Well, I sure seem to have a hard time keeping up with this blog!
We are in Rwanda for a week of meetings. I have never been to Rwanda before and so far I am really impressed with the city we are in - Kigali. It is beautiful here, green grass, trees and flowers everywhere and NO trash on the streets! It is safe to walk around, which feels very strange to me - they even said it is ok to walk around after dark!
South Sudan just gets worse and worse. So many beggars on the streets and fighting around the country. I know it must seem callous, but we have to not look at all of that or we would not be able to live here. That is not to say we do not give out money or food but we cannot be consumed by what we see. The thing that always amazes me is how people really are trying to stay optimistic and work for something for the future. I admit that people are more discouraged now than ever with the famine and the fact that the rains have not started yet. We read that 200 children are seen daily at the children hospital for malnutrition. That number just amazes me - 200 new children every day and some of them they are not able to help.
Our new roles of Regional Liaison have been challenging with a steep learning curve that I seem to be sliding down:) It is a lot of computer work which is not very exciting but we also get to visit with people and even sometimes give them good news that money is coming or that a permit has been issued or something fun like there are new missionaries coming out! I am still amazed that God put us in this position and I pray He knows what He is doing!!:)
I would really appreciate some ideas of what you want to hear about in this blog - sometimes I just can't think of anything to say.
Sunday, April 16, 2017
Sunday, March 19, 2017
South Sudan
A friend told me that after reading my last post that she was glad to know that I feel and am affected by the things I see around me. Please believe me, I am affected! I am never sure how much to share here about my feelings of despair and anxiety, hopelessness and encouragement. I will see if I can find that sweet spot in sharing.
As you know, Lynn and I are now the Regional Liaisons for the Horn of Africa - that means for Sudan, Ethiopia and South Sudan, and that means you will be hearing about things from those countries now too.
In the last 2 weeks there have been many kidnappings of children and women in Ethiopia in the Gambella area. This area is along the border of South Sudan and the South Sudanese are the ones coming across the border and stealing children and young women. The kidnapping is often done just to attain children because those stealing do not have enough children. The really bad part to this is we have learned that some of these children and young women are sold into the sex trafficking trade. Now, how about this for a response from those whose families have had people taken - they have announced that they will pray for those doing this horrible thing and that they want them to learn of Jesus Christ! Wow, not sure if I could respond like that but I hope I would. The total number of kidnappings since January is now over 100. Please pray for these families.
South Sudan continues to be South Sudan. It is full of many strong Christians but also many angry men with big guns and no pay. Sometimes I am really discouraged. Other times I am so lifted up by visits to the Theological College or to the different church offices. The people who work in our apartment building are so kind and helpful and are happy that we are in their country to help with education. I don't know why God has called us to South Sudan but I know this is where He wants us and so I am content to be here. It really has become home to us and we miss everyone when we are gone on one of our many trips.
We are in the States right now and had so much fun surprising the grandkids and Lynn's family - I always wanted to do that and we actually pulled it off. Then to just walk into church and watch all the double takes was just awesome:)
We have been encouraged by the students that were attending the teacher training college that has now closed due to fighting. They continue to move ahead, study as they can, attend workshops and keep on teaching even if they do not get paid. A light in a somewhat dark world.
As you know, Lynn and I are now the Regional Liaisons for the Horn of Africa - that means for Sudan, Ethiopia and South Sudan, and that means you will be hearing about things from those countries now too.
In the last 2 weeks there have been many kidnappings of children and women in Ethiopia in the Gambella area. This area is along the border of South Sudan and the South Sudanese are the ones coming across the border and stealing children and young women. The kidnapping is often done just to attain children because those stealing do not have enough children. The really bad part to this is we have learned that some of these children and young women are sold into the sex trafficking trade. Now, how about this for a response from those whose families have had people taken - they have announced that they will pray for those doing this horrible thing and that they want them to learn of Jesus Christ! Wow, not sure if I could respond like that but I hope I would. The total number of kidnappings since January is now over 100. Please pray for these families.
South Sudan continues to be South Sudan. It is full of many strong Christians but also many angry men with big guns and no pay. Sometimes I am really discouraged. Other times I am so lifted up by visits to the Theological College or to the different church offices. The people who work in our apartment building are so kind and helpful and are happy that we are in their country to help with education. I don't know why God has called us to South Sudan but I know this is where He wants us and so I am content to be here. It really has become home to us and we miss everyone when we are gone on one of our many trips.
We are in the States right now and had so much fun surprising the grandkids and Lynn's family - I always wanted to do that and we actually pulled it off. Then to just walk into church and watch all the double takes was just awesome:)
We have been encouraged by the students that were attending the teacher training college that has now closed due to fighting. They continue to move ahead, study as they can, attend workshops and keep on teaching even if they do not get paid. A light in a somewhat dark world.
Wednesday, February 22, 2017
Sad
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
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 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!!
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