South Sudan: PDF Party

Last night, we had a PDF party. PDF stands for payment disbursement form and we fill them out when we need money to implement certain activities in our program.

For several days now, my roommate has been trying to make heads or tails out of her PDFs but reconciling the amount spent out of the South Sudanese Pounds which are exchanged at the border to Sudanese Pounds and back again has proved too much for her. So she asked for the support of our PSM and we ended staying up late yesterday to help her out.

As I always make calculation mistakes, I did not volunteer to do the maths. I am glad I can memorize a bit of the Arabic numbers so I was the official translator of the numbers. 

Kendall Jenner, New Celebrity Spokesperson for Proactiv

Kendall is an American model and media personality best known for her role in the reality show Keeping up with The Kardashians. With an outstanding modeling career and one of the highest-paid models in the world, supermodel Kendall has walked for many high-fashion designers and modeled for fashion magazines and brands.

A lot of people might envy this beautiful, tall, and very successful fashion model but like most of us, Kendall’s also once-unwavering confidence was tested.

“I remember last year, I was in a work show. I was very excited about it like I’ve never been before. I got on the carpet; I felt really good about myself. I love my dress and my hair and my make-up was so beautiful. I went through the night. Felt great…Then I remember going online and seeing all the horrible things that people were saying about me and my skin. I felt so good that I completely forgot that I have bad skin.”

But Kendall persevered and realized that she has friends and fans supporting her, and she is not alone in her struggle against acne.

“Then I remember getting a couple of tweets. That became a lot of tweets -- of how proud people were of me. Some people coming through being nice to me, almost sympathetic. I was like -- wait, that’s actually kinda cool and it completely flipped my energy. But at the same time, I do want it [the acne] gone.”

So what’s Kendall’s secret in fighting acne? That’s right, it’s Proactiv.

“If you have acne there’s a feeling that you’ll never get out. But definitely, there’s a solution for you. For me, I can honestly say that the magic was Proactiv.”

Proactiv+ 3 Step Clear Skin System has Smart Target technology that delivers acne-fighting formulation directly into the pores. The 3-step system starts with a Smoothing Exfoliator facial cleanser which removes excess dirt and other impurities. The second step is called the Pore Targeting Treatment. It stops the acne at the source because it delivers blemish-fighting ingredients directly into the pore. The final step of the Proactiv+ 3 Step Clear Skin System hydrates the skin with the Complexion Perfect Hydrator.

“Every country has its own version of Proactiv. The American formula worked for me. Check your Proactiv formula and your country.” Kendall adds.

The Proactiv+ 3 Step Skin System with salicylic acid is available in the Philippines at Watsons and SM Department stores nationwide. You may also shop online at watsons.com.ph. Get it at 20% off from October 10 to December 31, 2019 for a limited-time offer!!

Happiness, a healthy recipe for the skin

Did you know that you only need 17 muscles smile, versus the 43 muscles needed to frown? To make matters worse frowning causes facial lines and wrinkles, making you look old and tired.

Flashing a smile does not take much effort. Aside from being gracious and friendly, you are actually spreading good cheer.

The positive vibe resonates even among strangers. In a room full of people, notice how you are easily drawn to the one who flashes a beautiful smile. Having a light and cheerful outlook easily spells happiness. It is an unexpected treat especially when one is having a stressful day.

Starting the day with an infectious smile is like opening the door to more good tidings. You feel light, happy and beautiful. There will always be days when our patience will be tried and tested. But we can always choose to lighten the load by looking at the bright side, or taking a deep breath to and allow the entry of positive vibes.

Happy feeling is caused by the release of neurotransmitters like endorphins, dopamine, and serotonin. Every time we receive good news or we feel excited the brain releases these happy hormones into the nervous system bringing out infectious giggles and laughter. This simply means that happiness can be found around the corner. We don’t have to wait for good news or thrilling events to happen. With a little bit of freedom and creativity, we are capable of experiencing happiness.

Goal Fulfillment

When you feel good about accomplishing your desired task for the day, or your boss compliments your excellent performance that wonderful feeling is known as a dopamine hit. You can achieve that vibe, by setting realistic goals or by simply finding ways to love your work.

Regular Exercise

Seratonin is a natural anti-depressant. You release a healthy amount of serotonin when you exercise regularly. A 10-minute brisk walk or 30-minute hip hop exercise can do wonders to your mood.

