Life Is A Journey

HAPPY NEW YEAR

2011-12-30T21:56:00.000+03:00

2011- A Year In Review, Summed UpIn Words

*For those that would prefer pictures, I uploaded a 2011 in Pictorial Review onto my Facebook account and each picture has a caption that helps tell the story. You can view it here: 2011 In Pictorial Review. You need to be a friend of mine on Facebook to view the album - just message me a friend request if you would like to see it.

2011. A year of searching the unknown, seeing sometimes andoften blindly banging around, trusting in God, stepping forward not knowing theoutcome, and feeling blessed more often than not. Summed up by relationships,gifts given repeatedly in the form of friendship.

I left Mundri, Sudan in early January, not knowing when Iwould see my Sudanese friends next, for the referendum was fast approaching, determiningthese people’s fate. Would the area in the south separate, or would unity winout? A crossroads in history of a place characterized by the familiarity ofwar. I left knowing that God wasin control, but the uncertainty of it all was unnerving. I said goodbye andboarded the small Mission Aviation Fellowship plane, teammates and limited luggagein tow.

Off to Bundibugyo (BGO) I did go.

I was not sure what I would be doing in Uganda, or how the smallteam would receive me there. I arrived on a dark day in BGO history, as majorchanges had come that way. The now former headmaster was being let go and thestress was high for the team leaders that day. But in God’s usual and uniqueway, he affirmed that I was there for a reason and a purpose, if nothing lessthan moral support for a friend.

As changes ensued at Christ School and beyond, I foundfamiliarity in my old broken down house and my welcoming Ugandan friends. Istarted working again at Nyahuka Health Center, a place I had been numeroustimes before, but this time found it was in dismal state. The pediatric wardstorage room had not been opened in a very long time, and mess and outdateddrugs and spider webs and dust had made it their home. I committed to see thepatients and invest in the staff, and slowly but consistently a rhythmdeveloped for me.

In my time away from medicine, I invested heavily in localkids and young guys. This is something the Lord has gifted me in, or probablymore so he has allowed me to find delight in. I also started making homeimprovements, a Bob Villa wanna-be of sorts, as I and Ugandan friends whackeddown gigantic bushes and overwhelming weeds, as we cultivated long-forgottenplots, painted the shutters blue, and spread manure over everything in hopes ofgrowing many things new.

I had coffee house gatherings, and mid-afternoon smoothietreats for RMS teachers and parents passing my way. I invited friends to perform guitar ballads and Ugandanmusical forays. I had Saturday cooking classes and fellowship meals, where dearfriends came weekly and brought their laughter along. Some friends came fromfar, some from near, and in the end I was so glad to have them all there. My pseudo-familycare.

As the house and health center subtly transformed, I supposeI did in some ways as well. I hadmany questions about my future, and what to do, in the short-term here and nowand probably much later too. God laid many of these worries aside, and said‘follow me, I make all things new.’ And he does, I have seen it true.

The referendum vote in Sudan went remarkably well.Throughout that uncertain time, and for the duration of my stay away, Icontinued to text and make numerous phone calls every week to friends in Sudan– they telling me of the latest news and affirming my faith in man, friendship,and bonds not easily broken.

I decided that in April I would venture back to Sudan,though my American teammates would not be back for a few months still. They hadall headed to America for various reasons, so if I went back to Mundri, I wouldbe ‘team-less’ for some duration. No problem, I said, these great teammates ofmine would all return someday soon. And this would give me the chance to investheavily in Sudanese with no pressures or commitments pulling on my time. So Isaid goodbye to Bundibugyo, for the umpteenth time, as somehow I always find myway back to that place and no doubt always will no matter the case.

I boarded the MAF plane on my voyage back ‘home’, and was metwith great chorus by Sudanese friends. I walked into the local market that day,and spontaneous claps and cheers were offered my way. Many hugs and happyreunions ensued, and I knew that this place had become my home in that subtle,day-to-day, often unseen way. I missed the river, the consistent sun, and theunlikely beauty of that place, even if dry season was still firmly cemented, aswas definitely the case.

In those initial days and weeks back in Mundri, I investedheavily in people and language and culture. I spent many nights, and numerousdays staying with friends and their families, hearing stories from my time away,hearing about predictions of what would happen in that place, and seeing theexcitement on each and every face – knowing that they would have their owncountry soon, South Sudan was coming and the reality of it was near. So henceforth came several nights andeven weeks of eating leena and greens, telling stories around fires, andsleeping in other people’s homes – a rich time of relationship building andclosing in on in that oh-so-often elusive feeling of deep, enriching community.

The rainy season was very delayed, as we all eagerly waitedto start the digging and planting. Talks of witchcraft and powerful snakes andmysterious men ensued, as people seriously began to question why the rain stillhad not come. Fears of drought and hunger were becoming the norm, and in a muchunusual in American-sense-kind-of-way, but probably quite common in Africanlore, a sacrifice of a black goat was made to the man who claimed to stop therains, and sure enough, on that very day the heavenly skies opened up and torrentialdownpours ensued. I’m still thinking about what that all means and what myresponse as a Christian should be. Spiritual warfare is an often forgotten partof humanity in American living, though it makes it no less real. In myexperience, Africans have a much better pulse for things we sometimes passivelydismiss because we can’t visibly see or feel.

When the dry season disappeared with each drop of rain, Ibusily helped my friends clear the land, all digging done by hand. Lifting thehoe, each time in a methodical sway, chopping a small piece of earth in aneffort to make way, a budging little seed to be planted and buried there, inhope that time and more rain would lead to a bountiful crop. I had manyblisters, and sore muscles, and tired bones during those all day diggingsessions, but I loved it. Conversations and laughter filled the air as manyfriends dug side by side, meals of hot leena and greens consumed while restingon the ground below, with the much-looked-forward-to morning tea brake, andseeing the fruitfulness and productivity of my own hands. (I already lookforward to more of the same in 2012!) With crops of groundnuts and maize,pumpkin, and later sorghum too, it was a delight to watch new life spring forthin Mundri.

I had my own little experimental garden, with black beans, andtomatoes, and watermelon, cabbage and lettuce, and spices galore. For me it wassomething I enjoyed and liked to do, rather than a necessity that ensured thatmy family had food, as was the case for most Sudanese friends and neighborsalike.

The probable highlight for all, my teammates, friends, and neighbors alike came on 9th July - the inaugural Independence Day for South Sudan. Hip gyrating, drums clamoring, horns blowing, costumes in multi-color, never before I have I seen such celebration of humanity, all tribes gathered together and united as one. A picture of Heaven, at least for a day.

In the fall I traveled to Kenya for a World Harvest Missionretreat on the coast. I returned to Mundri in late August, with some new ideason my mind. For several weeks and probably months, I had been thinking of some waysto get more involved in the community and provide some meaningful events forMundri town friends, youth, and medical staff. With some gentle prodding byGod, as is often the case, he encouraged me to put my ideas into action, and sobegan three very meaningful and rewarding things in my life, most definitelyhighlights of the year.

I, along with some Sudanese youth, started the first everMundri Volleyball League. It was a culmination of several months of playing andlearning a new game for most, resulting in a very fantastic season of greatmatches and fantastic play, all highlighted by the final tournament thatbrought forth big crowds, and excitement, and new uniforms, and terrificteamwork. I was proud of the players! In many ways these youth allow me to feellike a proud uncle, or parent, or big brother as I watch them play volleyballand for many soccer, too. There is such delight to see others try somethingnovel, to see them excel, or even slowly improve, to see a sense of community,of commitment, of trying hard to perform well, of inclusion, and general delight indoing something new.

I’ve been involved at the Mundri Primary Health Center for awhile now, seeing mostly pediatric patients, but lots of adults too. In SeptemberI decided that I would offer a continuing medical education class (CME). So onFridays, with excitement and hesitation, not knowing if any staff would come, Istarted an hour-long teaching time. The staff was excited and they usually cameclose to on time, and many even volunteered to offer teaching as well. In God’sgreat kindness he allowed this teaching time to bless me and the staff, and oftenthe patients listened in and asked questions too!

I have a burden for youth and young men, especially, butreally for all of humanity, to experience a love so great that it transformedmy life for all time. With this in mind, it directs most of what I do, and itcreates a burning desire within to spend time with people, to teach people, tolive life with people, to stand beside people and sometimes say nothing at all.With this growing fire within, I decided to start a Bible study in the centerof the local market. That place is where I have devoted most of my time, and wheremost of my friends work, and where most of my language learning has occurred,so what better place to learn and teach and have discussion about Biblicalthings. So began my weekly routine of every Saturday afternoon heading acrossthe street, greeting friends and strangers alike on my way, to the very centerof the market with Bibles, dictionaries, and beautiful Bible story paintingswith African characters in tow. Sometimes two or three people joined, oftentimes many more, as we looked at the pictures and read the stories that wentalong, asking questions and seeking answers. These are the times and momentsthat I enjoy the most in life, the laughter, the questions, the attempts atEnglish and my even worse tries at Arabic, friends learning about each otherand themselves as they team up to learn about God.

In September I was delighted to see that teammates Caleb andMichael opened up a kitchen and welcoming room for me! Now to my delight, I hadactual running water in my house, an outdoor shower instead of bucket baths,and a propane stove and oven in my grasp! This quickly led to me having manymore visitors in my house, sometimes 20 or more people in one day – most comingto greet, for a break from the heat, for medical advice, or simply to check ontheir American brother. Over the weeks and months, many cooking and baking sessionsensued, and now there are a slew of young Sudanese men that know how to cooktoo!

Thanksgiving was great, as all my cross-cultural holidayshave been, as friends and teammates gathered to give praise and thanks for whatGod has done. A few days later I was hugging friends goodbye, as I boardedanother MAF plane, this time taking me back to Uganda. I spent two weeks inUganda, visiting friends and colleagues, again finding my way back toBundibugyo for a short stay, then stopping off in Fort Portal to see teammatePat, then venturing to southern Uganda to visit dear friends Geofrey and Lamech.And then upthrough the skies I arose, with some anxiousness from my head to my toes, as 15months had passed since l was last at my American home.

So now Christmas has come and went, it found me in Ohio onthe actual day, watching nieces and nephews with hordes of presents under thetree, all enticing them with their ‘what-is-it’ mystery. I’m thankful to be inthe USA, but to say I prefer here over there, or there over here, I am unlikelyto say. I’m still trying, and really struggling if I’m honest and frank, tocombine all my worlds into one. Sometimes I feel like a secret agent, living adouble life, never fully here, or completely there, but trying to maintainrelationship with both. Unfortunately, I don’t always cross over well. I supposeGod is teaching me to live in him, as the unchanging and forever constant thingin my life. Instead of always grasping at mortal things, I need to cleavetighter to the immortal King.

So I write to you today, with joy and thankfulness, as Ifinally take some much needed time to pause and reflect. 2011 was characterizedby relationship – intentionally investing in others and seeking to love people,watching people grow, entering into their lives, trying to display Jesusthrough life and living more than word but ever eager to speak honestly aboutthe hope that I have, challenging others at times, but hopefully encouragingmore. I’m sure this ever-changing life of mine has also left me changed, orchanging.

I’m thankful for you, especially those that have leftencouraging word, or have prayed for me and supported in other ways. I am on myown faith path, but have crossed paths with many of you, and I have never felt Iam on this journey alone. Though you cannot always venture with me, or may notunderstand my heart or mind, or coming and going, I firmly feel that I am onthis journey with others often at my side. No man is an island, though Iprobably try to be more than most, so thank you for journeying to distantshore, for reading rambling notes, for lifting up my sporadic prayer requests,for sending a meaningful word, for viewing pictures online, for seeking tounderstand what I often fail to convey, and for being part of me – of my life,of my journey, of my walk.

-Scott J. Will

Uganda/South Sudan/USA

Neither here nor there...

2011-12-13T09:45:00.001+03:00

Neither here nor there…

Tonight (Tuesday, 13^th December, 2011) I willboard a plane in Entebbe, Uganda heading to Brussels. From Brussels toWashington D.C.. From D.C. to Dayton, Ohio.

Tomorrow (Wednesday, 14^th December, 2011) I willarrive at 6:19 pm in Dayton, Ohio where my sister will be waiting to receiveme.

Today I am neither here now there, but somehow caught inbetween. My mind thinks of peoplein Mundri, South Sudan and the friends I’ve been visiting all over Ugandaduring the past two weeks. I also think of my family and friends in America. Ieven have nightmarish visions of crowds of people at Wal-Mart with carts fullof toys…reconciling that with visions of street children in Kampala, Uganda orstarving kids in Bundibugyo or stories of death from war and disease in Mundri,South Sudan…

I’m not sure where exactly I belong, but I take comfort inreading Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 9:

For though I am free from all, I have made myself a servant toall, that I might win more of them. To the Jews I became as a Jew, in order towin Jews. To those under the law I became as one under the law (though notbeing myself under the law) that I might win those under the law. To thoseoutside the law I became as one outside the law (not being outside the law ofGod but under the law of Christ) that I might win those outside the law. To theweak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to allpeople, that by all means I might save some. I do it all for the sake of thegospel, that I may share with them in its blessings.

Please join me in praying:

That we would all find our identityin Christ alone, regardless of physical location and surrounding circumstances.

Traveling mercies as I cross continentsand multiple time zones, and then begin to readjust to life back in busyAmerica.

For a heart of gratefulness, thatsees people as God’s creation, and treats them with dignity and respect,abandoning judgment and criticism. Trying to live in the present, learning fromthe past, and moving forward into the future with boldness.

As people rush around and buy giftsand bake goods of all kinds, that I/we would not get caught up in the busynessand forget to take time to sit and pause, think, ponder, rest, and reflect onwho we are as seen through the eyes of God – his beloved children.

Thank you for your prayers,support, and friendship. May the Lord of all hosts fill your life with beautyand peace.

-Scott Will

Back In The USA tour

2011-11-21T13:51:00.002+03:00

Back In the USA tour - featuring Scott J. Will & Stories from South Sudan

I'm leaving South Sudan in one week! Yikes! I'll be in Uganda for two weeks, and then back to the USA from December 14 - April 30, 2012.

Here is a rough itinerary of my time in the USA. I would love to travel and see all my friends and supporters, but time and finances do not allow. Those I miss this time will be first up on my next tour (2014?).

All destinations and times are very subject to change, and most likely will! I am very open to suggestions and negotiations, especially if coffee shops or book stores are nearby...

I really need to do some serious resting/vacationing, studying for my physician assistant review exam (planning to take in February 2012), visiting family/friends/supporters, and talking with churches/small groups/schools/medical groups.

So many stories to share and so many stories I want to hear from you!

Please join me in praying - that I would represent my South Sudanese friends well as I seek to tell their stories and the stories of God's redemptive work here.

Maybe see you soon!?!?!

-Scott J. Will

Mundri Volleyball League Finals

2011-10-30T12:43:00.003+03:00

The Mundri Volleyball League tournament was held this past week, with the finals taking place on Thursday, and it was FANTASTIC!!

I had really encouraged the kids to show up and work hard. They took it upon themselves to clean the field and organize actual uniforms for the final match. I borrowed a megaphone from the local commissioner, so on the day of the finals, a few of the boys walked all around Mundri announcing that the final would take place later that day and all were welcome to attend.

The final match was Team UK vs Team Sabir. It was a 'hot match' as they say here and over 300 people from the community came to cheer and celebrate. It was truly a a great moment for me as I witnessed the culmination of months, even years, of effort as the kids played very well. A year and a half ago most of them had never even heard of volleyball.

I was the referee, and though I tried to stay unbiased, I was strongly rooting for all players. I was happy to see them celebrated for positive endeavors, I was thrilled to see their initiative to clean the court and make announcements throughout town, and I was honored to serve as the referee.

It has been so encouraging to interact with and invest in these young guys and girls and see subtle changes in thought and word. Often times in my life I am a 'cheerleader' for others, and it brings me joy to see others excited and joyful.

Volleyball is just a means to a much larger goal - to love and encourage others to participate in something they enjoy and to collect a vision that goes beyond themselves. Yes, I love to share the joy of Jesus with others, but more so, I just want to love and encourage others because God has loved and encouraged me. I'm not seeking to convert anyone, but I am seeking to challenge and inspire others to see what is already inside of them.

Welcome Back Melissa!!!

2011-10-30T12:30:00.002+03:00

Melissa joined our team this past week. She was in Mundri for two months in 2010 as an intern and has now returned for a two year commitment. We are happy to receive her as a teacher for Gaby and Liana Masso, and I think she hopes to get involved in language learning and education in South Sudan.

Almost every night there are friends at my house, so last week on the night before Melissa's arrival I encouraged my friends to make some cards to welcome Melissa. They immediately took to the challenge and had a great time in the process - even though most of them have never met Melissa!

Even Thomas, my neighbor and friend who works for a different organization, and Brady, a guy visiting for a few days from America, contributed their artistic efforts!

Thanks guys! Melissa, I hope you feel the love!

Visitors A Plenty

2011-10-19T14:55:00.002+03:00

Visitors A Plenty

When I first came to Mundri in February 2010, I lived in a small traditional Tukul, or hut. It was good, but I did not have much room for anything, especially inviting people inside my home. I enjoy hospitality and greeting people, and I’ve always tried to create a welcoming atmosphere wherever I’ve lived. So when I returned to Mundri in April, 2011 I shifted to a house a little bit bigger in size. I now have two rooms – one for sleeping and the other for hosting and cooking. Having the freedom and space to host and welcome visitors and friends has been awesome and has helped bring many of my dormant gifts to surface.

I’ve had a slew of visitors over the past few months. Last week friends and strangers made over 90 visits to my house, and this happens almost every week! Most come to greet and say hello, others come seeking medical advice, and many friend shave come to bring me gifts of thanks – pumpkins, groundnuts, guavas, and other delights. The shear amount of cups of tea drank and bread and peanut paste consumed by visitors in my house is staggering. It’s probably my biggest expenditure every week! Most nights I have between three and five people that come and eat with me, so I’ve been cooking a lot. Recently a friend has been sleeping at my house, as he has been studying late into the night for his exams. Normally he would study by candlelight at his house, but thanks to solar power he is able to study under an actual light at my house.

I’m thankful to be able to help with people’s physical needs by providing simple things like food and lights. Though I am sometimes tired by the consistent flow of visitors, and some days keep my door closed in an effort to get work done, in most cases I am incredibly encouraged by their kindness, thankfulness, and generosity. Many of these visitors are good friends of mine, and they feel very much like family to me, so in many ways I don’t have as many visitors as I do extended family members stopping by.

Cooking With Gas

2011-10-19T14:49:00.002+03:00

Cooking With Gas

An unplanned, but thoroughly enjoyed recent endeavor, is informal cooking and baking sessions at my house. Thanks to Michael Masso and Caleb Howard, I now have a functioning kitchen and running water in my house! It is still far from American standards, but has really been a blessing and convenience in my life.

It is pumpkin season right now, so the baked goods have been consistently flowing from my oven. My delight in sharing food with friends and visitors has inspired many of my friends, young and old, to ask me to teach them how to cook things like pumpkin bread, pumpkin cookies, and pumpkin cake.

It has been a pleasure to teach these guys how to cook and bake. In Moru culture men usually do not help with cooking duties, so for many of them, this is their first experience with such things. There is so much excitement as they eagerly wait to take things out of the oven and taste them and share them with their families. It also provides me with a chance to talk one-on-one with people and build deeper relationships as I teach them a new skill.

Anger, Bitterness, and Forgiveness

2011-10-19T14:39:00.000+03:00

Anger, Bitterness, and Forgiveness

I recently had the opportunity to preach at the local Episcopal Church English service. This is the third time I have had the honor and privilege of doing so – something I enjoy doing but always feel completely unqualified to do.

