Sometimes I just don't understand what is going on in this world and especially this corner of the world. Sunday evening a fire went through one of the refugee camps here in Juba. It was accidental ( and it is really sad that it is even considered that it was not accidental) and destroyed 154 homes and one 5 or 6 year old girl was killed because she hid under her bed.
Where and how to help? These people already had next to nothing and then that was taken away. Of course we were in a few days of rains and they had no shelter what so ever. One person is a student at Nile Theological College and was able to get his pants and shirt on before running - everything was destroyed, his Bible, school books, clothes, bed - everything! This young man still went to school!
There are days when I wonder where God is in all this suffering. I KNOW He is here but it hurts so much to see so much suffering. The Christians here are very strong and they just keep helping each other in anyway that they can. People keep planning for the future even when things like this happen. It makes me ashamed to have a "bad" day.
As you may have read, there are areas of South Sudan that have been declared famine areas and many people are dying from hunger. Even here in the city there are people going hungry and the beggars have gotten very aggressive. There is an orphanage in Juba that we go to on Sundays for tea with friends that work there. Often there is a little girl that comes and has tea with us. When she started coming her hair was orangeish from malnutrition. She looks so much better these days and is smiling and talking but what of all the others that have not been lucky enough to find a place like this.
This is a real downer of a blog but this is our reality. Daily we are being told of rapes, killings, robberies and such like.
We are also told of how people are helping each other, women who are not getting married but instead are getting an education ( for many women you can't do both) so that they will have a better life. I try to remember the good stories and next time I will try to share some of those.
I know this is where we are supposed to be and I am content to stay here. There is something about really living here that makes me feel close to God - probably because I have to rely on Him more and not myself - and I like to be in control! :) That is not to say I don't miss a good coffee shop and Mexican food. Haha
Wednesday, February 22, 2017
Wednesday, February 8, 2017
Tired Brain
We just got back from a 2 week trip to Ethiopia and we are tired!!
We went there to meet the partners that we will be working with and since they were in Addis for a meeting it seemed like a good time to meet them all. That may not have been such a good idea since there were so many people and names to remember! It was a good visit and I do remember some names and can put them with the right people but there are a bunch that I can't do that with.
As we pulled into the old mission compound there was a feeling of coming home as I looked at the old office building, that still looks the same, where my dad worked years ago. Then I looked around and things had changed everywhere else so it was disorienting. It is funny how a place can feel the same and so different.
We then went to Gambella where dad had a little house and where I remember being so many times. The town has grown SO much and looks nothing like it did before! Gone are the quiet dusty streets and lanes, the one little cafe and the village feel. Now there are paved roads, banks on every corner, electricity and running water(most of the time). We stayed at a guest house that is run by the Anywaa and after a meeting there I walked out of the office and was hit with the sounds and smells of the place that reminded me SO much of time there with my dad. I really felt my dad was right there with me. We then went to the Nuer compound where I meet men who were ordained my my dad and listened to stories about him and was so warmly welcomed as the daughter of Robb (Dhouryaom - his Nuer name). It was a healing trip for me and I was sad to leave but I will be going back!
Now we are back in Juba and trying to get caught up on emails and figure out how to do this new job. It will mean a lot of time on the computer. I am not sure how one person did this job before but I now understand the stress he was under.
We went there to meet the partners that we will be working with and since they were in Addis for a meeting it seemed like a good time to meet them all. That may not have been such a good idea since there were so many people and names to remember! It was a good visit and I do remember some names and can put them with the right people but there are a bunch that I can't do that with.
As we pulled into the old mission compound there was a feeling of coming home as I looked at the old office building, that still looks the same, where my dad worked years ago. Then I looked around and things had changed everywhere else so it was disorienting. It is funny how a place can feel the same and so different.
We then went to Gambella where dad had a little house and where I remember being so many times. The town has grown SO much and looks nothing like it did before! Gone are the quiet dusty streets and lanes, the one little cafe and the village feel. Now there are paved roads, banks on every corner, electricity and running water(most of the time). We stayed at a guest house that is run by the Anywaa and after a meeting there I walked out of the office and was hit with the sounds and smells of the place that reminded me SO much of time there with my dad. I really felt my dad was right there with me. We then went to the Nuer compound where I meet men who were ordained my my dad and listened to stories about him and was so warmly welcomed as the daughter of Robb (Dhouryaom - his Nuer name). It was a healing trip for me and I was sad to leave but I will be going back!
