Well, I guess being in South Sudan has a lot of advantages - like, we have no COVID-19 here......well at least no one knows about it.
The truth is it probably is here but has not been identified yet since this time of year there are a lot of respiratory problems due to the dust and burning of vegetation. We still shake hands, although some organizations are putting a ban on that. We still go about our normal day.
Lynn is coming back from Kenya today where he went for a meeting and some routine medical stuff. Poor guy had to suffer with Ethiopian and Indian food and getting to go to our favorite coffee shop, Java House. Oh, and seeing friends and being invited to their place for a meal.
We were planning a trip to Sudan but that has been put on hold due to the virus even though it is not in Sudan or here where we live.
I have been thinking a lot about all the travel bans and now the whole of Italy being on lock down. Maybe this is not such a bad thing. Just think, we can stay in our countries and not deal with airport stuff, maybe actually do some real cleaning at home, talk with each other - really talk with each other, take a break from the craziness of our normal lives. I realize that there is the financial side of things and that that is scary but I still wonder if this is a chance to hit a reset button on what is important in our lives.
Okay, on to fun things - like I just tried a bread recipe I got from Kendra and it is SO good. More of a pain to make but really worth it. I would love to try sour dough bread but we travel so much. I was wondering if you can freeze the starter?
Tuesday, March 10, 2020
Monday, February 24, 2020
Well,it is a new day in South Sudan. On Saturday the Transitional Government was put in to place. The hope and prayer is that this is the beginning of true peace in South Sudan. Please continue to pray that the leaders will put the needs of the people and country first.
We celebrated the day by staying at home. Not because we could not go out, just because we had no reason to go out! I must say, it ended up being a boring day - boring enough that Lynn made a coffee cake in the afternoon!
We are thinking of making a trip to Khartoum in March - well, at least is going and we will see if I can go along or not. With the change in government in Khartoum that happened last year it is now much easier to go there. Of course, we have now waited until the hotter time of year to go but, oh well, a little sweat never hurt anyone.
We will be coming to the States in June this year for 4 months to do speaking wherever anyone wants us. It is always an interesting time doing the speaking. We are building on past visits so it is like seeing old friends and then the new churches is the opportunity to make even more friends. It is tiring and fun at the same time. It is nice to be able to talk with folks who have an interest in the places that we work and the wonderful people that we work with. It is great when people have a lot of questions even political questions that I pass off to my hubby to answer! 😁
Oh, guess what??? We have city electricity at our apartment building! We have had it for about 3 weeks now and while there have been a few outages, they have not lasted long. We have not blown any chargers or computers either so that is really good! We now have street lights in parts of town and each day new areas are getting city power so things are brighter at night. Bad thing now is that there is so much light at night that I cannot see the stars as well.
We are feeling better about things these days. Lynn and I reminded ourselves that we are at the 5 year mark and that is often when missionaries get discouraged. It helped remembering that and talking it through together - we try to laugh more now rather than just look at the negative. Sitting and talking with our friends and partners here over a casual tea time or meal is also a good way of getting past some of the negative feelings.
Something just happened that is one of the difficult things about being so far from family. Our son's father-in-law just passed away and we cannot be there at this time. Please keep the family in prayer as they plan a funeral and adjust to a new reality.
We celebrated the day by staying at home. Not because we could not go out, just because we had no reason to go out! I must say, it ended up being a boring day - boring enough that Lynn made a coffee cake in the afternoon!
We are thinking of making a trip to Khartoum in March - well, at least is going and we will see if I can go along or not. With the change in government in Khartoum that happened last year it is now much easier to go there. Of course, we have now waited until the hotter time of year to go but, oh well, a little sweat never hurt anyone.
We will be coming to the States in June this year for 4 months to do speaking wherever anyone wants us. It is always an interesting time doing the speaking. We are building on past visits so it is like seeing old friends and then the new churches is the opportunity to make even more friends. It is tiring and fun at the same time. It is nice to be able to talk with folks who have an interest in the places that we work and the wonderful people that we work with. It is great when people have a lot of questions even political questions that I pass off to my hubby to answer! 😁
Oh, guess what??? We have city electricity at our apartment building! We have had it for about 3 weeks now and while there have been a few outages, they have not lasted long. We have not blown any chargers or computers either so that is really good! We now have street lights in parts of town and each day new areas are getting city power so things are brighter at night. Bad thing now is that there is so much light at night that I cannot see the stars as well.
We are feeling better about things these days. Lynn and I reminded ourselves that we are at the 5 year mark and that is often when missionaries get discouraged. It helped remembering that and talking it through together - we try to laugh more now rather than just look at the negative. Sitting and talking with our friends and partners here over a casual tea time or meal is also a good way of getting past some of the negative feelings.
Something just happened that is one of the difficult things about being so far from family. Our son's father-in-law just passed away and we cannot be there at this time. Please keep the family in prayer as they plan a funeral and adjust to a new reality.
Sunday, January 26, 2020
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.
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.
Monday, December 30, 2019
Hello everyone!
I was informed today that I can no longer use the excuse that my computer was stolen to not post things on my blog. Since I have had a new computer for 6 months I guess this is true.
We have been blessed with the opportunity to spend Christmas with our family this year - the first time since the Christmas of 2013! Since we had to be in the USA for meetings the beginning of December we figured we may as well stay for Christmas since most things come to a halt in South Sudan from mid Dec to mid Jan. The interesting thing is that the meetings we came for were cancelled 4 days after we arrived.
So, how are we doing? Well, I would say it depends on the day but that is true for everyone. Overall, we are doing okay. We have super busy and stressful times and then we have kind of boring times.
As you know we work in Sudan, Ethiopia and South Sudan. These 3 countries keep us on our toes. Sudan had demonstrations and the leader removed from his position. Ethiopia had its Prime Minister given the Nobel Peace Prize and South Sudan is struggling to meet the requirements for the transitional government. All 3 countries have experienced a lot of violence this past year but all 3 have also marked changes - changes that we pray will stay in place and bring peace to all.
This next year, 2020, looks like a year of travel for us with possibly 3 trips to the States a trip to Switzerland and South Africa and then our usual trips to Ethiopia and Sudan.
I will write more after the holidays. I have some neat pictures to share, some progress with the Education Project and just more about us.
I was informed today that I can no longer use the excuse that my computer was stolen to not post things on my blog. Since I have had a new computer for 6 months I guess this is true.
We have been blessed with the opportunity to spend Christmas with our family this year - the first time since the Christmas of 2013! Since we had to be in the USA for meetings the beginning of December we figured we may as well stay for Christmas since most things come to a halt in South Sudan from mid Dec to mid Jan. The interesting thing is that the meetings we came for were cancelled 4 days after we arrived.
So, how are we doing? Well, I would say it depends on the day but that is true for everyone. Overall, we are doing okay. We have super busy and stressful times and then we have kind of boring times.
As you know we work in Sudan, Ethiopia and South Sudan. These 3 countries keep us on our toes. Sudan had demonstrations and the leader removed from his position. Ethiopia had its Prime Minister given the Nobel Peace Prize and South Sudan is struggling to meet the requirements for the transitional government. All 3 countries have experienced a lot of violence this past year but all 3 have also marked changes - changes that we pray will stay in place and bring peace to all.
This next year, 2020, looks like a year of travel for us with possibly 3 trips to the States a trip to Switzerland and South Africa and then our usual trips to Ethiopia and Sudan.
I will write more after the holidays. I have some neat pictures to share, some progress with the Education Project and just more about us.
Saturday, November 17, 2018
Road Blocks
I don't usually write a post like this as it is not my strong point but I have been pondering this since my trip to Ethiopia.
I planned to go to 4 different areas of Ethiopia to visit 4 different Presbyterian Synods. I mad it to the first two and then was not sure what would happen. I wanted to go to Dembi Dollo but was not sure I would be able to make the trip since the road was closed due to unrest in the area. The road opened and away I went. About half way there we started encountering huge rocks, whole tress, tree stumps and branches on the road. At each place small path had been cleared for traffic to to go through but everything else was still on the road. At places we had to weave our way through these road blocks. It bothered me that the roads were not completely cleared as it was vary dangerous driving through all this, especially after it got dark. I was worried about having an accident and then we saw an accident where a truck hit one of these partially cleared road blocks, flipped and the driver was killed. So, why are the road blocks not completely cleared? Because they man y want to put the block up again and why keep moving all the rocks!!
