So, tomorrow is Thanksgiving. We will not have the traditional meal but we will do something to celebrate the day. A new restaurant has opened just down the street from us so 7 of us will go there for supper tomorrow. This place is on the expensive side so we usually only go there for a coffee. When we are in this place it really feels like we are not in South Sudan - the furnishings, art, decor and colors are all something you would see in the States. They say they have lasagna so I may just give that a try. I do miss turkey, stuffing and the works but this way I do not have to cook. :)

What am I thankful for this year? Health! the older I get the more I appreciate that. :) Family, of course and then there are things like, being able to buy food and water, clothes to wear and friends around me. I am also really thankful for all the emails and prayers that are said on our behalf.

We are winding down the year and getting ready for the slow time. Mid December the Church office folks all leave for one month. They go to where ever their families are so, Khartoum, Kenya, Uganda and Egypt. This is the one long time period that they have with their families - can you imagine not seeing your children for a year? I am talking school age children. Sometimes they get trips other times of the year but those are only for a week or so and only happen if they already have a trip going to that area. So, we are going to be lonely here in Juba so if anyone wants to come visit, that would be a great time. Just think, Christmas where you don't have to put on coats and boots!

Last Sunday we had a pleasant surprise. We had been invited to lunch by someone we only had had email contact with but she was here in Juba and wanted to meet us. You know how you accept the invitation but are not sure what you are getting into? That was us. We did know her name and the last name is Kisare and we figured she must be from Tanzania and maybe even from an area we knew from living there years ago. We arrived at the hotel and she met us in the lobby and the first thing we asked her was about her name and found out she is the granddaughter of Bishop Kisare from Shirati - a man we had known years ago! What a very small world and what fun to have almost 4 hours with her talking about so many things. I love how God has us make these connections throughout our lives.

Things continue in South Sudan pretty much the same. There is fighting in the country but not in Juba, people are going hungry, crime is on the upswing and it is getting hot as the dry season has begun. There are also things like the Pochalla school having a huge positive impact on that community, churches being built, new ideas being thought of for development within the church and a very small renewed hope for peace.

Happy Thanksgiving to all of you!