(Read the end of the blog to find out why my angel painting is posted!!! ☺)

Re-entry...

It's a strange thing to be back in America--I keep expecting goats to keep wandering through some part of my daily life. For example, right now...only there are no goats. No chickens either. The only goats I've seen are at the Fort Worth Zoo. It was strange to see them in a pen, not wandering aimlessly around eating everything in sight. While everyone else was thinking about how "cute" the goats were I was thinking about how "tasty" they looked. Wow, it’s a whole new world.

Super Target was another re-entry moment. What do you mean there are three zillion choices? You can buy cakes? Brownies? MILK? Wow. Impressive. I found myself making a mental list of all the things I want to bring (or have brought) to Sudan next time. And it's not a short list. Hmm...

As I look back at my last week in Yei I can't help but smile. It was delightful to have one of my friends (from California) experiencing life in Sudan by my side. I bet she never thought she'd spend three days coloring different colored lines on makeshift dominoes. We also made one last trek to the Lura orphanage to teach and say a temporary goodbye to my women. They are amazing. The way their hearts are open to learn about Christ still astounds me. It was also fun. The women were singing and dancing around the compound. When else can you do a one legged hopping race with adults? And then they beg for more? We wandered between homes and played with kids. We packed. And finally we said goodbye. What a celebration. It was the tastiest goat (maybe that's why I'm eyeing the goats at the zoo in utter gluttony) I've ever had--basted with spices and other goodness. And chipote. Mmmm...and cake... I was spoiled. Three of the guys on staff did imitations of me in front of the entire crowd. I laughed so hard my gut hurt. For posterity it IS on video. I'm still incredibly thankful my friend Sharon got to be a part of that week. She fit right in, jumped head first into service and relationship, I had to remind myself that she was a visitor. But, like other teams that have come through Yei, the biggest blessing is that she knows my world, what I do, how life works, the crazy things, the sad things, the real life of being in Sudan. I am blessed.

I am going through Sudan withdrawals. I miss prayer three times a week at Bishop's Piot, singing and dancing to praise in Bari (and Arabic), my women, coloring with kids, savoring a cup of tea with friends, generally living life ...BUT...

The best part is I'm going back. I want to make a much longer commitment. I am excited to work with His Voice for Sudan. In case you were wondering, Sudan is part of my definition of home now. I miss my Sudanese family! And instead of simply asking for support I'm trying the tent maker approach the Apostle Paul demonstrates. I've made (am making still) Christmas cards. Look at the photo at the top of the blog. That's the front of the card! It’s one of my paintings!!!

So let's be specific. These Christmas cards ARE for sale! It’s not too early! A lot of stores are already carrying cards...but does the average card help a missionary get back to Africa? Doubtful. My goal is to sell 4,000 packs of 10! The first 1,000 cards have arrived and I’ve been busy getting them ready to sell! Hurrah!

The cards are glossy (on the front) 5x7’s with linen envelopes.
The inside says,
"Glory to God in the Highest! And on earth peace, good will towards men...for unto you is born this day in the City of David, a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. (Luke 2: 14,11) Merry Christmas."
Cost: 10 cards for $10 (plus shipping and handling)

I’ll continue to blog and keep you posted on how life unfolds, how plans for Sudan are going, what I'm working on here for Sudan, and all the fun! Again, thank you for taking this journey with me!

Many Blessings!
Robin

“We have to pray with our eyes on God, not on the difficulties.” –Oswald Chambers

It is well with my soul!!!!

In the joyous times.....

What's the buzz?!

Well, actually there was a lot more of a buzz around (and in) my room than I would have cared for. I came home from work one day to a loud droning buzzing sound--outside my window was a swarm of bees. Ok, outside my room seemed alight as long as I kept my door shut and none followed me in. So I thought! I opened my room to see an even bigger swarm of bees! Maybe you don't know this but I'm petrified of bees. I can deal with a bee but hundreds, no way. They were getting in through the roof! I rushed to find help. Sadly there was no one around to help. Well, it was time to take action. Luckily, another friend had the same experience a few weeks before and I knew these stinging pests hated DOOM...a killer bug spray so lethal I think you could kill a human with a full can---ick. I started by spraying the can up at the roof on the outside and a bunch of bees flew off--Then I used my noggin, and sprayed through the screened window on where all the bees were swarming. Then I left the room closed and walked away until the toxins dispersed. Hundreds and hundreds of dead bees. In fact dead bees are STILL appearring a week later! One small step in conquering fears?

Then there was church last Sunday-- My choir gave it's best performance. By the time we sat down I was covered in sweat...dance, Kawaaja, dance! We did this one dance where we swiveled our hips a lot (somewhat as if we were skiing) and really got in the groove. I laughed to myself as I thought about the fact that NONE of the church choirs I grew up in swiveled their hips or broke a full on sweat! ha! I dare our choirs to sing and dance at the same time! :)

It is well with my soul...

in the difficult times...

When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.

This last week a close friend, six months pregnant, went in for a normal check up. The baby's heart had stopped. They quickly took a plane to Kampala (Uganda) to deliver their unborn baby. God provided for them, in their grief, with people to walk along side them and take care of them in Kampala. This last Tuesday they brought the body home and we buried it at the church. It seemed fitting that the day was dark and cloudy with sharp winds whipping around us as we all hudled together singing "Nearer my, God to Thee" and other English and Arabic hymns. We each placed a bright pink flower on the tiny grave before it was closed. My heart ached for them that whole week, it aches still...

It is well with my soul...

Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
Let this blest assurance control,
That Christ has regarded my helpless estate,
And hath shed His own blood for my soul.

Three of our women in the Yei Bible study were pregnant at the same time! Two delivered hours apart on the same day, HURRAY! One precious boy and girl! We were still waiting for Charity, the last of the women to give birth, she was huge! What a joyful woman, a twinkle in her eye and a quick smile. She went into labor on Thursday and everyone was eager in anticipation. In the process her womb burst and we almost lost both mother and child. Thankfully, Charity's sister was there--with the same blood type--so her life was spared. For the second time last week I found myself at a funeral for a child. We were deep in the village, the baby's body was lying in the hut wrapped in blankets and we went in to pray. The weeping and wailing and even more chilling dead silences were all around. It broke my heart that not only were we burying a long anticipated child but they hadn't even told Charity yet. She didn't know until we visited the hospital later in the day. Our hearts were heavy. What a week... but God is good. He is good in the hard times, He's good in the great times.

It is well, with my soul,
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.

My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!
My sin, not in part but the whole,
Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more,
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!

It is well, with my soul,
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.

For me, be it Christ, be it Christ hence to live:
If Jordan above me shall roll,
No pang shall be mine, for in death as in life
Thou wilt whisper Thy peace to my soul.

It is well, with my soul,
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.

But, Lord, ‘tis for Thee, for Thy coming we wait,
The sky, not the grave, is our goal;
Oh trump of the angel! Oh voice of the Lord!
Blessèd hope, blessèd rest of my soul!

It is well, with my soul,
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.

And Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight,
The clouds be rolled back as a scroll;
The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend,
Even so, it is well with my soul.