I have thought of this from several different angles in my Christian life. The main one is this. How many road blocks do I put up? Television, sports, food, friends, education etc.? How many do I only partially clear and try to squeeze through? I argue that I have to eat, or that sports is just fun, friends are important......and on and on. Do I need to do better at clearing the road blocks in my life? These road blocks can keep me from deepening my relationship with God.
Then there is the thought, do the road blocks in my life have an affect on others in my life? Are they a spiritual danger to them? By my willingness to weave through these blocks without clearing them am I showing others that it is not important to have a clear path to God?
Then I also looked at it this way. God clears a path for us through all the "stuff" in out lives if we but ask Him to and trust in Him.As we drove through those barely cleared paths in the stones etc, I thought how narrow is the path to God and how He will protect us on that path if we just ask Him. There are many twists and turns on the path and sometimes we come to a place where the way is blocked and we need to examine our lives and ask God to help us clear a path again. Ask for forgiveness, wisdom and grace and eyes to see the path ahead.
I arrived at my destination safely but wondering if I would be able to leave on my scheduled day. Another road block? My own desire to stick to my schedule and not be open to God's? I was delayed a day because the roads were blocked again and it did change my whole schedule and kept me from going to another town. God's hand was in this because that other town started having clashes between ethnic groups and it was better for me not to be there.
My final thought from this trip is this. The driver of the vehicle was driving very fast and as it started to get dark he would not turn the lights on. I was afraid he would not see a road block, or the many cows and people on the road. Do I need to slow down and take my time and let God be in control? YES!! He did not turn the lights on until completely dark. Why? I really don't know but I was thinking how much easier and safer it would be with the headlights on. The same as how much clearer we see if let Jesus be the light that leads the way. Psalm 119: 105 says " Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and light unto my path" The interesting thing here is that I wrote this during church ( don't judge - Church was in a language I did not understand and this was on my heart) and there was a banner hanging at the front with that Psalm on it but I did not see it until I was done writing this in my notebook.
There is also a song that goes " God will make a way, where there seems to be no way, He works in ways we cannot see...."
I am sorry the pictures are not clearer but I had to take them as we were driving - not safe to get out to take pictures of this stuff! And Yes, that is a guard rail that was twisted across the road.
I planned to go to 4 different areas of Ethiopia to visit 4 different Presbyterian Synods. I mad it to the first two and then was not sure what would happen. I wanted to go to Dembi Dollo but was not sure I would be able to make the trip since the road was closed due to unrest in the area. The road opened and away I went. About half way there we started encountering huge rocks, whole tress, tree stumps and branches on the road. At each place small path had been cleared for traffic to to go through but everything else was still on the road. At places we had to weave our way through these road blocks. It bothered me that the roads were not completely cleared as it was vary dangerous driving through all this, especially after it got dark. I was worried about having an accident and then we saw an accident where a truck hit one of these partially cleared road blocks, flipped and the driver was killed. So, why are the road blocks not completely cleared? Because they man y want to put the block up again and why keep moving all the rocks!!
I have thought of this from several different angles in my Christian life. The main one is this. How many road blocks do I put up? Television, sports, food, friends, education etc.? How many do I only partially clear and try to squeeze through? I argue that I have to eat, or that sports is just fun, friends are important......and on and on. Do I need to do better at clearing the road blocks in my life? These road blocks can keep me from deepening my relationship with God.
Then there is the thought, do the road blocks in my life have an affect on others in my life? Are they a spiritual danger to them? By my willingness to weave through these blocks without clearing them am I showing others that it is not important to have a clear path to God?
Then I also looked at it this way. God clears a path for us through all the "stuff" in out lives if we but ask Him to and trust in Him.As we drove through those barely cleared paths in the stones etc, I thought how narrow is the path to God and how He will protect us on that path if we just ask Him. There are many twists and turns on the path and sometimes we come to a place where the way is blocked and we need to examine our lives and ask God to help us clear a path again. Ask for forgiveness, wisdom and grace and eyes to see the path ahead.
I arrived at my destination safely but wondering if I would be able to leave on my scheduled day. Another road block? My own desire to stick to my schedule and not be open to God's? I was delayed a day because the roads were blocked again and it did change my whole schedule and kept me from going to another town. God's hand was in this because that other town started having clashes between ethnic groups and it was better for me not to be there.
My final thought from this trip is this. The driver of the vehicle was driving very fast and as it started to get dark he would not turn the lights on. I was afraid he would not see a road block, or the many cows and people on the road. Do I need to slow down and take my time and let God be in control? YES!! He did not turn the lights on until completely dark. Why? I really don't know but I was thinking how much easier and safer it would be with the headlights on. The same as how much clearer we see if let Jesus be the light that leads the way. Psalm 119: 105 says " Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and light unto my path" The interesting thing here is that I wrote this during church ( don't judge - Church was in a language I did not understand and this was on my heart) and there was a banner hanging at the front with that Psalm on it but I did not see it until I was done writing this in my notebook.
There is also a song that goes " God will make a way, where there seems to be no way, He works in ways we cannot see...."
I am sorry the pictures are not clearer but I had to take them as we were driving - not safe to get out to take pictures of this stuff! And Yes, that is a guard rail that was twisted across the road.
Thursday, October 18, 2018
I often
wonder what my legacy will be. I know my father, who was a missionary for 42
years, never really worried about that, he knew that he was doing the best that
he could and while he was making mistakes, he trusted God to work through him.
Now, I am
back in the same country that he served in and I get to hear about his legacy.
Of course, at first what they tell me is all very good and nice but as time
goes on and I am here longer… well, I hear more of the whole story. It is not a
bad story, just one of a man doing the best he could with the knowledge of the
times about how to do mission.
I hear
stories of how he was a task master at the school he worked at for a very short
period of time. How he would not give a direct answer but would rather make
people read the Bible, talk about things and come up with their idea of what
the answer was. He would also not intervene when the children, of all colors,
would fight over my brother’s bike but would rather, tell them to work it out
themselves. He would lose his temper, I have been told. Do things that were not
culturally acceptable, and I am sure other things that they have not told me
about.
The thing I
keep hearing is that he is remembered for bringing the word of Christ to South
Sudan. Not a bad legacy. What I take from this is we need to forgive ourselves,
and each other for the mistakes we make and look at the bigger picture. I am
making a lot of mistakes here in the same country as my father. I wonder what
my legacy will be since they already have the word of God. I have determined
not to wonder about this anymore because the only legacy I want to leave is
that I loved God and tried my best to follow him.
Thursday, August 23, 2018
Where to begin??
There are times when there is so much going on it is hard to write and then, at times there is nothing going on!
We have been in the States March, April and May then back to Juba for about 5 weeks in the States again until Sept 18. Well at least for me that is how it is going. Lynn has had to go back to Juba for about 2 weeks for a big meeting the church is having so he will return Sept 1 and then go back with me Sept 18. I have a feeling he will not know what time zone he is in for a while!😃
We have had a lot of nice family time but we have been traveling all over the place - Ohio, Penn. Michigan, Florida, Nebraska, Missouri and Kentucky. I have been lucky on this last trip to be able to drive on back roads and see how beautiful this country is.
I am learning to enjoy all aspects of this crazy time in the States, from meeting new people all the time, to talking about our Faith with people we just met to discussing sports teams and of course our President. I am constantly challenged by people concerning my Faith and what I want to stand for and how I want to be seen. I am humbled by what I see so many churches and individuals doing. I am struck by how when we put Christ first how many of these other " things" don't matter.
I don't know if we have told everyone and I am to lazy to read through my other posts, but Lynn and I have signed up for another 2 years of this work and we will see what God says at that time. I know I say this a lot but it is true, I really do feel alive and at peace doing this work.
Sorry this is short but I just can't think of anything more to say.
Thank you for reading my rambling thoughts!!
There are times when there is so much going on it is hard to write and then, at times there is nothing going on!
We have been in the States March, April and May then back to Juba for about 5 weeks in the States again until Sept 18. Well at least for me that is how it is going. Lynn has had to go back to Juba for about 2 weeks for a big meeting the church is having so he will return Sept 1 and then go back with me Sept 18. I have a feeling he will not know what time zone he is in for a while!😃
We have had a lot of nice family time but we have been traveling all over the place - Ohio, Penn. Michigan, Florida, Nebraska, Missouri and Kentucky. I have been lucky on this last trip to be able to drive on back roads and see how beautiful this country is.