I spoke about anger, bitterness, and forgiveness. Isaiah 53:4-12 and Ephesians 4:25-32 served as my main texts. I had the pleasure of involving several of my friends by having them read short verses throughout my preaching. Though most people were reluctant initially to read because of fear of public speaking, or fear of not pronouncing things well in English, with some coaching and coxing all asked agreed in the end and were excited about participating. Even Gaby Masso read a verse and did a fantastic job!

It was a very personal topic and very convicting. I probably learned more about myself and my tendencies through this sermon preparation than I could ever hope to teach others. I have a habit of letting other peoples’ anger and bitterness invoke anger and bitterness within me! I have to work hard and be very conscious of my feelings in this area in an effort to not give the Devil a stronghold in my life. I’ve seen many angry and bitter people, and when I look in the mirror, I don’t want to be one of them!

I am honored and privileged to play a small part in what God is doing in Mundri. I am very thankful for how God has been leading me and teaching me, though the lessons are not always easy. Despite the multitude of blessings, there are a couple things that are not so great about my life here, and I am currently trying to wade through those issues and change the things in which I have control over. Throughout this process, I am ever reminded that God is in control, and his plans are not always our plans, but his plans are so much better.

When I think of the forgiveness that God has shown me, not because I am worthy, but because of his mercy, it is easier for me to forgive others. Jesus bore God’s wrath and anger on my behalf when he hung on the cross – he thought not of himself, but of me.

Psalm 130:1-4

From the depths of my despair I call to you, Lord. Hear my cry, O Lord; listen to my call for help! If you kept a record of our sins, who could escape being condemned? But you forgive us, so that we should stand in awe of you.

Relationships

2011-10-09T16:39:00.002+03:00

10 September 2011

Relationships.

My life is about relationships. I’ve recently been thinking more intentionally about relationships, and in general, have been thinking about it for many years. Sometimes I do ok at relationships, I think. Other times I fail miserably, I’m sure. I guess I’ve always known this, but it has become clearer lately, that many people do not think like me – which may very well be a good thing.

I am not a person that has set out to change the world. I don’t have some great cause that I champion at all costs. I’m a guy that seeks to follow God. And I think a significant way to do this, as demonstrated many times in the Bible, is through relationship.

Discipleship, mentorship, and deep transformation takes time. Investing in people is not a quick endeavor, and patience and perseverance is helpful – characteristics I long for time and again, as they too often seem in short supply.

Accessibility is also helpful, as relationships are often forged over time through direct communication. Being available and accessible to friends may not always be realistic, but when trying to invest in people and during the beginning stages of relationship formation, it is important. Trust is not often won in a moment, but often ages and strengthens with time.

I think most people long for someone to listen to them, to feel validated, to feel like they have something important to say and something valuable to offer. A listening ear breaks down barriers and opens doors.

Mutuality. Something I am learning to recognize and desire more often. If I enter a relationship having all the answers, or all the resources, or I am always the dominant one, it is hard to have mutuality. Respect and vulnerability, recognizing one’s own needs and short-comings, and willingness to ask and let others help you pushes relationship forward in solidifying and encouraging ways. Mutuality is something my Sudanese brothers are teaching me, as my own lack of understanding and arrogance has left me deeply dependent on them over and over again. It would serve me well to humble myself more often and ask for help.

As I process relationship in the context of whom I am, whom God created me to be, and whom I desire to become, I am all the more convinced that all of us can create community and relationship wherever we are. We may see ourselves as relationally challenged, but that should not deter us from investment in such things. Time is often more of a factor then individual skill or lack thereof. A willingness to invest time, to learn about and listen to others, is key to relationship.

The rewards of relationship are numerous, but not without some level of risk. Many people have been hurt in and through relationship with others. Unfortunately, we are all sinful people, and that ugliness often comes out in the context of relationship. Long-term relationships often involve some level of conflict at some point. This is a chance for mutual growth, but may be unpleasant and very unwelcome at the time. I know I am not good at conflict resolution, but I desire to learn more and become better in this area, as I know it will help me in the future.

We do not always choose our relationships – whether it is co-workers or neighbors, but often we choose our friends. Whether we have few friends or many, it is important for us to be in relationship. The impact that people can have on each other, to spur one another on to fight the good fight, to flee from sin, to invest in others, to follow God through use of gifts and talents, to provide wisdom and insight in difficult situations – these are but a few of the endearing gifts that relationship can bring.

Birthday Celebrations With Family...

2011-10-04T13:53:00.004+03:00

I had the privilege and joy of celebrating the 1 year birthday of Loice. She is the daughter of my friend, and younger brother, Makons. This family has really welcomed me into their lives and they have become part of mine. I see them almost every day, and almost every night two of Makons older cousins come to visit me (at least they say they are coming to visit me, I think they really just want to watch videos!).

I had the honor of making the birthday cake for Loice. The idea of a birthday cake is not common around here, so it took a lot of explaining to help people understand why I made the cake and why I was putting a candle on top of it. After several rounds of me singing 'happy birthday to you..." people were starting to catch on.

Loice, Makons, and his entire family are a blessing which the Lord has graciously bestowed in my life. I continue to be thankful and humbled by the friends, and family, that the Lord has given me in Mundri.

MVL

2011-10-02T16:30:00.005+03:00

MVL - Mundri Volleyball League

Here are a few snapshots from 'their' eyes, as I gave my camera to several Sudanese friends to capture snapshots during our most recent volleyball league games. So far it has gone really well, and is a huge blessing in my day.

Two Year Ramble

2011-09-28T15:30:00.002+03:00

26 September 2011

Two Year Ramble

With joy and admiration, of Christ the son-made-King,

As I reflect and think, on what and how and when.

Two years have passed since the day I came back to this beautiful land.

So many conversations, sights, sounds, smells.

An abundance of memories made – good and bad.

Humbling to think, how God has lavishly given

Much more than I could ever know.

In appreciation and gladness I sit surrounded by the coolness

Of this rare, cool, rainy day.

My mind lingers and rests in memories, mostly of people.

Of Africans that have blessed my broken soul.

Of Americans, and internationals, more dear to me than I can ever express,

That have supported and encouraged.

Gifts of friendship, conversation and love, they as broken as me,

But mutual willingness to enter into each other’s lives.

God is vague sometimes, but often obnoxiously clear - in a very loving way.

Too often I have tried my own way, only to see it does not work.

Too often I have struggled, when his yolk is light.

From Bundibugyo to Mundri, with Kenya and Greece in between.

My passport is soon to be full, but I hope the adventures have just begun.

Above all, the value of people, of listening, of sitting and seeing beyond the surface,

This is what has been impressed upon me.

There is much value in every day, and in every life.

I fail frequently at many things, but I am seeing that it is ok.

My friends want to, and do, help me often. If only I would be more open to their aid,

Instead of trying to hide my brokenness and incompetency.

Baked goods and waterfall hikes,

Bathing in rivers and sweating in the equatorial sun,

Playing volleyball with young guys and cracking g-nuts with old ladies –

All can be used for the glory of God.

Two years have gone by, and hopefully I am not where I started

On this journey of life and faith.

The way is not much clearer, but the light at the end shines a bit brighter.

Much to learn, sanctification still and always.

Realization that God brought me here, to this beautiful and bountiful land,

Though marred with suffering and angst, to teach me about me and him.

Realization that I have been helped much more than I have helped, or ever will,

No matter how much I try to do.

America and Africa, both part of my recent landscape.

Both places I love.

Tomorrow will no doubt have trials, and joys,

But today I am basking in thankfulness -

Something I would do well to bath in more often.

Be encouraged. I am.

-SJW

CME

2011-09-25T16:40:00.001+03:00

23 September 2011

Continuing Medical Education

We had the initial session of continuing medical education (CME) today at Mundri Health Center, and it was GREAT!

I feel so blessed to see such answer to pray! This week was the first match for the Mundri Volleyball League, and today I began CME sessions at the health center – both works in the waiting that took a lot of time and patience to begin, and both initial programs had a fantastic start.

I’ve been working at the local government run health center for over a year. I estimate I’ve seen well over 2,000 patients in that time frame, most under the age of five.

I’ve really come to thoroughly enjoy my time at the health center, but that has not always been the case. It has been, and often still is, a frustrating place to be for many reasons. The crowds are ever large, the staff few, and the chaos much. But I truly enjoy seeing the patients, even if they are sometimes demanding, impatient, and don’t do what I ask them to – but I am often that way too.

I mostly see children five years and younger, which is great by me, thrown in with the occasional adult, or as often happens, the mother has one child that is sick so she decides to bring all her kids and get them checked out too, in addition to herself. I am happy to see the adults, but I think the other clinical officers (mid-level clinicians) appreciate when I take the children, which is usually the majority of the patients.

Apparently there used to be CME in the distant past, but nothing as of late. I’ve wanted to do CME for a long time, but my initiation into the health center has been reserved as I learn more about the staff and how things work – who supplies what, what the staff roles are, how referrals are made, the chain of command, etc.

I asked the head clinical officer a few weeks ago if he thought the staff would be interested in a weekly CME session. He did not seem interested in my offer, but said he would ask the staff at their next meeting. And he did, and they said ‘yes’, and so today we began!

I was not sure if the staff would really come, or what time they would come, or how many would come, or if they would understand all my English, or if they would even care.

I decided to talk about malaria, as the majority of our patients suffer from it and we spend a lot of time and resources trying to treat it. Plus 1,000,000 die from it each year around the world.

Ten staff members came relatively on time (Sudanese time) and were engaged, and thoughtful, and insightful, and full of great questions. It was really fun! And I think we all learned from each other. Even the staff hospital cleaners were engaged and seemingly happy to participate.

The CME session was good for many reasons, especially as I think about my first day at the health center. I’ve come along way since then, and it has been a joy to witness the change in thought of some of the staff members and to see subtle changes in the way things operate – hopefully all for the better. The plan is to have the CME every Friday morning, with much of the teaching falling on me – I admittedly enjoy teaching, but I hope to incorporate a wide variety of staff from all the departments. My hope is that we can all learn from one another.

*I selfishly also need the help and encouragement in reviewing for my national physician assistant recertification exam, which I will be taking in early 2012 – something that needs to be done every six years. My medical skills are horrible at the moment, so I have MUCH reviewing to do!

Mundri Volleyball League

2011-09-21T15:31:00.002+03:00

20 September 2011

Mundri Volleyball League

We had the first matches of the inaugural Mundri Volleyball League today – and it was AWESOME!!!

When I left America to return to Africa, almost exactly two years ago, I laid aside many of my desires and comforts, thinking I would very rarely, if ever, have such things again in my daily life in Africa. Things which I liked in America, but knew I would probably do without in Africa – coffee shops, bookstores, Rita’s Water Ice, and volleyball. Those desires never completely left me, and I love coffee shops just as much today as I ever have. But I’ve always been a believer in laying things aside for God so that he can give you better, more meaningful things. I agreed to honor him with my life and pursue a new life in Africa, but I also knew that he would bless me because of that decision (though there have been, and continue to be many hardships along the way). It has been well over a year in the making, but we finally launched an organized volleyball league in Mundri, South Sudan!

There are four teams with eight to fifteen players on each team, and each team has at least one female player (as required by the league chair – me.). We play matches every Tuesday and Thursday, and if all goes well, we will have a tournament at the end of regular season play.

When I first came to Mundri in February 2010, I heard that Kyle, a previous intern with the missionary team here, made a volleyball net and began playing with some local guys. Apparently the net and equipment was stolen shortly after he left (before I came), but this gave me hope that people here might be interested in volleyball.

I started bringing a net and ball out to the field over a year ago, and we used some old wooden poles as supports for the net. It was a rough introduction. As people slowly started to come, it became obvious that most had never heard of volleyball and had no idea how to play or what the rules were. Africa is a beautiful land where football (soccer) rules the day, and almost anyone that sees any type of ball immediately uses it as a football (soccerball).

We’ve come so far since those beginning days! Last year I was happy if no fights broke out when we played, as three times in the first two months anger ruled the day and individuals destroyed the net, the poles were broken twice, and people were always kicking the ball and destroying it – all intentionally in rages of anger. Anger still rears its ugly head, especially among certain boys, but overall things have drastically improved. I try to keep a tight reign on anger, and distill potentially harmful situations immediately, but sometimes it has almost got me punched! In a land where war has been common, not the exception, many young and old men turn immediately to fighting as the sole source of negotiation. I would not have predicted this, but volleyball has been a great source of anger management training for many local youth!

Last fall there were times when over 100 people would come to play, watch, cheer, and hang out. It became the social thing to do and place to be from 5:45 pm to 7:00 pm every night. It became so popular that new nets and courts were constructed all over town. At one time there were five nets in Mundri, and people of all ages were playing!

To most youth here it is just volleyball, just a game – something to do, but to me it has become so much more, as I had always hoped and envisioned it would be.

I am all about relationships, and playing volleyball with a bunch of young guys and a few gals has fostered great, ongoing relationships. I’ve really come to love these kids – ages 5 to 45 years old, and I really look forward to seeing them everyday. I offer them medical advice and medicine when they are sick, greet them in town whenever I see them, and try to take an active interest in their lives – past, present, and future.

It has truly been a blessing to see growth in many of the guys that have been coming – both as players and individuals. Most have advanced through the ranks of having no idea how to hit the ball, to now passing, setting, and hitting very well. Recently there has been a big influx of younger, newer players. Most of them are still trying to figure out the game, so it has lowered the level of play a bit, but it’s been fun to get to know them as well and see renewed interest among the youth.

I went from being a coach, to mostly being a referee and occasional player now. Many of the players have advanced beyond my level (though I think my setting skills are still a bit ok!) and I am learning from them - a beautiful thing.

The guys and gals have also become adamant about protecting the equipment. I have to laugh when all the players yell at other people who kick the ball – it used to be just me telling people not to kick the ball! I’ve also given the net and balls to a young man to keep, as I cannot come every day because of meetings. He faithfully comes every single day and sets up the net and gets things going. The boy, nicknamed UK, is a returnee from Khartoum. He speaks VERY little English and his Arabic is the strong kind used in the north. We have conversations everyday, but I really only understand about 25% of what he is saying and he probably understands my English at about the same level. It has been so neat, and encouraging, to see him develop friends here with other guys that also play volleyball. They are ever singing, rapping American songs from Usher and the like, dancing like Michael Jackson, wearing their pants way-too-low for my style, and laughing all the time. Yet another glimpse of the beauty found in community and relationship.

I waited to start an ‘official’ league until our level of play and consistency improved, and people started asking me to organize it. I did not want to be the one pushing the idea if others were not interested. And so I waited, until now. Once enough people were interested and serious about organizing, we set things in motion and tonight were the first matches. There are still many things that need to be ironed out – like league fees, rosters, timetables, etc, but for right now, I don’t care. Tonight was great. There were no uniforms, kneepads, tennis shoes, or fancy scoreboards, or bleachers, or cheering parents, but there were so many wonderful, intangible things. I’m so proud of the four captains for somewhat organizing their teams (organization by local standards is no where near the level of organization I am used to coming from overly-organized America). It was the highest level of play I have seen here yet, and teammates mostly encouraged each other – I’ve really been getting on them lately about trying to be encouraging and not discouraging towards other.

I’m sure more arguments will ensue, and people will come late, and volleyballs will bust and nets will tear, and other such things. But right now, at this moment, I am so happy to see that volleyball, at least for two hours tonight, created a sense of teamwork, fellowship, community, athleticism, belonging, and excitement.

I was an athlete in high school and college, and I came to know Christ through the friendship and discipleship of one man working with Athletes In Action – a Christian organization reaching out to college age sports-minded individuals all over the world. So for me, volleyball and sports in general, is not so much about winning, but much more about relationship, commitment to others, opening doors, and breaking down barriers. Tonight, all those young men and women that played, and played well, are meaningful to me. Tonight, for me, was a gift from God – a reward of sorts, maybe, for me choosing to honor him and he bless me in return, two years in the making.

Happy Birthday, Norma Jean

2011-07-21T17:30:00.006+03:00

July 21, 2011

Dear Norma Jean (aka Mom),

Thank you.

The list of things in which I should thank you for are too numerous to count, and vary from small to great, deep and wide.

Here are just a few:

You always had time for us (me and my four siblings). Even when you worked night shift at the hospital, you came home and loved us well. You never seemed too tired for us or for our many needs.

You always welcomed people, at any time of the day, as you loved having visitors and hosting. You always managed to make amazing meals from whatever was available in the cupboard, and the food never seemed to end. I’m still not sure how you survive on so little sleep, but something within you wants to be ‘where the people are’. I think I’ve inherited your love for sweets, especially chocolate, and I’m grateful you always seem to have a brownie box mix stashed away somewhere that is gladly brought out on any requests, whatever the occasion.

You managed a way to drop me off and pick me up from practices and meets, and you never seemed to complain about how often I needed to be somewhere! I’m still amazed you managed to attend all my track meets, cross country races, school musicals, band performances, and uncountable other activities when I was in junior high and high school (I was involved in everything!). Even when no one else from our family came, I knew you would always be there. And you were.

I know you were not able to play sports in school, as your school did not have girl’s sports. But you always cheered me on. I know you were the fastest one in your class and very athletic, and I’m thankful I got some of those genes, though I don’t think I will ever bowl a 300 like you! I remember when you cried when we won the state championship, and I know you traveled all over the state to watch every race that season. You stood in heat, rain, hail, and snow to cheer me on. I’ll always remember that.

You instilled within me a love for gardening, and color, and beauty. You know how to dance and are not afraid to have some fun.

I remember you trying to tame down my ‘creativity’ projects for school, as I always seemed to have big ideas with the desired outcome in mind, but the process not quite worked out most of the time (this is still the case!)- but you let me carry on and learn from my endeavors. As a child you let me wander for endless hours, uninterrupted, in the woods by our house and down by the stream, and I think that freedom instilled in me a life-long love for walking and nature.

I know you did not want me to go far away for college, or graduate school, or for work, or even now, but the adventurer in me often won out. I know it’s hard for you that I am thousands of miles away from you and the rest of our family, but I thank you for supporting me wherever I am, in whatever I have done.

Thank you for loving people well. The amount of energy and time you exert loving your nine grandchildren in astounding! You’ve probably watched Little Mermaid over 100 times, yet you are always happy to watch it again with those kids! I think that is why you are an amazing nurse – because you deeply care for your patients, and that is why your patients love you. I have never heard you yell, not even once, at anybody for any reason. I’m sure there were some times when you could have yelled at me, but you didn’t. Though you did not always agree with me, or I with you, you let me express my opinion and you listened well.

I like that you call me ‘Scotty Boy’, and I can call you Norma Jean. I’m thankful that you are excited when I call, and you cry when I leave. I’m thankful for all the stories you’ve told, especially when your siblings are around. I could not imagine life without the Keller family, as you have all displayed great love and support for each other. I hope that love and unity never ends, even as people come and go.

I’ve played countless games of pinochle with you, and travelled all over with you. I wish I could have been and can be there for you when you need me, but I know a sacrifice of being so far away is that I cannot always be there. I hope you know I think of you all the time.

I do hope you see the joy in each day and continue to see the joy in each person. I know death is hard for you, and you have a lot of questions for God, and that’s ok. But I hope you can see God in the midst of all the hard things in life. I hope you know how much he loves you, how much he desires to be with you, how much he cares for you. My love for you is great, but it is only a mere glimpse of the abundant love that God has for you.

I hope you know that all that I am, all that I have become, all that I have accomplished or ever will accomplish is partly because of your influence on me. In many ways, I am my mother’s son.

I love you.

Happy Birthday, Norma Jean!

-Scotty Boy

Update - prayer needed..witch doctors and rain...

2011-07-08T07:46:00.003+03:00

This is the update on my last post about witch doctors and rain.

The full story, though still somewhat abridged edition, goes like this...

