Training...

TRAINING..... This word implies many different things to many different people. But in South Sudan, the word "training" means a lot to the average person in the village. Because of the lack of formal education for the far majority of people, one of outcomes since the Comprehensive Peace Agreement in 2005 and independence in 2011 is the demand for and organization of many schools in the country - from nursery schools to primary schools to secondary schools to vocational schools and colleges and universities! Most parents still struggle to raise school fees for their children, but people of ALL AGES are eager to attend school and any training available. In our first 3 months here in Yei, we have attended and assisted with trainings in "Farming God's Way," as well as meetings with TBAs (traditional birth attendants) and pastors. What a blessing for us to experience the enthusiasm for learning and the joy of sharing that knowledge with others! We should never take the blessing of public education in our country for granted. The picture shows Lynn involved in a training in Kisangani UMC - first with TBAs and also with the congregation. Preparing for these trainings involves hours of planning and creative thinking and simple resources but also patience and listening as conversations are translated into several different languages at times. But the joy of an idea understand and the relief and satisfaction experienced at the end of the session is considerable. Yes, we are glad to be involved in this ministry of health education in South Sudan. God is opening our hearts and minds to the great need and helping us start each day with energy and enthusiasm to use the gifts and knowledge we have been blessed with in our lifetimes!