In 1989, linguist Leoma Gilley and her colleague Janice moved to Khartoum - the world's hottest capital - to improve the Shilluk writing system. Linguists have struggled since 1912 to develop an adequate writing system for the Shilluk people of southern Sudan. This language issue helped spark a 21-year civil war, driving many Shilluks to seek refuge in Khartoum, Sudan's capital. Moving on from her first adventure in Launching into the Unknown, Leoma continues on in Sudan's capital, each day brining a new challenge or celebration. Including: bureaucratic red tape successful workshops cultural misunderstandings enjoying unexpected friendships over plates of fuul swirling dust storms finding humor in the challenge of keeping electronics sand-free blistering heat Will they convince the Shilluk people to embrace a new spelling system? Can they overcome government restrictions to continue their vital work?