In July 2010 a bulldozer and crew came to Mundri with the intention of clearing new roads. They cleared several new paths along the dirt trodden ways. Many of the paths went through people's compounds and some homes were lost in the process. (Unfortunately, this was all done during rainy season, and no follow-up or care was done after the bulldozing. So today those 'roads' are there, but they are more like huge craters, potholes, mud pits, vehicle-suck-you-in-and-never-let-you-go traps.)

One new road, not far from my home, went by the compound of a 'very powerful man with special abilities', or more commonly known as what westerners would call a witch doctor. He is also a high-ranking military official. When the bulldozer came near to this man's home, he warned them not to knock down a huge sycamore tree that was on his compound. He told the workers that if they knocked down the tree, there would be severe consequences, as the tree had special powers. Well, despite the warnings, the workers bulldozed through the path in effort to continue the road, uprooting the tree.

Some few days later, after the tree was uprooted, the bulldozer broke (which I can verify as being true, as I saw it sitting on the side of the road last year, broken). The man driving the bulldozer left Mundri, heading to Juba in search of spare parts for the bulldozer. Supposedly, the man has never been seen or heard from since.

The witch doctor claims that he had a very special snake, also with special powers. This was a very unusual snake, as it had a breast like that of a woman. The snake's powers were somehow connected with the tree, and when the tree died the snake also died.

Fast forward to this year, July 2011...

Normally rains start in April in Mundri and are relatively consistent until September or October. However, this year the rains never really came. It rained a very little bit at the end of May, but it only rained three times in June, and never very hard or long. Most people had planted their gardens, primarily consisting of maize and ground nuts, the last week of May, believing that finally rainy season had come. But then the rains stopped, and as of a few days ago most peoples' gardens were on the brink of complete ruin, as the scorched maize was wilting under the intense heat, and the groundnuts were literally baking in the ground.

Mundri is a very agriculturalist society, as most people depend on their gardens for food and livelihood. The lost of their gardens could literally lead to famine and much despair.

Four days ago there was a meeting in town, involving most of the local chiefs, government officials, and other high-ranking individuals. At this meeting they discussed why the rains had failed to come, and what they could do to make the rains return. At this meeting, the witch doctor professed that he had stopped the rains because his sacred, powerful tree and snake had been killed last year. (It is also believed by many that the man driving the bulldozer was killed by the witch doctor through some type of 'accident' or incident.)

The witch doctor agreed to make the rains come again, if two specific things were done. First, a young, black goat would need to be slaughtered where the tree had been. Second, two bags of cement must be purchased and given to the witch doctor so that a gravestone could be built for the snake.

The community leaders agreed to the man's request, and many gave money to buy the goat and cement.

The goat was slaughtered two days ago in the morning. Later that day a heavy, drenching, earth soaking rain came, preceded by abnormally powerful winds and deafening lightening. It also rained yesterday, and it looks like it could rain again today...

To be continued...

Prayer needed..witch doctors and rain...

2011-07-04T23:06:00.001+03:00

Please pray for rain in Mundri...talks today among community leaders have led people to believe it is the local witch doctor that has stopped the rains...people planning to slaughter black goat in very specific location, as requested by witch doctor to bring back the rains...pray people would turn to God and not the power of man, that God would be glorified in times of drought and rain.

The full story is a bit longer, and involves the destruction of a sacred tree, the death of a powerful snake that had a nipple like that of a woman, and the untimely death of a man..it seems funny, or strange, but so very true and has the scent of the evil one.

I’ll write more of the full story soon, but wanted to send out this prayer request now. Please pray that God would be glorified and that people would place no others gods before him.

South Sudan National Anthem

2011-07-04T15:30:00.003+03:00

My friends, Malesh and Rezig, often attend the local English service with me on Sundays at the main Episcopal Church Cathedral. I've started inviting some young guys to my nearby home after the service for informal fellowship and discussion. Some weeks there will be five or six people, some weeks two or three, but Malesh and Rezig come almost every Sunday. They are a joy and delight to be around as they ponder life's issues, including the future of Sudan, health care or lack there of, and the current state of youth in Mundri and why the youth do or do not come to church. I've learned many things from these young men.

Today I asked them to teach me the new South Sudan national anthem. Independence day for the Republic of South Sudan is on 9th July, 2011. All the local schools have been teaching the students the anthem, and Rezig is in a local secondary school (high school) so he knows the anthem well. With his help, Malesh and I sang loudly and proudly, though with many mistakes in pitch and pauses.

It was a great day, full of laughter and excitement as they, and I, think about the possibilities for this new county, South Sudan. I admit that I am often cynical about the future outcome, as Sudan is riddled with a history of war, poverty, and staggeringly dismal health statistics, but someday things will change. God has promised that. The change may not be according to my timeline, and it may not occur during my life time, but someday there will be no more war, or disease, or death and despair. Hopefully we all see glimpses of that in our everyday lives, and one day, all things will be made new.

I've tried unsuccessfully multiple times, and spent multiple hours trying to get the video uploaded, but have had no success...I'll keep trying...

Unexpected Sightings...

2011-07-03T13:11:00.004+03:00

I am often left to marvel at the 'smallness' of this world and the way in which our lives and those of others are intertwined.

A few weeks ago a man rode by me on his bicycle wearing a Taylor University shirt. Taylor is not far from my parents home, and my good friend Scott C. went to Taylor University, where I visited him many times. Unfortunately, I did not have my camera on me, otherwise I surely would have captured a snap!

I see Ohio State and Michigan paraphernalia all the time in Africa, and I even saw a Wright State University (my alma mater) shirt one time in Uganda. But I don't often see clothing on Africans that really brings me closer to home...until now.

I took this photo yesterday, Saturday, 2nd July. This is a friend of mine and he had come over to greet me.

On closer inspection of his shirt I noticed it had the word Celina on it.

Celina is a town in Mercer County, Ohio. The same county where my birth place is, and home to my parents still, Fort Recovery.

Luckily, I was close enough to my home to run there and grab my camera. So this is a special shout out to all my friends and family in Mercer County, Ohio. Know that your actions, and clothes, have an impact on the people in Africa.

I boarded the plane and...

2011-06-28T06:50:00.003+03:00

I wanted to share something with you from my nine year old niece, Chloe. She entered a story writing contest at the local public library. The story had to start with 'I boarded the plane and I knew I was in for a terrific adventure.'

I boarded the plane and I knew I was in for a terrific adventure. I was on my way to Sudan to spend two weeks with my uncle Scott. Scott is a doctor who is doing mission work. I haven’t seen him in one year. I can’t wait to get there.

When the plane landed, I looked out the window and I was scared for a minute. Then I knew that it would all be okay. When I got off the plane, I saw my uncle Scott. I was so happy. I was jumping up and down. He was super happy to see me. I can’t wait to do fun things with him.

Once I got settled in, I had to go to the bathroom. So I asked where it was. He told me that it was outside. I said, “what “. He said "outside". So I had to go to the bathroom in a mud built room with a big hole in the ground that you go to the bathroom in. It was going to take me some time to get used to this.

Later when my uncle was done working, we went on a hike in the safari. We had to wear big boots so that way a snake couldn’t bite our feet. There were so many cool animals. I saw rhinos, giraffes, monkeys, and many more animals. I had so much fun.

When it came time for me to go to bed I had to sleep in a little room made out of mud. I was so cold during the night. There was no light, so I couldn’t see anything. When I had to go to the bathroom, I had to put on boots and a jacket. I was not going to get use to this. Well I would, but it would take a long time.

It was almost time to go. The last thing that me and my uncle Scott did was play football. Well for them its football for us it’s soccer. They are really good at soccer, baseball, football, and they love volleyball. I enjoyed staying with my uncle Scott and playing with all of the Sudan people. They are all really nice if you get to know them.

Well it was time to leave, my plane was here. I waved by to all of the Sudan people. I was crying when it was time to leave. I was crying tears of joy though. I would miss them all. I waved by and gave my uncle another hug. I was so sad I had to leave. When I got back home I told my parents about the stuff that I did and how much fun that I had. I was happy I got to see my uncle Scott.

-By Chloe Will

Age 9

Fort Recovery, Ohio

To Create and Dance

2011-06-27T19:41:00.003+03:00

To Create and Dance

June 24, 2011

Today, I see colors, and design, and I feel like creating, something of which I am not certain. I feel like letting go and dancing before the Lord. My body yearns to discover, to develop, to explore, yet in many ways it desires to collapse, to slumber in sadness, lying prostrate before the Lord.

Today, my emotions are a mixture of joy and sorrow. I want to praise God for all the challenges, and obstacles, and mountains, conquered and those to come. For the valleys of despair driving me closer to him, seeing in hindsight with contentment and awe, I am humbled before my God. As images of absolute nothingness, death, decay, and injustice hurtle through my current vision and past memory, I am left broken and aware of my feebleness to affect change. It is moments like this, juxtaposition of good and evil, of idealism and realism in my own mind, that I am more acutely aware of God and his goodness. I am left knowing that there is so much I do not, and never will, know.

Today, a recent injury to my own physical body has forced me to alter my pace of life, a painful reminder of my own limitations. So often I desire to work hard, to be productive in relationship and life, to push my own body physically harder than what I should. I don’t do well with rest. I don’t know how to handle my own thoughts, how to just be, how to be silent before the Lord.

Today, I long for Heaven, but with thankfulness for the here and now. I am seeing more clearly, and looking more intensely at people and trying to view them as created beings, trying to see more of the Creator. I wish I could always see with a clearer perspective of space and time, leaning heavily on the lens of love, but too often my own ambitions and desires cloud that picture.

Today, I wish I always felt the freedom to create, to dance, to shout with joy, to sob with sorrow. I wish I always felt the presence of God closely, carrying me, breathing life into me. Today I am thankful for whom I am, and today I am thankful that there is more to me yet to be discovered, even by me. Today, I am thankful that I can create and dance, not because I have to, but because there is something within me that wants to praise my creator.

NEW ADDRESS!!!

2011-06-27T16:08:00.004+03:00

We have a new address! So instead of mail going from the USA to Bundibugyo, Uganda, then back to Kampala, then flown to Sudan...you can now send mail and packages to the address below. Hopefully, instead of taking 4-6 months to receive packages, it will only take two! THANK YOU to our friends, the Sharlands, that are helping with the process.

World Harvest Mission

c/o Scott Will

PO Box 355

Arua, Uganda

*On the right hand side of this page is my 'care package wish list' THANK YOU!

This Sudanese Life...

2011-05-26T15:08:00.001+03:00

This Sudanese life…

Do you ever wonder how you ended up where you are? Do you, like me, have surreal in-the-moment moments when you are thankfully able to pause and examine your circumstances from a bigger picture view?

I continue to remain thankful for where I am and what I am doing, though I cannot always articulate exactly what is I do. I find my time, and desires are increasingly focused on mentorship and encouragement of young men and youth. I still work at the local health center, and though frustrating at times for numerous reasons, I enjoy my time there and the numerous patients I see. But my real joy comes from sitting with people, listening to them, and trying to encourage through biblical truths.

I am realizing more and more the lack of depth and sustenance in terms of Christianity in the life of most young Sudanese men. I am also seeing more and more the need for solid, biblical teaching and equipping. Many people from the community have asked me if certain things are true regarding the bible and God. Many of their assumptions and firmly held beliefs are not biblical at all. Often when I inquire where they heard such and such phrase or teaching, my friends will reply from a pastor or friend that attends church. I used to think they must have misinterpreted what was said or made up something to justify their own actions. Though that may be true in some circumstances, I do believe that a lack of biblical teaching is present even among pastors and church staff.

Last week I ran into a local church pastor. A man I know fairly well and have had many previous conversations with. Some of those conversations have left me wondering about his motives and grounding principles. When he saw me last week he said, “Scott, you are gone these days.” I told him that I have been visiting many friends and often I will sleep at their homes. He then said, “You must have a girl friend here”. (The word girlfriend here almost always implies the girl you are having sex with). I told him, “No, I don’t. It is always guy friends that I am going to visit.” He absolutely did not believe me and said, “You must have a girl friend. You NEED to satisfy your needs.”

I was surprised by this pastor’s comments, but I probably should not have been. I’ve heard similar things before from pastors and church members. My initial reaction to his comments was ‘Is he reading the same Bible as me?’ and ‘What is he teaching the people in his church!’ A similar response came from the local theological college students when I was teaching them about sex and HIV as it relates to community health. Almost unanimously the class agreed that as a man you MUST start having sex at a young age and it is NOT possible for you to wait until you are married to have sex. These are all pastors in training.

Today I had a similar conversation, probably the 40^th or 50^th such conversation involving a young guy, with a friend that works with the local church. He asked me if I have a girl friend, and I said, “No, you have asked me this many times before and I always tell you no but you still refuse to believe me. Why do you not believe me?” His response, “Scott, I know you are lying. You MUST have a girl friend. Every man NEEDS to have a girl friend. Even if you don’t want to marry her you NEED to satisfy your bodies NEEDS. God has created you as a man to have sex. It is what you are supposed to do.”

The attitude and assumption that you will have sex starting at a young age (11-14 years old) is so ingrained in the mindset of people here. I could write multiple pages about all the conversations I’ve had on this topic, and they are all similar. Only once, only ONE TIME after 40 or 50 such conversations, have I met a young man over the age of 15 that told me his is still a virgin and hopes to remain so until marriage.

After all such conversations, whether it be about sex or how to get into heaven or alcohol consumption or drug use, etc., I am all the more left clinging to the cross of Jesus saying, literally yelling at times “Jesus, help!”

The thing is, my life, and my life goals are not so much about changing peoples’ behaviors. We all have things, or actions, or thoughts in our life that are not glorifying to God. I know I have several and there are probably several more that I am not aware of yet. Instead, my hope is to tell people about Jesus, and once they accept that Jesus died for them they will live in such a way as to glorify God. I believe that true and everlasting change, especially in terms of behavior, must be preceded by a change in heart first. I can’t change people, but God can, and he does!

I continue to believe that God has me where I am, doing what I do, to teach me about me. At one time I may have thought I was coming to Sudan to help people and love people by sharing Jesus with them. And though I hopefully do some of that, I firmly resolve that my life and time here is more about what God is doing to teach and love me.

We are all sinners in need of a savior. God is big enough to handle our past, our present, and our future. We need not be perfect, nor will we ever be, to enter into the glory and presence of God. He is waiting for us. My deepest desire is for everyone to know the loving savior that has rescued me from myself.

Reflections on things past...

2011-05-07T20:36:00.006+03:00

May 5, 2011
I am reading a book just now by Ken Gire, Windows of the Soul. Though I have not found the book entirely compelling or life-changing, there are some words and exercises which I have enjoyed and found of valuable use. One suggestion from the book was to make a list of things in your childhood or adolescence that brought you joy. So in a stream of consciousness type pattern (please excuse the poor grammer!), I started making a free form list of things that came to mind from childhood, adolescence, and even now. Things that brought or bring me joy.
It was a fun exercise and insightful into whom I am and how God has worked his mysterious ways within me to fashion the man I am and am becoming. Reading the list helped me focus more on my strengths and skills, it and brought back great memories.
I would encourage you to make your own list. It may be helpful as you think of vocation or life goals.

Things in childhood, adolescence, college, and even now that brought and continue to bring me joy…

Exploring in the woods

Going to the Wabash river

Building snow forts and igloos

Playing in the barn, building tunnels with straw bales and swinging by ropes onto mounds of loose straw

Summer days planting the garden and watching with eager expectation as things grew

Helping mom plant flowers in spring and summer, and autumn bulbs in the fall

Playing with toy animals, fences, barns

Acrobatic endeavors and gymnastic stunts, climbing trees, jumping, and balancing acts

Telling stories and making up songs to audiences of cows and pigs on nearly a daily basis as a child growing up on a farm

Playing games like Tripoly, rum, and others

Writing book reports in which I could be creative, including when I dressed up like Mowgli or designed a cardboard Christmas tree complete with lights for some book called The Littlest Angel(?) – most of these creative book reports and projects were for Mrs. McClung in junior high

Competing in track and cross country – pushing my teammates to work harder, strive for excellence, setting goals, the bond of a common goal

STAR (Students Teaching About Resistance) and JEDI (Junior Educational Development Institute) – teaching others about alcohol and drug use and trying to help them take a stand against it, being creative in approach to teaching other peers and younger students

Dancing and acting – school musicals and show choir

Learning, studying for exams and such and doing well

Cooking and baking, being creative in form and style

Visiting relatives and sleeping at their homes in the summer – especially going to the Vagedes house, or spending time with Randy, Sue, and Mark

Going to Canada with my family and relatives every summer – a week-long joyous time of playing with my cousins, swimming, fishing, playing cards, camp fires, laughing, great home-cooked meals

Playing volleyball or tennis, often alone and against the side of or on the roof of the barn

Time spent with friends, especially in high school – laughing, playing board games or card games, watching videos, going to Pizza Hut or Wal-Mart in Portland

Traveling to Australia – a new and exciting adventure with friends old and new as part of a USA running team in high school

Watching my friends and sister play sports, especially volleyball, trying to encourage them and support them

Playing club and intramural volleyball in college

Watching the Olympics and hearing inspirational stories. I also LOVED watching the Iron Man every fall, particularly I liked the stories behind some of the people competing – overcoming great odds and rising above what they initially thought possible to achieve some goal, or dream, or mark of attainment.

Classes with Dr Pohlman – exercise physiology based, more so her kindness and care for students than the actual subject matter, though I did like that too

Baking sweets for my roommates and friends in college as a study break for me

Working at SAMBICA – time spent encouraging kids and being encouraged by amazing full-time and summer staff

Exploring the Pacific Northwest and all its beauty and creativity

Reading encouraging or inspiring quotes, all the way from elementary school up until now – especially Henry David Thoreau’s quote that was given to me on the front of a congratulatory card from Grace & Ken Tobe and family after we won the state cross country title in 1996 and the Desiderata by Max Erhman that I used to read every day and still find inspiring to this day

Watching people do what they are passionate about – whatever it is, but seldom witnessed in this success driven world

Sitting in coffee shops and books stores, not so much for the coffee, but more so the surroundings, the laid-back atmosphere inspiring creativity and thought, the intoxicating smells and mellow music, watching others pause to catch up with friends or study for exams, inviting and alluring you to spend hour upon hour within

Hiking along streams or in mountains, especially in the Pacific Northwest, but also the trails of the Wissahickon in Philadelphia or nature preserves outside Baltimore

Walking and watching, greeting, taking in the sights and sounds that are often missed when traveling by other means

Cooking for friends and inviting them in to my home, welcoming guests and friends, as my honored brothers and sisters – I delight in them feeling at home and at rest within the boundaries of the environments I have tried to create

Listening to others talk about their lives, not so much talking on my end, but merely just listening to them tell their stories

Being able to help people, whatever that ‘help’ may be

Teaching Sunday school to first graders and four year olds

Speaking to groups of people, young and old, about my experiences in a way that will hopefully inspire and encourage them to pursue their own dreams, goals, and desires

Visiting friends at their homes, entering into their environments and meeting their families – hearing stories about who they are and the past that preceded them

Learning about new cultures and customs different from my own

Talking to people about God and the love that he has for them. Especially telling others about the sacrifice of Jesus and the immense love and humility that he displayed.

Encouraging and inspiring others to achieve more then what they originally think they are capable of, challenging people to dream and dream big, setting short term and long term goals

Making cards or gifts for people that involve creativity and color

Planting and thinking about gardens, plants, flowers – planting seeds and then watching things grow and sharing the return seeds with others

Stories about people that have accomplished great or unusual things, especially stories about people that have devoted their lives to helping others or pursuing their dreams or passions in such a way that has benefit to many

Seeing friends or family after a long period of separation, especially when you have continued to pray for and think about the person amidst your physical absence

Witnessing or hearing others tell about coming to faith, coming to believe in Christ and desiring to give their life to him

Pictures I Wish I had...

