I'm looking on  a lovely lady from Elverum in the higlands of Norway and I'm now looking at costs. With that step, body, and intellect that this babe from farm land supply -  I am guaranteed the cost of over over 30 cows. We're talking high sexy babe factor with skills in the kitchen that beats French master chefs. I guess I'm on  75 cows. Not the smal from the west coast of Norway , but of the"Angus" breed from the north of Scotland.

I'm learning from the Dinka's

Dinka is one of the tribes in southern Sudan and it is cattle that are the livelihoods. Here is Jacob Gondar and he is not is not in doubt, he will marry, and is ready for normal Dinka procedure. He must provide 30 cows as a dowry to the bride's family. 30 big cows are the payment and then wife is his forever and ever. There are some very few divorses , but it is rare and is seen shameful.

Divorce among cattle tribes in southern Sudan are in fact highly unusual. I do not think it is because of the cow, but that there is cohesion, the  family cooperation, and tradition that binds the marriage. There are also certain rules. For example, IF a woman is divorced and returned to their parents - after she had a babys - then each child is worth five cows. The bride's father is responsible for the return of five each type of major cow  and voila! so the relationship is formally terminated. (simple procedure, but rarely that it happens)

I dont have that kind of moneyore cows yet,   but focus and dreams can get you far. As far as Gondar. Jacob Gondar. He sits with his wife near Juba/Sudan and enjoying themselves. Mr Gondar in control of love, their cows and their livelihoods, but looking over his shoulder.

Landmines are still in the ground,  there is excitement in the air, and Congo across the border.

Sudan is taking it's steps. Steps forward. UNHCR is helping. You can help too. www.unhcr.org

Bjorn Heidenstrøm, Sudan
  
PS! the rest of the photos from the trip are here and daily shooting from my hip out here

PSSS! Blog is inspired by www.unmis.unmissions.org