Friday morning I took a trip with Bishop, AnnGrace, and 9 other staff members to go change the sheets at Morobo. AnnGrace and Bishop had made a surprise visit the day before and were shocked at what they found- You could smell the children's rooms before you ever entered the building. Apparently the sheets were only changed to the "nice" ones when visitors were coming. Crazy! So new sets of sheets were bought (on credit because it's THAT important) and we went down for a whirlwind sheet changing extravaganza. All the old sheets should be burned by now...I hope! In case you were worried, it's all on film, Bishop had his video camera- Although my friend Megan gets all the credit for being there--Bishop spent the day calling me Megan and AnnGrace spent the day correcting him. Ha! After lunch Pastor Julius and I blew up balloons and let the kids chase them around the compound- what fun planned chaos! Squealing kids everywhere! Sneaky kids too...when we passed out snack some tried to stuff them in their pockets and get back in line--kids will push their boundaries, eh?! Anyway, I'm hoping that the new sheets are the beginning of a new way of doing things, that the kids rooms get cleaned for the sake of the kids not just the visitors!
Saturday it was back to Lora for the weekly Bible study- I'd call it the women's Bible study but we now have 3 men that come-- how great! It was a long day- Christine helped out the guys go to the water hole (literally) to get the water for the orphanage- Their vehicle had broken down and they were having trouble collecting as much water as they needed. They really just stuck the containers into this hole and let them fill with water- the water was cloudy, I really hope it's not their drinking water! If it is, it makes sense why the kids have had stomach problems this week. While they were off filling the water containers the women were having fun making the white person do various tasks- It was comic relief for the women. I ground peanuts on a stone, i attempted basket weaving, I learned to embroider, and i tried and failed at miniature crocheting! Overall, very fun! The women were very concerned about all the bites that covered my body-- Don't worry, the "bites" are only my God given freckles and moles. ha! Once the women were convinced that i was fine they decided that God must have wanted to make me Sudanese but forgot to finish the task-- funny women.
An update on the roads-- the UN has been doing some work to flatten the huge piles that are everywhere- it's a great temporary fix! I'm hoping the surveyors from Kenya and Uganda will actually be working on better roads for the future- As it is, two straight days of driving really have made me know exactly how many muscles are in my body, oy! :) But it's so worth it!
Off to get a million things done today!
Praise God for ALL He's doing!
Thank you to everyone who is keeping up with me, and for all the messages-- it really means a ton to hear from you!
Cheers!
Robin
--
www.robinsmissions.blogspot.com
"Joy is the serious business of heaven."
-C.S. Lewis
Monday, April 28, 2008
Monday, April 21, 2008
About 1:30 in the morning I woke up with my heart pounding last night with a surge of adrenaline and fear racing through me! There was a loud knocking on my door. In the states (or wherever you are in the world)it would be alarming and probably heart racing as well-- but in Sudan you just never know what that means--Sitting bolt upright in bed, I was relieved to hear them call out "Census" along with Zechariah's (one of the EPC staff) voice reassuring that it was actually the census. We were told the census would happen today- after all the government has given a mandatory "holiday" for everyone to stay in their homes; I just had no idea it would be in the middle of the night. Oh yes, technically it was the right day, but still-- when you have to fumble around in the dark trying to find what you need so you can open the door it's not so fun! 3 million questions--yes, I am an American; no, I am only here for 6 months, yes, that's the correct spelling of my last name...Just when I finally got into bed and lay back down a flashlight starts sweeping back and forth. I kept thinking if I just lie here and play dead maybe they'll leave me alone. But no, it was the other census group also knocking loudly. Then I spent the next few minutes convincing them I had already been counted. So now I have been officially counted. And then I finally fell back asleep after an hour or so; once my adrenaline had stopped going crazy--*sigh*
Ok, here's one more thing-- Someone, one of the non profits or the UN or something, donated dirt to help fix the roads. That was a couple weeks ago now- It sounds great on paper, but currently all we have is huge dirt piles in the middle of the roads! Making them even more impassible, getting compacted by the rain and vehicles that are forced to drive over the sides to get through. The goats and dogs are happy though! Overall, looks great on paper, looks like something is happening but seriously lacks implementation and has at least temporarily made the roads worse! Pray for our roads to be fixed please!