2011-05-06T13:53:00.000+03:00

Pictures I wish I had…

Last week, on Sunday, I spent much of the day with my Moru ‘family’. Alex B. and his relatives have graciously welcomed me over and over again into much more than just their home, but also into their hearts. I look forward to seeing them, and when I am not there they are calling me and asking me how I am doing. It feels good to be cared for in a culture and place that is so vastly removed from what I know and have experienced.

Sunday was ‘game day’ at Alex’s house. I brought several games generously sent to me by friends and family, via care packages, from America. We played Connect Four, Pass The Pigs, Memory, and Go Fish. It was such a delight! I wish I had my camera so you could visually see the 10 people that were gathered around a small, wooden table with a sheet metal top in the middle of the day under the shade of the central tree in the compound. Or if you glanced a few meters over you would have seen 10 more people playing memory, laughing as cards were flipped and people were trying to find the valuable matches. While watching memory, you might hear the laughter of the kids and adults as they rolled the pig-shaped dice near by, trying to get the pigs to land in acrobatic style to maximize point count.

The day concluded with 20 or more people gathered underneath the clear night-time sky, stars twinkling so brightly and clearly, that when I looked through the leaf-barren trees it reminded me of Christmas, as if the stars had become the twinkling lights ornamenting the central Christmas tree. There was a brief, fleeting moment, but real, as I looked at the people and the beauty of the darkness set aglow with millions of stars, that made me long for Heaven. If this was just a glimpse of what Heaven is like, how can I long for any other place?

We all gathered round, on ground, laps, mats, and plastic chairs as I set up my small computer and speakers for a showing of The Gods Must Be Crazy. Neighbors, small, tall, sober and not, all came wondering over to gather in on the sit-in movie. (People don’t really have cars here, so a drive-in movie would attract very few.)

When I show movies to Africans, especially Sudanese people, I am often anxious, as I fear they may not like the movie or understand what is happening. In general, the average local Sudanese has limited English speaking and hearing capacity, so long dialogues in the English language leave locals here confused and bored. Movies with lots of animals, dancing, or action attract the most applause. I’ve found that Planet Earth is a big hit, though it does involve me fast-forwarding to the animal scenes only.

It was with much delight and relief on my part that everyone loved The Gods Must Be Crazy. People laughed and cheered and hollered! They loved all the animal scenes, when the main African character is driving a car backwards by mistake, and visuals of a small African village – particularly in the video where a line of locals are walking along in their loin-cloth attire and their butts are showing!

Though my words may be many, or few, it may be hard for you to visualize what all these moments are like – the sights, sounds, and smells. Many things are left to your imagination, and most moments and experiences here I will never fully be able to explain. I often wish I could share these moments with you, or someone else, but for now I know God is there delighting in me and smiling as I receive his blessing.

I wish I would remember my camera more often, but in moments like those explained above, I try to visually take a snap shot in my mind so I won’t forget the beauty, joy, laughter, smells, sounds, and glimpses of love and joy. I hope you, too have many instances where everything seems right, peaceful, and brilliantly beautiful - where war, destruction, and hatred seem so void from the present moment.

Of Men & Mentoring

2011-04-22T20:32:00.002+03:00

part 3 of 3

While in Uganda for three months, just prior to coming back to Sudan, I spent a lot of time with young men and peers. Once a week I had guys, ranging in age 15 – 30 years old, over to my house. All five or ten or fifteen of us would spend most of the day on Saturdays cooking, laughing, joking, and telling stories. Then we would share in a meal that evening and often watch a video afterwards. Several of the guys would sleep at my house, and we would attend church together on Sundays. I loved these days and moments in Uganda, spending time with friends.

These young guys often encouraged me much more than I think I encouraged them. As they spoke of their joys and sufferings, it was obvious that my upbringing and life circumstances were very much different than theirs. I have never known a life of poverty, death, and cycles of continuing generational despair. I did not choose to be born in America, and they did not choose to be born in Uganda into such situations.

Yet we share the same God.

One friend, Jackson, a man in Uganda I befriended many years ago, walked over three hours one-way to visit me! He had moved away from Bundibugyo to a town many miles away, but when he heard I was back in town he said, “I must come.” And so he did. He was such an encouragement to me!

Jackson is another young man in his mid-twenties, married with small a child, whom provides shelter, food, and care for many of his relatives. He has known sufferings beyond what I can comprehend, yet he remains joyful and optimistic.

Jackson told me, “Scott, you have a very unusual heart.” I did not understand what he meant, so I asked him to explain. He said, “Your heart is so big. I’m not sure why you are so nice to me, but I love you so much. God created you very differently and the way you love me, and so many others, is really amazing. Most people are not like you. When God created your heart, he made it very special.”

Interactions with Jackson, and countless other youth and young men, have only confirmed my belief that mentoring and discipleship is crucial. Relationships often take time to develop, sometimes years or even decades. But they are worth the investment. Most people I know have dreams or desires for a better future. Unfortunately, many people I know do not have people that intentionally invest in them, challenging and encouraging them in whom they are and whom God created them to be – trying to point them to the love of Jesus.

I’ve shared with Alex B., Billi, Jackson, and numerous others that my biggest desire is to share eternity with them in Heaven. I desire for them to experience joy here on Earth, but more so I long for them to give their lives over to share eternal joy with God in Heaven.

As I think about Easter, I am again reminded of the remarkable gift that God has given us. He loves us so much, and desires to be with us, that he willingly sacrificed his only son to die for us, for me. I love these young men that God has put in my life, but my love for them is only a miniscule fraction of the love that God has for them. Please join me in praying for these young men, and countless others around the world, that they would know Jesus. And not only know him, but willingly give of themselves to love him and be loved by him.

God is our Mighty Counselor. He is the greatest mentor we can ever know. The life of Jesus is a testimony of discipleship to others and willingness to lay down his life so that others may live.

This is how we know what love is: Christ gave his life for us. We too, then, ought to give our lives for our brothers and sisters! – I John 3:16

Of Men & Mentoring

2011-04-22T08:44:00.004+03:00

-part 2 of 3

In the past week I have slept in my own bed two times, and I’ve only cooked one meal. The outpouring generosity of friends and church staff has been overwhelming, as I have shared in meals with them and spent nights at their homes.

My friend Alex B. has long been a kind, caring, generous brother to me. His home has become my home, and his family has become a second family to me. I’ve written about Alex before on this blog, and today I want to tell you more.

Alex is in his early to mid twenties, he thinks. Most people here do not know exactly how old they are as record keeping was not a priority during times of war. His mother died a few years ago. He is one of four children, three of whom are still alive.

Alex owns a small shop in town, and he lives in a compound with several tukuls (huts) that he built himself. His father lives 30 miles away in the ‘bush’ of a small village. Alex provides shelter, food, and care for his aunt and her three daughters. His aunt had four children, three of them still alive. All four children had different fathers, and his aunt has never had a husband. Two of her daughters now have daughters of their own, and neither has a husband. Pregnant women, young girls having babies, and no husbands around. This is an all to common scenario around here.

I’ve spent many nights at Alex’s home in the past, including Christmas and seven days in a row during a burial ceremony for his cousin. His aunt calls me her son and Alex refers to me as his older brother. Several times he has said, “Scott Joseph Will, you are really my brother.”

(Just now, as I was typing this, Alex called me and greeted me as his brother!)

Earlier this week I was at his home and he started telling me more about his life and his current situation. For several months he has been trying to ‘take a wife’ but has been met with much difficulty by the father of his hopeful wife to be. We’ve had several conversations about this topic before and now it is becoming a saga filled event!

After much discussion, Alex told me that he is so thankful for me and the guidance and wisdom that I provide in his life. He has often said that he has few people in his life that truly try to counsel him and advise him. In reality, I don’t think I provide much actual guidance or wisdom, I just listen to him and try to steer him back to God.

Many times I have asked Alex about his faith and his beliefs in God. I enjoy asking guys like Alex “what do you think God wants from you?” as this question opens the door for deeper conversation about salvation and grace.

Please pray for Alex and his family. Though he desires to know God more, he has many pressures from his family and culture to conform to traditional beliefs that sometimes mar Christianity. It’s often the case here, and in America as well, where some issues are black and white in terms of what the ‘right’ thing to do is, but in the areas of gray he, and admittedly I, often struggle to know exactly what steps to take when sometimes following God seems like the harder thing to do.

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Last night I spent the evening with my friend Billi and his family. Billi is in his early twenties, is married, has a seven-month-old child, owns a small shop in town, and lives in a compound with several tukuls that he built, and he takes care of and is responsible for many people. He is also the cousin of Alex B.

Billi also calls me his older brother, or “Man of America”, or most recently after my return from Uganda “Man of Uganda” or “Man of Congo” because I was living close to Congo. His enthusiasm and laughter is to be admired.

As we sat under the dim light of the moon last night in the center of his compound eating sorghum, lentils, and eggs, we talked about life, and faith, and caring for others. He thanked me over and over again for taking time to ‘just be’ with him and his family – to sit with them and discuss life with them without having to rush somewhere else.

Billi is an exceptional young man despite hard circumstance and life events! He is so committed to helping his family and others that it inspires and challenges me. Billi grew up without a father, as his mother had four children from four different men before she finally married a man. She left her first four children with their grandmother as she went to be with her new husband. (Often in this culture husbands do not want to take care of or be responsible for children that they themselves did not biologically produce).

Billi has very good business-sense and he is an incredibly hard worker. He does well with his small shop, and he works very hard in the garden and has several fields of cassava that he sells, and he has several goats to help with income. He provides food, shelter, and financial support for his wife, daughter, grandmother, brother, four young cousins, and numerous other rotating relatives that come under his care. He has more responsibility than other 22 or 23 year old that I know, yet he remains very grounded and optimistic.

One of Billi’s deepest desires is to see his young cousins and brother get a good education. He provides all their school fees and materials. He tells them often that he is there to support them, and that they need to finish school to have a chance of making something with their life. This viewpoint is often counter-cultural, especially for girls, as many parents here choose not to pay school fees and do not highly encourage their children in educational dreams and endeavors.

Last night Billi lamented that his 22 year-old female cousin that lives with him, who just finished secondary school (high school), is now pregnant. He had hoped that she would attend university, as he previously told her that he would help her with fees and somehow find a way for her to go. Now her chances of going to university are over. She is pregnant, and the father of the child does not want to take her as a wife. So she will stay at home with Billi as the child continues to grow within her. Billi said that he will be happy to continue to provide care for her and the others, including her baby, but his dreams and goals of her pursuing her education are now dashed. There are few opportunities for people here, especially young women, to get out of the cycle of poverty and despair. Another young women with child, and no husband, will walk the streets of this town with little hope for her future.

I asked Billi about his faith - why he chooses to believe in God verse some other belief. He spoke of God’s care for us and how there can be no other way than by and through God. He also spoke about the rampant alcoholism, tobacco use, and rising number of unwed mothers in Mundri. His comment was that God will bless us, but God does not reward people who are lazy – if you work hard, laboring in the garden and do not toil all your days away, then God will reward you and honor you for your commitment to him. He compared Church to school – saying that both are important for education and we must encourage all youth to attend both. As one learns of science and math, he/she must also be taught the ways of God.

As Billi and his younger cousin walked me back to my house along the dry, dusty-claden winding paths dimly lit and scattered with neighbors and friends, he continued to thank me for my friendship and my willingness to just be with him and spend time with him and his family. He again confirmed to me that I am his older brother and will always remain so.

Please pray for Billi and his family. Though he is grounded in God, and is especially concerned about the welfare of others, he is not yet convinced that we are saved solely by faith and the grace of God through the sacrifice of Jesus. Billi is an amazing young man with immense responsibilities, trying to provide a way and a means for others to succeed. My desire is for him to know and experience the overwhelming love of God.

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Of Men & Mentoring

2011-04-21T12:28:00.004+03:00

part 1 of 3

I have been back in Sudan one week. The week has been full of visiting, cleaning, unpacking, and renewing relationships. It feels good to be back home.

I see more and more the importance of mentoring and discipleship. I’ve long held that one-on-one discipleship, or mentoring, is crucial to individual formation and one’s faith journey. It was through the discipleship of a man with Athletes In Action that I came to know Christ as my personal savior when I was 21 years old.

The excitement of friends seeing me again after a three-month absence has been overwhelming and very confirming. My own excitement at seeing them has livened my heart. The joy of friendship, relationship with another, is truly a gift from the Lord.

On Sunday I attended the English service at the local Episcopal Church cathedral, run entirely by Sudanese. I’ve come to enjoy this service more and more throughout my time in Sudan. Many young men and students come in an effort to improve their English skills. There are also many Ugandans, Kenyans, and other African foreigners that attend. Though it is not a ‘lively’ service full of dancing and raucous music, there is much routine and congregational prayers and chants that is comforting somehow in its monotony and unison voices.

After the service I invited two young men to come to my nearby house, on the premise that I had photos that I wanted to give them. One young man, Mine, was eager to come, talk, and drink sodas together as we ate chapattis and looked at photos. The other boy, Rezig, was a bit more hesitant. Both guys are in their late teens or early twenties and have been to my house many times before. I’ve intentionally tried to spend time with these guys in the past and encourage them in school and life.

We talked, and laughed, and enjoyed life together. Mine had to leave after an hour or two, but Rezig stayed for SEVEN hours! Much of that time we were silent as I was trying to clean and unpack my things. We would occasionally talk about life, school, dreams, and faith. But for the most part we were together, silent much of the time, but together all the time.

Rezig is a young man that the Lord has led me to pray for often. He sometimes vacillates between high, talkative enthusiasm and deep silence. I used to want to ‘figure him out’, but the Lord graciously helped me to see that I just need to try to love him and not try to figure him out. He is already well known to the Lord.

Towards the end of my time with Rezig, I asked him about his faith. Why did he choose to follow God instead of some other deity? Why Christian and not Muslim? Did he think he would go to Heaven someday? He was open and honest in his beliefs, and doubts. As he spoke I began to see him more and more as a child of God – a sinner, yet loved beyond all measure and compare by the Lord. I wish I could always have such conversations with people, and even more so, I wish I could always love people just as they are and not seek to change them or figure them out.

The importance of mentoring and discipleship cannot be over estimated in my opinion. There is something, almost tangible in the moment that is the production of time spent with others, challenging and encouraging. We all need mentors, counselors, and guidance in our life. Unfortunately, I have struggled to find such guidance at times. When not firmly grounded by others, I find myself floundering about. I seek to counsel and love others, and I also seek to be counseled and loved by others. Fortunately, we all have the Mighty Counselor whom is eager to spend time with us, and love us, just as we are.

Back in Sudan!

2011-04-15T15:56:00.003+03:00

I'm back in Sudan! It feels good to be back! It even rained this morning!!!

The past three months have been full of transition and change. I left Sudan on January 4, just a few days before the referendum. I arrived in Uganda and spent two weeks with my Ugandan friends and former WHM co-workers, Lamech and Geofrey. These two men are close to my age and have always been willing to lend some encouragement, support, and laughter to my life. It was a joy to reconnect with them and their families. I was also able to spend time with my Goddaughter, Geofrey’s child, Arinda Abigail.

Next I was off to Bundibugyo. A place I have visited and lived many times over the past six years. I am familiar with the people and the pace of life there, but it is never an easy place. I slipped back into work at the local Nyahuka Health center, greeting friends and former co-workers. Unfortunately, the level of care there has declined significantly over the past year, as staff members often miss their shifts and drug supplies are minimal. I also, along with several Ugandan friends, invested a lot of time and energy trying to improve the aging mission house I occupied. I’ve never thought of myself as a handy man, but creativity and small, manageable tasks are something I enjoy.

Now I am back in Sudan. Over the past three months I’ve sent hundreds of text messages and made numerous phone calls to friends in Sudan. They in turn have been texting and calling me as well! It has been GREAT to see them again! They have welcomed me with dancing, shouting, rejoicing, and lots of free food and soda! Almost everyone has commented on how big I have become while away in Uganda! (This is usually a complement, as they mean 'stronger' looking, but I know I have gained a lot weight in Uganda! I already miss the iced lattes from Kampala and the sweets from my informal coffee shop in Bundibugyo!)

I will be the only person from the World Harvest Mission team in Sudan for the next two months. The rest of my teammates are in America, with my team leaders planning to return in mid-June. Until then, I will be the sole representative for WHM. I’ve already built significant relationships with Sudanese, and my language skills have improved greatly in the past year, so I am not fearful of diving back into life here. But I will need the support, prayers, and encouragement of friends from afar as cross-cultural stresses are always present, and it helps to process life situations and visible suffering with people from a similar cultural upbringing.

I'll keep you posted on life in Sudan...

-SJW

To Bundi and Back Again...

2011-04-09T19:51:00.002+03:00

I've been in Bundibugyo, Uganda since early January. I'm now in Kampala, Uganda and headed back to South Sudan on April 14. I just posted a lot of photos on my Facebook site and tried to write commentary about most of them. For a pictorial guide of my life and work in Uganda over the past three months, go to the photos on my Facebook page:

Scott Will - Facebook

Texting - part 3 of 3

2011-02-25T07:38:00.000+03:00

Texting – part 3 of 3

22-Feb-2011

HELLO MY B SJW H R U THEIR I THING U WELL AND WE R ALL WELL LET ME TEL ABOUT MY WIFE SHE TOLD ME THAT SHE NEED COME ON TEN F T II AND THANKS ABJA

Hello, my brother, Scott Joseph Will. How are you there? I think you are well, and we are all well here. Let me tell you this story about my wife. She told me that she would like to come….(I have no idea what TEN F T II means?)…Thank you, Alex BJA

I love getting texts from Alex B, though sometimes I do not understand them. I need your help deciphering the last part of the message. Any suggestions on what TN F II means? Alex was originally going to take a woman as his wife at the end of December (see previous posts), but due to sickness and death in the family, she was not able to come. The family told him to come on January 11. He went to ‘pick up’ his wife that day, but was told by the girl’s family that he could not take her that day and they were not sure that they agreed any more for him to take their daughter as his wife (the family had previously agreed and everything was supposedly all arranged). When I spoke with Alex on the phone a few weeks ago, he was really sad about the latest developments, but optimistic about the woman he had hoped would be his wife. So, I am not sure what the above messages means. I need to call him!

14-Feb-2011

hi LOVER Africans! Msk is ok how isBdbgyo?Grtz frm ma fmly m’bz.

Hello, Scott – lover of all Africans! Masaka is ok. How is Bundibugyo? Greetings from all of my family members (thank you to John and Loren Clark for helping me figure out what m’bz means!).

This was a text from Lamech. We have a mutual friend, Ngonzi, in Bundibugyo who loves to sing and dance. Ngonzi has his own singing group and composes his own songs. About a year ago, Ngonzi took on the stage name “Lover Games.” Lamech joked with me that I needed a new name, so since them he often refers to me as “Lover Africans”. I kind of like the name…

22-Jan-2011

Holl. My brother I may that you ok. For ours on wrong,Let God bless you.thank very much to you.SJW.ME John M.Gift

Hello! My brother, Scott, I hope that you are ok. In my family nothing is wrong. We are all ok. (I’m not sure I translated this section correctly? Any suggestions?). May God bless you. Thank you very much, Scott Joseph Will. This is J.M.Gift.

Gift is a good friend of mine in Mundri. He runs a small shop and always greets me warmly and offers me a seat and some candy when I come to visit. He was one of the first people I met in Mundri, as he tried to teach me some Moru language during our first encounter. He always smiles and seems really excited when I stop by. I look forward to seeing him again when I return to Mundri in April!

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I want to conclude this post with some of my favorite text messages from America, Uganda, and Sudan. I won’t translate them for you, but will allow you the opportunity to decipher your own meaning.