Healthy Skin Maintaining a happy disposition also brings out a youthful glow. Positive emotions promote skin renewal because it keeps the hormones in check. Notice how pimples immediately show up when you are sad and stressed out. Aside from negative emotions, other factors that can cause pimples includes a poor diet, genetics, and exposure to dirt and pollution.

Achieving healthy skin could get easier as one, two, three steps. Address skin problem areas like pimples, blemishes, and breakouts with the Proactiv+ 3-Step Clear Skin System. It uses Smart Target technology to deliver anti-acne formulation directly to the pores.

The Proactiv+ 3-step Clear System starts with Step 1: Skin Smoothing Exfoliator. After washing with a facial cleanser to remove dirt, oil, and other impurities, apply the exfoliator on damp skin. Give the face a two-minute massage before completely rinsing with warm water.

The second step is the Pore Targeting Treatment which stops the acne at the source. The blemish-fighting solution is directly applied on the pores by spreading it evenly all over cheeks, forehead nose and chin. Leave on face until full absorption.

The final process of the Proactiv+ 3-Step Skin System repairs the skin with the Complexion Perfect Hydrator. The moisturizer heals redness, helps diminish awkward acne marks and brightens skin. Apply on face until full absorption. Reapply during the day as needed. Don’t forget to put sunscreen if you need to go outdoors.

The Proactiv+ 3 Step Skin System is available at Watsons and SM Department stores nationwide. The 30-day kit is sold at Php 3,250.00 and includes the Skin Smoothing Exfoliator 60 ml, Pore Targeting Treatment 30ml and the Complexion Perfecting Hydrator 30 ml while the 60-day kit is sold at Php 4,680.00 and include Skin Smoothing Exfoliator 120 ml, Pore Targeting Treatment 60ml, and Complexion Perfecting Hydrator 60 ml.

Visit watsons.com.ph and start your Proactiv+ 3-step Clear Skin System.

Unexpected Cathartic Trip

I just returned from my trip to the Czech Republic. Two years ago, this was on my bucket list. I wanted to go there on Christmas and see the old town square covered in snow. I dreamed of checking out the handmade items sold in the Christmas market. I have even screencaps of these scenes from Instagram! But above all, I wanted to do it with one special person.

However, when my Czech boyfriend broke up with me, I drew a line over it on my bucket list. Since then, I have been to Switzerland and the neighboring countries. It would have been easy to go there by train but I never did. I told myself that I will never go there for tourism purposes. I will only go when there is an intentional purpose.

Sometime during April, a friend posted about the IOM Summer School. I counted the days towards it and it fell perfectly on my R&R cycle. So, I applied for it. I filled out all these essay questions on how relevant the Summer School will be for my field of interest today. As my program often involves internally displaced individuals or refugees, I felt that the issue of migration would be interesting. A month later, I got the admission letter and it said IOM Praha. My heart skipped a beat.

I want to attend the class but I was afraid that being in his homeland will open a flood gate of emotions that I have mentally trained to stay as far away from my brain and heart as possible. I've worked so hard in the past year for all my walls to just come crumbling down!

Surprisingly, I was not a cry baby during the trip. I enjoyed myself. I met new friends and even recognized some things from his stories. My guide even called me a spoilsport as I kept answering his trivia's correctly. I want to give myself a pat on the back and say, 'Hey lady! You did it! You are strong and courageous!'

I felt that God was telling me that I do not need to push aside my plans in life just because I am heartbroken or alone. There is so much to do in life that I can enjoy even the plans we made together. My life does not need to stop just because someone decided to quit midway.

P.S. I left my shoes in Cesky Krumlov. So if you are there, can you please pick it up from Hostel Skippy and send it to me? Much love xoxo

Proactiv+ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

PROACTIV+ FAQs

1. What is Proactiv+ 3-Step Clear Skin System?

Proactiv+ 3-Step Clear Skin System is a 3-Step system that clears blemishes and prevents future breakouts.

Proactiv+ 3-Step Clear Skin System also helps to:
• Clear Blemishes and prevent future breakouts
• Hydrate and soften skin
• Improve visible texture and clarity
• Reduce visible pore size
• Control and balance oily skin
• Helps reduce the appearance of redness
• Brighten and smooth skin
• Enhance overall skin radiance
• Diminish the look of dark marks and wrinkles

2. Who can use Proactiv+ 3-Step Clear Skin System?

Proactiv+ 3-Step Clear Skin System is for any teen or adult who struggles with blemish-prone skin and suffers from breakouts.