Lastly, I just learned that the Yei river has crabs...one walked across my doormat yesterday, who knew?
peace!
celebrate a good nights rest!
Robin
Ok, here's one more thing-- Someone, one of the non profits or the UN or something, donated dirt to help fix the roads. That was a couple weeks ago now- It sounds great on paper, but currently all we have is huge dirt piles in the middle of the roads! Making them even more impassible, getting compacted by the rain and vehicles that are forced to drive over the sides to get through. The goats and dogs are happy though! Overall, looks great on paper, looks like something is happening but seriously lacks implementation and has at least temporarily made the roads worse! Pray for our roads to be fixed please!
Lastly, I just learned that the Yei river has crabs...one walked across my doormat yesterday, who knew?
peace!
celebrate a good nights rest!
Robin
Saturday, April 19, 2008
What a week—having all the activity from the visitors and celebrations was a lot of fun!
Thank you to everyone who was concerned about the cow’s transportation- I’m sure they’d say thanks as well, only I’m sure we’re all still digesting them! I’m sad to say I missed seeing the cows get loaded onto the big truck—I’m even sadder to say that Bishop didn’t put them inside the cab of his truck with seatbelts like he’d threatened to do! Ha! Wouldn’t that have been a great picture! But I saw the cows in the truck and billions of other things get loaded in with them- and I saw photos of the cows falling out of the truck when they attempted to get them out—what a production!
Two days before the celebration I was summoned to Bishop and AnnGraces piot (spelling? Basically it’s a nice hut designed for relaxing, hosting guests, and letting the breeze through)—they had a task for me- I got to decorate 30 plastic jars that we later filled with homemade peanut butter! The peanut butter (made from ground nuts and lulu oil) was a demonstration of all the ways you could use the lulu nut to make various items- For example you can also make soap, lotion, and use it to make cookies—did I mention if you put it in your yard it scares away termites? The lulu oil is pretty awesome- Back to the peanut butter jars, I forgot to mention I got them after work and they had to be done so we could fill them and stick them in the truck with the cows by the next morning- It took time but I enjoyed it! Technically I had help—one of the Nadus guys designed ONE jar for me- I only let him create one—let’s just say that AnnGrace laughed and said it was funny when she saw it. I rest my case. *grin*
Friday’s Women’s Bible study was small because of the preparations for the celebration—so I helped make cookies (again with the aid of lulu oil) and the women sang and prayed! Very nice! Oh yes, to clarify, it’s an outdoor oven that you heap coals on the inside and the top; it’s amazing how well it works!
The celebration at Lora was fun. On the way the whole caravan of vehicles were stopped to wait for demining- So we had a fun time of fellowship on the roadside with about 20 people from church! They’d created a large shelter out of long branches and tarps that we sat under. The kawajas (that would be “white people”) sat on the side and at the front was Bishop, AnnGrace, Pastor Jackson, and a lot of various government officials. Honestly, if I never hear another speech for as long as I live that’s ok with me. A couple of the speeches were good, other’s not so much—some seemingly had the same several sentences repeated, in various ways, over and over for minutes on end! I don’t feel too bad about losing concentration, half the audience was asleep it seemed. The kids were fun though- They sang their hearts out. What energy! What joy! I’m amazed at the kids there—they can sit still for so long! As adults we were squirming in our seats, but they patiently sat. It amazes me. One of the kids recited a poem about the war; part of the poem thanked Bishop, AnnGrace, and Vernon (of His Voice for Sudan…see link on the side!) After all the presentations, we feasted! We ate the cow—at one point I took a bite and five minutes later, maybe more, I hadn’t finished chewing! Yikes! Before we left I danced with the mama’s at Lora—then they tried to feed me more posho…I made a run for it… hid out with AnnGrace in the piot. Overall it was amazing and quite a kick off!!
Monday night we had a farewell celebration for Nadus and Stonegate, just a small meal together—it was lovely. After the meal we all gathered to watch the Nadus short films (about a minute and a half each…seriously go to their website and watch them! I know a lot of the people you’ll see!)—and when they were done everyone was still sitting- AnnGrace leaned over to me and said, “there’s your stage, go perform!...dance!”
