Chapter Four: Southern Sudan, 1985-2008 (Salva and Nya)

A set of Question-and-Answer flashcards covering key events and details from Chapter Four, focusing on Nya's routine in Southern Sudan and Salva's journey with the Dinka and Jur-chol groups, including the honey guide episode.

What daily routine does Nya perform during seven months of the year in Southern Sudan?

She fetches water from the pond using a plastic container, makes two trips to the pond (to the pond and back), and returns home, often with her sister Akeer in tow.

How old is Akeer and why is she sent with Nya to the pond?

Akeer is five years old; she is small and walks slowly, so she needs to learn by accompanying Nya.

What concerns do the group members initially express about taking Salva along in 1985?

They worry he is a child who will slow them down, be a mouth to feed, and not be of real help.

What gesture convinces the group to take Salva with them?

An old woman touches the arm of one of the men and looks at Salva; the man nods and says, 'We will take him with us'.

What does the old woman give Salva before he joins the group?

A bag of peanuts and a gourd for drinking water.

What is Salva’s repeated worry during the march?

'Where is my family?'

Which groups join Salva’s march about a week into the journey?

Another group of Dinka and several members of the Jur-chol.

Who is Buksa and what is his significance in Salva’s journey?

Buksa is a young man from the Jur-chol who walks with Salva and helps him discover the honey guide leading to honey.

What is the honey guide?

A bird that follows a signal and leads people to a beehive so they can find honey.

What claim do the Jur-chol make about the honey guide?

They can follow the call of the honey guide bird to locate a beehive.

What happens when Salva’s group finds the beehive?

They plan to feast on honey that night.

Where is the beehive located, as Buksa points out?

In a very large tree.