I am learning to enjoy all aspects of this crazy time in the States, from meeting new people all the time, to talking about our Faith with people we just met to discussing sports teams and of course our President. I am constantly challenged by people concerning my Faith and what I want to stand for and how I want to be seen. I am humbled by what I see so many churches and individuals doing. I am struck by how when we put Christ first how many of these other " things" don't matter.
I don't know if we have told everyone and I am to lazy to read through my other posts, but Lynn and I have signed up for another 2 years of this work and we will see what God says at that time. I know I say this a lot but it is true, I really do feel alive and at peace doing this work.
Sorry this is short but I just can't think of anything more to say.
Thank you for reading my rambling thoughts!!
Thursday, May 17, 2018
Airports
I am sitting in the Toronto Airport waiting for the next leg of our trip - on to Frankfurt then and overnight in Nairobi, Kenya and an early flight to Juba on Saturday.
In a way I like this time in between so that I can let go of the America part and start getting back into the Africa part. True, we do work the whole time while in America but it is hard, at times, to really focus on the work.
We had a good 2 months in the States and got to see most of the family and visited churches in Pa., Fla., Michigan and Ohio. A great time to catch up on people and get them caught up on our lives. We will be back in the States in July -Sept so we have a lot of travel this year.
Airports are an interesting place and I used to enjoy them a lot more than I do now. Maybe, just maybe, I am getting old and the novelty of watching people has worn off. I think it is more that with planes packed all the time and everyone is in a hurry and people are just not as polite as they used to be. Mind you, the conveniences in the airports are MUCH better than when I was a kid. Coffee shops, nice restaurants, soft chairs to sit on and really good WiFi. Honestly? I think I would give up some of those nice things for bigger seats on the planes! It is interesting to look around and see how other people pack and dress for travel and how they deal with tired children in a public setting for hours on end. I wonder where all these people are going to and how they afford this kind of travel. We have met Service men, other missionaries, people on vacation, young adults doing a summer program, people traveling to a funeral or wedding and on it goes.
I am looking forward to being back in Juba! I have a whole other family there that I have missed in the last 2 months. Things in South Sudan are not looking to good right now and while I think things could get worse I really think that we may be close to a turning point.
In a way I like this time in between so that I can let go of the America part and start getting back into the Africa part. True, we do work the whole time while in America but it is hard, at times, to really focus on the work.
We had a good 2 months in the States and got to see most of the family and visited churches in Pa., Fla., Michigan and Ohio. A great time to catch up on people and get them caught up on our lives. We will be back in the States in July -Sept so we have a lot of travel this year.
Airports are an interesting place and I used to enjoy them a lot more than I do now. Maybe, just maybe, I am getting old and the novelty of watching people has worn off. I think it is more that with planes packed all the time and everyone is in a hurry and people are just not as polite as they used to be. Mind you, the conveniences in the airports are MUCH better than when I was a kid. Coffee shops, nice restaurants, soft chairs to sit on and really good WiFi. Honestly? I think I would give up some of those nice things for bigger seats on the planes! It is interesting to look around and see how other people pack and dress for travel and how they deal with tired children in a public setting for hours on end. I wonder where all these people are going to and how they afford this kind of travel. We have met Service men, other missionaries, people on vacation, young adults doing a summer program, people traveling to a funeral or wedding and on it goes.
I am looking forward to being back in Juba! I have a whole other family there that I have missed in the last 2 months. Things in South Sudan are not looking to good right now and while I think things could get worse I really think that we may be close to a turning point.
Friday, March 2, 2018
4 countries in 4 weeks.
Ok, so it has been a month again since I last wrote but this time I feel like I really do have a good reason. :) Feb 1st I went to Ethiopia and returned to Juba on the 18th. Then on the 22nd Lynn and I went to Uganda and returned on the 24th only to leave again on the 26th to go to Khartoum, Sudan.
Ethiopia was a really good trip! I was able to go to Gambella and Jimma again, 2 places I visited the last time. I was hoping to go to one other place but things just did not work out so I had extra time in Addis which ended up being a very good thing. I always have trouble with the internet in Ethiopia so that is my excuse for not writing while I was there. Let me tell you, we in the States have much to learn about hospitality from our friends in Africa!! Tea and coffee several times a day, more food than we can eat, and long conversations about so many different things. Oh, and don't forget the laughter - so much time laughing and sharing. I also got to see a school mate that I had not seen since 1992! It was such a good trip! I did realize that I am way more of an introvert ( yes, really! ME!) than I ever knew. Luckily I was with people who understood that and gave me time in the evenings to just be by myself. :) I am already looking forward to my next trip to Ethiopia in the fall.
Uganda was just a quick trip to see some co-workers there and get some "mega hugs" from their kids! We were in Arua and I think I could live there the rest of my life! Just the right size town, cooler than Juba most of the time, friendly people and the neatest old style houses. The flight back was an interesting one though. Our plane had room for 12 passengers and the 2 pilots. Well, for both legs of the trip we had 13 passengers! These are smaller planes and the isles are REALLY narrow so the 13th person sat in the last row with a butt cheek on the seat on either side of the isle!!!! The plane also did not have all the seat belts working and when we brought this to the attention of the co-pilot he said " no problem"! I will say the pilot landed the plane with one of the smoothest landings I have experienced! When we arrived in Juba we had to sit on the plane for a little over an hour while waiting for the President to arrive, do an interview and then leave - luckily it was a cooler day or it would have really been miserable.
Now we are in Khartoum visiting friends and seeing some of the sights around the city. We will be heading back to Juba on the 5th and then on to the States on the 12th. Is it any wonder that I wake up wondering where I am??
Oh, by the way, the coffee in Ethiopia and Sudan is FAR better than anything I have had in the States!
Ethiopia was a really good trip! I was able to go to Gambella and Jimma again, 2 places I visited the last time. I was hoping to go to one other place but things just did not work out so I had extra time in Addis which ended up being a very good thing. I always have trouble with the internet in Ethiopia so that is my excuse for not writing while I was there. Let me tell you, we in the States have much to learn about hospitality from our friends in Africa!! Tea and coffee several times a day, more food than we can eat, and long conversations about so many different things. Oh, and don't forget the laughter - so much time laughing and sharing. I also got to see a school mate that I had not seen since 1992! It was such a good trip! I did realize that I am way more of an introvert ( yes, really! ME!) than I ever knew. Luckily I was with people who understood that and gave me time in the evenings to just be by myself. :) I am already looking forward to my next trip to Ethiopia in the fall.
Uganda was just a quick trip to see some co-workers there and get some "mega hugs" from their kids! We were in Arua and I think I could live there the rest of my life! Just the right size town, cooler than Juba most of the time, friendly people and the neatest old style houses. The flight back was an interesting one though. Our plane had room for 12 passengers and the 2 pilots. Well, for both legs of the trip we had 13 passengers! These are smaller planes and the isles are REALLY narrow so the 13th person sat in the last row with a butt cheek on the seat on either side of the isle!!!! The plane also did not have all the seat belts working and when we brought this to the attention of the co-pilot he said " no problem"! I will say the pilot landed the plane with one of the smoothest landings I have experienced! When we arrived in Juba we had to sit on the plane for a little over an hour while waiting for the President to arrive, do an interview and then leave - luckily it was a cooler day or it would have really been miserable.
Now we are in Khartoum visiting friends and seeing some of the sights around the city. We will be heading back to Juba on the 5th and then on to the States on the 12th. Is it any wonder that I wake up wondering where I am??
Oh, by the way, the coffee in Ethiopia and Sudan is FAR better than anything I have had in the States!
Monday, January 29, 2018
One of those days
Have you ever had so many different things on your mind that you don't know where to start? That was us today. Trying to get a visa for Lynn to go to Khartoum. If he does not get it then the person traveling with him will not get hers. This means she will go to Ethiopia early which means I need to go early. This means getting my ticket changed which is not so bad except to get the really good deal on that we have to pay on line and that has never worked for us on the airlines website. Plus we need to spend a half a day getting our 1 year visa renewed. Oh, and there is a financial report to get sent, emails that need to be worded carefully, check about a place to stay in Ethiopia and flights to different places and make sure the people will be around that we want to see. Then, this morning we get a call from Rev. Yor saying that Michael Weller has been trying to reach us by phone but is not getting an answer from either of us. I call back and he was very relieved since there was a recording on my phone in Arabic and he was worried something had happened to me. Got that cleared up and then got a message from Rachel Weller in another city in Ethiopia saying "please call right away"! This was because she also was worried that something had happened to me.
