How Did Janice and I Survive and Thrive for Seven Years in the World's Hottest Capital? 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 contributed to 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 her journey in Sudan's capital, where each day brings 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? Join Leoma on this captivating journey as she discovers that  home truly is a state of mind , even when life feels like a tumble dryer. Her story is a testament to the  indomitable human spirit  and the  power of language  to bridge divides. As Leoma says,  "Sudan is fuller, richer, more changeable, unpredictable, and fascinating than I expected."