rest

After nearly five months in South Sudan, Abbi and I relished a little time of rest, relaxation and reflection on the cloudy, but nonetheless beautiful, Kenyan coast this past week.

I was pretty worn out, pretty ready for a break.  

Evidence of weariness... I only took two picture the whole time we were on holiday.
 

Picture #1

Abbi and I rented bikes from some dude we met on the road one day.  The alignment on Abbi's was wanky and mine didn't have any brakes - as in, walk down steep hillsides or die trying, NO brakes!!!

I felt like a carefree, summer loving, 9 year-old riding that death trap of a bike back and forth from the rinky dink coastal market and swimming hole.  It was lovely!!!  

Photo #2

These monkeys wanted a sip of my morning coffee... I refused. 

We will be heading back into Nagishot early Monday morning.
 

Home Assignement and Future Plans!!!

In mid-July I will be flying home to the States for my scheduled Home Assignment.  While home I would love to meet up with you to share a bit of what God has been doing in the Didinga Hills of South Sudan as well as hear what our Lord is doing in your life.

After Home Assignment, as a means of completing AIM’s Bible requirements and building a stronger personal Biblical foundation for future mission service, I will be taking a year long Educational Leave from Sudan to attend Bible school.  I will remain active with AIM throughout this upcoming year, as I do plan to return to my work in Didinga after this time of full-time study.

 After nearly five years of service amongst the Didinga people, I have grown to love them, my work and life there.  I originally planned to complete most of my Bible requirements as a member of the Didinga TIMO team.  However, when that team ended early, I was left with several unmet Bible requirements.  Though I am sad to leave my work in Didinga, even for a year, I am excited about this opportunity to diligently study God’s word, as I believe that it will deepen the cornerstone for my work amongst the Didinga people, my faith, while also serving as a catalyst towards effective future ministry in Sudan.

I am applying to several Bible schools – praying and researching my way through this decision.  I would appreciate your prayers as I attempt to choose the appropriate school, make a cross-continental move, transition back into life in the Western world after years of mud-hut living and attempt to fully trust in God the great Planner and Provider – while living a life which currently a bit chaotic.    

Bible Camp - The answered prayer addition!

Camp was amazing!

There were so many answered prayers, so many opportunities to see God at work.  Here are just a few…

Weather - Some may say that organizing two, mostly outdoor, Bible Camps in the middle of rainy season is not a good idea.  And yet, God is so much bigger than the weather.  Realistically, the possibility for rain to have literally washed out these camps was almost inevitable.  However, due to the faithful prayers of many, God miraculously held back the rain.   

Our first camp was held under sunny summer-like skies, without so much as a drop of rain.  The second week, as Didinga farmers started to complain about their dry fields, we were emboldened to pray more specifically for clear skied teaching periods and evening showers.  God answered these prayers as well  How awesome it was to see the mighty hand of God providing for these practical everyday needs. 

Our team flew out of Nagishot on a Saturday.  The torrential rains started shortly after that!

Health – Even though most of our Colorado team, both Didinga translators and Abbi struggled with foul tummies, a severe cold and general weariness throughout the two weeks of camp, God always provided enough strength for these individuals to carry out their daily duties.  No one missed a single lesson – though many could not stray far from the outhouse! 

I am happy to report that all are feeling much better today!

National Participation – Though it has never been done before and everyone said that it would be impossible; we had AMAZING national volunteer staff participation for both camps!!! 
 

Our rockin' camp staff!!!

While planning for these Bible camps, Abbi and I were repeatedly warned that Didinga people, even those in the church, would not freely volunteer their time, energy or services for the church. 

In the past, we have repeatedly experienced and been frustrated by this pervasive selfish attitude.  However, we felt quite strongly that without a call to selfless service, our Didinga church body could never spiritually mature.

So, it is with a very happy heart that I share with you the news of our incredible national participation in both Didinga camps!!! Our translators, junior counselors and cooks all served with their whole body, heart and soul!  In fact, after the first camp, we had young ladies asking if they too could join the service party!   

The national staff far exceeded my expectations and anything I have ever seen in South Sudan – they truly served with joyful spirits.   Praise GOD!!!

Lokolong, Lugia, Yaya and Lubia - our camp drama team. They performed a Gospel drama each morning, as a means of introducing new concepts.

The junior counselors helping others decorate their camp-made candles.

Nakoris and Tim teaching a Bible lesson.

Unity - It was amazing to see God unify our Didinga/Western team.  Whether it was playing volleyball or UNO, teaching God’s word or hiking with heavy loads on our heads across the hillsides to camp each morning – there was an overpowering spirit of love and harmony amongst the team.  People were truly one-anothering, helping the least of these and doing it all with an seemingly unexplainable joy.  

Our second camp was held across the valley - each morning 8 jerry-cans of clean water, craft supplies, teaching tools and the day's camp food was portered from one hillside to the other.

Youth Night - UNO!

Preparing gizari - boiled beans and corn - for the campers' noon day meal.

Being a part of this team was one of the greatest blessings I have ever experienced in Sudan.

Campers – We had no idea how many children would actually attend camp.  We were hoping and planning for up to 80 children at each camp for a total of 160 little ones.  We were blessed with between 90 to 100 plus campers at our first camp and around 60 at our second.

Prayer at the 2nd Camp

Football!
Capture the Flag was another HUGE hit - I am not sure who had more fun - the campers, the junior counselors or us adults...

Students were eager to learn and for the most part very receptive to the Gospel message.

The Sunday after our initial camp, the church was filled with youngsters, many who rarely, if ever, attend church.  We believe these camps laid a wonderful foundation for future ministry opportunities.

Thanks again for your prayers!