Now we are back in Juba and trying to get caught up on emails and figure out how to do this new job. It will mean a lot of time on the computer. I am not sure how one person did this job before but I now understand the stress he was under.
Friday, January 13, 2017
new beginnings
It has been awhile since I last wrote - my excuse? Waiting until after Christmas and New Years and then waiting for our next change.
We start the new year with a new job. We are now the Regional Liaisons for Sudan, Ethiopia and South Sudan!. We will continue to live here in Juba and travel to the other countries as needed and will continue to be involved with the Education Project.
Ok, I admit that as soon as we started getting all the emails and info on this new job (after accepting the position) I wondered if we had made a mistake:) Not really, but you know how it is when you start a new job and things seem overwhelming? Well that is a little bit how we feel but I think it is mostly because we have not had our orientation yet. We will be in the States for 10 days of RL orientation in March. I wish we would have time to travel and see so many people but it will be a quick trip. At least with this new position we have the perk of 2 trips to the States each year - you know, so we can stock up on food......oh, and see family too! Really those trips are to talk with different Mission Networks so they are work trips.
So, how was our Christmas and New Years? Very quiet! So thankful for no renewed fighting in Juba but heartbroken over the fighting in Yei and other parts of South Sudan. Most of the NGO's and church people all leave over the holidays and many are just now getting back. The restaurants were empty and getting a bus or rickshaw was easy. But! Juba is really boring with many people gone and there is really nothing to do here except go out to eat. Ah, well, at least we do not have to deal with snow and ice!!!
I truly believe God led us to this new position and I think we will like it once we get some things figured out. I told Lynn last night that I really do have peace with living here and while I miss family I know I this is where I am to be and I am happy with that.
As we celebrated Christmas with a local congregation I was again struck with the joy they express in their faith. Most would not have had any kind of presents or anything special other than a LONG church service and, for some, time with family. Some how the parents were able to buy new clothes or shoes for their children and, believe me, those kids were proud!!
We are going to Ethiopia on the 23rd of January to meet the folks there that we will be working with. We will be in Addis most of the time but will also go to Gambella to see the Wellers and meet folks there. The Gambella part will be a bit of a trip down memory lane for me as that is where dad went all the time. So, I think you can expect to see another blog after we get back from that trip.
We start the new year with a new job. We are now the Regional Liaisons for Sudan, Ethiopia and South Sudan!. We will continue to live here in Juba and travel to the other countries as needed and will continue to be involved with the Education Project.
Ok, I admit that as soon as we started getting all the emails and info on this new job (after accepting the position) I wondered if we had made a mistake:) Not really, but you know how it is when you start a new job and things seem overwhelming? Well that is a little bit how we feel but I think it is mostly because we have not had our orientation yet. We will be in the States for 10 days of RL orientation in March. I wish we would have time to travel and see so many people but it will be a quick trip. At least with this new position we have the perk of 2 trips to the States each year - you know, so we can stock up on food......oh, and see family too! Really those trips are to talk with different Mission Networks so they are work trips.
So, how was our Christmas and New Years? Very quiet! So thankful for no renewed fighting in Juba but heartbroken over the fighting in Yei and other parts of South Sudan. Most of the NGO's and church people all leave over the holidays and many are just now getting back. The restaurants were empty and getting a bus or rickshaw was easy. But! Juba is really boring with many people gone and there is really nothing to do here except go out to eat. Ah, well, at least we do not have to deal with snow and ice!!!
I truly believe God led us to this new position and I think we will like it once we get some things figured out. I told Lynn last night that I really do have peace with living here and while I miss family I know I this is where I am to be and I am happy with that.
As we celebrated Christmas with a local congregation I was again struck with the joy they express in their faith. Most would not have had any kind of presents or anything special other than a LONG church service and, for some, time with family. Some how the parents were able to buy new clothes or shoes for their children and, believe me, those kids were proud!!
We are going to Ethiopia on the 23rd of January to meet the folks there that we will be working with. We will be in Addis most of the time but will also go to Gambella to see the Wellers and meet folks there. The Gambella part will be a bit of a trip down memory lane for me as that is where dad went all the time. So, I think you can expect to see another blog after we get back from that trip.
Monday, December 5, 2016
getting older
Ok, I know that I am getting older - the grey hair, aching joints and forgetfulness won't let me forget it! Yesterday I was reminded again that I am not 25, 35 or even 45.