By now it is noon and neither one of has cooked lunch and we need to get going to the immigration office. Well, we decided to go to a restaurant near the immigration office and walked in to see the dinning room blocked off!! NO way was this happening! When we asked they said, oh, yes, you can go in - WHEW. WE had some GREAT Ethiopian food and then walked over to the immigration office and walked out 45 minutes later with our visas renewed, no problems and feeling like things were looking up. We start walking up to the main road to get a bus when Lynn's phone starts ringing like crazy and when he is finally able to answer it is a co-worker saying our boss (in the States) has been trying to get through to us and someone strange is answering our phone! HUH??? We get through to her and take care of things.
We get home only to have more phone calls and emails that all need us to do something right now and some we cannot do at all. We get it all taken care of (sort of) and I go to sound off to our co-worker then return to our apartment only to realize there is NO CHOCOLATE in the house!!!! This cannot be and I will not make it through the evening without my chocolate. I decide to sit and look at facebook and there is a message from a friend living across town who has made a chocolate pudding dessert and I should come and get some! It is now 6:30 and will be dark soon and it is a 15 min walk there and then back again and it will be dark by then. Someone tried to steal by bag off of me last week so I am a little nervous of walking around dark by myself. Lynn was starting to make supper so he could not go. Well, nothing was going to keep me from getting some chocolate so off I go. I was able to get a rickshaw part way there which gave me a little time to visit before starting back. As I was walking towards the big traffic circle I was praying for a rickshaw to come along and just as I got to the circle there came a rickshaw. I got home just at full dark.
Whew! Supper is over, my belly has chocolate in it and I feel like I will be to relax.
As I look back on the day I see how so many things worked out so well for us, from getting the rides we needed, having lunch where we wanted, getting our visas in 45 Min ( truly a miracle) and ending with chocolate. Plus, having wonderful people around us to listen as we gripe about things.
By now it is noon and neither one of has cooked lunch and we need to get going to the immigration office. Well, we decided to go to a restaurant near the immigration office and walked in to see the dinning room blocked off!! NO way was this happening! When we asked they said, oh, yes, you can go in - WHEW. WE had some GREAT Ethiopian food and then walked over to the immigration office and walked out 45 minutes later with our visas renewed, no problems and feeling like things were looking up. We start walking up to the main road to get a bus when Lynn's phone starts ringing like crazy and when he is finally able to answer it is a co-worker saying our boss (in the States) has been trying to get through to us and someone strange is answering our phone! HUH??? We get through to her and take care of things.
We get home only to have more phone calls and emails that all need us to do something right now and some we cannot do at all. We get it all taken care of (sort of) and I go to sound off to our co-worker then return to our apartment only to realize there is NO CHOCOLATE in the house!!!! This cannot be and I will not make it through the evening without my chocolate. I decide to sit and look at facebook and there is a message from a friend living across town who has made a chocolate pudding dessert and I should come and get some! It is now 6:30 and will be dark soon and it is a 15 min walk there and then back again and it will be dark by then. Someone tried to steal by bag off of me last week so I am a little nervous of walking around dark by myself. Lynn was starting to make supper so he could not go. Well, nothing was going to keep me from getting some chocolate so off I go. I was able to get a rickshaw part way there which gave me a little time to visit before starting back. As I was walking towards the big traffic circle I was praying for a rickshaw to come along and just as I got to the circle there came a rickshaw. I got home just at full dark.
Whew! Supper is over, my belly has chocolate in it and I feel like I will be to relax.
As I look back on the day I see how so many things worked out so well for us, from getting the rides we needed, having lunch where we wanted, getting our visas in 45 Min ( truly a miracle) and ending with chocolate. Plus, having wonderful people around us to listen as we gripe about things.
Monday, January 22, 2018
Hello!
Well, I did not get the new year off to a very good start - I was going to write more often this year -HA!
We stayed in Juba for all of December and it was very quiet. There are 2 things about it being very quiet. The church office closes for a month so everyone can go be with their families and this is good because many of them do not see their families except for once or twice a year. It makes it boring for us because there is not much to do (well , there is plenty that needs doing but no one is here!) Quiet is good during December because that means there was no fighting. This year we really noticed how people seemed to feel a little more hope and there was more social activities among the South Sudanese. New Years eve at midnight I heard all this noise outside and at first I thought it was a bad sign but then I went and looked out the window and saw that it was people celebrating and there was so much traffic that they had the traffic police out! It was fun to watch people dancing and singing in the streets. Other years people have tended to stay inside or if they were out they were not singing and dancing in the streets.
This is not to say that peace has arrived in South Sudan. I really look forward to the day that I can say that it has. There is still fighting in the country and every group blaming another for the fighting.
Lynn is hoping to leave on the 29th to go to Khartoum again. He ha not received his visa yet but we still have this week so who is worried??? I will leave on the 4th for a 2 week trip to Ethiopia and Lynn will join me their on the 12th.
Then guess what?? We will be going to the States mid March and be there for 2 1/2 months!! This is part of our Interpretation Assignment (IA) so that means we will be traveling around talking at different churches. We will be doing this again mid July to mid Sept. so you all get truly blessed with our company this year. Ha. :)
I know this is short but I seem to be having trouble thinking of things that would be interesting to you all. I do want you to know that we are praying for you. I am looking forward to coffee dates(Brandon L) play time with grandchildren, teaching a niece (Emersyn) some bad things for her parents and long talks with everyone. Oh, and eating Mexican food. :)
We stayed in Juba for all of December and it was very quiet. There are 2 things about it being very quiet. The church office closes for a month so everyone can go be with their families and this is good because many of them do not see their families except for once or twice a year. It makes it boring for us because there is not much to do (well , there is plenty that needs doing but no one is here!) Quiet is good during December because that means there was no fighting. This year we really noticed how people seemed to feel a little more hope and there was more social activities among the South Sudanese. New Years eve at midnight I heard all this noise outside and at first I thought it was a bad sign but then I went and looked out the window and saw that it was people celebrating and there was so much traffic that they had the traffic police out! It was fun to watch people dancing and singing in the streets. Other years people have tended to stay inside or if they were out they were not singing and dancing in the streets.
This is not to say that peace has arrived in South Sudan. I really look forward to the day that I can say that it has. There is still fighting in the country and every group blaming another for the fighting.
Lynn is hoping to leave on the 29th to go to Khartoum again. He ha not received his visa yet but we still have this week so who is worried??? I will leave on the 4th for a 2 week trip to Ethiopia and Lynn will join me their on the 12th.
Then guess what?? We will be going to the States mid March and be there for 2 1/2 months!! This is part of our Interpretation Assignment (IA) so that means we will be traveling around talking at different churches. We will be doing this again mid July to mid Sept. so you all get truly blessed with our company this year. Ha. :)
I know this is short but I seem to be having trouble thinking of things that would be interesting to you all. I do want you to know that we are praying for you. I am looking forward to coffee dates(Brandon L) play time with grandchildren, teaching a niece (Emersyn) some bad things for her parents and long talks with everyone. Oh, and eating Mexican food. :)
Tuesday, November 28, 2017
So, don't go into shock that I am writing again so soon.
For those of you have been asking about how we handle living here with so many hungry people all around us, here is a sort of answer.
Yesterday I was sitting in my living room working at emails when I realized that there seemed to be a lot of commotion on the street in front of our building. I went out in the hall to look out the window and see what was going on. I saw 4 boys, ages maybe 10-12, across the street at the bus stop. ( yes we do have a few actual bus stops with benches!) These boys were talking to an older boy who has only one leg and judging by his age I am guessing he lost his leg as a soldier - this young man was maybe 20. I am not sure what was said but the older boy took his crutch and hit one of the younger boys who fell to the ground. One of the other young boys then proceeded to pummel the one one on the ground. No one intervened. The really unusual part of this is that no one intervened. Usually anyone walking by or at the bus stop will stop this sort of thing but not that day. Part of the reason, I think, for the fight was that the all of the boys were sniffing glue and the older boy wanted some of it. This is something we see everyday here, boys sniffing glue, smoking and drinking. They are hungry and these things help curb the appetite. Now they are getting addicted to these things and there just is not enough help to go around for everyone. On top of that, even if there was help, these boys have gotten used to living on their own and do not take very well to living where there are rules and expectations.
So, how do we deal with it???? We do not give them money since we are not sure what it will be spent on but we do give food at times and we do a lot of asking about where or how these boys could get some help. The really hard part is that some of these boys have homes and the parents have found there is more money to be made by having their children beg than working themselves so why send their children to school?