It works for men and women of all ages, skin types and ethnicities and will appeal especially to women in their twenties, thirties, forties, and fifties who desire high-quality skincare products.

The recommended age to begin using Proactiv+ 3-Step Clear Skin System is 12 years and older, however, the products are safe and effective for all age groups with adolescent and adult breakouts.
For preteens, we recommend that you start slowly, by using the products every other day. However, if you are unsure, we suggest that you consult your GP or pediatrician before using the products.

3. Can I use Proactiv+ 3-Step Clear Skin System on my body as well as my face?

Yes, you can use Proactiv+ 3-Step Clear Skin System on any blemish-prone area.

4. Will Proactiv+ 3-Step Clear Skin System work if I use the products individually rather than as a system?

The products within the Proactiv+ 3-Step Clear Skin System have been carefully designed to work together to achieve maximum results. Each product has been formulated to complement the other two. To keep your skin looking and feeling its best, use the products together as a system. You will also receive optimum results by using them twice a day as directed.

5. Will Proactiv+ 3-Step Clear Skin System clog my pores?

No. Proactiv+ 3-Step Clear Skin System was formulated to be non-comedogenic (non-pore-clogging).

6. Is Proactiv+ 3-Step Clear Skin System an anti-aging regime?

Proactiv+ 3-Step Clear Skin System is better described as an anti-blemish regime designed with skincare benefits in mind - notably smaller-looking pores, improved texture, and tone, visibly faded unwanted pigmentation, diminished appearance of fine lines and wrinkles enhanced hydration and suppleness, and a brighter, more luminous complexion.

7. Can I wear make-up over Proactiv+ 3-Step Clear Skin System?

Yes, you can still wear make-up, but always look for products that are non-comedogenic and oil-free. And always remove make-up before working out.

8. I am outside in direct sunlight for most of the day. Is it safe to use Proactiv+ 3-Step Clear Skin System?

Yes. However, you should always wear a sunscreen of at least SPF 15. Apply Proactiv+ 3-Step Clear Skin System first, then the sunscreen.

9. Does Proactiv+ 3-Step Clear Skin System have any side effects?

Side effects are usually mild and include drying or irritation in some users who are sensitive to Salicylic Acid. If you are concerned or desire more information, we recommend you discuss with your GP.

10. Is Proactiv+ 3-Step Clear Skin System hypoallergenic?
Proactiv+ 3-Step Clear Skin System is not for people who are allergic to Salicylic Acid. However, many of our ingredients were selected due to their hypoallergenic properties. The products found within the Proactiv+ 3-Step System is also paraben-free, oil-free, non-comedogenic (non-pore clogging) and suitable for all skin types.

11. Is Proactiv+ 3-Step Clear Skin System sold as a pack or can components be bought individually?

Proactiv+ 3-Step Clear Skin System is sold as a kit. It includes Skin Smoothing Exfoliator, Pore Targeting Treatment and Complexion Perfecting Hydrator.

The Proactiv+ 3-Step Clear Skin System is available at Watsons and SM Department stores nationwide. Proactiv+ 30-day kit is sold at Php3,250 and includes the Skin Smoothing Exfoliator 60 ml, Pore Targeting Treatment 30ml and the Complexion Perfecting Hydrator 30 ml while the Proactiv+ 60-day kit is sold at Php4,680 and includes Skin Smoothing Exfoliator 120 ml, Pore Targeting Treatment 60ml, and Complexion Perfecting Hydrator 60 ml.

South Sudan: Missing Weddings and a Funeral

The other week, one of my best friends got married. A couple of weeks from now, one of my guy best friends is tying the knot as well. In between these celebrations was the death and burial of a surrogate mother, my best friend's mom.

Due to my two months R&R cycle, I cannot just up and leave my work when such events happen. Also, my hands are full rolling out nutrition interventions to answer the alarmingly high GAM rate-the highest GAM in South Sudan right now.

My friends think aid work is a fun job. I can't blame them. I and my colleagues often post photos of the new places we travel to as well as our exotic cultural experiences almost every other month. On top of this, we are saving lives.

However, I feel like aid work is a lonely job sometimes. Although I have colleagues to hang out with, at the end of the day, they are not my blood family. I miss eating my comfort food or speaking my own mother tongue. I crave doing things without thinking about what its cultural and social implications could be.

The place where I am in right now may be the most comfortable in the area (a stone house with a mattress to sleep on and AC while 95% of the population sleep on the ground in mud huts) but it does not provide me half of the comfort of home.