Tuesday morning we said goodbye to all our visitors and it’s been a quiet but busy week- It’s been very pleasant- Chrissi, one of the short term German missionaries, is leaving tomorrow and we had a goodbye/happy birthday party for her yesterday at one of the other German missionaries homes. What a feast- I learned I LOVE cabbage salad—cabbage, tomatoes, pineapple, cucumber, onion, and lemon juice—I inhaled it. We also had bbq goat—not Texas style bbq, but still amazing and tender…wow… with fresh mango slices on top…mmmm…. Not to mention German potato salad! Delightful—I’m still full!
Well, it’s time to put the final preparations on my homemade flannel graph (ha!) presentation of Jacob showing up to his uncle’s and getting tricked into marrying the wrong girl. My favorite part is the conga line of sheep—I think I’ll be the only one tickled by that but that’s ok!
Cheers mates!
Robin
Thank you to everyone who was concerned about the cow’s transportation- I’m sure they’d say thanks as well, only I’m sure we’re all still digesting them! I’m sad to say I missed seeing the cows get loaded onto the big truck—I’m even sadder to say that Bishop didn’t put them inside the cab of his truck with seatbelts like he’d threatened to do! Ha! Wouldn’t that have been a great picture! But I saw the cows in the truck and billions of other things get loaded in with them- and I saw photos of the cows falling out of the truck when they attempted to get them out—what a production!
Two days before the celebration I was summoned to Bishop and AnnGraces piot (spelling? Basically it’s a nice hut designed for relaxing, hosting guests, and letting the breeze through)—they had a task for me- I got to decorate 30 plastic jars that we later filled with homemade peanut butter! The peanut butter (made from ground nuts and lulu oil) was a demonstration of all the ways you could use the lulu nut to make various items- For example you can also make soap, lotion, and use it to make cookies—did I mention if you put it in your yard it scares away termites? The lulu oil is pretty awesome- Back to the peanut butter jars, I forgot to mention I got them after work and they had to be done so we could fill them and stick them in the truck with the cows by the next morning- It took time but I enjoyed it! Technically I had help—one of the Nadus guys designed ONE jar for me- I only let him create one—let’s just say that AnnGrace laughed and said it was funny when she saw it. I rest my case. *grin*
Friday’s Women’s Bible study was small because of the preparations for the celebration—so I helped make cookies (again with the aid of lulu oil) and the women sang and prayed! Very nice! Oh yes, to clarify, it’s an outdoor oven that you heap coals on the inside and the top; it’s amazing how well it works!
The celebration at Lora was fun. On the way the whole caravan of vehicles were stopped to wait for demining- So we had a fun time of fellowship on the roadside with about 20 people from church! They’d created a large shelter out of long branches and tarps that we sat under. The kawajas (that would be “white people”) sat on the side and at the front was Bishop, AnnGrace, Pastor Jackson, and a lot of various government officials. Honestly, if I never hear another speech for as long as I live that’s ok with me. A couple of the speeches were good, other’s not so much—some seemingly had the same several sentences repeated, in various ways, over and over for minutes on end! I don’t feel too bad about losing concentration, half the audience was asleep it seemed. The kids were fun though- They sang their hearts out. What energy! What joy! I’m amazed at the kids there—they can sit still for so long! As adults we were squirming in our seats, but they patiently sat. It amazes me. One of the kids recited a poem about the war; part of the poem thanked Bishop, AnnGrace, and Vernon (of His Voice for Sudan…see link on the side!) After all the presentations, we feasted! We ate the cow—at one point I took a bite and five minutes later, maybe more, I hadn’t finished chewing! Yikes! Before we left I danced with the mama’s at Lora—then they tried to feed me more posho…I made a run for it… hid out with AnnGrace in the piot. Overall it was amazing and quite a kick off!!
Monday night we had a farewell celebration for Nadus and Stonegate, just a small meal together—it was lovely. After the meal we all gathered to watch the Nadus short films (about a minute and a half each…seriously go to their website and watch them! I know a lot of the people you’ll see!)—and when they were done everyone was still sitting- AnnGrace leaned over to me and said, “there’s your stage, go perform!...dance!”