We went to church with a couple from MCC that are here for 2 weeks and they brought us back to our apartment in their Landrover. Some of you know what those are like to get in and out of. These are the older ones that have the bench seats in the back and no step to help you get in the back. Well, I got in(kind of crawled) ok but getting out proved to be entertaining for everyone on the street! The guard was helping me out by offering me his hand to balance with as I jumped out. As my left foot hit the ground my knee did not like that and the leg collapsed under me causing me to swing around in a circle still holding onto the guards hand and almost puling him down with me as I ended up sitting on the street! The poor guard felt so bad but everyone else on the street got a good laugh out of it and Lynn said I did not stick my landing so points were deducted from my score. Maybe I need to start carrying a step stool with me:)
On top of that our elevator is not working in the building so we are having to walk up the steps to the 4th floor and man did my knee not like that!! Even with all of that we still really like our new place:)
We went to church with a couple from MCC that are here for 2 weeks and they brought us back to our apartment in their Landrover. Some of you know what those are like to get in and out of. These are the older ones that have the bench seats in the back and no step to help you get in the back. Well, I got in(kind of crawled) ok but getting out proved to be entertaining for everyone on the street! The guard was helping me out by offering me his hand to balance with as I jumped out. As my left foot hit the ground my knee did not like that and the leg collapsed under me causing me to swing around in a circle still holding onto the guards hand and almost puling him down with me as I ended up sitting on the street! The poor guard felt so bad but everyone else on the street got a good laugh out of it and Lynn said I did not stick my landing so points were deducted from my score. Maybe I need to start carrying a step stool with me:)
On top of that our elevator is not working in the building so we are having to walk up the steps to the 4th floor and man did my knee not like that!! Even with all of that we still really like our new place:)
Sunday, November 20, 2016
We moved!
I know it has been a long time since I last wrote:( I was waiting until we made the move so I would have plenty to talk about and pictures to share.
When we returned our old apartment building was on limited power which means limited electricity and internet. The hours kept changing and there did not seem much hope in it getting better so Lynn and I started looking around for a new place. It is not like you can call a realtor or look places up on the internet - you walk around and just stop at places and ask. We saw anything from a a place that all the materials were brought in from Lebanon and was really nice and the same price as our old place BUT it was a place I would have been embarrassed to have my South Sudanese friends come to.Then there was the place that was much cheaper but was even smaller than where we were and had no kitchen to speak of. Lynn was in old Juba town at a hardware store that he shopped at in 1980 and he asked the guy working there about apartments and he told us about this place! When we first looked at it we figured there is no way we can afford it but the guys quickly came down in price so we showed it to our co-worker (she moved with us) and asked the church folks about the location and ended up moving here! Our old place was 400 sq. ft and our new place is 500 sq. ft. ! Over all we gained 100 sq. ft., a dining table and a desk so we are very happy.
The new location is in more of a commercial area and also right across from the police station( not necessarily a good thing) and in a more Muslim area. Shopping for food will not be as convenient as at the other place but we will get used to the new way of living.
This place was furnished with stuff from Khartoum so while not our style, it is still comfortable:) I love the fact that every place has king size beds:)
So, other than that, how are we doing? Pretty good really. Things are ok during the day but at night everyone is in by dark - even our church friends say that they like to be home by 8pm. We are getting to know a few other ex-pats and South Sudanese which is really nice.
Lynn is getting better in Arabic since doing our apartment hunting. Our new landlord speaks ok English but sometimes Lynn tries to clarify with Arabic. Our guards here speak very little English so even I will be pushed to learn more Arabic.
You know, on one hand it seems normal here and I want people to visit us and then I hear gunshots at night and am reminded that things are not so good. There are still a lot of security issues in the towns and cities surrounding Juba.
Oh, and nutella is still available but very expensive so I found another brand that is almost as good and about 1/4 the cost:) I know that is not a big deal to most of you but it is a HUGE deal for a chocaholic like me!
Ok now for some pictures.
Unpacking and......finished!
That is a 21 1/2 inch step up into the shower!