When I am in the Philippines though, I oftentimes feel left out when I am with my circle of friends. There are a lot of inside jokes and references I do not get, simply because I have never experienced it with them or I do not even know what is happening in their daily lives as well as what is happening in my country.

Where is home really?

South Sudan: Law of Attraction 1

During our downtime, while doing Blanket Supplementary Feeding Distributions, one of my staff mentioned that she is reading the Law of Attraction and that she actually attracted me and the job.

I then told her that I have tried manifesting things but it seems like the Law of Attraction is not working for me. Then suddenly, I remembered that I have indeed attracted so many things in my life. Mostly, these are those which seems impossible during the time I wrote it in 2014.

Later in 2017 when I flew back home to the Philippines after spending almost a year in Iraq, I accidentally read that journal where I wrote down my bucket list. I have actually forgotten what I wrote there but I was amazed that almost 90% of what I wrote down there came true. 

These were the ones which came true:

• Float in the Dead Sea. 2017
• Go cliff diving. 2016

• Play paintball. 2017
• Learn a new language. Arabic 2017 until now
• Go on a mission trip. 2016
• Ride an elephant. 2016

• Swim with dolphins or whales. 2016

• Visit Hello Kitty Town. 2014

• Have a romantic date under the stars. 2015
• Travel with someone I love. 2016.2017.

• Learn how to drive a car. 2019

• Watch the sunset with someone I love.2015
• Have my dream job.2016
• Fall in love.2015

• Fly first/business class.2019

• Travel with my best friends.2018

• Ride a camel in the dessert.2017

• Visit Angkor Wat.2015.2016.
• Visit the Taj Majal.2017

• Feel great in a bikini.
• Finish writing in a journal.
• Be in two countries at once.
• Get drunk with the man I love.2016

Laolao in Luang Namtha, Laos

• Travel somewhere new each year.

2014: Singapore, Malaysia

2015: Vanuatu, Indonesia

2016: 

• Send a postcard to Yumi from every country I am in.
• Learn how to surf. 2018

• See a nutrition program in another country.

• Be an International Field Staff.

• Buy a bag from Guess.
• Go to Hong Kong Disneyland with Yumi.

In 2014, I went to Phnom Penh, Cambodia for training but we did not have enough time to go to Angkor Wat. I was so disappointed because I really want to see it. I remember seeing a picture of it in on the in-flight magazine on the way back to the Philippines. So, I tore it out, glued it to my journal and wrote at the bottom that one day, I will go and explore it with my husband. The next year, our conference was held at Angkor Wat and I explored it with my friend Anne. Then, a year after, I explored it again with Haring M. Who knows...I might be back again and this time with my husband.

These are the ones from my 2017 list that came true:

• See Haring M in 2017.

• Visit the Holy Land.

I also checked out my other journals from previous years and was amazed how many of the things I wrote down there cam true as well!

Devotions: FAITH

But without faith, it is impossible to please Him...

Hebrews 11:6

How do we have faith in something which no eyes has ever seen or no ears has ever heard?

Already in real life, we have difficulty in having faith in one another's capacity or even in our own. We judge people according to our perception about them or what we have heard about them from others. We also have a tendency to have self-limiting beliefs.

We only use faith when we run out of options. We tend to turn to prayers and to God and say 'Bahala na!' when we have done everything through our own strength but nothing has happened. We only turn to God when our worrying, procrastinating and blaming others has rendered no results. Maybe this is because faith is unnecessary when we are able to rationalize things or we have the resources. It is then true that our strength is made perfect in our weakness. (2 Corinthians 12:8-10)

When Job's faith was put into test when he lost everything he owned, God said to him in Job 38-41:'Job, who am I? Who flung the stars into the heavens? Who created the great monsters of the deep? You know who I am Job. Knowing me, why are you calling me into account? Trust me!'

To ave faith in something you also need to trust. Trust requires courage to believe in something greater than yourself and in turn, this gives you strength. 

There are many ways that God wants us to act in faith. And these are also the areas where God often tests us. 

The first one in our own personal GROWTH through the challenges we encounter in our daily lives. 'Rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught and overflowing with thankfulness. Colossians 2:7

Next in SOWING wherein 2 Corinthians 9:6 says, 'Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly. Whoever sows generously will also reap generously.' The classic example for this is the Golden Rule where whatever we do unto others is also done to us or tithing by giving back 10% of our income to the Church. This can be a bit challenging because 10% is also a big chunk of one's income. 