HELLO MY BRTHER SJW IAM HAPPY HEAIR U VOICE I THING YOU THERE WELL LET GOD BELESS YOU AND GIVE WISEDOM FOR U TO TEACH US TAHNKS ALEX B A J

Thank u s much my bro I am fine & happy 2 always reve sms from u thank u ma bro 4 ur endless lve 2 mi, God be with u in all ur struggle I am praying 4 u

Yogger, u r awesome! We r praying 4 u, sudan & uganda. U r an encouragement! Hugs, sunnie, weeder & ruby

Happy to here always from u scat I trust u & I believe u praying 4 me

Hello scott thank u for praying for me and for our friendship and am also for u too iam sure God ll make change in oure life.MODOYI

Nice nice…tank 4 y’r compansionat,love,empathy,kindness, gifts etc my u livelonger .mi now back inmsk.Grtz frm dad en mam

Dear my brother scott. I recived ur daily inspirational & friendship message, thanku so much I love u from the bottom of my heart, (GOD BE WITH YOU) See u nice thme.

You inspire me to give of myself more…I am lucky to know you.

Hai scat iam back to yeri for voting but sorry for missing your presence you real my best friend may God bless our friendship

HI DIGIDE DOG GOOD MORNING. WHERE RE U SABI

I want to include some texts from Anna and Heidi after a humorous, albeit strange encounter that took place in Kampala on January 4, 2010 at a Chinese food restaurant…(I will let them explain!)

Your time is up, we are coming to get you from the brothel.

Get you SOME! (Chinese food!)

Absolutely! But you get the credit! Scott will the womanizer. Wait until lova games hears about your reputation, you might find yourself a role in a the next music video! What would your stage name be?

That’s what you get for having no standards!:-) sweet, sour, bitter, or….(You have to ask Heidi or Anna to fill in the blank!).

Dear me. Will be holding a prayer vigil here in your honor. We have nothings else to do. Still working on the car, and the put up in the chairs in the middle of the lot to keep us away from the mosquitos, we look like freaks. Could be that Ssesanga knocks us off first so it was nice knowin ya!

Oh the memories! HAPPY TEXTING!

Texting - part 2

2011-02-14T19:27:00.000+03:00

Texting

– part 2 of 3

Sorry for the delay…

Here are some recent text messages that are currently saved on my phone. I will type the text message in italics exactly as it was written and sent. Then I will offer my own interpretation and explanation of what I think it actually means. Feel free to offer your own interpretation!

14-Feb-2011

how is ur valentine?ms u a lot ALICE M.

How is your Valentine’s Day? Miss you a lot. Alice M.

This was sent by a Kenyan friend that lives in Mundri, Sudan. She often texts me and calls me to see how I am doing. (No, in case you are wondering she is not married, but she is 20 years older than me!).

13-Feb-2011

Hi,brother good mornimg.pl’se I will pray 4 u.

Hi, my brother, Scott. Good morning. I will pray for you.

This was from a friend in Sudan, in reply to a text message a sent to him asking for prayers about a specific issue.

11-Feb-2011

MY DEAR BROTHER SJW HOW R U THERE I SO U WELL AND I PRAYER FOR U EVERDAY IAM U B ABJA

My dear brother, Scott Joseph Will. How are you there in Uganda? I am sure you are doing well. I pray for you every day. I am your brother, Alex Boya Jackson Augustino.

This is from a great friend of mine in Sudan. (See previous posts to learn more about him and his family) He sends me several messages every week, and I always love hearing from him. He often calls me his brother, or older brother. He almost always writes my name as SJW or he refers to me as Joseph, and he usually signs his name as ABJA.

9-Feb-2011

Hi SJW we r missing u so much as ur friends $ bros how is life in uganda , sory I heard dat thieves broke into ur house . Hi I hd just been doing my bic tricks early dis morning. Thank you! Long time no see.

Hi, Scott Joseph Will. We are all missing you so much, as your friends and brothers. How is life in Uganda? Sorry, I heard that you had thieves break into your house. I had just been doing my bicycle tricks early this morning. Thank you! Long time without seeing you.

This if from my young friend, Noah M. in Sudan. He is a great young man that has really encouraged me a lot during my stay in Mundri. I sent him a text message the previous day greeting him, telling him I missed him, and saying that I missed watching him do his early morning tricks on his bicycle (He often does these crazy tricks while standing on his bicycle, usually early in the morning, in an effort to wake himself up and get ready for the new day!). I am still not sure how he knew thieves broke into my house? I had posted a short message on Facebook, but I never mentioned it to anyone in Sudan??? Wow, post something on Facebook and pretty soon the entire world knows about it!

8-Feb-2011

HAI DEAR?HAU IS THE GOING? MS U A LOT

Hello, Scott. How are you doing there in Uganda? I miss you a lot.

I am still not sure who sent this message! I don’t recognize the phone number and he did not sign his name. The area code is from Sudan, so I am guessing it is from some friend in Mundri, but I have yet to call the number and find out whom!

7-Feb-2011

MY B SJW HOW R U THERE I THING U WELL AND HERE WE R ALL OK AND THAINKS IAM A B J A

Hello, my brother Scott Joseph Will. How are you there in Uganda. I think you are probably well. We are all ok here in Mundri. Thank you! I am your brother Alex Boya Jackson Augustino.

As mentioned above, my friend Alex has been very faithful about sending me text messages. He always uses capital letters and he likes to abbreviate my name and his name. It’s funny, but somehow how his text messages remind me so much of how he actually speaks in real life. When I was in Sudan, Alex often asked me to help him write better in English. He would write some type of letter, and then he would ask me to proof read it with him. Alex would love to go back to school and finish his secondary education (high school), but because of finances and life circumstances, he is unlikely to ever finish.

6-Feb-2011

I thank u for the appretiation of the simple love we have had with u. I further pitty u upon the loss u inccured.feel atease God will refund them to u.

I thank you for the appreciation you have of my family and for taking the time to love us well by coming to visit and stay with us. I feel sorry for you in regards to the thieves that broke into your house while you were visiting with us. Please, do not be anxious. God will help you to get back the things you loss.

I recently went to visit a friend in Uganda, about an hour hike away near the base of the mountains. I spent the night with his family and had a wonderful time singing, dancing, and eating. When I came home the next day, I found that my house had been broken into. Visiting someone in his home is often seen as a sign of friendship and love, so I have tried whenever possible to visit people where they stay.

5-Feb-2011

I hope u are ok.grtz to team m’bz .more prayers are needed as we struggle look’ng 4 are job but in God we trust.bye..! Lamech.

I hope you are ok, Scott. Greetings to your team mates in Bundibugyo. More prayers are need from you, as I struggle trying to find a job. But in God I trust! Goodbye, Lamech.

This is from my dear friend Lamech. He is a Ugandan man, and is one my closest friends in the world. I recently spent a full week visiting him and his family, trying to encourage him as he recently lost his job and is struggling to support his wife and five children.

Texting - part 1

2011-02-03T12:15:00.000+03:00

Texting – a joy and often confusing endeavor.

– part 1

I bought my first cell phone in 2005, but I did not send my first text message in America until 2006. I had just returned from Uganda, and I wanted a way to stay in touch with friends from Bundibugyo. Texting was the answer! It was a much cheaper alternative to calling, though I stilled try to call every month or two, and it was relatively easy to do. Now, I love texting!

Many people in Uganda and Sudan send text messages. People are very conscience about money when they talk on the phone here, especially in Uganda, so texting is short, sweet, and inexpensive. It has proved to be a good way for me to communicate brief messages or send small words of encouragement.

I left Sudan on January 4 and am currently in Bundibugyo, Uganda. Over the past month I have spent $40 on phone calls and text messages to Sudan! During the referendum voting I sent text messages everyday to a group of 20 guys – people that have played meaningful roles in my life in Sudan and have become good friends. Since the end of the voting process on January 15, every Sunday I send a text of encouragement to these guys. I’ve also called many of them, and some of them numerous times. They have also sent me numerous text messages and called me several times as well!

In Uganda people will often ‘beep’ or ‘flash’ me on the phone. They will call me and let the phone ring one time and then hang up in hopes that I will call them back. Sometimes people will beep me ten times in a row if I don’t call them back immediately. But in Sudan, beeping is not so common. So it has been great to have people actually call me from Sudan! (Though, I did tell all my friends that if ever they need to talk or need encouragement, they can beep me and I will foot the bill.)

I love receiving text messages from friends! People in Sudan, Uganda, and America have sent me messages. There is something so encouraging about this and has helped me maintain relationship even though distance is often an obstacle.

On my phone in Uganda I am allowed to send a text message with a total of 100 characters (this includes spaces). This may sound like a lot, but it is challenging trying to write a detailed message that stays within these parameters. I am often trying to abbreviate things or use alternative, shorter, spellings to convey a thought. Because of space constraint, I often receive text messages from my African friends that are confusing and hard to decipher, as I cannot always comprehend their abbreviations and spellings.

I wanted to share some text messages with you that I have received or sent over the past month. I will type the text message exactly as it was sent to me, and then I will give you my own commentary of what I think it actually means. I challenge you to see if you can decipher these encoded scripts! HAPPY TEXTING!

Five Days At A Burial - part 4 of 4

2011-01-28T21:39:00.000+03:00

Five Days At A Burial - part 4 of 4

The fourth and final morning was non-stop activity as we prepared for the final prayers. My name (Joseph Scott – my friend Alex and his family all call me Joseph. Scott it too hard for them to pronounce.) was even on the ‘official’ program (a piece of scrap paper) as part of the chair committee. I was responsible for procuring, setting up, and returning all the chairs that would be needed for the event! Thanks to two young men and their ability to balance 17 plastic chairs on their motorcycles at one time and multiple trips, we successfully completed the task of gathering and returning the chairs.

I alsohelped set up more tarp shelters for the final prayers. This involved digging several one foot holes, place large bamboo poles into the holes, covering the holes back up, tying bamboo poles to the top of the poles, and finally securing the large blue tarps to the bamboo. Because it is dry season, the ground is very hard – especially the ground that is walked over all the time. As such, digging the holes was no easy task, and I was truly d-i-r-t-y by the time I was finished, and I had nine blisters on just my right hand!

I also helped serve some tea and coffee and gather the dirty cups. I was generally just around to help with whatever needed to be done. I was so very thankful to Alex and his family for allowing me to help. Often times I am seen as a ‘big’ guests here and no one ever lets me do any type of physical labor at all. In fact, most Sudanese people think that white people are incapable of doing any type of physical labor. And though I do know some people in America that would fit this billing, I am not sure how this stereotype became so ingrained here.

The final prayers started in the afternoon and lasted two hours. It was a good time of prayer and singing. Though, at least 30 minutes was devoted to some politician that happened to show up and was allowed to speak – and speak he did, all about the referendum and how great southern Sudan is and how bad the north is. I was annoyed by his speech, as this is the third time I have heard this man speak at a religious event but he has yet to say anything religious.

When the final prayers were over we all feasted and then most people headed home. As the final clean-up procedures were being done I asked Alex if there was anything else I could do to help. He thanked me and said I had already helped him and his family so much. I told him I was going to go home so he and his family could rest (I had just spent the previous four days there, and six of the past eight days there), but he looked surprised and somewhat shocked by this notion of me going home. He said “No, Scott. Please stay. You are part of my family now and we want you to spend your last night here with us.” I was leaving the next day for Uganda, so I needed to run home and finish some packing, but then I came and enjoyed some final fellowship with a wonderful family.

That last night most of the family, visitors, and neighbors all slept outside on small banana fiber mats huddled next to small fires dispersed throughout. It was a beautiful sight. We awoke in the morning to have some final coffee, tea, and mandazi. I thanked the entire family for their generosity, kindness, and for loving me. I told them my mother and family in America would be happy to know and hear of the kindness and hospitality they have shown me. I thanked them for including me and allowing me to be a part of such an occasion. I told them I was so very happy to spend Christmas with them, a time of celebration and remembrance of Jesus’s birth. And then a few days later, I was able to mourn with them in remembrance of their loved one.

The family expressed their gratitude to me, and many of the women called me their son. The family asked me to stay with them again when I return, hopefully even staying a month at their compound if I am able. They said prayers of blessing as I walked away – thankful, tired, and feeling so very loved.

Later in the morning, on January 4, Alex accompanied me to the airstrip as my teammates and I flew to Uganda.

I am incredibly thankful for my last few days in Mundri. Though they were not as I had expected or planned them to be, I think in many ways they were much better than I could have predicted.

Five Days At A Burial - part 3 of 4

2011-01-26T11:22:00.002+03:00

It was five days at a funeral, but a lifetime worth of lessons, encouragement, and love. - part 3 of 4

The more I get to know people in Mundri, the more I come to realize how people are related and how families work. Five of my good friends in Mundri are all cousins, including Alex. So not only did I get to spend time with Alex, but four of my other good friends were there as well.

As other men were digging the grave, I helped dig holes in an effort to construct the wood pole and tarp shelter to provide shade from the hot Sudanese sun. I greeted the guests and generally tried to help Alex and his family with anything I could do. This was the first time that I have ever been at a home in Mundri during the first day of the burial preparations. I have attended many final prayers on the last day of a burial ceremony, and I have been present on the actual day of burying the body, but I have never been present for all four or five days of mourning.

The first night of the four day ceremony everyone at the compound sang traditional songs as people played the traditional drums. Small fires were burning all around the compound as some of the elders tried to sleep, but in general almost everyone stayed awake the entire night and sang. I tried to sleep, but it was generally a futile effort as I may have slept one or two hours at most, but it was a wonderful night of relating with Sudanese, sitting around the fire with other men, hearing traditional songs and wails of morning until the dawn of day.

On the second day more people came as the body was to be lowered into the ground. Early in the morning men went to the forest and cut wood logs that were to be used inside the tomb and gathered rocks to place over the grave. Around 10 am as the crowd started to gather and swell, the prayers began. Women wailed and men observed. The body was wrapped in white cloth and lowered into the tomb. The body was then wrapped in black plastic tarp once inside the grave. The men then placed wood logs over top, then packed in clay made from dirt and water, then finally filled the hole with the remaining dirt to form a mound above the ground. More prayers were said and then the actual burial was over.

Days two and three of the burial involved lots of preparations for the final prayers to be held on the fourth day. The final prayers are often the largest part of the burial ceremonies and traditionally involve a meal of meat – usually beef. Alex told me that it doesn’t matter how the rest of the ceremony went, the main part that people care about and will remember is the final prayers and the quality and quantity of food served.

The highlight for me, and the most surprising moment of the four-day ceremony, happened on the third night. From 10 pm until 7 am there was an all-out, literally non-stop dance party!!! (The picture above was taken at 6:45 am!). Alex hired a ‘band’ that included a keyboard player and ten others that rotated singing and dancing. The band brought their own generator, sound system, and a few lights. The blasted all of Mundri with non-stop Christian music! I think at one point there was well over 1,000 people there – mostly teens and young adults. Alex does not live very far from the main part of Mundri town, so whenever people heard the music they quickly came and most stayed all night! Friends told me the next day that the music could be clearly heard from over 3 miles away! I believe it – it was so loud!!! Even 20 or so of the soldiers and police that were patrolling the streets at night came to observe and provide crowd control. They announced that if any fighting was to occur the offenders would be dealt with immediately – so the night went peacefully on, blasting music, people everywhere, non-stop-shake-your-whole-body dancing! It was awesome! I was so tired from the previous few days, so my dancing was minimal, but I truly enjoyed the event.

2011-01-26T11:22:00.001+03:00

It was five days at a funeral, but a lifetime worth of lessons, encouragement, and love. - part 3 of 4

The highlight for me, and the most surprising moment of the four-day ceremony, happened on the third night. From 10 pm until 7 am there was an all-out, literally non-stop dance party!!! Alex hired a ‘band’ that included a keyboard player and ten others that rotated singing and dancing. The band brought their own generator, sound system, and a few lights. The blasted all of Mundri with non-stop Christian music! I think at one point there was well over 1,000 people there – mostly teens and young adults. Alex does not live very far from the main part of Mundri town, so whenever people heard the music they quickly came and most stayed all night! Friends told me the next day that the music could be clearly heard from over 3 miles away! I believe it – it was so loud!!! Even 20 or so of the soldiers and police that were patrolling the streets at night came to observe and provide crowd control. They announced that if any fighting was to occur the offenders would be dealt with immediately – so the night went peacefully on, blasting music, people everywhere, non-stop-shake-your-whole-body dancing! It was awesome! I was so tired from the previous few days, so my dancing was minimal, but I truly enjoyed the event.

Five Days At A Burial - part 2 of 4

2011-01-24T07:58:00.000+03:00

It was five days at a funeral, but a lifetime worth of lessons, encouragement, and love. - part 2 of 4

On December 29 Alex was traveling 30 miles away to “take his wife.” Up until this point Alex has been a single man, but he arranged to marry a young women from his home village on this particular day. Marriage in Mundri is very different than marriage in America, and very seldom involves any type of ceremony in this setting. So Alex borrowed my motorcycle and off he went to pick up his new wife. He was so very excited, yet nervous as well. He was not entirely sure the family of the bride would still agree, and he did not know for sure if his new wife would be ready, and he was not sure his home would be good enough. It had been a few months since he had seen this woman and made the arrangements with her family.

I saw Alex the next day, and immediately I could tell he was sad. He told me that his wife-to-be had an unexpected death in her family the very day she was supposed to go with him, so she could not come just now. Her family told him that he would have to wait until January 11 to come again and take her as his wife. Though he was visibly sad, he was encouraged that the family agreed to allow him to come on January 11.

Later in the day I went to visit Alex and my friend Makons Billi, Alex’s cousin, at their shops – which are right next to each other. Billi told me the news that his cousin, and Alex’s cousin, Woola Woola, had just died and the burial was to be at Alex’s home. So immediately I left with Billi and we went to Alex’s home to pay our respect.

Woola Woola was in his early 40’s and known as the town drunkard. He was also know as ‘cling-on’ for his ability to literally latch onto you and not let you go until you pay him some small money. My first experience with this man was in March 2010, shortly after I arrived in Mundri. One day while I was walking in the market and talking with a friend, he literally ran up to me and wrapped his entire body around my legs, requesting me to give him one pound (35 cents) before he would let me go. I continued to talk with my friend, though I could no longer walk, and found the situation to be quite humorous somehow. I declined to give him the money as he was visibly drunk and reeked of alcohol. Eventually he let go of me and that was the end of that. I continued to see this man around town, but was always a bit cautious to keep my distance lest he lunge for my legs again!

The day after Christmas, December 26, Woola Woola was beaten severely in Mundri and died on December 29. No one knows exactly what happened, but most were very saddened to hear of the events and the passing of a man that everyone new and recognized well. I did not know until that day when I talked with Billi and learned of the death, but this man is Alex’s cousin. Because the man never married and had no real property of his own, and because the man’s sister, Alex’s aunt, lives in Alex’s compound it was decided he would be buried at Alex’s house -literally right next to his house. This meant for Alex, as the head of the household, that he would be in charge of arranging and paying for everything. Thus began five of the most memorable, encouraging, tiring, and truly bonding days of my life.

On the day when Woola Woola was found dead many people gathered at Alex’s home. People from all over Mundri and beyond came to morn and pay respect to his family. I was there as family, neighbors, and friends started to dig the grave, just a few feet outside of Alex’s front door. When someone dies from Mundri he is usually buried within the compound of his home or a relative’s home. Many homes throughout Mundri are scattered with stone or concrete grave sites, a visible remembrance of the one that died...

Five Days At A Funeral - part 1

2011-01-22T21:42:00.000+03:00

It was five days at a funeral, but a lifetime worth of lessons, encouragement, and love.

I spent much of Christmas day with my friend Alex Boya and his family. Alex is a 22 year-old, highly motivated individual that has become a very good friend to me. His mother died in 1996, and he owns a small shop selling mixed goods in town. He has built his own house, on his own land given to him by his father who lives 30 miles away, and he also provides food and shelter for his aunt, several cousins, and friends. He is the sole male figure-head of his compound.