Tuesday morning we said goodbye to all our visitors and it’s been a quiet but busy week- It’s been very pleasant- Chrissi, one of the short term German missionaries, is leaving tomorrow and we had a goodbye/happy birthday party for her yesterday at one of the other German missionaries homes. What a feast- I learned I LOVE cabbage salad—cabbage, tomatoes, pineapple, cucumber, onion, and lemon juice—I inhaled it. We also had bbq goat—not Texas style bbq, but still amazing and tender…wow… with fresh mango slices on top…mmmm…. Not to mention German potato salad! Delightful—I’m still full!
Well, it’s time to put the final preparations on my homemade flannel graph (ha!) presentation of Jacob showing up to his uncle’s and getting tricked into marrying the wrong girl. My favorite part is the conga line of sheep—I think I’ll be the only one tickled by that but that’s ok!
Cheers mates!
Robin
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Hey everyone!
Just a quick update... it's been an absolutely beautiful couple of day! There's been a wonderful breeze and cloud cover! What a blessing! :)
I led the Women's Bible study on Tuesday as we studied Genesis 27 (Isaac blesses Jacob)-- I told them the story in more of an oral tradition form--as if I were telling a children's story with lots of expression, differing voices, hand motions, etc... Immediately after I had them play it as a drama- I can't tell you how hard I laughed! Especially when they took the "goats" (3 women in the study who did great imitations of goats!) across so Rebekah could use the hair to make Jacob seem like Esau...um, they did a complete and accurate reenactment of slaughtering goats...oh my! I will never ever forget it; ever!
The team from Stonegate Fellowship Church made it safely to Yei, and I'm more than thankful for the jars of peanut butter and chocolate treats they brought me; oh yes, it's super to see them as well. :) We had a great prayer time with them and the church staff yesterday and I loved the opportunity to hear more of the prayer requests on the pastors' hearts! The Nadus guys have been all over taking more video for their documentary and are currently at the Yei hospital waiting patiently to record a birth! It's been fun to have this much commotion on the compound!
And it's all gearing up! One of yesterday's prayer requests was for the transport of cows. Apparently Zechariah is having a wee bit of trouble figuring out how to get a few cows (they were brought on the compound yesterday and they're huge!) to Lora for the orphanage kick off on Saturday! It's going to be a feast!
Sunday it sounds like we'll be having a bbq (roasted goat style) with Stonegate, Nadus, and the congregation--another feast! Singing, dancing, and sharing are a must!
I'm really excited for the water purification system that the Nadus guys are going to install at Lora-- especially in light of the cholera outbreak in Southern Sudan. Apparently it's common at the beginning of rainy season but prayer would definitely be appreciated!
Here's a tip...if you ever attempt to cut your own bangs make sure you close your eye first... um, trimmed eyelashes look a little funky...I will neither confirm nor deny that I just learned that from experience...
over and out!
Robin
Prayer Requests:
-the cholera outbreak
-the upcoming elections: that God would pave the way for a great leader
-the census that it's fair, well organized, and QUICK!
-for the Pastors: may God give them strength and wisdom
-the transportation of hopefully happy cows to Lora
and that no one gets hurt in the process of loading and unloading them!
Just a quick update... it's been an absolutely beautiful couple of day! There's been a wonderful breeze and cloud cover! What a blessing! :)
I led the Women's Bible study on Tuesday as we studied Genesis 27 (Isaac blesses Jacob)-- I told them the story in more of an oral tradition form--as if I were telling a children's story with lots of expression, differing voices, hand motions, etc... Immediately after I had them play it as a drama- I can't tell you how hard I laughed! Especially when they took the "goats" (3 women in the study who did great imitations of goats!) across so Rebekah could use the hair to make Jacob seem like Esau...um, they did a complete and accurate reenactment of slaughtering goats...oh my! I will never ever forget it; ever!
The team from Stonegate Fellowship Church made it safely to Yei, and I'm more than thankful for the jars of peanut butter and chocolate treats they brought me; oh yes, it's super to see them as well. :) We had a great prayer time with them and the church staff yesterday and I loved the opportunity to hear more of the prayer requests on the pastors' hearts! The Nadus guys have been all over taking more video for their documentary and are currently at the Yei hospital waiting patiently to record a birth! It's been fun to have this much commotion on the compound!
