Trip: Jacob & Josiah

During our travels through the Middle East and North Africa, Jacob, Andrew, Justin, & I got to go to South Sudan together. We were going there to get documentary footage for one of the only bookstores in the whole country. They needed to raise funds and raise awareness for the ongoing situation there, mainly being lack of development, and lack of infrastructure due to rebel militant activities & Government corruption.  

During this time we were able to visit villages, safaris, restaurants, and NGO's in the country & I remember each place that we had stopped Jacob made an instant connection with the people who came over to see what we were doing. Despite a huge language barrier there would be laughter and smiles. On the way to see some of the surrounding wildlife in South Sudan we had stopped because multiple tires in our van ended up going flat and the 3-5 hour trip ended up being just short of 2 days. Jacob, as always, kept a smile on his face and made a few stressful situations turn into cherished memories with laughter and positivity. 

I remember the night our car broke down and the 4 of us had to stay overnight in a small little hotel room, and due to some civil unrest in the surrounding area we were asked to stay out of sight and hidden. Jacob suggested that we pass the time by playing Hearts and I remember laughing weeks later after we were back home that we must have played Hearts dozens of times on that trip and never got sick of it. As many who got to know Jacob know, it's the simple memories, conversations, and activities that make me smile when I think back on the impact Jacob had on my life.