Alex developed his entrepreneurship skills while still a young buy. When he was 8 or 9 years old he started selling bubble gum, a few round, colored pieces at a time. Over a few years he was able to save enough money to buy a calf. He raised the calf until it became a full grown cow, which he was able to sell off and make enough profit to allow him to buy a very small shop in town. He also worked hard in the garden throughout his childhood and teen years and made some small profit by selling the vegetables he grew.

He originally sold a few items in his shop, such as sugar, salt, and oil. Eventually he raised enough money to buy more goods and now sells a variety of things from his small store. Over time he saved up enough money to build a very nice mud home. Though it is mud, he has a tin roof as compared to the local grass thatch, and his home is spacious enough to make two rooms. He has an artistic talent and creative spirit, and has managed to transform his home into a beautiful place – complete with hand painted designs on the wall, hanging curtains, and two nice chairs he brought from Juba. His home is my favorite in all of Mundri!

Christmas was a joyous celebration, full of feasting and visiting. I started out at Alex’s home, then visited two other homes throughout the day before I ended back at Alex’s home that night. I had a premier showing of Shrek that night on my computer to all of Alex’s family and the slew of neighbors that joined after the video began. It was awesome -about 30 Africans and me watching Shrek underneath an exceptionally clear and starry sky! The video finished late, and because of recent curfew laws Alex and his family invited me to spend the night so I would not have to travel home and fear running into military personnel and police patrolling the streets. I gladly accepted the invitation and generosity.

Alex’s home is small by American standards, but very nice by Sudanese, and beds are very few, so as usual in my African adventures, I ended up sharing a small single bed with Alex that night. I have grown very accustomed to sharing small spaces with Africans – via public transport or sleepovers. Though I slept poorly that night, Christmas was a wonderful celebration of Jesus, life, and friendship. It was truly one of the best Christmas’s I have ever had, regardless of location.

Two days later, on December 27 I again visited Alex and his family. Another great time of sitting with people, trying to expand my meager language skills, laughter, and too much food! This time I showed Chronicles of Narnia on my computer as even more people crowded around my computer. Again, because of curfew rules I spent the night...

Back in BGO!

2011-01-22T06:57:00.000+03:00

Hello faithful friends and blog readers! I left Sudan on January 4, and since then I have been traveling all over visiting Ugandan friends and former World Harvest Mission employees. I have been without internet access, so please forgive my silence and lack of reply to your e-mails.

I have several stories to share with you from the past month, and I will start sharing those soon. Leaving Sudan was difficult, as I had to say goodbye to so many dear friends facing the uncertainty of the referendum, but praise God, the voting all went well and it seems an overwhelming majority of people voted for separation. Many, many of my friends called me and texted me from Sudan saying they were so happy to vote and so excited about the possibility of a new country. I have been so very blessed by people in Sudan. I love and miss them dearly.

Please continue to pray for peace in Sudan.

Merry Christmas!

2010-12-24T17:26:00.000+03:00

A home, a life, a way of living

-reflections on the year gone by...

December 2010

I have to come to love Mundri,

though it took a few months to sway me that way.

Nearly nine months have gone

since I arrived in this diverse southern Sudan place.

My first favorite respite was the Yei river and its mango tree banks, as they welcomed me to a cool shelter in the heat of dry day and provided my bathing and swimming hole spot.

Unfortunately my health was good always not,

as my skin transformed into rashes and hives with the heat of the sun,

but then the rains came and dispersed my sickness away.

Early on I immersed myself in language learning and intentional relationship building tasks, then recently I began teaching a community health class.

The first few weeks and months had me sitting for many, many hours each day, taking notes on words and sounds and interesting thoughts,

as everyone here became my language and culture teacher of sorts.

I would stay for hours in one place, listening and asking questions as I strived to enhance my local Arabic speaking and hearing lack of forte.

I started working at the local health center - the situation is dire there -

drugs, supplies, and staff are not anywhere near.

Still, I find rest and comfort in meeting people's physical needs in that setting, and feel so very welcomed there, but I only wish I could do more than see a few patients and provide so little care.

The crux of my time has been spent with youth and young men,

but also with peers- talking of life, Christ, education, work, sex, and dreams.

I love these moments - glimpses of heaven, when I see, listen, and speak openly and honestly with friends about the essentials of life.

Telling them about Jesus, and hope, and forgiveness, and a place that is the end of all strife.

The pain, scars of war, destruction, disease, and death are raw and markedly seen.

I long to help a hurting race.

I long to see Jesus lifted high and praised in this beautiful place.

Hearts to turn to love towards his most awesome and glorious face.

The end of wounds from conflictual time, torture, betrayal, and sin wrought from this town,

and God's healing love to come pouring down.

I am leaving on January 4,

as the referendum date of January 11 draws near.

On that day southern Sudan will vote for unity or secession.

My hope is that you will join me and pray for intersession.

That war and fighting would not again be found here,

as the memories of the recent 20+ year civil war cause people to greatly fear.

I will be in Uganda, in Bundibugyo in fact, when the voting is done,

as many people are waiting for and will be welcoming me there.

I will help in the medical realm for two or three months,

as I step back into the pediatric ward I know and love so dear.

I am already sad to say goodbye to this, my Sudanese home and missionary work place,

but God is good, and I hope to return here - maybe in March or April if all is well.

I have much discerning to do over the next few moths, as I think about my role as part of the team and within the community I love so dear.

I am not sure what 2011 will look like, or exactly where I will always be,

but times of doubt, anxiousness, and uncertainty leave me clinging to the one who was born in a manger - the one whose birth we celebrate now.

Christmas is a season of glad tidings and joy - even in a sunny and uncertain place such as this.

Christ came down to change the course of humanity.

Because of that great gift my life has never been the same,

as I freely choose to look into my own sin and calamity.

I strive to follow the heavenly path marked out for me -

a journey to lay down my life so that others too may know and feel the joy that transforms all things anew.

Thank you for loving me and encouraging me in all I do.

I am not on this journey alone,

but only through your prayers and support am I sustained.

We are fellow sojourners on a path leading us Home.

PLEASE PRAY FOR ME AS I PRAY FOR YOU.

-that peace would stay in this most remarkable Sudanese place

-that God would be seen regardless of outcomes or race

-that I would lean on His understanding instead of mine

-that all my Sudanese friends would turn to Jesus and that someday in Heaven together we would dine

-that as I say goodbye to so many amazing, wonderful, Sudanese friends, that my heart would be gracious and open and loving to them

-that my time in Bundibugyo, Uganda, January - March (or April) 2011 would be a time of joy, respite, friendship, and answers or direction from God regarding my questions of 'how' and 'where' and 'when'

I am loved by a Savior so much bigger and greater than I. I have known a life of joy, trial, happiness, and humility. I am thankful, honored and blessed to lead a life such as this - to live, serve, and love where I am.

I am a follower of Christ, to the ends of the earth. I have no regrets.

I love and miss you dearly.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

-Scott J. Will

* To read more about my adventures, and to see some photos with commentary, visit my blog or Facebook page:

http://yoggerinuganda.blogspot.com

http://www.facebook.com/yogger

**To see a recent article, written by Ray Cooney, and published in the Commercial Review, Portland, Indiana, that highlights my life - my journey to find Christ and how I ended up in Sudan - please visit the following site (it is a large file, so it may take a few minutes to open): https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&pid=explorer&chrome=true&srcid=0B8ERUTI7yUj6YjZhMWRkMjEtNDMxZC00NzA4LWI5MGQtMDRlYTA2YTJhYjJm&hl=en

***I am a faith-based missionary, and I am solely dependent on the generosity of people like you. To partner with me through financial giving, please visit World Harvest Mission's website:

http://www.whm.org/give/missionary?ID=51713

Hearts for Africa

2010-12-11T16:27:00.000+03:00

Hearts for Africa - Commercial Review

I wanted to share with you a recent newspaper article highlighting the work I am doing in Sudan. It also details a lot of my past and how I landed in my current location and career choice. It was written by Ray Cooney and recently published in the Commercial Review, located in Portland, Indiana. It is a large file, so it may take a few minutes to open.

Ray originally contacted me in mid-November and asked if he could call me. A week later he called me in Sudan and we spoke for an hour! I originally thought it was going to be a small article somewhere in the back of the paper, but it was published as a large story starting on the front page and includes several pictures. Ray even contacted some of my former high school teachers, Scott Myhre, and my mother!

Ray did a great job of telling the story of how I became a Christian, how I developed an interest in missions, and how I chose Sudan as my current home.

There are some details from my high school days that he included, and I am still not sure how he secured that information (he even mentioned some things I have completely forgot about!). He must have secured a copy of my high school yearbook (though thankfully included no pictures from that era in my life!).

Overall it is a great article, and again I would like to send my sincere thanks to Ray Cooney and the Commercial Review.

Hearts for Africa - Commercial Review

Blessings and Thankfulness -Courage, Polio, and Perspective

2010-11-30T08:07:00.000+03:00

I recently had the opportunity to visit my friend David in a neighboring village. This was my second overnight trip to his home, but this time I used my motorcycle to travel the 14 miles from my house across the dirt, pot-laden road. Last time I went, I biked alongside David as he peddled his bike-chair by hand. I had a hard time keeping up with him, especially on the down hills. David's upper body is ripped!

David suffered from polio as a child. He told me the plight of his family, as they were 'running through the bush' during the war and no children at that time were able to get the polio vaccine.

Shortly after he suffered the disease as a young child, he learned to crawl around on his hands and legs as he traveled from place to place - which is what some adults with polio still do here. But then he learned to use sticks as crutches to help him walk, then eventually he was blessed with a 'land-rover' type wheel chair that has opened up his world of mobility. He takes that chair everywhere! When walking through the bush and tall grass alongside him, it is amazing to see as he plows over the ruts, through the mud, and over the hills. His dedication and determination are truly inspiring.

The town he lives in is much smaller than where I stay, and truly feels like a village in the bush when I come to visit. I love going there because it seems so different from where I currently stay - though I love the town I am in. However, this little 'village in the bush' where his family lives is riddled with problems.

David finished secondary school in Mundri, where I currently live, in April 2010. He then started Primary Teachers College in his hometown, called Kitobi, which is where I went to visit him and his family.

David showed me the local secondary school in Kitobi, which is beautiful, and he told me how very few students go to secondary school. Very, very few girls attend. Most boys spend their time 'drinking alcohol' instead of going to school, and most girls are 'needed at home' so they never finish. After two visits to this town, I have to agree that the number of men and young guys I meet that are exceedingly drunk, even during the day, is alarming. It longs for me to invest in these guys, or at least encourage people or programs to target these young men. So often they feel helpless and hopeless, so alcohol becomes their friend and their crutch.

Every Saturday around these parts has been declared 'dance day' by the local commissioner, in an effort to retain cultural music and dance. I appreciate the retaining of culture, and I love to see the people dancing their traditional dances and play their traditional music, as each tribe takes their turn leading the group. BUT the sheer number of people, especially men, but also some women, that are absolutely drunk at these gatherings has left me participating less than I would like. For some reason, drunk men are strangely drawn to come talk with me and try to show me how to dance their traditional dances - all while breathing way too close to me as they try to hug me - not an appealing friendship to me...

Anyways, while at David's house we traveled to the 'dance party' that night at 10:30 pm. As we were walking, only seeing by the light of the moon, we passed several women carrying gerry cans (big plastic jugs, most often used for carrying water). David commented that the women were all carrying locally brewed alcohol to the dance, to sell to the numerous buyers. Though this was not increasing my interest in attending the dance, it was slightly beautiful to see the numerous gerry cans all lined up with flashlights on top of them - a luminary-like-picture beckoning the people to break from the dancing to wonder over and buy some brew.

It was fun to watch the different dance moves, especially as I stood back and watched from the darkness. So often my physical presence, my 'whiteness', attracts everyones attention, so to blend in with the darkness of the night was a good change! Apparently, in spite of his polio, David is quite the dancer! He used to dance in clubs in Juba and would often get paid as he did his acrobatic, gymnastic, Gumbi-like break dance moves. I have seen pictures - truly a sight to be seen! If only I could dance and bend my body like that!

It was a great visit with David and his family. Once again, I left
thankful for my relationships with people here and in Uganda. I love meeting my friend's families - especially getting a glimpse of what life is like for them. I am so very blessed to have grown up in a country full of abundance, and I am humbled to know the love of the Lord. I long for all my friends to know and experience that love.

I have no regrets to be where I am, doing what I do. When I take trips like the one to David's house, or visit friends in the market, or just sit and talk with people as they tell me about their lives, I feel like the most blessed person in the world. Some days I feel very lonely, but I only need to be reminded of the many blessing I have in my life, especially my friends near and far. I love you all dearly.

*To see more photos from the journey, with commentary, please visit my Facebook page:

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=253763&id=578241113&l=9152aa4242

Blessings and Thankfulness.

2010-11-16T22:48:00.000+03:00

I find myself thankful today as I reflect on the many blessings God has generously bestowed.

Moving to a new place, especially a new culture, takes patience and time to develop a sense of rhythm and ongoing relationship with local people. Unfortunately, my patience is almost always too thin and my deeply ingrained thoughts and assumptions too narrow to see people truly well. I wish I could see people as Jesus sees them, beyond their faults and deep to their core, as His masterpiece (Ephesians 2:10). I wish I would love people more and chastise them less.

Yet, God is still in control. He still loves me in spite of all that I do, or don’t do. Amazing.

So tonight, my last night as a 31 year-old, I am sitting in the still silence of the night as I reflect on the past year of my life. I am blessed.

Here are some thoughts from the past year, November 17, 2009 to November 17, 2010, as I reflect on my life and who God is to and through me.

I have been in the USA, Uganda, Kenya, Sudan, Egypt, Ethiopia, Turkey, Greece, and Amsterdam. The sheer number of planes I have been on and the miles I’ve traveled is astonishing.

I lived in Uganda for four months and in my current location in Sudan the past eight months. Both are places full of joy, hardship, trial, and celebration.

I can now say at least a few phrases, if not much more, in English, Moru, Juba Arabic, Kiswahili, Somali, Lubwisi, and German. Since living in Sudan people have been trying to teach me Moru, Arabic, Kiswalhili, and Somali, but my main focus has been a dialect of Arabic - used as the common language among people in southern Sudan. I can now carry on basic conversations in this language, but no doubt it will take me many, many, many years to become really good at speaking it. But it has been really fun to learn thus far!

I have supporters from 16 different states, and have been blessed and encouraged by friends from even more states and countries.

I’ve worked primarily in two different health centers in Uganda and Sudan. I have seen many people, primarily children, die, but I have seen many more live. From births to deaths, I am thankful for the skills and opportunities afforded me to care for others.

As I think about the past year, transition is a constant theme. From one place to another, I believe the past fifteen years have been full of transitions in some fashion, and I foresee even more in the future.

I like sleep more now than I ever have. There is something so great about going to bed! It could be that I have not slept through the night even once in the past year, so maybe I am always a bit tired, but I usually feel rested well enough. There is also something nice about sleep during times of heavy transition. Everyone sleeps and it is perfectly normal to do so. You don’t have to think about anything else, no languages to translate, no pondering what clothes to wear to fit in culturally, and no new patterns to develop that are part of the surrounding culture’s basic routine – you just sleep. I am getting tired…

Above all else, the past year has brought renewal of old friendships and the beginnings of new ones. It is so interesting to look back and see how God brought certain people into my life at certain times. Some of those people and the associated relationships will last for a long time, while others have already ended.

So here is to another year! To friendships old and new! To no regrets! To trials, frustrations, celebrations, loneliness, births and burials, abundance, and joyful living – all part of my life.

God has been good to me. So very good to me.

Metropolitan Mundri

2010-11-09T08:08:00.000+03:00

Things continue to go ever swiftly by here in Mundri. I am continually amazed at how fast the weeks seem to fly along. After several failed attempts to post these pictures and stories from the past two weeks, the internet seems to be working much better today.

I was recently reflecting on how many people I know here that are not actually from here. There are at least six lodges in town for travelers and guests, and the options for 'restaurants' is broad. The amount of Kenyans, Ugandans, Egyptians, Ethiopians, Somalians, and other international individuals is quite large. There is a also a huge contingency of Sudanese people living here that are not from this area. The lure of business, places to raise cattle, and job assignments have brought many varied people to this place.

Mundri is by no means a big town, and in many ways feels like a small village, but the mixture of people from various backgrounds creates a metropolitan feel at times. I am always discovering new things in the market, including my recent discoveries of Stoney soda - a Ugandan soda made from Ginger, Coffee Cola - a cola soda with coffee added, Sparkling Juices - various types of grape and apple juices in champagne bottles!
My Sudanese friend Mine. His father lives in America and his mother in Juba.
My Kenyan friends that are Somali by ethnicity. They are awesome guys that are always greeting me and have been teaching me to speak Somali. They have lived all over Africa, know all about various cultures and customs, and are never lacking in smiles.
My friend Birhanu and Bullen. Birhanu is a business man from Ethiopia and Bullen is a business man from southwestern Sudan.
Alice is a friend from Kenya. She, along with several other ladies and men from Kenya, have several stalls of new clothes for sale.

Photos of the week...

2010-10-29T09:57:00.001+03:00

Last Sunday I was invited to visit the home of my friend Billi, or as I call him "Man of America". He almost always refers to me as "Scott Will, Man of Moru, Sowa." Sowa means same, and when Billi says it to me, he is meaning we are the same, we are brothers. He is a great guy and has been a good friend of mine. His wife recently had a child while I was in America, and this was my first opportunity to visit. Visiting people here is something I greatly enjoy, as it provides a glimpse into their world and often helps to strengthen relationships.

This is a picture in front of Billi's house. I am wearing a shirt that was made for me, as a surprise gift, by one of my friends, Bakhit, who is a tailor. People are very generous here and are always offering me tea, bread, fruit, and even clothes! If only I could learn to be as generous as them!

Along with visiting Billi, his wife, and child, I also spent time with his extended family and neighbors, including some curios kids that were brushing their teeth.

Here is Billi, his wife Elpha, and his daughter Louis. Billi told me how his wife is sleeping in her own room for the next two months, as the baby grows and she recovers her strength, while he is in a separate tukul (but he shares the room and bed with his brother). Included in her room is a small fire "to keep the baby warm." This is the cultural norm apparently, though I did express some concern as the room was filled with smoke, which could be bad for the baby's developing lungs. I am still investigating this practice...
After meeting with Billi's family that morning, we all headed to church. I usually attend the English service at the main Episcopal Church Cathedral, which is much shorter than the Moru service and it is all in English (with the occasional song in Arabic). I have really come to enjoy this service and look forward to it. It is very different than what I am accustomed to America, but several of my friends attend in efforts to improve their English, which allows me to sit and worship next to them. These guys pictured below are a GREAT group of guys!

Photos On Facebook

2010-10-22T15:57:00.000+03:00

I have recently been posting some updated pictures with commentaries on Facebook. It is often easier and quicker for me to post them there than on my blogspot. I will continue to do the photo of the week blog series and updates, but if you would like to see more photos of my life and surroundings in Sudan please check them out on Facebook:

http://www.facebook.com/yogger

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=238088&id=578241113&l=f989d604a

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=244246&id=578241113&l=f3277dba59

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=244825&id=578241113&l=1ecd712dbc

Photos Of The Week - Gardening & Friendship

2010-10-18T08:39:00.000+03:00

Gardening & Friendship

This week's photos are of life, beauty, and the bountiful harvest. All pictures are from my various gardens, with a few additional vegetables from Larissa's abundance.

I have long enjoyed gardening, especially planting things. I grew up on a farm, where my parents had corn, soybeans, wheat, and numerous animals. We also had a huge garden, and every summer I would help plant the garden. Oh how I loved to watch things grow during those hot, Ohio summer days! Even now, though quite a bit older in years, I still like to watch the transformation that occurs when you plant a seed and provide it with some encouragement along the way.

