It's nearly bed time for the kids here at St. Bartholomew's orphanage. The generator is competing against the children's singing in the cool evening air.
We spent several days in northern Uganda at the Amazing Grace orphanage. We really enjoyed getting to know the kids better - through some late night talks, games, and an afternoon in the Peanut farm.
Rick and Faye Meyer are part of a community here in Northern Uganda connected with the Thiessens and Imago Dei Community of Portland. Rick and Faye have been coming regularly to spend time with the children - and on Saturdays teach some lessons about God to the kids. So on Saturday we joined the Meyers and the kids out in the Peanut farms digging and weeding and laughing and sweating. Our friend Bassa Esther was incredulous that we thought we could dig - but we tried our best!
After the time at Amazing Grace we ventured up north to Kajo Keji Sudan. This region has been hit hard by the war of the past 20 years in Sudan - and also affected by the continued war going on in Uganda. But every time we return we see a lot of life returning to the hillsides and city centers. People are cautiously returning from being refugees in a dozen countries and are starting to rebuild the nation.
St. Bartholomew's Orphanage has undergone some serious changes since we were here last. The occupancy has doubled at this point - and the new Babies home is filled with cute babies and lots and lots of work. The ladies in that building are very busy changing diapers, bouncing kids, feeding them, and keeping them happy.
Our team is part way through our pretty intense visioning and bonding sessions. We are trying to create unity among the staff, encourage them, and bring potential problem areas to the surface.
Two days ago we spent some time sharing the frustrations that we have had over the past year - both in ministry and on a personal level. I generally start and share some things that have been tough or frustrating. Then the staff began to share. It was heartbreaking to hear of the intense battles with death, disease, lack of resources, and rebel activity. We've spent some good time praying together as we learn more of the difficulties that our friends face day to day.
We'll be here in Sudan several more days and then we head back down to Uganda for some last minute work before returning to the United States and Kenya. Currently we have about 20 visitors at the orphanage - the largest group being some friends from Pennsylvania who have come with a pastor named Tom Reeder.
Please pray for us as we finish up our last week in East Africa this summer. Pray that we will be united in love and kindness to each other. Pray that the tough challenges that are present in IWASSRU will be discussed and corrected. Pray that the kids here at the orphan homes will grow up healthy, understanding God's love, and be a critical part of a peaceful Sudan. Pray for safety, health, and patience as we travel.
Thanks to each of you for your interest, prayers, and support. Thanks especially to each of you who support the orphanage here in Sudan. The staff here are immensely grateful.
Labels: AGO, Amazing Grace, IWASSRU, Lahash, Sudan, Travel, Uganda
Our Tanzanian partnership is lead by Pastor Amos and Esther Muhagachi. During the month of August, 2008, Esther will be in Mexico for an international conference on AIDS and then traveling to Portland, Oregon for a couple of weeks. This is a great opportunity for the Portland folks to meet our friend and partner Esther. Please email Leisha Adams if you'd like to set up a meeting or presentation with Esther.
