Ok, so it has been a month again since I last wrote but this time I feel like I really do have a good reason. :) Feb 1st I went to Ethiopia and returned to Juba on the 18th. Then on the 22nd Lynn and I went to Uganda and returned on the 24th only to leave again on the 26th to go to Khartoum, Sudan.
Ethiopia was a really good trip! I was able to go to Gambella and Jimma again, 2 places I visited the last time. I was hoping to go to one other place but things just did not work out so I had extra time in Addis which ended up being a very good thing. I always have trouble with the internet in Ethiopia so that is my excuse for not writing while I was there. Let me tell you, we in the States have much to learn about hospitality from our friends in Africa!! Tea and coffee several times a day, more food than we can eat, and long conversations about so many different things. Oh, and don't forget the laughter - so much time laughing and sharing. I also got to see a school mate that I had not seen since 1992! It was such a good trip! I did realize that I am way more of an introvert ( yes, really! ME!) than I ever knew. Luckily I was with people who understood that and gave me time in the evenings to just be by myself. :) I am already looking forward to my next trip to Ethiopia in the fall.
Uganda was just a quick trip to see some co-workers there and get some "mega hugs" from their kids! We were in Arua and I think I could live there the rest of my life! Just the right size town, cooler than Juba most of the time, friendly people and the neatest old style houses. The flight back was an interesting one though. Our plane had room for 12 passengers and the 2 pilots. Well, for both legs of the trip we had 13 passengers! These are smaller planes and the isles are REALLY narrow so the 13th person sat in the last row with a butt cheek on the seat on either side of the isle!!!! The plane also did not have all the seat belts working and when we brought this to the attention of the co-pilot he said " no problem"! I will say the pilot landed the plane with one of the smoothest landings I have experienced! When we arrived in Juba we had to sit on the plane for a little over an hour while waiting for the President to arrive, do an interview and then leave - luckily it was a cooler day or it would have really been miserable.
Now we are in Khartoum visiting friends and seeing some of the sights around the city. We will be heading back to Juba on the 5th and then on to the States on the 12th. Is it any wonder that I wake up wondering where I am??
Oh, by the way, the coffee in Ethiopia and Sudan is FAR better than anything I have had in the States!
Friday, March 2, 2018
Monday, January 29, 2018
One of those days
Have you ever had so many different things on your mind that you don't know where to start? That was us today. Trying to get a visa for Lynn to go to Khartoum. If he does not get it then the person traveling with him will not get hers. This means she will go to Ethiopia early which means I need to go early. This means getting my ticket changed which is not so bad except to get the really good deal on that we have to pay on line and that has never worked for us on the airlines website. Plus we need to spend a half a day getting our 1 year visa renewed. Oh, and there is a financial report to get sent, emails that need to be worded carefully, check about a place to stay in Ethiopia and flights to different places and make sure the people will be around that we want to see. Then, this morning we get a call from Rev. Yor saying that Michael Weller has been trying to reach us by phone but is not getting an answer from either of us. I call back and he was very relieved since there was a recording on my phone in Arabic and he was worried something had happened to me. Got that cleared up and then got a message from Rachel Weller in another city in Ethiopia saying "please call right away"! This was because she also was worried that something had happened to me.
By now it is noon and neither one of has cooked lunch and we need to get going to the immigration office. Well, we decided to go to a restaurant near the immigration office and walked in to see the dinning room blocked off!! NO way was this happening! When we asked they said, oh, yes, you can go in - WHEW. WE had some GREAT Ethiopian food and then walked over to the immigration office and walked out 45 minutes later with our visas renewed, no problems and feeling like things were looking up. We start walking up to the main road to get a bus when Lynn's phone starts ringing like crazy and when he is finally able to answer it is a co-worker saying our boss (in the States) has been trying to get through to us and someone strange is answering our phone! HUH??? We get through to her and take care of things.