In many ways planting and harvesting a garden is similar to my relationships with people, especially here in Southern Sudan. I spend most of my time with local people, trying to intentionally invest in them and in our relationship. I am often trying to encourage, or challenge, or just merely be present with people.

I've had the joy of seeing people grow in their relationship with the Lord and in the way they approach their everyday life. I've seen some hard decisions made, and some setbacks along the way.

I've seen the beauty and transformation that occurs when you provide encouragement and intentionally invest in someone. I planted a watermelon several months ago, with little hope that it would actually survive. It survived the first month, but barely. It looked pitiful and only grew a few inches. I tried replanting it in more sun, and assumed it would die the next day. But for the next month it kept on struggling, not really growing at all, but merely existing somehow. Then, to my astonishment, it took off! It grew several feet each week and starting producing watermelons (though few) and now the vine looks great.

I almost threw that watermelon vine out after the first week, but instead decided to give it another chance in a different environment by moving it to a sunnier location. I think often people just need the right amount of encouragement and support systems in their life to truly flourish. So often I fail at relationships, and will likely continue to do so. But I am convinced that truly investing in people, and intentionally seeking them out in relationship, will reap great benefits for both people involved.

Some relationships are harder to grow than others, but sometimes the hardest ones are well worth the struggle.

My flowers, especially the zinnias, have grown like weeds! I have thousands of flowers in multiple places. American and wild marigolds, varying types of inpatients, hibiscus, and other flowering plants and shrubs have added color and beauty to my life here. They required little effort on my part, merely planting the initial seeds and watering occasionally, but have literally filled my life with explosions of varying shades of reds, oranges, whites, pinks, yellows, purples. Sometimes friendships come easy, and certain people just naturally encourage you by whom they are. These are rare in my life, but have produced much joy, laughter, and glimpses of heaven.

Dry season is looming here in Sudan, and no doubt many of my plants will wilt and die, but they have poured beauty, nourishment, and encouragement into my life. Some friends will come and go, but there is lasting value in each relationship, if even only for a season.

So whether your garden and relationships are blooming or merely surviving, I would encourage you that they are both worth the investment.

Photo of the week...

2010-10-12T09:40:00.005+03:00

In an effort to update my blog more often, I am starting a 'Photo Of The Week' series. I will attempt to update you with visual images and words regarding life in Sudan.

This week I want to introduce you to Alex M. Alex is a 20 year-old man from southern Sudan. When he was six his mother died from an unknown disease. When Alex was eleven his father died, most likely from tuberculosis, but it remains unclear the exact diagnosis.

Alex has always valued education and views it as a 'way out' of poverty and despair. When he was 15 years old he moved thirty miles away from his extended family to attend secondary school (high school). He lived by himself in a small hut, cooked all his own food, cleaned his own clothes, and studied every night by candle light. He did this for three years.

When Alex finished his S3 class, he was to sit for his end of secondary school exams. If you pass the exams you graduate from school, and if you do well, you can seek admission at university. On the day of the exam you are required to pay a small fee. Unfortunately, Alex had no money so he could not pay the fee and the school would not allow him to take the exam. So he could not graduate, even though he had finished all the class requirements.

Alex saved any money he could collect, helping people make bricks and other small jobs. Eventually he saved up enough money to return to secondary school. He was required to redo the entire year of S3 because he never took the exam. So he redid the course work, and on the day of the final exam he was able to pay the required priced. He passed the exam, and did well enough to qualify for university.

Alex longs to go to university, but as is the case for many here, he does not have the money to attend university. In an effort to seek education in any form, he has attended numerous classes and training seminars, lasting from one week to three months. He has been 'trained' in first aid, malnutrition awareness, democracy education, and discipleship.

He has a passion for community development, and he would love to see southern Sudan continue to develop. His ideas are numerous and his hopes to somehow make southern Sudan a better place for all those living.

I met Alex one day while playing volleyball. At the end of most days, I head over to the local volleyball court and hang out with a bunch of young and middle-aged people. It is a great time of conversation, culture learning, and getting to enjoy volleyball!

Several months ago I was intently seeking a language helper, and I literally asked 50 or more people if they knew of someone that could teach me. The same day I met Alex I asked him if he would be interested. He initially said no, as he was afraid he would not know how to teach, but eventually agreed to give it a try.

He has been a HUGE blessing in my life and an answer to much prayer. He is GREAT language teacher and an even better friend. He has blessed my life.

Six weeks ago Alex received a phone call from his extended family that lives 75 miles away. They said they needed him to come help them at their home immediately. So the next day Alex was forced to leave Mundri and head 75 miles away to help his family. In this culture, your family, even extended family, is respected highly and you obey their wishes. As such, Alex will most likely be away until December.

Alex's story is similar to many young people that live in southern Sudan. Death, war, and lack of funds have created some difficult challenges to overcome. But like many, Alex is trying to make a better life for himself and those around him. Despite his setbacks, his joy is contagious and he is determined to pursue his goals.

(In the photo above Alex is with his nieces, nephews, and various young relatives. He is wearing a Fort Recovery Indians t-shirt that I gave him. Fort Recovery is the name of the home town where I grew up and my parents still live in Ohio.)

Reflections on America and recent happenings

2010-10-04T17:00:00.000+03:00

The bustling hills of Kampala, Uganda are flickering as I look out from the ‘million dollar view’ Christian run guesthouse I am staying at. It has been a good, full of rest, relaxation, contemplation, and supply securing day. Now I sip on my herbal tea as I reflect on the previous four weeks, recalling my time in the United States as my body still feels the sundry effects of lingering jet lag. I sit content.

Though my holiday in the States went way too fast, as I had assumed it would, I am thankful for many aspects of my venture. I approached this period by dividing it into three categories in my mind before my travels began: 1. Time with family. 2. Wedding and friends. 3. Support raising.

It was a joy to see much of my immediate and extended family. Pinochle playing, late night Settlers of Catan action, coffee drinking, and catching up all occurred in abundance. I particularly found it wonderful to see eight of my nieces and nephews. They are so very sweet, talented, and independent! I miss them already!

As a missionary living in Africa, I am constantly ‘losing’ or ‘giving up’ some things in order to gain others. One thing I sacrifice is being able to see my family as often as I would like. I wish I could be more of a present uncle, instead of an absent name. Credit to my siblings though, for striving to keep me as part of the lives of their family, making sure their children spend ample time with Uncle Scotty when I am home.

The second week of my time in the States brought me to Nashville, TN for the wedding of dear friends Scott and Mariam. Scott has been a long-time friend of mine. A former co-camp counselor and confidant extraordinaire. It was an honor and privilege to stand along side him and Mariam as they joined their lives together.

An unexpected, yet much needed and appreciated, blessing was all the connections that occurred while in Tennessee. Mariam’s great uncle and aunt lived in Khartoum for many years and then later relocated to Juba, Sudan. One of Mariam’s aunts and another cousin also spent time working in Juba. Several of Mariam’s friends and relatives live in Philadelphia and are connected with my former church (New Life) and World Harvest Mission in various ways. Conversations with Scott and Mariam’s families were God-centered and God-glorifying! I even had a conversation with a 75-year old Indian woman about Lady Gaga and Taylor Swift. This eclectic lady new her pop music stuff and filled me in with all the latest in American melodies.

I left the wedding refreshed and encouraged, thankful for friends, new and old.

My last week in the states was all about support raising. Sudan has proven to be more expensive than I had originally anticipated, so my support surplus has dwindled fast. It was a joy and challenge, as I had four speaking engagements in four days. I enjoy public speaking and am always thankful when given the chance to speak about things that matter to me.

I had the privilege of speaking at my former high school and middle school to all the students and staff. Though 500 high school and middle school students at first seemed intimidating, it was a pleasure to spend time with them. Many of my former teachers are still there, educating youth with all their vigor.

I spoke briefly about Sudan history and politics, showed pictures of my everyday life, and told stories of three young men from Sudan. I emphasized the importance of goals and dreams, and the power of education and determination. I detailed many of the similarities between youth in Mundri and youth in America, but also spoke of vast differences. I tried to encourage the students to pursue big ideas and bigger dreams.

I grew up in a small farming community where many of the students have never ventured more than a county or two away and probably never will. People are homogenous in appearance, and many times in beliefs. Roughly 50% of graduating students will attend traditional four-year universities, while others will pursue technical colleges or military service, and quite a contingent will enter the workforce as soon as possible. None of these things are bad, but I challenged the students to think beyond themselves, to learn more about the world around them, and to appreciate that they were born into a developed country where guns and bombs are not part of their every day existence.

Later in the week I was invited by the local Nazarene Church to speak at their evening service. It was a joy, as I was given the whole allotment of time to ‘tell my story’ and speak of the work God is doing in Sudan.

Preparing presentations and speaking publicly about my life and the lives of people in Sudan was helpful to me personally. It allowed me to have a voice, expressing who I am and what I do. To try to give explanation of what my life is like, while glorifying God for what he is doing in Sudan, and attempting to tell the stories of men and women whose lives have been so strongly impacted by war, disease, and death, is not always easy for me, but is good for me. Too often I fail to completely process all that I see and experience. Too often I fail to speak on the behalf of others, lending voice to the speechless. Too often I shy away from boldly teaching and preaching about God and Jesus.

I also had the joy of writing cards and sending packages to many of my supporters. Handmade baskets, kitange cloth napkins and table cloths, hibiscus tea from Sudan, and black tea from the Rwenzori mountains of Uganda were only a few of the things given away. It was with great joy that my friend Viza sold me the hibiscus tea in the local Mundri market (she emphatically noted, “I am so happy today!”), that my friend Lexon sold me the cloth to be sewn, with delightfulness that my friend Bakhit diligently sewed away making the napkins and table cloths. A slew of other Sudanese and Ugandan friends were involved in the gift making process, and all of them repeatedly implored me to greet my family and friends in America.

I truly feel that I am not on this adventure alone, but it is through the support and encouragement of others that I am able to do what I do. When my friends, family, churches, and people I don’t even know support me I see it is an ongoing relationship. I like writing out cards to you, though I don’t do it often enough! I like praying for you (though again, I don’t do it often enough). I do show your pictures to my African friends, and I do consider you fellow sojourners as I live and work in Sudan. Thanks for journeying along.

Now, as I sit here thinking of you, my supporters and friends, I am deeply thankful. I wish you could each see the joys I have seen – the smiles, laughter, dancing, singing, and joking of the Sudanese and Ugandan people. I also wish you could see the devastation of war, disease, mal-nutrition, and corruption. I wish I could communicate clearly to you the needs of the people here, but I will always fall short.

But I can communicate to you the need for prayer. Uganda is a country devastated by war, but diligently trying to recover and rebuild. Sudan is a nation riddled with a destructive history of fighting (two million people killed during the last civil war), approaching a very tenuous referendum set for January 9, 2011. The weeks and months leading up to the referendum and the weeks proceeding it are a critical juncture in the history of Sudan. Peace could last or war could return.

Please, JOIN ME IN PRAYER for the people of Sudan, especially those in power. That the bloodshed would cease in the entire country (genocide claims continue in Darfur, western Sudan) and no new fighting would erupt. That a people plagued by a life of continually running from bombs, gunshots, and murderers would instead be marked by stability and growth. That God would be glorified and all would know the peace, joy, and freedom found in Christ.

Journeying back to the USA

2010-08-23T09:17:00.000+03:00

In one week I am traveling back to the USA. I am attending the wedding of my dear friend, Scott C. in Nashville, TN, and I will be spending time with family and friends in Ohio and Indiana over a four week period.

It has been almost one year since my return to Africa. The stories are numerous and the experiences many. In many ways I feel I have 'lost my voice' when it comes to writing, blogging, journaling. I used to write all the time, on scraps of paper, napkins, ticket stubs, etc. I hope to get back into that habit, but for now here are some recent photos from my adventures in Sudan.

Planting the nursery with James W.

American seeds now planted and growing. Thank you to a generous friend for the seeds!

Football in full swing. The sport of most here, though volleyball is growing in numbers. Last week there were over 100 people out to play volleyball one night!

I spent two days with my friend David and his family recently. I truly enjoy visiting people in their homes and getting glimpses of what everyday life is like for most people in Mundri.

Bobby - former neighbor and friend to Gaby.

Women and girls love to have their hair done, including wigs, braids of all kind, and coloring.

Friends from Mundri.

My good friend Alex B. and his family. Alex is 18 years old, runs his own business, is the sole male provider for his entire family, and a friend who has taught me much about life in Mundri. Please pray for him. Young men in Mundri are faced with numerous pressures and decisions, and my heart longs for guys like Alex to know God and feel his immense love for them.

Alex's nieces.

Alex B. in front of the home he built.

Sorrow and Sadness Despite the Joy - part #3

2010-07-31T07:39:00.000+03:00

Later in the evening, well after the party had ended, as I was returning to my home, I met one of my friends whom attended the party but left before the food was served. I expressed my thankfulness and sorrow to him, that he would walk 4 miles round trip to join the celebration, yet left without food or water. He graciously told me it was not because of the delay in food that he left, but for other reasons he needed to return. He also graciously spoke of how delays happen all the time, and how most people whom left before eating were not resentful or disappointed, but thankful for their inclusion in the celebration. I only wish they could have been included in the feast.

My friends, my family, I want you all to join in the feast – the everlasting celebration that is promised to those that place their trust in God. I will always fall short in my love and appreciation of you, and no matter how hard I try, I will never be able to love you as fully and completely as I desire. I am a Christian, but my actions are not always Christ-like. If I can do nothing else to show you my love, if I fail in all other efforts, the greatest thing I can do is to point you to the love of Christ. He will not fail you. His promise of celebration and feasting is beyond our expectations, and He will not disappoint. If you trust in him, and believe that he sent his son Jesus to live and die for you – then no matter what your present circumstances, you will someday enter into a celebration in which you will not leave hungry or thirsty but will be overflowing with deep, ever-lasting joy.

Sorrow and Sadness Despite the Joy - part #2

2010-07-30T09:03:00.000+03:00

I place a high value on service, hosting, and making people feel welcome. These are all part of my personality, ingrained in my up bringing, and things I enjoy immensely. I’ve hosted numerous parties throughout the years, and I hope to have several more!

My current living situation in Sudan does not allow me to invite people into my home as often as I would like. I live in a 10 x 8 feet thatched roof structure (though I spend two nights a week in a tent staying close to the other WHM missionaries). I am grateful for this shelter and its location in the center of town, but I do miss having a kitchen and space for others to enter in. I miss cooking for and with friends and trying to feed people more food than they could possibly eat in one sitting. I have no chairs for visitors to sit on, but can only offer them a spot on my mat that lies on my often dusty and dirt-clad floor. I don’t mean to sound ungrateful, for I am deeply thankful to be where I am, but my gifts of hospitality and service have been stifled for now, and I mourn that because it is something I enjoy much.

I say these things as a preface to the disappointment I felt yesterday. Even though the service and ceremony ran late as one speech ran into another, the food was very late in coming. One of the speakers talked about the bull that was generously donated for the events, and how we would be feasting on its meat. But when the speeches were finished and everyone was ready to eat, there was a long delay, at least for most, before the food came. More than half of the visitors and guests, including most of my friends, left before the food was served. There were various reasons why people left – some needed to return to their work and families, others were tired after sitting for many hours, and some were tired of waiting for the promised food and decided to eat at their own homes instead.

The honored guests, ECS, and WHM staff were served almost immediately after the speeches ended, but it was nearly two hours later before the last of the guests were served. Many people waited long and patiently for food to be brought to them, and I am thankful for their patience, but I am deeply sorry that they had to wait so long and that those hosting the party were the ones to eat first and bountifully while everyone else patiently endured.

I know it is “just food”, but it somehow means more. One friend expressed that many people left disappointed – they came to celebrate and pay honor, but they also came to enjoy the promised feast. They listened as the speaker talked of the bull and how good its meat would be, yet they did not share in its partaking.

I understand that sometimes things do not go as planned, and often we need to be patient and wait. It is not this that I am struggling with now. It is in knowing that I often fall short in showing my appreciation for family and friends – in knowing that I can seldom live up to my own expectation, that I so often “eat” before my guests as I place my needs before theirs, and so often I fail in my planning and preparations. I desire to show the love of Christ through service and action, but my heart is often focused on me and my needs, and even if I am fully prepared and ready, my best intentions can still fall flat.

To be continued…

Sorrow and Sadness Despite the Joy - part #1

2010-07-29T14:10:00.001+03:00

July 25 was the dedication of the “Bishop’s Court” (house) and the new missionary housing (where all the missionaries with WHM live, except me).

It was a day of hope, yet deep disappointment. Maybe I am too critical, or too idealistic. I saw the joy, and it was a grand day, but did I really take care of my friends?

Did Jesus come to serve or to be served? Did I come to Sudan to serve or to be served? Do I expect to sit back and be taken care of as an honored guest, or am I actively inviting people – helping to host? These are questions that all surfaced at the party, and they are not always easy to answer.

The Episcopal Church of Sudan (our partners and host) did a great job of setting up the tarp shelters, chairs, podium, and inviting the entire church and honored guests. Over 1,500 people journeyed the 2+ miles one-way from town to the new site, most coming by foot. It was a standing room only crowd that continued to grow.

The Archbishop of the ECS flew in from Khartoum to preside over the event, a distinction and honor for Mundri to have him here. The speeches were many, and many too long. As the sun continued to bear down, people sat patiently and listened attentively. The service and ceremonies lasted nearly four hours.

I invited many of my friends to the festivities. A chance for them to see the Bishop’s and missionaries’ new homes and to visit my meager garden that they are always asking me about. It was also a chance for them to meet my missionary colleagues. To my delight, and surprise, most of my friends came. Many of them are shop owners, and most closed their shops for the day in order to attend. In an economy where every day is uncertain, most people here strive to open their shops seven days a week, in hopes of some small amount of income. For me, to have many of my friends close theirs shops and walk over two miles one-way to attend was a BIG deal. I wanted to honor them, and in some small way, show them how much I love and appreciate them.

Visiting people and sharing a meal with them is a BIG deal in the local culture of Sudan. This was also my experience while living in Bundibugyo, Uganda. To journey to someone’s home, to sit with your friends, to come where they reside, to enter into their household – all measures of great respect and friendship. I like and appreciate this aspect of the local culture, and would do well if I took more time to visit people and sit with them, not always scurrying from one thing and one person to the next. I need to learn to slow down and appreciate the underestimated value of sheer presence. Africa is teaching me much, and I still have much to learn.

I am duly thankful for all those that labored greatly to make the celebration a success, attributing the glory and praise to God – for His kindness, blessings, and mercy. BUT, it was also a day of deep, intense disappointment. I felt like I did not duly honor my friends, and in many ways placed my needs before theirs. My eyes were once again forced open to see the disparity between those of honor (including white people living here – which is very few) and the average citizen of Mundri

To be continued...

Photos of life and events in Mundri

2010-07-23T09:59:00.001+03:00

Here are a view photos from the past month in Mundri. Time continues to fly bye as I delve deeper into language learning and relationship building. I now have a language helper, Alex, and he has been great to work with! A huge blessing and answer to prayer.

The local kids love to see pictures of themselves!

Ongoing laughter ensues whenever I bust out the camera!

Happy faces.

The local kids have been a huge delight to befriend.

Poster from Girls' Day.

Girls' Day Banner proudly displayed.

Girls' Day - several schools had shirts printed for the celebration.

One of my favorite little friends!

Girls Day - highlighting the desire for young girls to go to school and be given equal opportunities in the community and country.

Volleyball - one of my favorite activities and often the best part of my day! Sometimes 50 or more people will come out to play at the end of the day! I thoroughly enjoy the time spent building relationships with young people and peers from the community.

