First Wonder Goes Deepest: New Hut-mates

I don’t know about you, but I am not a real big fan of change. Well, I guess I should rephrase that, I am not a big fan of change that is completely out of my control. It makes me nervous, it gives me stomach aches, it stretches my faith. And stretching can be difficult.

In 2008 I moved to Sudan. Since then, I have lived in a mudhut or a tent with Elly and Tianne, two pretty wonderful women. I have laughed and danced, learned about the Didinga and myself and grown closer to God because of these two ladies. This year, I returned to Sudan without them.

The faces around my Didinga dinner table, the conversations and jokes shared, the lessons to be learned seem to be ever changing. Yet, God remains the same.

His goodness in this time of transition, from old to new, comforts me and lifts my eyes to His truth. The truth of His knowing what we don’t, His sovereignty, our Lord’s infinite love.

So, where are Tianne and Elly now that they are not here in Sudan?

In August, Tianne moved to the Philippines. She is currently enrolled at New Life Midwifery School, where her days are occupied with studies and her nights happily interrupted with deliveries. After graduating in 2013, she hopes to return to Central Africa as a missionary midwife.

Following God’s lead, Elly moved back to her home state, Florida. She is currently serving at Media, Africa Inland Mission’s retirement community. Her gentle spirit and love for the older generations have been a great gift to the retired missionaries residing there.

These days my Didinga house is full! My new hut-mates are great!

Making s'mores - Trey, me, Abbi and Katie

Twenty-four year old Trey, like most of his Lone Star neighbors, is proud to be from the great state of Texas. He arrived in Nagishot in late October as part of our Didinga teaching team. He hopes to split his time here between the classroom and assisting Jonathan with logistical and constructional needs. In August Trey will return to his third year of law school in the States.

Katie, a twenty year old from Maryland, also arrived here in late October. Her peppy and outgoing personality have been a great asset at the local clinic, where she is assisting. Her love for creating and baking has been a real asset to our dinner table! In early March, Katie will be returning to the States where she hopes to pursue her studies in either nursing or counseling.

Abbi, also twenty-four, grew up in Montana and Wyoming. Her playful spirit and heart for youth ministry will be a great benefit as a member of our teaching team here in Sudan. Abbi has just started her two year term. She is serious about learning the Didinga language. This eagerness to study has been a great encouragement to me in my language studies.