We get home only to have more phone calls and emails that all need us to do something right now and some we cannot do at all. We get it all taken care of (sort of) and I go to sound off to our co-worker then return to our apartment only to realize there is NO CHOCOLATE in the house!!!! This cannot be and I will not make it through the evening without my chocolate. I decide to sit and look at facebook and there is a message from a friend living across town who has made a chocolate pudding dessert and I should come and get some! It is now 6:30 and will be dark soon and it is a 15 min walk there and then back again and it will be dark by then. Someone tried to steal by bag off of me last week so I am a little nervous of walking around dark by myself. Lynn was starting to make supper so he could not go. Well, nothing was going to keep me from getting some chocolate so off I go. I was able to get a rickshaw part way there which gave me a little time to visit before starting back. As I was walking towards the big traffic circle I was praying for a rickshaw to come along and just as I got to the circle there came a rickshaw. I got home just at full dark.
Whew! Supper is over, my belly has chocolate in it and I feel like I will be to relax.
As I look back on the day I see how so many things worked out so well for us, from getting the rides we needed, having lunch where we wanted, getting our visas in 45 Min ( truly a miracle) and ending with chocolate. Plus, having wonderful people around us to listen as we gripe about things.
By now it is noon and neither one of has cooked lunch and we need to get going to the immigration office. Well, we decided to go to a restaurant near the immigration office and walked in to see the dinning room blocked off!! NO way was this happening! When we asked they said, oh, yes, you can go in - WHEW. WE had some GREAT Ethiopian food and then walked over to the immigration office and walked out 45 minutes later with our visas renewed, no problems and feeling like things were looking up. We start walking up to the main road to get a bus when Lynn's phone starts ringing like crazy and when he is finally able to answer it is a co-worker saying our boss (in the States) has been trying to get through to us and someone strange is answering our phone! HUH??? We get through to her and take care of things.
We get home only to have more phone calls and emails that all need us to do something right now and some we cannot do at all. We get it all taken care of (sort of) and I go to sound off to our co-worker then return to our apartment only to realize there is NO CHOCOLATE in the house!!!! This cannot be and I will not make it through the evening without my chocolate. I decide to sit and look at facebook and there is a message from a friend living across town who has made a chocolate pudding dessert and I should come and get some! It is now 6:30 and will be dark soon and it is a 15 min walk there and then back again and it will be dark by then. Someone tried to steal by bag off of me last week so I am a little nervous of walking around dark by myself. Lynn was starting to make supper so he could not go. Well, nothing was going to keep me from getting some chocolate so off I go. I was able to get a rickshaw part way there which gave me a little time to visit before starting back. As I was walking towards the big traffic circle I was praying for a rickshaw to come along and just as I got to the circle there came a rickshaw. I got home just at full dark.
Whew! Supper is over, my belly has chocolate in it and I feel like I will be to relax.
As I look back on the day I see how so many things worked out so well for us, from getting the rides we needed, having lunch where we wanted, getting our visas in 45 Min ( truly a miracle) and ending with chocolate. Plus, having wonderful people around us to listen as we gripe about things.
Monday, January 22, 2018
Hello!
Well, I did not get the new year off to a very good start - I was going to write more often this year -HA!
We stayed in Juba for all of December and it was very quiet. There are 2 things about it being very quiet. The church office closes for a month so everyone can go be with their families and this is good because many of them do not see their families except for once or twice a year. It makes it boring for us because there is not much to do (well , there is plenty that needs doing but no one is here!) Quiet is good during December because that means there was no fighting. This year we really noticed how people seemed to feel a little more hope and there was more social activities among the South Sudanese. New Years eve at midnight I heard all this noise outside and at first I thought it was a bad sign but then I went and looked out the window and saw that it was people celebrating and there was so much traffic that they had the traffic police out! It was fun to watch people dancing and singing in the streets. Other years people have tended to stay inside or if they were out they were not singing and dancing in the streets.