The encouraging thing is that we do not see near as many boys across the street as we used to. A couple of months ago an effort was made to round up these kids and get them into some kind of home or with family somewhere. I asked if they were actually being taken care of or were they just moved someplace else and I was told they were being taken to orphanages until family could be found and then they were being returned to family - this may mean distant aunts and uncles but at least it is some kind of family.
I pray a lot and then when I am feeling overwhelmed I try not to see. Am I proud of that? No, but it is my reality.
I wrote this just to try and give you all a glimpse into our lives, not to seek sympathy but rather to encourage prayers for South Sudan and its wonderful people.
For those of you have been asking about how we handle living here with so many hungry people all around us, here is a sort of answer.
Yesterday I was sitting in my living room working at emails when I realized that there seemed to be a lot of commotion on the street in front of our building. I went out in the hall to look out the window and see what was going on. I saw 4 boys, ages maybe 10-12, across the street at the bus stop. ( yes we do have a few actual bus stops with benches!) These boys were talking to an older boy who has only one leg and judging by his age I am guessing he lost his leg as a soldier - this young man was maybe 20. I am not sure what was said but the older boy took his crutch and hit one of the younger boys who fell to the ground. One of the other young boys then proceeded to pummel the one one on the ground. No one intervened. The really unusual part of this is that no one intervened. Usually anyone walking by or at the bus stop will stop this sort of thing but not that day. Part of the reason, I think, for the fight was that the all of the boys were sniffing glue and the older boy wanted some of it. This is something we see everyday here, boys sniffing glue, smoking and drinking. They are hungry and these things help curb the appetite. Now they are getting addicted to these things and there just is not enough help to go around for everyone. On top of that, even if there was help, these boys have gotten used to living on their own and do not take very well to living where there are rules and expectations.
So, how do we deal with it???? We do not give them money since we are not sure what it will be spent on but we do give food at times and we do a lot of asking about where or how these boys could get some help. The really hard part is that some of these boys have homes and the parents have found there is more money to be made by having their children beg than working themselves so why send their children to school?
The encouraging thing is that we do not see near as many boys across the street as we used to. A couple of months ago an effort was made to round up these kids and get them into some kind of home or with family somewhere. I asked if they were actually being taken care of or were they just moved someplace else and I was told they were being taken to orphanages until family could be found and then they were being returned to family - this may mean distant aunts and uncles but at least it is some kind of family.
I pray a lot and then when I am feeling overwhelmed I try not to see. Am I proud of that? No, but it is my reality.
I wrote this just to try and give you all a glimpse into our lives, not to seek sympathy but rather to encourage prayers for South Sudan and its wonderful people.
Wednesday, November 22, 2017
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!
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!
Wednesday, November 8, 2017
2 months!
Oh my goodness! 2 months since I last wrote???? I was sure I was doing better than that! Here is my reason/excuse for what it is worth.
In September I went to Ethiopia for 2 weeks and when I got back at the beginning of October we were in the final stages of making plans for 2 people to visit for one week and that week was a BUSY one! Then 3 days after the visitors left, we left for a quick 2 1/2 weeks trip to the States and arrived back in Juba on Nov. 4.
So, how are we?? Besides being tired really not to bad. It was good to come back to where it is warm since Ohio was cold and rainy our last week there. It was good to see some of you and Brandon Leatherman, I am sorry I did not get to meet you for coffee - please forgive me. :)
We were in the States for Sudan/South Sudan Mission network meeting in Kentucky and it was a good time. It is always nice to get together with people who are actively involved in the places we live and work. I will admit that I was a bit overcome with all the political talk but I also learned some things and made some new connections that will last a long time.
We arrived back to Juba with word that things were tense because of the former Head of Military being under house arrest and some of his supporters were threatening to take him out by force. Well, things are not as bad as we first thought but there is a lot more military around that mans house and it is on one of the main roads in town so it is interesting driving by there like we did today.
Can you believe that we have been here for 3 years now? It is hard for me to believe it. It is funny how this feels like home in many ways and in other ways Ohio is home. I wonder how it will be to live in the States again? No we are not, retiring yet but I think of these things since we are back in the States so often. I get how it was hard for my dad to leave Africa.
I was asked why we would extend our time here when at times we seem unhappy. We are not unhappy, but at times we are stressed and that is when I seem to sound off the most. I am going to try and show the positives things and this is one of them. Today Lynn and I sat in a meeting with the Moderator, General Secretary and Treasurer of the Church and had a very open and honest discussion. It was so good to be able to have this kind of talk about so many different things and to feel like we really are a part of the church here in South Sudan. It is good to be getting to the point of really feeling a friendship with these men - one where there is give and take on both sides.
We are often asked for financial help that we cannot give but we can give of our time and energy and it is by doing this that we develop real relationships. Sometimes people just need to know that you care enough that you will spend time with them.
In September I went to Ethiopia for 2 weeks and when I got back at the beginning of October we were in the final stages of making plans for 2 people to visit for one week and that week was a BUSY one! Then 3 days after the visitors left, we left for a quick 2 1/2 weeks trip to the States and arrived back in Juba on Nov. 4.
So, how are we?? Besides being tired really not to bad. It was good to come back to where it is warm since Ohio was cold and rainy our last week there. It was good to see some of you and Brandon Leatherman, I am sorry I did not get to meet you for coffee - please forgive me. :)
We were in the States for Sudan/South Sudan Mission network meeting in Kentucky and it was a good time. It is always nice to get together with people who are actively involved in the places we live and work. I will admit that I was a bit overcome with all the political talk but I also learned some things and made some new connections that will last a long time.
We arrived back to Juba with word that things were tense because of the former Head of Military being under house arrest and some of his supporters were threatening to take him out by force. Well, things are not as bad as we first thought but there is a lot more military around that mans house and it is on one of the main roads in town so it is interesting driving by there like we did today.
Can you believe that we have been here for 3 years now? It is hard for me to believe it. It is funny how this feels like home in many ways and in other ways Ohio is home. I wonder how it will be to live in the States again? No we are not, retiring yet but I think of these things since we are back in the States so often. I get how it was hard for my dad to leave Africa.
I was asked why we would extend our time here when at times we seem unhappy. We are not unhappy, but at times we are stressed and that is when I seem to sound off the most. I am going to try and show the positives things and this is one of them. Today Lynn and I sat in a meeting with the Moderator, General Secretary and Treasurer of the Church and had a very open and honest discussion. It was so good to be able to have this kind of talk about so many different things and to feel like we really are a part of the church here in South Sudan. It is good to be getting to the point of really feeling a friendship with these men - one where there is give and take on both sides.
We are often asked for financial help that we cannot give but we can give of our time and energy and it is by doing this that we develop real relationships. Sometimes people just need to know that you care enough that you will spend time with them.
Thursday, August 31, 2017
jumps
For those of you who know me well, you know that my mind jumps all around the place so it is hard for me to focus on just one theme as I write on this blog. I have two things I want to write about and when ever I sit down to write I start thinking of other things too. Forgive me and just try to follow my mind. ( No comments from the family!!)
Our new positions as Regional Liaisons is really different from what we were doing before. Before we were very involved in the day to day activities of the Church here and with the people. Now we work with the bigger picture of the Church and not so much going to the office on a daily basis. I miss the daily interaction with people and getting to know them on a deeper level. We still see people, just not as regularly. Now we see people to talk about their vision for the Church or School or whatever and then we try to help them write a proposal or request for funds. Before we were helping to implement programs now we help with getting funds and explaining reporting. So, yes, we still are involved with people, it is just in a different way. Part of me likes this way but there is a huge responsibility that comes with it.
We have new co-workers here, a couple that has experience in Africa but this is their first time in South Sudan. I watch as they learn Arabic ( yes, I am jealous of their ability to learn it!), make friends with people on the street and get to know the people they will be working with. They will be working closely with people the way we had been and I think of the relationships they will build and I am happy for them. I realize that my role now is to be able to help these co-worker do their work and to be a sounding board for them. I admit to being a little envious of the relationships that they will be building but then I realize that I have my own relationships with some of the same people and that it is not better or worse, just different. Much of it comes down to how much effort I am willing to put into re-shaping some of these relationships. I am thankful for these new co-workers and the insight they bring and they way they challenge me.