Lastly, God challenges us in GOING. 'By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going.' In fact, going to Iraq or here in South Sudan is an act of faith by itself because these are unknown insecure places I am going to. Even dating another person is also an act of faith as you open your heart for the possibility of heartbreak.

However, when we step out in faith, it is when miracles and breakthroughs happen. 

I always tell myself that if I am able to ride an UNHAS flight to the Upper Nile with crazy white-haired Bulgarians on a stormy day and relax, why can't I entrust the course of my life the same way to God as well?

Skincare Tips from Proactiv+ 3-Step Clear Skin System

I remember reading a story about an encounter between an enlightened man and his student. One day, the student caught his teacher spending time in front of the mirror, fixing himself. The student then asked him, 'Guru, why do you still check yourself in the mirror when the beauty of the soul is what truly matters?' The Master replied, 'So as not to offend others with my look.'

Keeping a good appearance is sometimes not about vanity. Not only does it make yourself feel good, you make others feel better in your presence as well. Proactiv dermatologist Dr. Laura Savage shares with us her tips on how to take care of your skin

Tip #1 - Cleanse gently and wisely

While deep cleansing sounds desirable to purify oily blemish-prone skin, over-washing and harsh cleansers can do more damage than good – by stripping away the protective barrier, skin is left dry and vulnerable to bacteria. Avoid using soap too – the high pH of soap will dry the skin and cause a compensatory surge in oil production, leaving skin in a confused state with an undesirable combination of dry and greasy patches.

Choose a cleanser containing helpful anti-inflammatory ingredients such as salicylic
acid to help soothe inflamed pimples, and gently massage over the entire face and neck for at least 60 seconds (to allow any active ingredients to take effect). Avoid cleaners and toners containing harsh alcohol-based astringents and ingredients such as witch hazel, which typically cause a sting on application and make the skin appear red. Small flaking patches might indicate you’re over-cleansing, so ease back and then gradually increase the frequency of use as your skin adjusts and gets used to the product.

Tip #2 - Make salicylic acid your star ingredient

Salicylic acid is one of the most effective breakout-fighting non-prescription ingredients and is a great choice of exfoliant for those with spot-prone and oily skin. Salicylic acid targets pimples by sloughing away dead skin cells that clog pores and lead to breakouts, and also minimizes pore visibility.

Tip #3 - Moisturize!

A common misconception is that moisturizing is bad for oily skin prone to breakouts. It’s true that many creams and lotions contain ingredients that can block pores and make breakouts worse, so never put a product designed for your body near your face.
Look for products labelled 'non-comedogenic', which is a fancy way of saying they don’t contain ingredients that block pores and lead to the formation of blackheads and whiteheads. Hydrating the skin with an oil-free moisturizer will not only counteract the drying effect of many spot treatments, but also loosen the pore-blocking sebum (skin debris and grease) leading to clearer and healthier skin overall.

Tip #4 - Give it time and be optimistic

Sometimes your skin can take a while to adjust to new products or active ingredients.
Direct your attention away from the guide on the bottle and focus only on your skin. If you experience signs of irritation or over-drying, try reducing the application to every other day (or even less often) for a couple of weeks before gradually increasing back to daily.
Remember that it can take 4-6 weeks for breakouts to diminish, so you need to persevere with a new product for at least this long (and ideally a bit longer) before really deciding whether it is doing the trick and clearing your skin.

Tip #5 - Keep your hands off!

As tempting and satisfying as it is, squeezing a pimple really is the worst thing you can do so keep your hands off! Pressure on an inflamed pimple will push the contents of the grease gland (oil, bacteria and dead skin cells) into the surrounding healthy skin which causes damage and more inflammation.
Squeezing can lead to a temporary darkening of the skin (so called ‘post-inflammatory pigmentation’) that can take weeks, even months to settle, and scarring, which can be permanent and difficult to treat – not cool. If you really find it difficult to resist squeezing, instead try applying a warm compress (like a clean face cloth) to the pimple for 5 minutes to reduce any swelling and then apply a for example a` salicylic acid-based product.