This is not to say that peace has arrived in South Sudan. I really look forward to the day that I can say that it has. There is still fighting in the country and every group blaming another for the fighting.
Lynn is hoping to leave on the 29th to go to Khartoum again. He ha not received his visa yet but we still have this week so who is worried??? I will leave on the 4th for a 2 week trip to Ethiopia and Lynn will join me their on the 12th.
Then guess what?? We will be going to the States mid March and be there for 2 1/2 months!! This is part of our Interpretation Assignment (IA) so that means we will be traveling around talking at different churches. We will be doing this again mid July to mid Sept. so you all get truly blessed with our company this year. Ha. :)
I know this is short but I seem to be having trouble thinking of things that would be interesting to you all. I do want you to know that we are praying for you. I am looking forward to coffee dates(Brandon L) play time with grandchildren, teaching a niece (Emersyn) some bad things for her parents and long talks with everyone. Oh, and eating Mexican food. :)
We stayed in Juba for all of December and it was very quiet. There are 2 things about it being very quiet. The church office closes for a month so everyone can go be with their families and this is good because many of them do not see their families except for once or twice a year. It makes it boring for us because there is not much to do (well , there is plenty that needs doing but no one is here!) Quiet is good during December because that means there was no fighting. This year we really noticed how people seemed to feel a little more hope and there was more social activities among the South Sudanese. New Years eve at midnight I heard all this noise outside and at first I thought it was a bad sign but then I went and looked out the window and saw that it was people celebrating and there was so much traffic that they had the traffic police out! It was fun to watch people dancing and singing in the streets. Other years people have tended to stay inside or if they were out they were not singing and dancing in the streets.
This is not to say that peace has arrived in South Sudan. I really look forward to the day that I can say that it has. There is still fighting in the country and every group blaming another for the fighting.
Lynn is hoping to leave on the 29th to go to Khartoum again. He ha not received his visa yet but we still have this week so who is worried??? I will leave on the 4th for a 2 week trip to Ethiopia and Lynn will join me their on the 12th.
Then guess what?? We will be going to the States mid March and be there for 2 1/2 months!! This is part of our Interpretation Assignment (IA) so that means we will be traveling around talking at different churches. We will be doing this again mid July to mid Sept. so you all get truly blessed with our company this year. Ha. :)
I know this is short but I seem to be having trouble thinking of things that would be interesting to you all. I do want you to know that we are praying for you. I am looking forward to coffee dates(Brandon L) play time with grandchildren, teaching a niece (Emersyn) some bad things for her parents and long talks with everyone. Oh, and eating Mexican food. :)
Tuesday, November 28, 2017
So, don't go into shock that I am writing again so soon.
For those of you have been asking about how we handle living here with so many hungry people all around us, here is a sort of answer.
Yesterday I was sitting in my living room working at emails when I realized that there seemed to be a lot of commotion on the street in front of our building. I went out in the hall to look out the window and see what was going on. I saw 4 boys, ages maybe 10-12, across the street at the bus stop. ( yes we do have a few actual bus stops with benches!) These boys were talking to an older boy who has only one leg and judging by his age I am guessing he lost his leg as a soldier - this young man was maybe 20. I am not sure what was said but the older boy took his crutch and hit one of the younger boys who fell to the ground. One of the other young boys then proceeded to pummel the one one on the ground. No one intervened. The really unusual part of this is that no one intervened. Usually anyone walking by or at the bus stop will stop this sort of thing but not that day. Part of the reason, I think, for the fight was that the all of the boys were sniffing glue and the older boy wanted some of it. This is something we see everyday here, boys sniffing glue, smoking and drinking. They are hungry and these things help curb the appetite. Now they are getting addicted to these things and there just is not enough help to go around for everyone. On top of that, even if there was help, these boys have gotten used to living on their own and do not take very well to living where there are rules and expectations.
So, how do we deal with it???? We do not give them money since we are not sure what it will be spent on but we do give food at times and we do a lot of asking about where or how these boys could get some help. The really hard part is that some of these boys have homes and the parents have found there is more money to be made by having their children beg than working themselves so why send their children to school?