Now my mind jumps to something else :)
Many people think that missionaries are strong, confident, spiritual people to be held up as something special. I have heard my parents generation of missionaries referred to as the "Saints" of missions. How my parents would have disliked that!! Most missionaries are just really stubborn people! Not me, of course! HA. When we were in Rwanda for the gathering of all Africa missionaries there were quite a few who were wondering about their roles, if they are reflecting God's love, being the best they could be. I found this very encouraging! To know that, while we all felt we were Where God wanted us to be, we still knew that we had a long way to go to be better people. We are challenged each day with what it means to be a Christian - not just in a different culture but all the time and everywhere. Scripture is not about culture it is about a new life in Christ that should not change because of culture.
Jumping again.
I am going back to Ethiopia by myself in a few weeks. I am excited and a little nervous. I am looking forward to seeing places I have not seen in 40 years and some places I have never seen. Confident?? humm.....stubborn? YUP. I will be fine and I will learn and grow. Many of you who know me think I am an extrovert but really I am an introvert that God is pushing out of her comfort zone.
Wow, I had no idea I would write all of that.
Our new positions as Regional Liaisons is really different from what we were doing before. Before we were very involved in the day to day activities of the Church here and with the people. Now we work with the bigger picture of the Church and not so much going to the office on a daily basis. I miss the daily interaction with people and getting to know them on a deeper level. We still see people, just not as regularly. Now we see people to talk about their vision for the Church or School or whatever and then we try to help them write a proposal or request for funds. Before we were helping to implement programs now we help with getting funds and explaining reporting. So, yes, we still are involved with people, it is just in a different way. Part of me likes this way but there is a huge responsibility that comes with it.
We have new co-workers here, a couple that has experience in Africa but this is their first time in South Sudan. I watch as they learn Arabic ( yes, I am jealous of their ability to learn it!), make friends with people on the street and get to know the people they will be working with. They will be working closely with people the way we had been and I think of the relationships they will build and I am happy for them. I realize that my role now is to be able to help these co-worker do their work and to be a sounding board for them. I admit to being a little envious of the relationships that they will be building but then I realize that I have my own relationships with some of the same people and that it is not better or worse, just different. Much of it comes down to how much effort I am willing to put into re-shaping some of these relationships. I am thankful for these new co-workers and the insight they bring and they way they challenge me.
Now my mind jumps to something else :)
Many people think that missionaries are strong, confident, spiritual people to be held up as something special. I have heard my parents generation of missionaries referred to as the "Saints" of missions. How my parents would have disliked that!! Most missionaries are just really stubborn people! Not me, of course! HA. When we were in Rwanda for the gathering of all Africa missionaries there were quite a few who were wondering about their roles, if they are reflecting God's love, being the best they could be. I found this very encouraging! To know that, while we all felt we were Where God wanted us to be, we still knew that we had a long way to go to be better people. We are challenged each day with what it means to be a Christian - not just in a different culture but all the time and everywhere. Scripture is not about culture it is about a new life in Christ that should not change because of culture.
Jumping again.
I am going back to Ethiopia by myself in a few weeks. I am excited and a little nervous. I am looking forward to seeing places I have not seen in 40 years and some places I have never seen. Confident?? humm.....stubborn? YUP. I will be fine and I will learn and grow. Many of you who know me think I am an extrovert but really I am an introvert that God is pushing out of her comfort zone.
Wow, I had no idea I would write all of that.
Saturday, August 12, 2017
family,vacation and animals
We said good-bye at 2:30 am this morning to the 5 family members who came to see us. I can't believe how hard it was to say good-bye and how bored I am without them here. We are still at the guest house for a few days but as soon as we return to Juba I am sure we will not be bored!
Russel was 11 when we left Tanzania and now he returned with his 11 year old son. Dana came along with her hubby, Brandon, who had never been to Africa before and then there was Tim, my brother, who returned to Africa after 41 years. It was so much fun to see all of their reactions, anywhere from how much things have changed to awe at what they were seeing for the first time.
We went to Tanzania by bus - really not a bad way to travel- and then had our own safari landcruiser and guide for the next week where we went to Ngorongoro Crater, the Serengeti and then Mugumu. We saw so many animals and I even got to see a leopard in the wild which I had never done before even though I had 2 pet leopards growing up in Ethiopia. Literally saw hundreds of elephants - many were babies -, lions, cheetahs and most of the antelope type animals. The only big game animal we missed was Rhino.
It was so good to disconnect from email and phone for 2 weeks and for the first time ever I found out what it was to really have a vacation, get very tired and dirty but feel so refreshed mentally. What fun to walk with our children as they remembered people and places in our old home of Mugumu, to see Lynn so warmly welcomed back by the people he worked with all those years ago. Sad to hear of the passing of many friends but joy in reconnecting with our house helper, Pili and hearing about her family of 5 children!
When we finally turned on our email again ( actually finally had internet again!) and saw the 150 emails we each had I was worried that it would be way to overwhelming to get back into the swing of things. We are slowly working at the emails but won't really be back at it full time until next week. It is amazing how much we were NOT missed! :) It will be a struggle to get our minds off of vacation and back into work mode but I think once we are back in Juba that will be easier.
Please continue to pray for the people of South Sudan, we are hearing of more and more people having malaria and no access to medical care.
Russel was 11 when we left Tanzania and now he returned with his 11 year old son. Dana came along with her hubby, Brandon, who had never been to Africa before and then there was Tim, my brother, who returned to Africa after 41 years. It was so much fun to see all of their reactions, anywhere from how much things have changed to awe at what they were seeing for the first time.
We went to Tanzania by bus - really not a bad way to travel- and then had our own safari landcruiser and guide for the next week where we went to Ngorongoro Crater, the Serengeti and then Mugumu. We saw so many animals and I even got to see a leopard in the wild which I had never done before even though I had 2 pet leopards growing up in Ethiopia. Literally saw hundreds of elephants - many were babies -, lions, cheetahs and most of the antelope type animals. The only big game animal we missed was Rhino.
It was so good to disconnect from email and phone for 2 weeks and for the first time ever I found out what it was to really have a vacation, get very tired and dirty but feel so refreshed mentally. What fun to walk with our children as they remembered people and places in our old home of Mugumu, to see Lynn so warmly welcomed back by the people he worked with all those years ago. Sad to hear of the passing of many friends but joy in reconnecting with our house helper, Pili and hearing about her family of 5 children!
When we finally turned on our email again ( actually finally had internet again!) and saw the 150 emails we each had I was worried that it would be way to overwhelming to get back into the swing of things. We are slowly working at the emails but won't really be back at it full time until next week. It is amazing how much we were NOT missed! :) It will be a struggle to get our minds off of vacation and back into work mode but I think once we are back in Juba that will be easier.
Please continue to pray for the people of South Sudan, we are hearing of more and more people having malaria and no access to medical care.
Sunday, July 30, 2017
family
We are in Kenya waiting for the 5 family members to get here to start a great vacation.
The last month has been a really busy one. Lynn had a trip to Kenya to get a tooth fixed ( a cap came off) so he made good use of the time and bought some cheese and butter to bring back to Juba. Of course he had several milkshakes and lattes while there! I really think he should not have any for several days to let me get caught up with him - what do you think? Lynn also had a trip to Uganda to visit our co-workers there and took a bus from their town of Arua to Entebbe and went through a game park and saw elephants so I think his vacation started early.
Things are getting somewhat worse in Juba, at least economically. fuel is up to almost $7 a gallon with a jerry can costing about $70!!!!! No wonder there are not as many taxis or buses running these days. The taxis have gotten quite expensive and even the rickshaws are now getting up there in price. This means a lot more people are walking which means people are late for work and have to leave early to get home before dark. There are more beggars on the streets and more young boys sniffing glue and fuel to stop the hunger pangs. We still give to the beggars but not those who are smoking or sniffing and we tell them why. Does not make it any easier.
So, it is vacation time! I am so excited to have family coming to Africa! I love seeing the family in the USA but there is just something so special about sharing Africa with them. True, all but 2 have been here before but some of them not for 23 years and another not since the mid 1970's so they will be in for some surprises as to how much has changed. It will be so much fun to see this place through the eyes of an 11 year old but also to have a late 20's ( wow, Brandon, really??) guy along who can verbalize what he is seeing and thinking. Then the really old guy ( hum, that MUST be Tim) can tell us stories of what it used to be like in the dark ages:) I love my family! The family arrive tonight at 2am and yes, we will be at the airport to meet them!
Please keep the rest of Russel's family in your prayers while he is gone for 2 weeks. If you see LeAnna around give her a hug for me.
Lynn and I have the best people around supporting us while we are here. From letters, to financial support to prayers we feel loved and cared for and we thank you for that. Please know that we pray for all of you as well.
