Adventureland?

Here in South Sudan, every day can be an adventure! We decided to worship at Libogo UMC today, 28 miles out of Yei, down Lasu Road. The road is being worked on and the first 10 miles are now graded and pressed, although still dirt - so it feels almost like a super-highway! We arrived 2 hours later after many large pools of water, many huge potholes, and too many curves to count around the worst spots. We say, "Arabia gialabu ketiir aleela!" (The car is dancing alot today!) Feeling the heat and fatigue from bouncing around, we joined a small congregation at the church. The mood was somber - as the elders shared the pain of the community in the past week. A member's daughter-in-law had died in the past week, one week after giving birth to a stillbirth baby. The sadness was evident on Regina's face. Since worship had not started yet, Lynn went off to check out the pit dug for the new church latrine and I began playing with the children. Soon the drums were brought in by 2 young men, and the music started! More people gathered - and soon the church was full, and we felt the Spirit fill the church made of sticks, mud, and thatch for the roof. The God of comfort filled us all as we worshiped Him. I was humbled to think of the privilege to be a part of this experience. As I miss family - especially spending time with our granddaughter, Zari, I cuddled with 2 young girls who were intrigued by the chance to sit by this "kawaja abuba!" (white old lady!) We have lived in Yei for 16 months now, and each visit to a church offers the rich experience of familiar faces, names remembered, and stumbling efforts to share with my little Juba Arabic! But - despite the language and cultural barriers, I felt a part of the family of God in Libogo today. We were welcomed and were able to share love and care with brothers and sisters in the faith. After hot, sweet tea we began the long trip home - with 2 additional stops - to check on latrines in process; and to change a dressing for a pastor with an ankle wound that has been a problem for 21 years since a snake bite as a boy. Praise God, it is healing well with the Unna Boots brought in by Dr. Mike in May. After the dressing, a check of the depth of the latrine - nearly 3 meters - and a final check of the maize growing near the church, we headed off with children smiling and waving goodbye, and the rain starting. Thanks to excellent drivers, Alex and Justus, we arrived home to a house-full of friends who had gathered for Sunday afternoon fellowship - yes, we were more than an hour late! But the time of discussion on Nehemiah Chapter 1 and closing prayer topped off a day of blessing! So often I miss out on the adventure - by closing my eyes, my ears, my heart to the richness of life in this place. Sometimes it hurts to feel the pain and grief of difficult circumstances in this place. I want to be able to "solve" all the problems. Yet, when I open my heart to those around me, I am blessed. I am thankful!