The encouraging thing is that we do not see near as many boys across the street as we used to. A couple of months ago an effort was made to round up these kids and get them into some kind of home or with family somewhere. I asked if they were actually being taken care of or were they just moved someplace else and I was told they were being taken to orphanages until family could be found and then they were being returned to family - this may mean distant aunts and uncles but at least it is some kind of family.
I pray a lot and then when I am feeling overwhelmed I try not to see. Am I proud of that? No, but it is my reality.
I wrote this just to try and give you all a glimpse into our lives, not to seek sympathy but rather to encourage prayers for South Sudan and its wonderful people.
For those of you have been asking about how we handle living here with so many hungry people all around us, here is a sort of answer.
Yesterday I was sitting in my living room working at emails when I realized that there seemed to be a lot of commotion on the street in front of our building. I went out in the hall to look out the window and see what was going on. I saw 4 boys, ages maybe 10-12, across the street at the bus stop. ( yes we do have a few actual bus stops with benches!) These boys were talking to an older boy who has only one leg and judging by his age I am guessing he lost his leg as a soldier - this young man was maybe 20. I am not sure what was said but the older boy took his crutch and hit one of the younger boys who fell to the ground. One of the other young boys then proceeded to pummel the one one on the ground. No one intervened. The really unusual part of this is that no one intervened. Usually anyone walking by or at the bus stop will stop this sort of thing but not that day. Part of the reason, I think, for the fight was that the all of the boys were sniffing glue and the older boy wanted some of it. This is something we see everyday here, boys sniffing glue, smoking and drinking. They are hungry and these things help curb the appetite. Now they are getting addicted to these things and there just is not enough help to go around for everyone. On top of that, even if there was help, these boys have gotten used to living on their own and do not take very well to living where there are rules and expectations.
So, how do we deal with it???? We do not give them money since we are not sure what it will be spent on but we do give food at times and we do a lot of asking about where or how these boys could get some help. The really hard part is that some of these boys have homes and the parents have found there is more money to be made by having their children beg than working themselves so why send their children to school?
The encouraging thing is that we do not see near as many boys across the street as we used to. A couple of months ago an effort was made to round up these kids and get them into some kind of home or with family somewhere. I asked if they were actually being taken care of or were they just moved someplace else and I was told they were being taken to orphanages until family could be found and then they were being returned to family - this may mean distant aunts and uncles but at least it is some kind of family.
I pray a lot and then when I am feeling overwhelmed I try not to see. Am I proud of that? No, but it is my reality.
I wrote this just to try and give you all a glimpse into our lives, not to seek sympathy but rather to encourage prayers for South Sudan and its wonderful people.
Wednesday, November 22, 2017
So, tomorrow is Thanksgiving. We will not have the traditional meal but we will do something to celebrate the day. A new restaurant has opened just down the street from us so 7 of us will go there for supper tomorrow. This place is on the expensive side so we usually only go there for a coffee. When we are in this place it really feels like we are not in South Sudan - the furnishings, art, decor and colors are all something you would see in the States. They say they have lasagna so I may just give that a try. I do miss turkey, stuffing and the works but this way I do not have to cook. :)
What am I thankful for this year? Health! the older I get the more I appreciate that. :) Family, of course and then there are things like, being able to buy food and water, clothes to wear and friends around me. I am also really thankful for all the emails and prayers that are said on our behalf.
We are winding down the year and getting ready for the slow time. Mid December the Church office folks all leave for one month. They go to where ever their families are so, Khartoum, Kenya, Uganda and Egypt. This is the one long time period that they have with their families - can you imagine not seeing your children for a year? I am talking school age children. Sometimes they get trips other times of the year but those are only for a week or so and only happen if they already have a trip going to that area. So, we are going to be lonely here in Juba so if anyone wants to come visit, that would be a great time. Just think, Christmas where you don't have to put on coats and boots!