Ok, I better sign off or I will keep on writing about the upcoming vacation and bore you all to tears.
The last month has been a really busy one. Lynn had a trip to Kenya to get a tooth fixed ( a cap came off) so he made good use of the time and bought some cheese and butter to bring back to Juba. Of course he had several milkshakes and lattes while there! I really think he should not have any for several days to let me get caught up with him - what do you think? Lynn also had a trip to Uganda to visit our co-workers there and took a bus from their town of Arua to Entebbe and went through a game park and saw elephants so I think his vacation started early.
Things are getting somewhat worse in Juba, at least economically. fuel is up to almost $7 a gallon with a jerry can costing about $70!!!!! No wonder there are not as many taxis or buses running these days. The taxis have gotten quite expensive and even the rickshaws are now getting up there in price. This means a lot more people are walking which means people are late for work and have to leave early to get home before dark. There are more beggars on the streets and more young boys sniffing glue and fuel to stop the hunger pangs. We still give to the beggars but not those who are smoking or sniffing and we tell them why. Does not make it any easier.
So, it is vacation time! I am so excited to have family coming to Africa! I love seeing the family in the USA but there is just something so special about sharing Africa with them. True, all but 2 have been here before but some of them not for 23 years and another not since the mid 1970's so they will be in for some surprises as to how much has changed. It will be so much fun to see this place through the eyes of an 11 year old but also to have a late 20's ( wow, Brandon, really??) guy along who can verbalize what he is seeing and thinking. Then the really old guy ( hum, that MUST be Tim) can tell us stories of what it used to be like in the dark ages:) I love my family! The family arrive tonight at 2am and yes, we will be at the airport to meet them!
Please keep the rest of Russel's family in your prayers while he is gone for 2 weeks. If you see LeAnna around give her a hug for me.
Lynn and I have the best people around supporting us while we are here. From letters, to financial support to prayers we feel loved and cared for and we thank you for that. Please know that we pray for all of you as well.
Ok, I better sign off or I will keep on writing about the upcoming vacation and bore you all to tears.
Tuesday, July 11, 2017
Excited
I can't believe it has been 3 weeks since I last wrote! I really thought it was only maybe 2 weeks. Oh, well, I am here now.
Why excited? to see some of our family who are coming out! We will have 2 weeks with them in Kenya and Tanzania. When we left Tanzania many years ago, Russel was 11 and Dana 4 1/2. Dana has been back and seen the place she heard so much about but Russel never has and now he is returning with HIS 11 year old son,Austin! We will go through the Serengeti because if you go to Tanzania you have to see animals and what better place than the Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Crater?! Dana and her hubby, Brandon are coming and so is my (Sharon) oldest brother, Tim. I am excited to see Africa through the eyes of an 11 year old and also our son-in-law who has never been to Africa.
We have been working too, and not just anticipating the arrival of family. It seems we spend a lot of time on the phone and the computer which means a lot of sitting. The nice thing is that our apartment is in a good location for people to stop in and visit or just meet here because we have a/c.:)
The South Sudan Independence day holiday was peaceful! Actually the day itself (9th) was very rainy and cool - yes it really was cool! We had rain for about 12 hours and it was so nice:) The rain also helped to keep the day quiet. The next day was a holiday and things stayed quiet. We are really hoping and praying that there is a change coming for this country.
Lynn got lucky and had to go to Kenya for some dental work. Why lucky? because he got to have a break, eat good food, see some friends AND get his teeth fixed. He better be bringing a suitcase of food back for me - you know, important things like butter and cheese maybe some chocolate and any other goodies he can find.
I am trying to plan a trip to Ethiopia in September. I will be gone for at least 2 weeks and no, Lynn is not going with me. This will be my first trip on my own and I am glad it is to a country that I am familiar with. I will be traveling to 5 different areas of Ethiopia to see the Presbyteries in those areas. These are all partners that I help with. I want to see their projects and schools so that I can better represent them to people around the world. I have been impressed with what many of them are doing and am excited to see some places I have never seen before in Ethiopia and to visit places from long ago. I am also sure I will get my fill of Ethiopian food - such a sacrifice!
I am always amazed at how tied to this place I feel. I grew up in Ethiopia but this is where my heart seems to be. I think back on the 20 years I longed to return to Africa and how it was not in Gods plan but when I gave up on coming back - rather I allowed God to be in control - then we are called to South Sudan. This place had never been on my radar as a place to live but now I can't imagine living anywhere else! When we let God be in charge He makes wonderful things happen. Yes, I miss my family and having a relationship with our grandchildren and yet I hope that they can learn something from what we are doing. I wish I was a better writer so I could express what I am feeling and meaning without sounding dumb or not getting the idea across. I have never felt so at peace with where I am even while missing family.
Why excited? to see some of our family who are coming out! We will have 2 weeks with them in Kenya and Tanzania. When we left Tanzania many years ago, Russel was 11 and Dana 4 1/2. Dana has been back and seen the place she heard so much about but Russel never has and now he is returning with HIS 11 year old son,Austin! We will go through the Serengeti because if you go to Tanzania you have to see animals and what better place than the Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Crater?! Dana and her hubby, Brandon are coming and so is my (Sharon) oldest brother, Tim. I am excited to see Africa through the eyes of an 11 year old and also our son-in-law who has never been to Africa.
We have been working too, and not just anticipating the arrival of family. It seems we spend a lot of time on the phone and the computer which means a lot of sitting. The nice thing is that our apartment is in a good location for people to stop in and visit or just meet here because we have a/c.:)
The South Sudan Independence day holiday was peaceful! Actually the day itself (9th) was very rainy and cool - yes it really was cool! We had rain for about 12 hours and it was so nice:) The rain also helped to keep the day quiet. The next day was a holiday and things stayed quiet. We are really hoping and praying that there is a change coming for this country.
Lynn got lucky and had to go to Kenya for some dental work. Why lucky? because he got to have a break, eat good food, see some friends AND get his teeth fixed. He better be bringing a suitcase of food back for me - you know, important things like butter and cheese maybe some chocolate and any other goodies he can find.
I am trying to plan a trip to Ethiopia in September. I will be gone for at least 2 weeks and no, Lynn is not going with me. This will be my first trip on my own and I am glad it is to a country that I am familiar with. I will be traveling to 5 different areas of Ethiopia to see the Presbyteries in those areas. These are all partners that I help with. I want to see their projects and schools so that I can better represent them to people around the world. I have been impressed with what many of them are doing and am excited to see some places I have never seen before in Ethiopia and to visit places from long ago. I am also sure I will get my fill of Ethiopian food - such a sacrifice!
I am always amazed at how tied to this place I feel. I grew up in Ethiopia but this is where my heart seems to be. I think back on the 20 years I longed to return to Africa and how it was not in Gods plan but when I gave up on coming back - rather I allowed God to be in control - then we are called to South Sudan. This place had never been on my radar as a place to live but now I can't imagine living anywhere else! When we let God be in charge He makes wonderful things happen. Yes, I miss my family and having a relationship with our grandchildren and yet I hope that they can learn something from what we are doing. I wish I was a better writer so I could express what I am feeling and meaning without sounding dumb or not getting the idea across. I have never felt so at peace with where I am even while missing family.
Monday, June 19, 2017
still here
Yes, we are still here and still doing things! :)
We were so tired after all of our traveling and so far behind in work that I just had nothing left over to write on the blog. Sometimes trying to think of things to write is just so hard and other times I could post something several times a week. I know, you would like to see something several times a week, wouldn't you??
We took over as RL's just as a new Master Grant Agreement was taking affect with PCUSA and that really did consume a lot of our time. I think we have the Agreements figured out but now we have to figure out the new forms for requesting money. It is just hard for us old folks to change and you have no idea how much a dislike saying that!!
We welcomed the new co-worker, Bob and Kristi Rice to Juba on May 13. They were warmly welcomed by the folks they will be working with and were getting to know the city a little bit when Bob became sick enough that we sent him to Kenya for medical care. They are still in Kenya but it seems like the worst is over but we would still like prayer for their health and return to Juba.
I know you are hearing many bad things coming out of South Sudan and I don't like to say it but a lot of them are true. Juba is still safe and calm but the outlying areas are having a very hard time between, starvation, cholera, and fighting. There is a little hope that MAYBE, just MAYBE there will be a change in the future. There are new peace talks going on so we shall see what that brings forth.
