Early returns in southern Sudan's January referendum indicate that the south may secede from the north and form an independent country. In response, tens of thousands of southern Sudanese who had been living in the north have made the long trek back home. Some are seizing the moment to rejoin their homeland, and others fear what might happen to them if they remain in the north.

Humanitarian agencies are predicting a crisis. The government of South Sudan expects up to one million returnees from the north and surrounding countries, but the south lacks the infrastructure and jobs to absorb them. There's little electricity or running water, a shortage of food, and few schools or hospitals.

But amidst those troubles, there's also joy as families separated by war finally come together.

From the shore of the Nile River, Bonnie Allen shares a homecoming in this Reporter's Notebook.

Music for this show ...