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.
Sunday, July 30, 2017
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.
Sunday, April 16, 2017
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.
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, 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
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