The journey continues...in S. Sudan!

Hello all~

This is just a quick note to ask for your love and prayers as we (Jeff, Michelle, Jaclyn, Rachel (her friend who has come to join us for 3 weeks, and I) head on up to S. Sudan most likely tomorrow. We are excited about being with the people of Magwi, Sudan. During our community "convergence" time a couple of mornings ago we discussed what we envision for this time in Magwi. We are looking forward to spending time with Okot Francis - deputy director of SudanVenture who is from Magwi- the nonprofit developed by Jeff and Michelle. We will be taking time to get to know him (for those of us who are newer to the Adjumani Imago Dei Community) and his vision for Magwi. Again, we hope it is a time of real convergence on our dreams and ideas in the area of community development in Magwi. We look forward to all of this knowing that our hearts and minds are grounded in Christ - and, we want everything we do to be anchored in Him and not in us.

We will be visiting one or two of the primary schools and a few medical clinics in order to assess needs in both the educational and medical areas. Jaclyn, Michelle, Rachel, and I are also excited to meet with some of the women and women's groups in two of the villages of Magwi. We would like to start getting to know them, and their vision for their community. This area, along with many others, is the victim of war and oppression. I have seen so much here in Adjumani in terms of poverty and deep spiritual need...but, I know my eyes will be opened even wider as we experience life together in Magwi for this one week.

I will write again after we return! Love to all...

Photos and stories...

Jaclyn and I gave Esther and Palima pedicures one morning...It was such an honor to wash and massage their feet - something I'm sure they have not experienced much before. They work so hard for their families and for us... We knew they were really enjoying themselves by the dreamy, relaxed looks on their faces.

Here's a little peek into my abode...and, Ding bat's abode as well. His (or her) home is right above the window in that little screened in area...

The view outside of our friend Regina Adam's tukal...a storm was coming. (You can see firewood laying on the ground right next to a drying rack for dishes.)

My little friend, Jessica...she was sitting on my lap - fascinated by the hair on my arm, and the camera, of course.

The Albert Nile...this photo was taken from one of our favorite retreat places called, Arra Fishing Lodge just 20 minutes driving from our home.

A very nice Ugandan (Northern Ugandan) meal...From the top - fried pumpkin (so incredibly delicious - a real treat), going clockwise to the posho which is made from water and corn flour - a thick porridgey food used to eat along with other foods, and boiled, whole talapia fish in a soup. We ate this meal with our fingers - they call our hand the original fork. :)

Jaclyn's mom, Debra, me, and Mercy (our friend, Beatrice's daughter) inside of Beatrice's tukal. Jaclyn's mom, Debra and her step dad, Bruce, came to Adjumani for one week to visit. They are awesome people - we had a wonderful time together. They got to meet many of those that Jaclyn and I are with every week.

Our sweet little friend, Edward in Ciforo. I look forward to seeing him every week...

Our dear friend, Sunday's birthday celebration. He received a king sized portion of food for lunch and was very proud. :) We love Sunday!

We spent one of our Saturday afternoons at Amazing Grace orphanage painting the girl's toenails.


Esther let me help her in making the fried pumpkin we had for Sunday's birthday celebration. I'm hoping to make it at home in Portland! It is sooo tasty! I always appreciate how everything is done by scratch with all truly organic ingredients...nothing from a box or even a can. We cut and peeled (with a knife) the whole pumpkin. Another thing I love about the cooking process here is that all the time it takes to prepare a meal (cutting, peeling, etc.) is also good time for conversation.

That's all for now! :)