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.
Wednesday, November 8, 2017
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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