When we returned our old apartment building was on limited power which means limited electricity and internet. The hours kept changing and there did not seem much hope in it getting better so Lynn and I started looking around for a new place. It is not like you can call a realtor or look places up on the internet - you walk around and just stop at places and ask. We saw anything from a a place that all the materials were brought in from Lebanon and was really nice and the same price as our old place BUT it was a place I would have been embarrassed to have my South Sudanese friends come to.Then there was the place that was much cheaper but was even smaller than where we were and had no kitchen to speak of. Lynn was in old Juba town at a hardware store that he shopped at in 1980 and he asked the guy working there about apartments and he told us about this place! When we first looked at it we figured there is no way we can afford it but the guys quickly came down in price so we showed it to our co-worker (she moved with us) and asked the church folks about the location and ended up moving here! Our old place was 400 sq. ft and our new place is 500 sq. ft. ! Over all we gained 100 sq. ft., a dining table and a desk so we are very happy.
The new location is in more of a commercial area and also right across from the police station( not necessarily a good thing) and in a more Muslim area. Shopping for food will not be as convenient as at the other place but we will get used to the new way of living.
This place was furnished with stuff from Khartoum so while not our style, it is still comfortable:) I love the fact that every place has king size beds:)
So, other than that, how are we doing? Pretty good really. Things are ok during the day but at night everyone is in by dark - even our church friends say that they like to be home by 8pm. We are getting to know a few other ex-pats and South Sudanese which is really nice.
Lynn is getting better in Arabic since doing our apartment hunting. Our new landlord speaks ok English but sometimes Lynn tries to clarify with Arabic. Our guards here speak very little English so even I will be pushed to learn more Arabic.
You know, on one hand it seems normal here and I want people to visit us and then I hear gunshots at night and am reminded that things are not so good. There are still a lot of security issues in the towns and cities surrounding Juba.
Oh, and nutella is still available but very expensive so I found another brand that is almost as good and about 1/4 the cost:) I know that is not a big deal to most of you but it is a HUGE deal for a chocaholic like me!
Ok now for some pictures.
Unpacking and......finished!
finally a desk to work at!!
Saturday, October 8, 2016
We are back!!
Today makes one week that we have been back in Juba. So,
where to begin with what has happened the last few weeks?
Our Regional Liaison came to Juba in September to talk to
the local church about many things including when we could return. We were given the go ahead to return about
the middle of September, so, along with packing we began to say good-bye.
Our flight connections were going to be really good except
in Ethiopia where we only had a 45 minute layover but we were assured it was
plenty of time. Our flight actually got in about 30 minutes early so we were
feeling good about things. We got our flight and went on to Nairobi Kenya but
our luggage did not! We were assured it would come on the next flight – nope! We actually ended up being at the Nairobi
airport for 3 ½ hours after our flight arrived because our taxi driver who
normally is dependable was having a problem with a policeman who wanted a
bribe. It took about an hour after we had first seen our taxi driver until he
came back with his car and told us what was going on. He then left to continue
his bargaining efforts with the policeman. We thought maybe this poor taxi
driver was being delayed by God so we could get our luggage which we thought
might be on the next plane from Ethiopia. The 2nd plane did arrive
from Ethiopia before we left the airport but still no luggage ! We finally had to give up and go to our
guesthouse in Nairobi which is something like 20 miles from the airport. The
following day and 3 flights later still no luggage. We were flying out Friday for
Juba and wondering if we were going to have our clothes etc. . Friday morning
we called the airport and they had at least located our luggage at the Addis
Ababa airport. They didn’t know if it would arrive that morning before our
departure for Juba, but possibly. I (Lynn) told Sharon that maybe God simply
didn’t want us to needlessly take our luggage to the guesthouse and we could
take it from the arrivals gate directly over to our departure check-in. I (Lynn)
was dropped off at the arrival gate and Sharon with our carry-ons was dropped
off at the departure area. After getting the proper clearance documents I went to the arrivals gate and sure enough our
luggage was there. I put the 3 bags on a cart and proceeded to make my way back
to the office where I had gotten the clearance permit to go into the arrivals
area. I then made my way the ¼ mile or so to the departure gate pushing our
luggage on the cart. It makes me tired just typing about it ! We were so relieved to see our luggage that it
made up for Sharon having to buy a skirt to wear and washing clothes out by
hand for a day!! J
We had a good flight to Juba and noticed that one of our
church leaders from Juba was on the same plane! He offered us a ride to our
apartment, which was really nice. A good welcome back. We can’t say our return trip was uneventful.
We did feel God’s hand guiding us with our lost luggage and then someone being
on the plane to provide us a ride to our apartment. It also made us realize how
unimportant our “things” are that we travel with, and that we certainly could
survive without them.