Last Sunday we had a pleasant surprise. We had been invited to lunch by someone we only had had email contact with but she was here in Juba and wanted to meet us. You know how you accept the invitation but are not sure what you are getting into? That was us. We did know her name and the last name is Kisare and we figured she must be from Tanzania and maybe even from an area we knew from living there years ago. We arrived at the hotel and she met us in the lobby and the first thing we asked her was about her name and found out she is the granddaughter of Bishop Kisare from Shirati - a man we had known years ago! What a very small world and what fun to have almost 4 hours with her talking about so many things. I love how God has us make these connections throughout our lives.
Things continue in South Sudan pretty much the same. There is fighting in the country but not in Juba, people are going hungry, crime is on the upswing and it is getting hot as the dry season has begun. There are also things like the Pochalla school having a huge positive impact on that community, churches being built, new ideas being thought of for development within the church and a very small renewed hope for peace.
Happy Thanksgiving to all of you!
What am I thankful for this year? Health! the older I get the more I appreciate that. :) Family, of course and then there are things like, being able to buy food and water, clothes to wear and friends around me. I am also really thankful for all the emails and prayers that are said on our behalf.
We are winding down the year and getting ready for the slow time. Mid December the Church office folks all leave for one month. They go to where ever their families are so, Khartoum, Kenya, Uganda and Egypt. This is the one long time period that they have with their families - can you imagine not seeing your children for a year? I am talking school age children. Sometimes they get trips other times of the year but those are only for a week or so and only happen if they already have a trip going to that area. So, we are going to be lonely here in Juba so if anyone wants to come visit, that would be a great time. Just think, Christmas where you don't have to put on coats and boots!
Last Sunday we had a pleasant surprise. We had been invited to lunch by someone we only had had email contact with but she was here in Juba and wanted to meet us. You know how you accept the invitation but are not sure what you are getting into? That was us. We did know her name and the last name is Kisare and we figured she must be from Tanzania and maybe even from an area we knew from living there years ago. We arrived at the hotel and she met us in the lobby and the first thing we asked her was about her name and found out she is the granddaughter of Bishop Kisare from Shirati - a man we had known years ago! What a very small world and what fun to have almost 4 hours with her talking about so many things. I love how God has us make these connections throughout our lives.
Things continue in South Sudan pretty much the same. There is fighting in the country but not in Juba, people are going hungry, crime is on the upswing and it is getting hot as the dry season has begun. There are also things like the Pochalla school having a huge positive impact on that community, churches being built, new ideas being thought of for development within the church and a very small renewed hope for peace.
Happy Thanksgiving to all of you!
Wednesday, November 8, 2017
2 months!
Oh my goodness! 2 months since I last wrote???? I was sure I was doing better than that! Here is my reason/excuse for what it is worth.
In September I went to Ethiopia for 2 weeks and when I got back at the beginning of October we were in the final stages of making plans for 2 people to visit for one week and that week was a BUSY one! Then 3 days after the visitors left, we left for a quick 2 1/2 weeks trip to the States and arrived back in Juba on Nov. 4.
So, how are we?? Besides being tired really not to bad. It was good to come back to where it is warm since Ohio was cold and rainy our last week there. It was good to see some of you and Brandon Leatherman, I am sorry I did not get to meet you for coffee - please forgive me. :)
We were in the States for Sudan/South Sudan Mission network meeting in Kentucky and it was a good time. It is always nice to get together with people who are actively involved in the places we live and work. I will admit that I was a bit overcome with all the political talk but I also learned some things and made some new connections that will last a long time.
We arrived back to Juba with word that things were tense because of the former Head of Military being under house arrest and some of his supporters were threatening to take him out by force. Well, things are not as bad as we first thought but there is a lot more military around that mans house and it is on one of the main roads in town so it is interesting driving by there like we did today.