And it's all gearing up! One of yesterday's prayer requests was for the transport of cows. Apparently Zechariah is having a wee bit of trouble figuring out how to get a few cows (they were brought on the compound yesterday and they're huge!) to Lora for the orphanage kick off on Saturday! It's going to be a feast!
Sunday it sounds like we'll be having a bbq (roasted goat style) with Stonegate, Nadus, and the congregation--another feast! Singing, dancing, and sharing are a must!
I'm really excited for the water purification system that the Nadus guys are going to install at Lora-- especially in light of the cholera outbreak in Southern Sudan. Apparently it's common at the beginning of rainy season but prayer would definitely be appreciated!
Here's a tip...if you ever attempt to cut your own bangs make sure you close your eye first... um, trimmed eyelashes look a little funky...I will neither confirm nor deny that I just learned that from experience...
over and out!
Robin
Prayer Requests:
-the cholera outbreak
-the upcoming elections: that God would pave the way for a great leader
-the census that it's fair, well organized, and QUICK!
-for the Pastors: may God give them strength and wisdom
-the transportation of hopefully happy cows to Lora
and that no one gets hurt in the process of loading and unloading them!
Monday, April 07, 2008
Hi everyone!!!
It's been a great week and I only have one complaint...goats don't listen to reason. As much as I've tried to logically explain that my doorstep really isn't their own personal toilet they just don't listen! Maybe they need hearing aids or an interpreter; none the less it's been 3 or 4 times this week that I've arrived back at my room to catch the pesky goats on my doorstep. Well, at least they're not eating my soap or clothes, eh?!
I've been to Lora (I think that might be the actual spelling from a sign I saw the other day) orphanage twice now- It's beautiful. It's located near mountains and the compound is so clean! The ground is flat and weedless, the dorms look sharp, it just amazes me! Christine and I drove to Lora on Thursday to teach the women's Bible study. Little did we know they weren't expecting us on Thursday but on Saturday, so we turned around and drove back. It's an interesting drive; I was noting how vibrant the trees and road and sky were, I don't think I could have painted them more vividly than they actually were. Super! Anyhow, they are also demining Juba road and for safety reasons they close off the road from anywhere from 20 to 45 minutes at a time. I was thankful I had my sketchbook as we sat alongside the hot road that day. I think it was about 100 degrees give or take. I'm thankful for the deminers, it's really nice to know that you're not going to be driving along and see a land mine explode; it's worth the wait.
Saturday morning we got in the car and did it all over again! This time we had a lovely Bible study with the women. We started on the first day of creation with "let their be light". It was a great study. Part way through the women thought of a song about God's light in Arabic and we had a spontaneous song and dance time! Plus I can make the women laugh, it's great! I am so encouraged by the women's desire to learn about God, to dig into the Bible- As we were leaving some of the women were saying that they are getting old but they are finally understanding. It just touched my heart. They really are amazing women and I can't wait to see how God continues to form and shape them.
The kids are a lot of fun as well. Christine had to drop a few things off in the clinic so I was standing in the shade with the women. It only took a few seconds of playing with a small boy for the rest of the children to come running! With in seconds, it seemed, they began singing and playing the drums; it really was amazing! I got down on my knees and attempted to play the drums as well which provided comical relief to the kids! On the way home Christine and I bought mangoes and chipote and eggs, what a feast! I spent the rest of the afternoon in the shade of our compounds mango tree; hoping a mango wouldn't fall on me but really not caring too much. The breeze combined with the shade made it about 15 degrees cooler than anywhere else on the compound!
I've had a chance to get to know the team from NADUS (www.nadusfilms.com) a bit--they're a neat group of guys who are working on a documentary of Southern Sudan not to mention several other projects like water purification- They've been setting up a demo water purification system and hope to have one ready and in Lora by the end of the week!
Yesterdays church service was amazing. The David's Kings Choir(the mens choir) sang- And you could feel God's presence so strongly in the church- People got up and danced; it was contagious! Bishop preached and as usual I took notes; he has a lot of wisdom. We took communion at the end of the service; my first communion in Sudan (after all the time I've spent here it suprises me!)-The bread was a cookie similar to an animal cracker...and the wine, well, it certainly wasn't grape juice, it had a bite to it that made my eyes get big! Oh the way from church the kids taught me one of their dances; the 2 minute walk from church took about 15 minutes but we all laughed and danced with out a care in the world!
