Robin's Missions

(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