Can you believe that we have been here for 3 years now? It is hard for me to believe it. It is funny how this feels like home in many ways and in other ways Ohio is home. I wonder how it will be to live in the States again? No we are not, retiring yet but I think of these things since we are back in the States so often. I get how it was hard for my dad to leave Africa.
I was asked why we would extend our time here when at times we seem unhappy. We are not unhappy, but at times we are stressed and that is when I seem to sound off the most. I am going to try and show the positives things and this is one of them. Today Lynn and I sat in a meeting with the Moderator, General Secretary and Treasurer of the Church and had a very open and honest discussion. It was so good to be able to have this kind of talk about so many different things and to feel like we really are a part of the church here in South Sudan. It is good to be getting to the point of really feeling a friendship with these men - one where there is give and take on both sides.
We are often asked for financial help that we cannot give but we can give of our time and energy and it is by doing this that we develop real relationships. Sometimes people just need to know that you care enough that you will spend time with them.
In September I went to Ethiopia for 2 weeks and when I got back at the beginning of October we were in the final stages of making plans for 2 people to visit for one week and that week was a BUSY one! Then 3 days after the visitors left, we left for a quick 2 1/2 weeks trip to the States and arrived back in Juba on Nov. 4.
So, how are we?? Besides being tired really not to bad. It was good to come back to where it is warm since Ohio was cold and rainy our last week there. It was good to see some of you and Brandon Leatherman, I am sorry I did not get to meet you for coffee - please forgive me. :)
We were in the States for Sudan/South Sudan Mission network meeting in Kentucky and it was a good time. It is always nice to get together with people who are actively involved in the places we live and work. I will admit that I was a bit overcome with all the political talk but I also learned some things and made some new connections that will last a long time.
We arrived back to Juba with word that things were tense because of the former Head of Military being under house arrest and some of his supporters were threatening to take him out by force. Well, things are not as bad as we first thought but there is a lot more military around that mans house and it is on one of the main roads in town so it is interesting driving by there like we did today.
Can you believe that we have been here for 3 years now? It is hard for me to believe it. It is funny how this feels like home in many ways and in other ways Ohio is home. I wonder how it will be to live in the States again? No we are not, retiring yet but I think of these things since we are back in the States so often. I get how it was hard for my dad to leave Africa.
I was asked why we would extend our time here when at times we seem unhappy. We are not unhappy, but at times we are stressed and that is when I seem to sound off the most. I am going to try and show the positives things and this is one of them. Today Lynn and I sat in a meeting with the Moderator, General Secretary and Treasurer of the Church and had a very open and honest discussion. It was so good to be able to have this kind of talk about so many different things and to feel like we really are a part of the church here in South Sudan. It is good to be getting to the point of really feeling a friendship with these men - one where there is give and take on both sides.
We are often asked for financial help that we cannot give but we can give of our time and energy and it is by doing this that we develop real relationships. Sometimes people just need to know that you care enough that you will spend time with them.
Thursday, August 31, 2017
jumps
For those of you who know me well, you know that my mind jumps all around the place so it is hard for me to focus on just one theme as I write on this blog. I have two things I want to write about and when ever I sit down to write I start thinking of other things too. Forgive me and just try to follow my mind. ( No comments from the family!!)
Our new positions as Regional Liaisons is really different from what we were doing before. Before we were very involved in the day to day activities of the Church here and with the people. Now we work with the bigger picture of the Church and not so much going to the office on a daily basis. I miss the daily interaction with people and getting to know them on a deeper level. We still see people, just not as regularly. Now we see people to talk about their vision for the Church or School or whatever and then we try to help them write a proposal or request for funds. Before we were helping to implement programs now we help with getting funds and explaining reporting. So, yes, we still are involved with people, it is just in a different way. Part of me likes this way but there is a huge responsibility that comes with it.