Tip #6 - Review your make up choices and clean your brushes

It’s a fact that as breakouts worsen, the more make-up we use to try to conceal the problem. For pimple-prone skin, making the right cosmetic choices and regularly cleaning applicators are essential if future breakouts are to be prevented.
Mineral-based make up products are a good option as they contain ingredients such as titanium dioxide, zinc oxide and silica that mop up excess oil without blocking pores. Also, switch to a concealer that contains a blemish-fighting ingredient such as salicylic acid to not only reduce the visibility of blemishes but also help reduce the size. And just as would be the case if you didn’t wash your face each day, make-up brushes accumulate a daily layer of pore-clogging product, dirt and bacteria – your skin’s worst enemy.
Aim to cleanse your brushes at least once a week using baby shampoo or a professional brush cleaner to keep them in tip top condition.

Tip #7 - Review your diet

For many years, the jury was out as to whether there was a link between diet and breakouts – the hard evidence was simply lacking. But over the past decade, many dermatologists now agree that hormones in cow’s milk may stimulate oil production and promote breakouts.
Similarly, foods with a high glycemic index can cause a spike in blood sugars, causing a rise in hormone levels and sending grease glands into an oily overdrive.
Try reducing cow’s milk intake to just 1-2 servings per day (or choose an unsweetened alternative like almond milk), and cut out fatty foods high in omega-6 fatty acids and refined sugars (generally found in all the foods you know are bad for you!) – even if your skin doesn’t dramatically improve, your waistline will!

Tip #8 – Use a good skincare routine like Proactiv+

Proactiv+ 3 Step Clear Skin System has Smart Target technology that delivers acne-fighting formulation directly into the pores. It is formulated to address blemishes help deliver PLUS benefits such as improved visible texture and clarity, brighten and smoothen skin, and diminish the look of dark marks. The 3-step system starts with a Smoothing Exfoliator which removes excess dirt and other impurities. The exfoliator is applied on damp skin and rinsed with warm water after two minutes. The second step is called the Pore Targeting treatment. It stops the acne at the source because it delivers blemish-fighting ingredient directly into the pore. The lotion is
applied all over face to allow full absorption. The final process of the Proactiv+ 3 Step Clear Skin System hydrates the skin with the Complexion Perfect Hydrator. The moisturizer will reduce redness, help lighten acne marks and help brighten skin.
Try Proactiv+ today!

About Dr. Laura Savage:
Dr. Savage studied Medicine at the University of Edinburgh, where she also obtained an honours degree in pathology. She trained as a Dermatologist within the Yorkshire Deanery. This included three-and-a-half years of research investigating the use of biological therapy in psoriatic disease culminating in the award of a PhD degree.
Please share this video by Dr. Savage on your blog.
Dermatologist skin tips: The importance of sticking with a skin routine to get rid of blemishes.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TBYAyytTPv8&feature=youtu.be

SOUTH SUDAN: Honeymoon is Now Over

I still remember our induction in Switzerland and Juba. They have always emphasized that our first month in the country feels like a honeymoon. Everything will be new and novel to us; like tourists. We would be excited about everything we see, feel, taste, and experience. 

Having done several hardship assignments, the first three months never felt like a vacation. I just told myself that I have a contract to finish and an obligation to fulfill. My tech advisor always reminds me that my sole purpose here is to help the starving kids and that is true. That is what keeps me moving each day.

Today was a bit different. I woke up with my roomie sad, downhearted and crying. She said that this must be the end of the third-month honeymoon for her. She misses friends and comforts. I can't blame her. I missed those things since I have arrived.

Our friendship circle is very small. It is just me, her, and another girl. We do not really have a lot of people we can talk to here because we do not speak Arabic. Other than this, we live and work in the same place so our life just revolves around this 10 to 20 meters periphery.

On some days when we feel stressed and in need of freedom, we venture out to the market to get kerikede, a local reddish tea made from dried gumamela that is sour to the taste or the local bon or jabana aka coffee. However, my friend has gotten tired of this little treat as well. She is right in saying that even getting that tiny cup of coffee is stressful.

We get followed around by dogs and chased by children who keep on shouting 'Kawaja! (Strange white person) How are you?' which she finds annoying. Me? I just shout back 'Kawaja!' at them and this shuts them up. At the coffee stall, the chairs are usually broken and there are so many flies in beautiful colors that we need to ward off. Oftentimes, drunkards and beggars would often find their way to us or some random persons would walk up to us and say, 'Keif? (How are you? )Tamam?!(Good.)'

I sometimes wonder which is worse-this place or Tanna, Vanuatu? This place is as isolated but at least in Tanna there was the beach at the end of the day and Filipino snacks sold at the local store. Here, there are no chips/crisps. No chocolate. No junk food. There is ice cream but the water and milk source is dodgy so I would not want to take the risks of having a GI upset. The Nile hosts crocodiles. 