I'm still waiting to see how things will unfold here-- I've been told that the tent for Lora is BIG! It's supposedly about the size of a room so I'll be able to have a real bed! Nothing is settled yet, there's still a lot to take care of here which is great-- I know that God has an amazing plan! :)
Oh yes!!! the books have arrived!! and from what i can tell from a quick glance they all made it! I can't wait to start organizing! Maybe Wednesday! Today I'm illustrating Adam and Eve, planning tomorrows women's Bible lesson for Yei (we're studying Isaac blessing Jacob -Genesis 27 and I think I'm going to make the women act it out!), etc... I'm so thankful to see all that God's doing here!
Oh yes, a correction from the last blog...the coffee is on the Sudan's Kids blog (www.sudanskids.blogspot.com)... drink up!
Keep on keepin' on!
Much love,
Robin
It's been a great week and I only have one complaint...goats don't listen to reason. As much as I've tried to logically explain that my doorstep really isn't their own personal toilet they just don't listen! Maybe they need hearing aids or an interpreter; none the less it's been 3 or 4 times this week that I've arrived back at my room to catch the pesky goats on my doorstep. Well, at least they're not eating my soap or clothes, eh?!
I've been to Lora (I think that might be the actual spelling from a sign I saw the other day) orphanage twice now- It's beautiful. It's located near mountains and the compound is so clean! The ground is flat and weedless, the dorms look sharp, it just amazes me! Christine and I drove to Lora on Thursday to teach the women's Bible study. Little did we know they weren't expecting us on Thursday but on Saturday, so we turned around and drove back. It's an interesting drive; I was noting how vibrant the trees and road and sky were, I don't think I could have painted them more vividly than they actually were. Super! Anyhow, they are also demining Juba road and for safety reasons they close off the road from anywhere from 20 to 45 minutes at a time. I was thankful I had my sketchbook as we sat alongside the hot road that day. I think it was about 100 degrees give or take. I'm thankful for the deminers, it's really nice to know that you're not going to be driving along and see a land mine explode; it's worth the wait.
Saturday morning we got in the car and did it all over again! This time we had a lovely Bible study with the women. We started on the first day of creation with "let their be light". It was a great study. Part way through the women thought of a song about God's light in Arabic and we had a spontaneous song and dance time! Plus I can make the women laugh, it's great! I am so encouraged by the women's desire to learn about God, to dig into the Bible- As we were leaving some of the women were saying that they are getting old but they are finally understanding. It just touched my heart. They really are amazing women and I can't wait to see how God continues to form and shape them.
The kids are a lot of fun as well. Christine had to drop a few things off in the clinic so I was standing in the shade with the women. It only took a few seconds of playing with a small boy for the rest of the children to come running! With in seconds, it seemed, they began singing and playing the drums; it really was amazing! I got down on my knees and attempted to play the drums as well which provided comical relief to the kids! On the way home Christine and I bought mangoes and chipote and eggs, what a feast! I spent the rest of the afternoon in the shade of our compounds mango tree; hoping a mango wouldn't fall on me but really not caring too much. The breeze combined with the shade made it about 15 degrees cooler than anywhere else on the compound!
I've had a chance to get to know the team from NADUS (www.nadusfilms.com) a bit--they're a neat group of guys who are working on a documentary of Southern Sudan not to mention several other projects like water purification- They've been setting up a demo water purification system and hope to have one ready and in Lora by the end of the week!
Yesterdays church service was amazing. The David's Kings Choir(the mens choir) sang- And you could feel God's presence so strongly in the church- People got up and danced; it was contagious! Bishop preached and as usual I took notes; he has a lot of wisdom. We took communion at the end of the service; my first communion in Sudan (after all the time I've spent here it suprises me!)-The bread was a cookie similar to an animal cracker...and the wine, well, it certainly wasn't grape juice, it had a bite to it that made my eyes get big! Oh the way from church the kids taught me one of their dances; the 2 minute walk from church took about 15 minutes but we all laughed and danced with out a care in the world!
