Moments of Grace…..
This past week has been challenging here in Yei. Yes, it
was good to be busy again. But a 5-day
training for Home Health Promoters (HHP) required lots of energy in
preparation, teaching, flexibility, and team work. Now TEAM WORK is a good thing. Thank God each
of us is given different gifts. The week was LONG but successful! Leaving home at 7:45 a.m. may be typical where
you are. But in the midst of the rainy season and late nights of preparation
for the next day, Lynn was “at the door waiting” for me most days! J
The 17 HHPs traveled in to Yei on Sunday evening to be
ready to start at 9 am and go to 5 pm+ every day – learning important health
information, especially about mother/newborn health, child health, and
communicable diseases (immunizations). Sanitation
and hygiene was the theme of the first training in January 2016. The teaching and translation to Simple Arabic
and/or Kakwa was divided up by our team of 4 plus a couple of representatives
of the County Health Department (CHD).
In the midst of breaks we heard of the serious problems of people in
community as a result of the economic crisis, food shortages, rebel attacks, and
poor health. “Lord, what can be
done?” Then a special “moment
of grace” occurred on the second morning of the training, just before
my teaching on “Danger Signs in the Newborn” and “Care of the Sick Child.” Our song leader taught a new song to the
group (“Jesus is the same, yesterday, today and forever” in Arabic) - one time,
two times in practice – and then a chorus of harmony that filled the room, like
angels calling out for mercy. In the
midst of all the suffering and challenges, God was present.
Lynn worked hard to organize the schedule and see that each
topic was taught simply, clearly, with Arabic and Kakwa translations if needed
– to emphasize the health messages for the HHPs to teach in their communities.
Bako and Charity, our two assistants, helped with teaching and translation – we
are pleased with their efforts and gifts. I (Sharon) shared in the teaching, but also
was the logistics person – pictures of new participants, picture IDs made,
incentives prepared, T-shirts ordered, taxi service for CHD staff, and
certificates made. Friday was a day of
“patience-building” for me – waiting, waiting, back and forth to CHD, and more
waiting. But we are grateful that the event closed well – with the challenge
from the CHD Director to persevere in serving their communities, for the “Health
of ALL!”
Early in the week we learned that a lone gunman had
broken into the compound of one UMC Children’s Home. Expensive items were
stolen, one teenage girl abducted, and many others terrorized. Thankfully no one was injured and the girl
was clever and escaped within the hour. But the reports of insecurity and violence became “close to home” for all of us. A “moment of grace” was the news that
all were safe. We pray now for healing of this recent trauma in the lives of
all involved.
Today, Saturday – feeling refreshed by a good night’s
sleep, I went early to the CHD to finalize payment for a special vehicle hired
to travel to Juba and back for Plumpy Nut, the protein supplement for malnourished children. Despite many different efforts over more than
a month, no transport was available through UNICEF or the Ministry of Health to
bring the much-needed supplement. Talk about WAITING…… But Jane smiled big as
she shared the exciting news with me! 50 cartons of Plumpy Nut have arrived! Yes, another “Moment of Grace.”
In the midst of all that is NOT going well here in Yei
and country as a whole, we praise God for the “Moments of Grace” that
remind us of God’s goodness and love. Despite salaries being delayed more than
3 months – some health workers are still at work; HOPE is expressed daily that
things will get better; people of
faith preach the Good News of peace and reconciliation; a young man came for guitar
lessons (NO, I am not good, but I can teach chords and that’s what he wanted),
and songs of praise fill the radios and churches (and yes, even the training
halls!). We thank God for mercy and
grace on our lives and the lives around us!
In a world filled with suffering and fear…..may you look for your “Moments
of Grace” today. Amen.