Some days like these, I find it harder to find the silver lining. Honeymoon is indeed over.

South Sudan: The Coming of the First Rain

The first real downpour has finally arrived in Renk! Everyone is happy because rain equals to blessings in this part of the world. Meanwhile, on my tiny island in the Philippines, rain comes almost every afternoon and the arrival of one is not as welcome. Catholics even offer eggs to saints so rain won't come on special days like weddings!

For the first time in a long time, I strapped on my high ankle waterproof hiking boots, shrugged into my blue travel-worn windbreaker, and popped open my reliable umbrella-an accessory every Filipina has on her bag all the time!

As I opened our gate, the once dry and parched sand road has turned into a bajar (river) complete with currents! Floods in the desert never cease to amaze me because I have grown up thinking that the desert is just a hot and arid place. I never thought it could also get cold or have rain or even snow nut until I lived in Iraq.

View this post on Instagram

The first rain in South Sudan...and it brought with it jumping crickets and insects whose wings seems to easily fall off and a hedgehog!!! #plague #rainindesert #floodindesert

A post shared by Ge Ann (@gedaleann) on Jun 25, 2019 at 11:20pm PDT

So, there I was, intuitively hopping from one shallow part of the road to another to get to my office, keeping my shoes dry while the rest of my workmates waved inside a four-wheel drive for a one minute ride to our office. I should thank the thigh-high floods in the Philippines for making me resilient for such a time as this.

At around lunchtime, the health PM asked me to go with him and check out our clinic. We hopped and ran and slipped from one hut to another checking out how our colleagues and beneficiaries were doing. I learned that there were two kind of soils we used to fill the area. One holds water so it tended to be sticky and slippery. The other holds little water and tends to be harder so stepping on it gave me more stability.

Just a few weeks back, I was busy arranging murram or soil to cover the ground in this area. This is an expensive annual activity we do before the rain comes in. The murram helps in better traction for our vehicles. As I watched the flood water slowly rise up in our vicinity, I wonder if it is wiser to just put gravel instead. I voiced this thought out loud to our 'engineer' and he told me that gravel is not available in our area and is very expensive. So there goes our expensive murram being slowly swept away by each heavy downpour of the season.

As our roofs are made of sticks or reeds, I was not at all surprised that most of them were leaking and needed repairs. Our staff were busy rearranging things to escape the water. Pails and buckets were in place to catch the drips to no avail. Past managers have just perpetuated the use of local materials which has to be replaced almost every quarter. My silent resolve is to stop this practice and put galvanized iron instead for our next cycle.

Our clinics were flooded. The flood water has just naturally found ways to find itself into lower grounds even if this means passing through our stick walls. In places where the water was high, I and the team rallied with a pickaxe, shovel, and hoe to create canals. It was a fun exercise as we would usually pause to check the natural path of the flood water before creating a waterway.

Later that night, the first rain also brought with it a plague of crickets and a swarm of termite-like creature. The crickets were the biggest I have ever seen and can jump at great distances. It was most annoying when you are trying to eat and they hop on you or on your food. One of these crickets even managed to hitch a ride on my luggage to Ethiopia. Also, these crickets found my hiking shoe as a good habitat! When I stuck my foot on my shoe the next morning, I saw long legs and antennae popping out of my shoe! I threw my shoes in surprise and out came 10 more crickets! My other shoe was also as populated.

The termite-like creature on the other hand, visited our house in huge numbers that we had to turn off any source of light because they were attracted to it! We had to sweep them off our floors. However, we left the light outside our house on and here we saw a thick carpet of their wings on the floor as if they auto dewinged themselves! The locals, our support staff said that they actually eat these creatures and I told them it is weird. I told them that in Asia, we eat the crickets and they thought that was weirder. Oh well! I guess different cultures like different sources of protein.

Oh and did I tell that before we went to sleep, there was a little creature that made a bump in the night! Charlie thought it was a lazy, overfed rat but when we took a closer look it was a hedgehog!

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A post shared by Ge Ann (@gedaleann) on Jun 25, 2019 at 11:54pm PDT

Proactiv Plus 3-Step Clear Skin System Product Information

Proactiv has always delivered what it promised. This time around, they stepped up their game with the new
Proactiv +! Now, you might wonder what they added to their product. In this case, the new formulation uses
Smart Target Technology that allows easy absorption and penetration of Benzyl Peroxide into the skin pores.
This makes it more effective and efficient than the older version! This also causes less inflammation for users.

