Church of the Brethren Sudan Initiative

Last night, after blogging, we were blessed by a visit from the Shilluk pastor, Rev. John. We were a little concerned about late visits, and time to share a meal and prepare for the evening--and last-minute visits often mean requests for assistance--but we were pleasantly surprised to have a very good conversation, gained some good insight from a slightly different perspective, and ended with a good time of prayer. (Thank you, God.)

Today was a simple day. We were up early after a sultry and restless night, shared a simple breakfast, packed, and gave a few gifts of crayons, a kite, and appreciation for the hospitality... and Isaac of SCC was actually early in coming to take us to the airport--hurray! Of course, our flight was an hour late... but we once again used to time to do a two-hour team meeting there in the airport to assemble and compile all our notes into our assessment summary for Malakal.

Our flight from Malakal to Rumbeck was uneventful. We were the only three to get off the plane, and despite being over an hour late, people from CEAS/SCC (Church Ecumenical Action in Sudan/Sudan Council of Churches) were there with a Land Cruiser to pick us, took us directly to the CEAS compound, showed us accommodations in their guest houses, and before long joined us for a late lunch (a little after 2:00p). It was so wonderful to have a place prepared for us, and people to meet us!

After lunch, we had a great meeting, spontaneously, with the man who heads up the Water and Sanitation efforts of CEAS throughout this whole area, James Kon, doing assessments and digging wells, preparing the way for the health and education initiatives to follow. His knowledge of the needs of all the counties in this area was immensely helpful as we looked at where the Church of the Brethren might be of service, for he had intimate knowledge of those places that were underserved.

Following that, we settled in to our accommodations, hanging our mosquito nets, putting up clotheslines, and then we split up tasks: Phil checked out the local markets, Louie started the work of doing laundry, and Enten worked at replying to email, trying to make arrangements for logistics for the remainder of the trip via email, and getting the blog ready for the day! Supper will be soon... and it is time to send this off.

We feel far more relaxed and at ease here, in a nice place. They even brought bottled water for us to use, and provide meals as part of the guest house... we feel very blessed.

We only have tomorrow here in Rumbeck before we fly to Leer... so while we have a few visits we hope to do tomorrow, we also know that Merv and Brad and Louie were here last September, and had time to hold many of those conversations already. We need a bit of time to regroup and prepare for the five days ahead in Leer and Bentui--and also Myom, we hope.

Blessings to all, and thanks for the prayer support and encouragement!
Enten and Louie and Phil