There is hunger in Juba as well and no way to meet all the needs that are here. So many children begging on the street, sniffing glue and fuel to fight hunger, not going to school because their parents need them begging to get money for food. I admit, I don't like going out because of all the pain you see around. The crazy thing is I have started walking again in the mornings and people have been very friendly and encouraging of my exercise.
I had to laugh the other day when Lynn and I were trying to get our work permits. I have been asked several times what a typical day is like - well we don't really have a typical day. We left the apartment at 9:30 am to go and check on, and hopefully get, our work permits. We had been told not to come back, that they would call us when the paper work was done. Well, it had been about a month and I decided we would just go! We arrived and of course the paper work had been done 3 weeks earlier but no phone call. This means that our work permits are dated for 3 weeks earlier but we did not have them yet! So, we are given the bill and then have to go across town to the Central Bank to pay the fee and get a bank receipt, then back to the first place to give them the bank receipt and get one of their receipts! Then upstairs to the first office( that of course is now closed for lunch but the lady kindly came back in to help us) to hand everything over to them (all our documents and receipts) where we are given a sticky note with some numbers on it and are told to go to another office with the sticky note and, oh, yes, your receipt (they had to give it back to us) and in 2 days you can get your work permit. So down we go to this other office, hand in everything including the receipt and are told to come back the next day at 10am. We have NOTHING to show that we did all the work, paid the fee or anything. Lynn goes back the next day and guess what???......we are now the proud holders of a one year South Sudan work permit. The first day we didn't get back home until 3 in the afternoon and we were beat from all the walking around in the heat and standing in offices with no a/c or fans or open windows.
So, that is often how our days go - taking hours to do something that should only take maybe an hour.
We were so tired after all of our traveling and so far behind in work that I just had nothing left over to write on the blog. Sometimes trying to think of things to write is just so hard and other times I could post something several times a week. I know, you would like to see something several times a week, wouldn't you??
We took over as RL's just as a new Master Grant Agreement was taking affect with PCUSA and that really did consume a lot of our time. I think we have the Agreements figured out but now we have to figure out the new forms for requesting money. It is just hard for us old folks to change and you have no idea how much a dislike saying that!!
We welcomed the new co-worker, Bob and Kristi Rice to Juba on May 13. They were warmly welcomed by the folks they will be working with and were getting to know the city a little bit when Bob became sick enough that we sent him to Kenya for medical care. They are still in Kenya but it seems like the worst is over but we would still like prayer for their health and return to Juba.
I know you are hearing many bad things coming out of South Sudan and I don't like to say it but a lot of them are true. Juba is still safe and calm but the outlying areas are having a very hard time between, starvation, cholera, and fighting. There is a little hope that MAYBE, just MAYBE there will be a change in the future. There are new peace talks going on so we shall see what that brings forth.
There is hunger in Juba as well and no way to meet all the needs that are here. So many children begging on the street, sniffing glue and fuel to fight hunger, not going to school because their parents need them begging to get money for food. I admit, I don't like going out because of all the pain you see around. The crazy thing is I have started walking again in the mornings and people have been very friendly and encouraging of my exercise.
I had to laugh the other day when Lynn and I were trying to get our work permits. I have been asked several times what a typical day is like - well we don't really have a typical day. We left the apartment at 9:30 am to go and check on, and hopefully get, our work permits. We had been told not to come back, that they would call us when the paper work was done. Well, it had been about a month and I decided we would just go! We arrived and of course the paper work had been done 3 weeks earlier but no phone call. This means that our work permits are dated for 3 weeks earlier but we did not have them yet! So, we are given the bill and then have to go across town to the Central Bank to pay the fee and get a bank receipt, then back to the first place to give them the bank receipt and get one of their receipts! Then upstairs to the first office( that of course is now closed for lunch but the lady kindly came back in to help us) to hand everything over to them (all our documents and receipts) where we are given a sticky note with some numbers on it and are told to go to another office with the sticky note and, oh, yes, your receipt (they had to give it back to us) and in 2 days you can get your work permit. So down we go to this other office, hand in everything including the receipt and are told to come back the next day at 10am. We have NOTHING to show that we did all the work, paid the fee or anything. Lynn goes back the next day and guess what???......we are now the proud holders of a one year South Sudan work permit. The first day we didn't get back home until 3 in the afternoon and we were beat from all the walking around in the heat and standing in offices with no a/c or fans or open windows.
So, that is often how our days go - taking hours to do something that should only take maybe an hour.
Thursday, May 11, 2017
Busy
We have been busy.
We spent 3 weeks in the States in March then 12 days in Rwanda in April and then 10 days in May in the States again. Whew! we are tired!
We were asked what a normal day looks like for us - well, it depends on the day:)
When we are in Juba our days are pretty much the same but you never know what might come up.
We get up around 7 and usually have quiet until about 9 and then the phone starts ringing. Before the phone starts we are trying to get caught up on emails that have been coming in all night long. Sometimes this means 40-50 emails. We may have appointments with people throughout the day so we are either going out or having people come to our apartment. Somewhere in there we make lunch and eat it. Then later in the day Lynn tries to go out and get some shopping done and get fresh fruit.
Then around 5 pm we start getting emails again and spend another 2-3 hours taking care of those.
The best part of any day is when we go to visit with our partners here in Juba. That means going to Nile Theological College or the Offices of either of the churches that we work with. We really enjoy spending time with all of those folks and feel it is very important to build these relationships but they are also our good friends.
I(Sharon) am not having to do the banking like I was before and that has freed up my time quite a bit. We now have all the personnel in the Presbyterian Church of South Sudan offices and this has made things work much smoother.
We often get asked about the famine in the country and if it is affecting us in Juba. We are still able to buy the things we need but that is because we get paid in US dollars. The South Sudanese get paid in local currency and don't have enough to buy food so this means we have an economic famine in the capital and outside the capital there is no food being grown because of the fighting that is taking place all over the country.
When we took of in the plane to go to the States on May first I turned to Lynn and said " I am glad this is not our final trip away because I am not ready to leave Juba yet". I really do feel that way and I am so thankful that God reminded me of that. Life is not easy here but I would not be any place else - this place gets into your blood!
Life here is basic and real. Not that things aren't real in other places but here you really do have to rely on God and your faith and people are very real about that.
You must think people here are all grim and depressed and that no one has fun - the way I write about it here must make you think that but I want you to know that there is a lot of laughter amount the tears and depression and that people are still trying to work for a better tomorrow. We just spent a few hours with someone in the church laughing about so many things. Life is hard but God is good and brings joy even in this hard setting.
We spent 3 weeks in the States in March then 12 days in Rwanda in April and then 10 days in May in the States again. Whew! we are tired!
We were asked what a normal day looks like for us - well, it depends on the day:)
When we are in Juba our days are pretty much the same but you never know what might come up.
We get up around 7 and usually have quiet until about 9 and then the phone starts ringing. Before the phone starts we are trying to get caught up on emails that have been coming in all night long. Sometimes this means 40-50 emails. We may have appointments with people throughout the day so we are either going out or having people come to our apartment. Somewhere in there we make lunch and eat it. Then later in the day Lynn tries to go out and get some shopping done and get fresh fruit.
Then around 5 pm we start getting emails again and spend another 2-3 hours taking care of those.
The best part of any day is when we go to visit with our partners here in Juba. That means going to Nile Theological College or the Offices of either of the churches that we work with. We really enjoy spending time with all of those folks and feel it is very important to build these relationships but they are also our good friends.
I(Sharon) am not having to do the banking like I was before and that has freed up my time quite a bit. We now have all the personnel in the Presbyterian Church of South Sudan offices and this has made things work much smoother.
We often get asked about the famine in the country and if it is affecting us in Juba. We are still able to buy the things we need but that is because we get paid in US dollars. The South Sudanese get paid in local currency and don't have enough to buy food so this means we have an economic famine in the capital and outside the capital there is no food being grown because of the fighting that is taking place all over the country.
When we took of in the plane to go to the States on May first I turned to Lynn and said " I am glad this is not our final trip away because I am not ready to leave Juba yet". I really do feel that way and I am so thankful that God reminded me of that. Life is not easy here but I would not be any place else - this place gets into your blood!
Life here is basic and real. Not that things aren't real in other places but here you really do have to rely on God and your faith and people are very real about that.
You must think people here are all grim and depressed and that no one has fun - the way I write about it here must make you think that but I want you to know that there is a lot of laughter amount the tears and depression and that people are still trying to work for a better tomorrow. We just spent a few hours with someone in the church laughing about so many things. Life is hard but God is good and brings joy even in this hard setting.
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