What is the Proactiv+ 3-Step System?

We believe that everyone deserves the confidence that comes with clear skin. Whatever your skin condition, age or lifestyle, the Proactiv+ skincare solution can work for you. You don’t have to accept that you have problematic skin. You can transform your skin and you can change your life with Proactiv+.

Proactiv+ has been developed by dermatology doctors and contains blemish-fighting ingredients as well as our exclusive Smart Target technology. The ingredients we use are key to how our products work.

+Salicylic Acid: this ingredient is important to our products because it helps to remove dead skin cells, which can lead to clogged pores.

+Glycolic Acid: like salicylic acid, glycolic acid is renowned for its exfoliating properties. It helps to loosen dead skins cells and make your face appear more radiant.

Proactiv+ is for any teen or adult who struggles with blemish-prone skin and suffers from breakouts.

Proactiv+ works for men and women of all ages and will appeal especially to women in their twenties, thirties, forties, and fifties who desire high-quality skincare products.

Proactiv Plus benefits:

∙Helps to clear blemishes and prevent future breakouts

∙Hydrate and soften skin

∙Improve visible texture and clarity

∙Helps reduce visible pore size

∙Control and balance oily skin

∙Helps reduce the appearance of redness

∙Brighten and smooth skin

∙Helps enhance overall skin radiance

∙Helps diminish the look of dark marks and wrinkles

Proactiv Plus Kit Includes:

Step 1: Skin Smoothing Exfoliator

Step 2: Pore Targeting Treatment

Step 3: Complexion Perfecting Hydrator

When using Proactiv+ the most important thing to remember is that consistency is key for the best results. You’ll find that you’ll notice a much bigger change in your skin if you follow all 3 steps of our Core System both in the morning and at night before you go to bed. By using Proactiv+ regularly, our blemish-fighting ingredients can work to keep your skin clear and your pores targeted.

Step 1: Skin Smoothing Exfoliator

Our Proactiv+ Skin Smoothing Exfoliator contains blemish-fighting salicylic acid and gentle exfoliating beads which helps to gently remove dead skin cells, dirt, oil and other pore clogging impurities while caring for your skin.

How to use

+Apply a coin-size amount to dampened skin.

+Using fingertips, gently massage in circular motions for 1 to 2 minutes, avoiding the eye area.

+Rinse thoroughly with warm water.

+Pat dry and follow with Step 2.

The secret to our Skin Smoothing Exfoliator is the gentle exfoliating beads (paraffin) and blemish- fighting ingredients. As you apply the product, the exfoliant work to slough away dead skin cells, dirt, oil, grime and makeup - as well as any other pore-clogging impurities. Because it contains salicylic acid, this Proactiv+ product gets to work at fighting your blemishes too, while glycolic acid helps to renew the look of the skin's surface.






















Step 2: Pore Targeting Treatment

Step two is our Pore Targeting Treatment. The secret to this amazing product is how it gets to work deep in your pores to break down dirt, dead skin cells and sebum. As well as clearing your pores, our Pore Targeting Treatment also helps to tone and tighten your pores, which all help to improve the texture of your skin. If your skin is irritated and sore, it helps to soothe that irritation and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

How to use

+Apply to clean, dry skin.

+Use a pearl-sized amount and apply to the entire face.

+Do not rinse off. When fully absorbed, follow with Step 3.

Step 3: Complexion Perfecting Hydrator

Once our Pore Targeting Treatment is fully absorbed, it's time for step three. Our Complexion Perfecting Hydrator does what it says on the tin and much more. It starts by hydrating your skin, leaving it feeling smooth, supple and even-textured. It then helps to reduce the appearance of redness, blemish marks and any imbalance of dryness and excess oil. It works to help reduce the appearance of breakouts and helps prevent blemishes from reappearing.

How to use

+Apply a minimum of a large coin-size amount to dry skin.

+Gently smooth over entire face - do not rinse off.

+Reapply throughout the day if needed. If going outside follow with an SPF 15 or higher.

Availability

Proactiv+ 30 day kit – Includes Skin Smoothing Exfoliator 60ml, Pore Targeting Treatment 30ml, Complexion Perfecting Hydrator 30ml, SRP Php3,250

Proactiv+ 60 day kit – Includes Skin Smoothing Exfoliator 120ml, Pore Targeting Treatment 60ml, Complexion Perfecting Hydrator 60ml, SRP Php4,680

Available at Watsons stores nationwide.