I'm still waiting to see how things will unfold here-- I've been told that the tent for Lora is BIG! It's supposedly about the size of a room so I'll be able to have a real bed! Nothing is settled yet, there's still a lot to take care of here which is great-- I know that God has an amazing plan! :)
Oh yes!!! the books have arrived!! and from what i can tell from a quick glance they all made it! I can't wait to start organizing! Maybe Wednesday! Today I'm illustrating Adam and Eve, planning tomorrows women's Bible lesson for Yei (we're studying Isaac blessing Jacob -Genesis 27 and I think I'm going to make the women act it out!), etc... I'm so thankful to see all that God's doing here!
Oh yes, a correction from the last blog...the coffee is on the Sudan's Kids blog (www.sudanskids.blogspot.com)... drink up!
Keep on keepin' on!
Much love,
Robin
Wednesday, April 02, 2008
Wonderful Wednesday!
A few things....
It was a wonderful Bible study yesterday with the women! I got into the room early and they were looking at the English portion of their song books...and we sang and sang and sang... so fun! The lesson went well, they even understood my English (they're now used to the German pronunciation) and we learned that it's not really a good idea to sell your birthright for beans... it seems so silly, but don't we all do that in one way or another? Give up the important promises, blessings of Christ for something immediate, not as good, and temporary... it was a great reminder. We prayed over Sudan and families and played musical chairs...well, sort of.... going with the bean theme from the lesson we played musical beans... We were all laughing very very hard!
Do you love coffee? Do wish you could help orphans? Guess what you can! And all from the comfort of your own home... amazing... Check out the link on the side to His Voice for Sudan and check out the coffee program... check it out... you can help orphans with their schooling simply by drinking coffee... I'll let His Voice give you the full idea!
I had a great visit with Pastor Jackson and his family yesterday evening, sipping tea under a mango tree, and just listening to his heart for Sudan. He asked me to ask for people to really be praying for Sudan, for ministry here, for families... I'll try and summarize it all as best I can sometime soon! I'm trying to figure out how to put an hours worth of prayer requests and hopes into a few sentences, it's not easy. Just know that your prayers are so important. God listens, God moves, it always blows me away how much He does, wow...
It now seems I'll go to Lura tomorrow but also come back again so we can gather a few things... like a bed! What a good idea... if I'm going to sleep in a tent the size of a hut it might be nice to not sleep on the ground! Pastor Jackson will come with me and introduce me to the women and children, Christine will teach a Bible lesson, and I'll get to know people and help find a good place for the tent! wowie! :)
Ok, it's time to get a few more illustrations done...
First my web browser decided to show up in German, now the blog is in Dutch!!!
Cheers!
Blessings!
Robin
It was a wonderful Bible study yesterday with the women! I got into the room early and they were looking at the English portion of their song books...and we sang and sang and sang... so fun! The lesson went well, they even understood my English (they're now used to the German pronunciation) and we learned that it's not really a good idea to sell your birthright for beans... it seems so silly, but don't we all do that in one way or another? Give up the important promises, blessings of Christ for something immediate, not as good, and temporary... it was a great reminder. We prayed over Sudan and families and played musical chairs...well, sort of.... going with the bean theme from the lesson we played musical beans... We were all laughing very very hard!
Do you love coffee? Do wish you could help orphans? Guess what you can! And all from the comfort of your own home... amazing... Check out the link on the side to His Voice for Sudan and check out the coffee program... check it out... you can help orphans with their schooling simply by drinking coffee... I'll let His Voice give you the full idea!
I had a great visit with Pastor Jackson and his family yesterday evening, sipping tea under a mango tree, and just listening to his heart for Sudan. He asked me to ask for people to really be praying for Sudan, for ministry here, for families... I'll try and summarize it all as best I can sometime soon! I'm trying to figure out how to put an hours worth of prayer requests and hopes into a few sentences, it's not easy. Just know that your prayers are so important. God listens, God moves, it always blows me away how much He does, wow...
It now seems I'll go to Lura tomorrow but also come back again so we can gather a few things... like a bed! What a good idea... if I'm going to sleep in a tent the size of a hut it might be nice to not sleep on the ground! Pastor Jackson will come with me and introduce me to the women and children, Christine will teach a Bible lesson, and I'll get to know people and help find a good place for the tent! wowie! :)
Ok, it's time to get a few more illustrations done...
First my web browser decided to show up in German, now the blog is in Dutch!!!
Cheers!
Blessings!
Robin
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