I keep seeing posts on Facebook about snow, ice and freezing temperatures and I am so glad to be back in Juba! We have had the most beautiful weather since we returned. Hot during the day but at 6:30 am when we go walking it is almost cool enough for a long sleeved shirt.

Things are ..... interesting right now. There is so much hope and optimism in the air - many people moving back to Juba, new construction everywhere, city electricity in some areas of the city ( really expensive and not in our area yet, of course) and way to many cars in the city now. BUT.  There is real fear with many people fleeing South Sudan. The transitional government is supposed to form on Feb 22 after being put off twice already. The bench marks for this to happen have not taken place and there is real fear that there will be a repeat of 2013 and 2016 when major fighting broke out.

We were at a ecumenical church meeting this last week and it was interesting to hear how people are afraid and optimistic at the same time. There is also the feeling that it will really take the grass roots people of South Sudan to make a difference in this country.
We continue with our work with the partners of PCUSA, trying to be an encouragement to them as they continue to encourage us.

How are we doing, personally? Not to bad. I feel like Lynn and I are pushing through a wall that has been around us and it feels good to be coming out the other side. You know, with every job you have there are stages of liking and not liking your work. We have always liked living in Juba and working with the partners. Our stumbling block has been so many changes within PCUSA that have caused a lot of stress in the work we do. It is good to know that things are settling down in PCUSA and that there seems to be more communication with everyone, so, we are hopeful for the future.