So, how are things in Juba? Well, in some ways it feels just
as we left it 5 months ago and in other ways you can feel the change. Food is expensive and I really do not know
how people afford to buy basics. Because we are paid in dollars it does not
affect us as much, but still, when butter is $5.50 for a half pound you can
believe we think twice about buying it. We feel safe enough walking around some
during the day but I don’t think we will be walking around as freely as we used
to. Also, anytime near dark we take a taxi and the taxi’s don’t like to be out
after 9pm so we are pretty much home by 7 or 8 with a taxi. We know you all are worried about us but, we
are where we are supposed to be and for now things are ok here.
Many of our church people are out of the country right now
for meetings but we expect to see some of them next week. Many people have left
the country so it does make doing anything a little hard but we will do what we
can.
People are just so very tired of the fighting and
uncertainty! Please pray the leaders will put the well being of the people
first before their own needs.
Wednesday, September 21, 2016
Return
I have not written in over a month again! Sorry about that all but as you know, there really wasn't much to say except, " no, we don't have a date of return yet". Now we have a date and for some reason it has been hard to want to sit down and write anything on here. We leave the US on Sept. 27 arrive in Kenya on the 28th, shop on the 29 and head to Juba on the 30th. Now it feels real.
People have been asking if we are excited about returning and for me the answer is yes but it is still hard to leave family. Lynn does not get excited so he is just glad to have a date of return :) It does feel really good to know that we are headed back even though we know that the situation there is not the best and that our living situation will not be quite as nice as before. Are we scared? No more than before and then we were not really scared, it is more the apprehension of not knowing.
It has been such a great summer ( and extra 2 months!) of seeing so many people again and meeting others for the first time. You know, when you go to a different church every Sunday and have to meet new people all the time it is tiring but we found it also to be very good! We like meeting people so that helps but just to have the chance to talk about South Sudan with people who are interested and want to know how to pray or help has been really special to us. Every where we went people were so warm and welcoming (and there was ALWAYS way to much to eat) and friendly that it made it easy for us. Seeing the different church buildings is always so interesting and then some of the beautiful places!
Now, as the weather is turning cooler, we really feel it is time to head to warmer places. Most people just head to Florida but that is so boring! Instead we have to go half way around the world :)
You know how everyone says they are changed from a trip to Africa or Mongolia or some such place? I have been changed there but I have also experienced change in these 5 months in the States. How? I go back with a renewed hope in the Church as a whole - each congregation was so interested in what is happening around the world and wanting to be involved in helping both nationally and internationally! What a great support system for us! I also go back feeling a new sense of calling to South Sudan and I think a more open heart and mind to ways of being a part of life there.
We have the fun of meeting up with my (Sharon) cousin in Kenya and with a new friend of ours from South Sudan who is still waiting for the ok to return. It is so much fun to see how small the world really is and to make connections like this. It is like having family all around the world!
Please keep the emails coming - I really do enjoy writing back!
People have been asking if we are excited about returning and for me the answer is yes but it is still hard to leave family. Lynn does not get excited so he is just glad to have a date of return :) It does feel really good to know that we are headed back even though we know that the situation there is not the best and that our living situation will not be quite as nice as before. Are we scared? No more than before and then we were not really scared, it is more the apprehension of not knowing.
It has been such a great summer ( and extra 2 months!) of seeing so many people again and meeting others for the first time. You know, when you go to a different church every Sunday and have to meet new people all the time it is tiring but we found it also to be very good! We like meeting people so that helps but just to have the chance to talk about South Sudan with people who are interested and want to know how to pray or help has been really special to us. Every where we went people were so warm and welcoming (and there was ALWAYS way to much to eat) and friendly that it made it easy for us. Seeing the different church buildings is always so interesting and then some of the beautiful places!
Now, as the weather is turning cooler, we really feel it is time to head to warmer places. Most people just head to Florida but that is so boring! Instead we have to go half way around the world :)
You know how everyone says they are changed from a trip to Africa or Mongolia or some such place? I have been changed there but I have also experienced change in these 5 months in the States. How? I go back with a renewed hope in the Church as a whole - each congregation was so interested in what is happening around the world and wanting to be involved in helping both nationally and internationally! What a great support system for us! I also go back feeling a new sense of calling to South Sudan and I think a more open heart and mind to ways of being a part of life there.
We have the fun of meeting up with my (Sharon) cousin in Kenya and with a new friend of ours from South Sudan who is still waiting for the ok to return. It is so much fun to see how small the world really is and to make connections like this. It is like having family all around the world!
Please keep the emails coming - I really do enjoy writing back!
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