Young men of Mundri.

Isiac - friend and former neighbor.

Coloring with some local kids.

Church staff members, always ready to laugh and lend a helping hand.

Kids love to color - even if they have no idea what the pictures are of (ex. Lion King)

Thank you, mom.

2010-06-17T11:07:00.000+03:00

It has been really fun over the past few days to work in my garden. I grew up helping my mom plant flowers all around the house every spring and summer, and we enjoyed a large garden that produced all kinds of fresh vegetables and fruits. I have long since held a fascination with watching things grow and take joy in having things that I planted produce flowers, vegetables, and fruits.

Planting things in the ground helps me feel connected to the land and the place, somehow making it feel more like home. When I was living in Philadelphia I planted roses, tulips, herbs, and all kinds of vegetables. The pesky squirrels managed to eat much of my harvest, but almost every year since then (2003 is when I first planted stuff) the rose bush I planted has had wonderfully full and magnificent looking flowers. My photographer friend Christy has continued to take pictures of the bush every year, and I take much delight in seeing the beauty that continues to spring forth year after year.

Even my roof top garden in Baltimore brought much joy and greenness to my life, and my hope is that my garden in Sudan will also be a source of joy and nutrition. Larissa has been busy in her garden too, and even the Masso kids are eager to lend a helping hand and have each developed their own small flower gardens. Christine has planted numerous moringa trees as we try to transform our new compound into an oasis of beauty and growth.

Thank you, mom, for instilling in me a sense of beauty in the natural surroundings, and a love of gardening and fascination with watching seeds transform into abundant life. May we all continue to plant seeds of love and growth in those around us as we each venture on our path of life.

Beautiful zinnias! I scattered some seeds in the garden six weeks ago, and then left for Uganda and Europe, leaving the seeds to nature. I was astounded to see full grown, beautifully colored flowers when I returned! A wonderfully heat and drought tolerant plant.

Even the squash seeds have produced life, though I fear they are not to happy with the heat. If only I can somehow manage to keep them cool enough to allow them to grow...

Germinated lettuce!! Oh how great it would be to have some fresh greens to eat of! I better concoct some shaded shelter soon before these delightful green buds succumb to the intense sun of Sudan.

Aboundant life springing forth from dry and weathered ground. Every time I see these flowers I am encouraged that the work we, the WHM team in Mundri, are doing will bear some fruit. Yes, we will and do have discouragements and trials as we establish our lives here, but God will continue to work with and through us to bring others closer to Him. Maybe I will never see the full beauty of what God is doing in Mundri, Sudan, but I am happy to help plant the seeds.

My soon-to-be new home! Yes, there will be a tent under that grass-thatched roof, but yes, this is still an upgrade from my current home. I am looking forward to cooler nights ahead in my well-ventilated new surroundings!

Tomorrow three male interns arrive from the USA. They will be living with and working closely with me and others on the current team. Please pray for them as they delve into life here. Over the next six weeks the interns and I will be living part-time in the 'new' tent on the 'new' land near all the other missionaries. The rest of the time, the interns will be living in a small 'tukul' house next to mine on the church compound in the center of town, about three kilometers away from our new land and tent. Please continue to pray for all of us as we continue to form and strengthen new relationships and seek to invest in people, loving them and serving them.

THANK YOU!!!

2010-06-12T14:38:00.000+03:00

Thank you to all those that have sent me packages and letters! When I was recently back in Bundibugyo (see post below) I was able to pick up all the packages that had arrived over the past couple months. I felt like a kid at Christmas! It was awesome!!

Some of the local kids in Uganda helped me open up the packages. It was so much fun for them, and for me, to see what was inside. Everything from toys for kids, crayons, spices, dried fruit, granola bars, stickers, Trader Joe's Peppermint O's. Wow, it was truly incredible! I even received a beautiful letter from my 84 year old grandma!!

I took the photos above as I was passing out toys from the packages to kids on the pediatric ward. It was so uplifting to see very sick kids, and their families, smile and laugh when I gave them a simple toy. Many of the mothers were especially excited when I passed out 'kid' purses to them (thank you Jayme, Stacie, Tracie, and Koesters Family!). They loved them and found them very 'fashionable' for themselves!

I can not thank you enough for your care and concern for me, the entire team in Sudan, and the local Sudanese. I am blessed to be in relationship with people here, but also people in the USA that love, care for, and support me. Please continue to pray for me as I pray for you.

At the moment I have all I need - and more! I am generously supplied with the gifts you sent me with Epaphroditus. They are a sweet-smelling sacrifice that is acceptable and pleasing to God. And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.

Now all glory to God our Father forever and ever! Amen.

-Philippians 4:18-20

To Greece And Back Again

2010-06-11T14:20:00.000+03:00

To Greece and Back Again…

The past six weeks have been a blur of travel, fun, refreshment, insight, and information.

I first traveled to Bundibugyo, Uganda to reconnect with friends and help work in the pediatric ward. It was a great time of visiting with dear friends and missionaries I love. The physical beauty of Bundibugyo never ceases to amaze me.

Then I was off to Istanbul, Turkey for a few days of pre-mission-wide-conference vacation and refreshment. My travel from Entebbe, Uganda to Istanbul, Turkey was riddled with troubles, frustrations, and delays. It took my three days to reach Istanbul! By the time I reached I was deflated and defeated after waiting in lines for over 20 hours and sleeping on airport floors two nights in a row. Trying to get Ethiopian Airlines to be helpful was a lost cause.

At one point I was escorted out of the Cairo airport by the police and was told, in a very thick, not-so-good English accent, “You no go Istanbul, you go Cairo.” This was not because I was mean or violent in any way, but because Ethiopian Airlines messed up my rebooking and the ticket they issued me from Cairo to Istanbul was not valid. Rather than being helpful in the process, Ethiopian Airlines was unkind, unconcerned, and downright mean at times. I could tell multiple more stories about further frustrations, but I will leave it at this - NEVER travel with Ethiopian Airlines!

I eventually landed in Istanbul, and it was WONDERFUL! I am already looking forward to going back to Turkey someday! Two days in Istanbul and a day spent in Ephesus have left me longing for more Turkish food, hospitality, and beauty. It was great!

Then I set sail for two Greek islands, Santorini and Naxos. Santorini was breath taking. Every view was like looking at a postcard. The beauty of the sea juxtaposed against steep cliffs and sheer-white buildings trimmed in blue was unparalleled. The highlight was riding stubborn donkeys decked out in bright colors and bells up a very steep embankment that overlooked the sea.

Naxos was much less touristy and incredible in it’s own, unique way. The inland mountains were majestic and the little towns were idealistic in their old-traditional settings. We rented 4-wheelers and zipped all over the island, drinking coffee, eating baklava, and trying to take in the stunning views of mountains, churches, and the sea. Truly wonderful.

Next off to Athens, Greece for the World Harvest Mission triennial mission wide retreat. It was a good time of reconnecting with friends and finally meeting so many people from all over the world whom I have heard off, but never met face-to-face. The worship was wonderful, and the conference was helpful in trying to figure out exactly “who” World Harvest Mission is. Highlights included all you can eat buffets, the Uganda and Sudan teams performing a combined African dance routine, and conversations around the pool.

I am now back in Sudan and ready to begin the summer, pressing forward in language learning and relationship building. Three male interns arrive next week and as we eagerly await their arrival we are also busy planning the logistics and schedule.

I will write more about my experiences thus far in Sudan in a future posts, but wanted to thank those that have asked about and prayed for my health. The last six weeks of my time in Sudan, prior to my European adventure, were marred with skin infections, hives, weight loss, fatigue, and other minor health issues. I am happy to report that I am feeling much better now and eager to delve back into life here. I am slightly anxious that some of the health concerns could return, but optimistic that those problems lay in my past not to resurface anytime soon.

I am thankful to be back in Sudan and look forward to a busy, yet fun summer. Sudan is not always an easy place to be, especially as I am still trying to make this my home. I am thankful for God’s wisdom and timing, though I so often don’t understand His plan. But I do trust that He is watching over me, and I am content in knowing this:

For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

-Jeremiah 29:11

Defeated but not despairing

2010-05-12T07:57:00.002+03:00

The reality of the pain and suffering of this world is hard to fathom. And I have such a limited experience, only now am I beginning to open my eyes to the world around me. Sometimes I want to hide, to forget or deny the truths. I want my naïve childhood to somehow return, to saturate my current adulthood. Believing that this is truly a good world is not an easy choice just now. Tonight, I am struggling with that thought.

I just finished reading Tears of the Desert, the words and images still too acutely fresh in my mind. It is the horrifying story of a young woman who escaped the brutalities of the current war in the Darfur region of Sudan, only to find unwelcomed exile in England after much pain, abuse, rape, and death was experienced and witnessed. It is too horrendous to believe, but I know it is true. I cannot let myself forget that it was, and is, currently the reality for millions of people. I need to feel that pain, as too often I allow myself to become numb and unaware.

A short respite in Kampala allowed me to venture to the movie theater this afternoon, not sure of which movie I was going to see. My second choice was Iron Man II, and maybe I should have watched that movie. But instead of fantasy and action, I wandered into the theater and sat in disturbing silence as I watched a painful movie about the lives of three individuals in Uganda. A child mentally scorned by his forced capture and assimilation into the military in Northern Uganda, only to be returned to his biological family some years later, discovering an alcoholic father who blames himself that he did not protect his son from getting taken and forced to become a child-soldier. A woman whose sister is repeatedly beaten by her husband, and now the woman is forced to prostitute herself to help her abused sister. A young man, who has chosen the ‘higher’ road by helping street kids and youth through a break-dancing ministry, confronted by a childhood friend who has chosen gangs, violence, fear and death instead.

It is late at night as I listen to the steady rainfall. The cool drops bouncing off the tin roofs, finding their way to the grass and soil that lay below. It is somehow appropriate for rain to be falling just now. A soothing sound that has always comforted.

Maybe several weeks of sickness, and now living in a country all-too-familiar with war, continually hearing horrific true accounts of death and destruction, and an ever-increasing awareness of impatience and self-righteousness in my own heart, has left my usually optimistic spirit feeling a bit defeated tonight.

Defeated but not despairing. I know where my help, and hope, comes from.

For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angles nor demons, neither present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 8:38-39

Languishing latrines, waning water supplies, and paradoxical PC's.

2010-04-15T15:23:00.000+03:00

Languishing latrines, waning water supplies, and paradoxical PC's.

The long awaited rains have started, and the warmth of the piercing sun is giving way to cool breezes and cloudy cover. Temperatures are still high, but life is somehow much more pleasant now as my perpetual perspiration production is giving pause to a few hours of dry skin bliss. The small things in life that bring such satisfaction...

Life in Mundri is so vastly different than my former life in the states, and yet so undeniably good. I am grateful to be here and humbled by all that I have seen and experienced. My physical body has been bombarded with heat rashes, hives, and hordes of other ailments; this has forced me to decelerate my everyday pace, but that's probably a good thing. Too often I fly through my days forgetting to cease and absorb.

Today I give pause to consider some very important projects that remind me of what a contrasting environment I am in, and how you can play a very large role in improving the lives of so many people in Mundri, Sudan.

LANGUISHING LATRINES

Some days I miss flush toilets - the feel of the actual seat, and the brief period to sit and rest, but most days I am perfectly content with a latrine (outhouse). At least I have a latrine!!

Christine and Bethany have been working at a local secondary school (high school) and recently told me of the school's wish list. Several of my friends also go to this school, and I have visited it several times. The school staff and community have made great strides in improving the facilities of the school, but the school currently has no latrine!! If you need to urinate you (males and females) can pee on the rocks within the shelter above or you can go out into the bush and find a spot for all other business. The public health professional within me cringes at the thought of this - a school with hundreds of students that has no functioning latrine!

My initial response is that I want to grab a shovel and start digging one myself! The reality is that the staff are eager to build a latrine, the community has rallied behind them to help make some of the bricks needed, but they still lack the monetary funds to finish the bricks and lay a concrete slab. This is where you can help!

Have you ever thought about building a latrine? Yeah, I haven't either until now. Here is a tangible way that you can help make a difference. Would you be willing to donate some money to buy bricks, build some walls, and dig a deep hole so hundreds of student and staff have an actual 'place' to go to the bathroom? The cost of the project is $2,000 to build one latrine, but ideally we would like to build two separate latrines (one for women and one for men) at a cost of $4,000.

This could be a great, tangible project for you and your friends to get involved with. I can imagine one of those thermometer type things that people usually use to display how much money has been raised, but instead of that there is a picture of a big hole that gets deeper and deeper as the money accumulates!!

If you would like to get involved, please let me know via scottjosephwill@yahoo.com or go to http://www.whm.org/enter-a-desig and enter 11927 as the designation code for Mundri secondary school.

You can also see Bethany's blog for a much more eloquent description of the project:

http://bethanygrace.wordpress.com/

Waning Water Supplies

Michael and Christine are two very capable water engineers serving as part of the World Harvest Mission team here in Mundri, Sudan. Their work and efforts are to bring life saving substance, water, to the mouths of many.

All over Africa, and even the world, obtaining clean, safe drinking water is not often an easy task. Many people, especially women and children, spend several hours a day collecting water. Sometimes the water comes from boreholes, but sometimes from polluted and disease-invested waters. The public health professional in me again comes roaring out when I see people drinking water straight from the river, with no sort of filtration methods used. I suppose when you are thirsty, and you have no other means of a water source, you drink what you have. I foresee trainings about water safety in the future...

Michael, Christine, and two engineering students coming this summer have grand visions of repairing bore holes and helping to distribute clean, safe water around Mundri and surrounding communities. A noble scheme that will benefit many, but lacking in funds. Unfortunately, the people we are trying to serve are often unable to afford fixing boreholes, water pumps, and new parts.

If you would like to get involved, please let me know via scottjosephwill@yahoo.com or go to http://www.whm.org/project/details?ID=19202.

Check out Christine's blog for more information: http://immeasurablymorewhm.blogspot.com/2010/04/summer-projects.html

Paradoxical PC's

What is a paradoxical PC? Well, I am not exactly sure but those words came to mind when Christine told me about another potential project at the local secondary school.

I am so very thankful to have a computer. It allows me to communicate with people thousands of miles away, upload pictures, write documents, and all sorts of other things. I first used a computer when I was in high school (yes, I am getting old) and was amazed at the technology of it all. In today's world people are using computers all around the globe - even in rural locations of Uganda and Sudan.

Many young Africans are eager to learn how to use computers, and they often express that many jobs and businesses are now eager to hire people with some computer skills. Unfortunately, there are few people around rural areas of Sudan that can teach computer classes, and obtaining computers is often a costly obstacle.

The situation here, at Mundri Secondary School, is quite different. The school was gifted several very nice computers from various donors, but those computers have just been sitting in boxes. The school lacks sound physical buildings, and they do not have a generator 'room' (there is no electricity here) to run the computers and, up until now, they have had no one around whom knows how to install them and teach computer classes. Christine is a gifted chemical/water engineer versed in computers, and we have several interns coming this summer who are willing and able to help teach computer classes.

So those very nice computers, built to increase knowledge and information capacity, are lying dormant. A paradox of sorts. I would like to help awaken them, and here's how:

The school needs to build a small shelter to house the generator, keeping rain and thieves at bay. They also need some basic cables, wires, and plugs to completely install them. The cost of the project is $2,000.

Would you be willing to help? This would be a great project for a small group, a teacher and students, or anyone else interested in furthering the education and technology of students in Sudan! I can imagine it now, e-mails being sent from students in America to students in Sudan...oh, the learning opportunities and cultural exposure that could ensue! (Yes, I get very excited about things like this!)

If you would like to get involved, please let me know via scottjosephwill@yahoo.com or go to http://www.whm.org/enter-a-desig and enter 11926 as the designation code.

You can also see Christine's blog for a much more thorough description of the project:

http://immeasurablymorewhm.blogspot.com

Christine also created a Mundri Secondary School Computer Club Facebook page that has lots more information.

Today I Sit & Pause

2010-04-08T10:56:00.001+03:00

Below is a three part pictorial post on people of southern Sudan.

As the tenuous elections draw near, scheduled to begin April 11, I am thankful to be here, in Mundri, Sudan. I've been experiencing some significant heat/sweat rashes and other minor physical disturbances over the past two weeks, which have greatly limited my ability to move around as freely as I like. Sometimes it takes such things to slow me down, as my nature and internal structuring has a tendency to be 'out and about' at almost all times.

So today I sit, pause, and try not to scratch my skin as I flip through pictures and scour my memory in recall of local Arabic words. I enjoy the people, culture, and lifestyle of Mundri. I long for cooler weather, but am somehow content with cool water or the occasional breeze. I am longing for the rains to come soon, and with it reprieve from the barren sun shining down on me.

Women Of Sudan

2010-04-08T10:54:00.000+03:00

In so many cultures women are the bastion of the home, carrying heavy burdens of childcare, cooking, cleaning, and gardening. The beauty of elderly women is intriguing and fascinating; each scar, skin fold, and callous a mark of time, stories to be told. It saddens me when recognition and respect are not given to women of age and stature, whatever the culture. I think women in Mundri are appreciated and have a significant role, but I am not a woman from Mundri, so I suppose you will have to accept my limited opinion for now. In some ways, when I see the brilliant colors of an aged woman's clothes, the eccentric style of another, or the heartfelt smile of a stoic woman, I am drawn into her life and long to hear her story. It makes me miss my own grandmothers, mother, aunts, sister, and friends.

The joy of dance, no matter what the age.

Time and life have passed, but the stories remain.

Color and beauty fade into solid, observant faces

In black or white, as mobility decreases, the joy remains.

Young or old, women are defining their place in time.

Time may pass, but sense of style and beauty remain.

Pondering heart, inquisitive mind.

Burial moments -remembering the past as another friend dies.

Symmetry and poise, style and elegance.

Firm convictions, sisterhood and family.

Jesus ever nearer and joy now ever complete.

Praising in brilliance, laying down her life for her King.

The contemplative spirit, in rest or sadness remains.

Men of Sudan

2010-04-08T10:52:00.000+03:00

Men are often portrayed as entrepreneurs, capable of physical and mental tasks, intriguing, and thrifty. Often dominant in many societies, respectful in some, but too prone to alcohol and wandering in others. Men have many burdens to bear, often struggling to provide and meet the needs of their family while longing for a better life. Some men are pillars of light, faith, and Godly leading, but others fall short and leave gaps in generations of boys whom are ever searching for manhood, power, and a place in this world.

Wrinkles of time, lines of wisdom and experience.

Godly men leading their flocks.

A young man, trying to figure out his role in this world, eager and expectant.

An island of style and stealth.

Uplifting the Lord while lowering a brother in prayer.

Longing for a good future, but what is in store?

Resting wherever the spot may be, by tree, road, or home.

Rhythms of music and life.

Style amidst austerity.

Age and wisdom, words need not be spoken for stories to be told.

Living day by day, a single, tired face among many.

Children Of Sudan

2010-04-08T10:40:00.000+03:00

Children, the future and hope of many, the offspring of one's physical self. So much love and dedication poured into them, at least for some, while others experience anger, malice, and misfortune. Children, so very optimistic, loving, and kind. A wealth of information in a little body and mind, smiles that engage and laughter that enlivens. Language barriers easily broken, as playmates engage, ever eager to dance, run, and bound.

Movement, dance, rhythm, and joy.

Songs of hope, claps of a prosperous future.

A group of many, solemn in color, but composed of individual selves; unknown yet unique.

A happy 2010.

Beautiful faces, endearing, engaging, and full of love.

Studying with dreams of a brighter future after a broken past.

Water, the essence of life carried by the future.

No matter the size, various water carrying jugs can accommodate.

Community of the young.

Bothers, friends, peering into your soul trying to discover their own.

Health, safety, love, and joy.

Eagerness and anticipation

Style starts at a young age.