We have new co-workers here, a couple that has experience in Africa but this is their first time in South Sudan. I watch as they learn Arabic ( yes, I am jealous of their ability to learn it!), make friends with people on the street and get to know the people they will be working with. They will be working closely with people the way we had been and I think of the relationships they will build and I am happy for them. I realize that my role now is to be able to help these co-worker do their work and to be a sounding board for them. I admit to being a little envious of the relationships that they will be building but then I realize that I have my own relationships with some of the same people and that it is not better or worse, just different. Much of it comes down to how much effort I am willing to put into re-shaping some of these relationships. I am thankful for these new co-workers and the insight they bring and they way they challenge me.
Now my mind jumps to something else :)
Many people think that missionaries are strong, confident, spiritual people to be held up as something special. I have heard my parents generation of missionaries referred to as the "Saints" of missions. How my parents would have disliked that!! Most missionaries are just really stubborn people! Not me, of course! HA. When we were in Rwanda for the gathering of all Africa missionaries there were quite a few who were wondering about their roles, if they are reflecting God's love, being the best they could be. I found this very encouraging! To know that, while we all felt we were Where God wanted us to be, we still knew that we had a long way to go to be better people. We are challenged each day with what it means to be a Christian - not just in a different culture but all the time and everywhere. Scripture is not about culture it is about a new life in Christ that should not change because of culture.
Jumping again.
I am going back to Ethiopia by myself in a few weeks. I am excited and a little nervous. I am looking forward to seeing places I have not seen in 40 years and some places I have never seen. Confident?? humm.....stubborn? YUP. I will be fine and I will learn and grow. Many of you who know me think I am an extrovert but really I am an introvert that God is pushing out of her comfort zone.
Wow, I had no idea I would write all of that.
Our new positions as Regional Liaisons is really different from what we were doing before. Before we were very involved in the day to day activities of the Church here and with the people. Now we work with the bigger picture of the Church and not so much going to the office on a daily basis. I miss the daily interaction with people and getting to know them on a deeper level. We still see people, just not as regularly. Now we see people to talk about their vision for the Church or School or whatever and then we try to help them write a proposal or request for funds. Before we were helping to implement programs now we help with getting funds and explaining reporting. So, yes, we still are involved with people, it is just in a different way. Part of me likes this way but there is a huge responsibility that comes with it.
We have new co-workers here, a couple that has experience in Africa but this is their first time in South Sudan. I watch as they learn Arabic ( yes, I am jealous of their ability to learn it!), make friends with people on the street and get to know the people they will be working with. They will be working closely with people the way we had been and I think of the relationships they will build and I am happy for them. I realize that my role now is to be able to help these co-worker do their work and to be a sounding board for them. I admit to being a little envious of the relationships that they will be building but then I realize that I have my own relationships with some of the same people and that it is not better or worse, just different. Much of it comes down to how much effort I am willing to put into re-shaping some of these relationships. I am thankful for these new co-workers and the insight they bring and they way they challenge me.
Now my mind jumps to something else :)
Many people think that missionaries are strong, confident, spiritual people to be held up as something special. I have heard my parents generation of missionaries referred to as the "Saints" of missions. How my parents would have disliked that!! Most missionaries are just really stubborn people! Not me, of course! HA. When we were in Rwanda for the gathering of all Africa missionaries there were quite a few who were wondering about their roles, if they are reflecting God's love, being the best they could be. I found this very encouraging! To know that, while we all felt we were Where God wanted us to be, we still knew that we had a long way to go to be better people. We are challenged each day with what it means to be a Christian - not just in a different culture but all the time and everywhere. Scripture is not about culture it is about a new life in Christ that should not change because of culture.
Jumping again.
I am going back to Ethiopia by myself in a few weeks. I am excited and a little nervous. I am looking forward to seeing places I have not seen in 40 years and some places I have never seen. Confident?? humm.....stubborn? YUP. I will be fine and I will learn and grow. Many of you who know me think I am an extrovert but really I am an introvert that God is pushing out of her comfort zone.
Wow, I had no idea I would write all of that.
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