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!

School Health Screenings in South Sudan - a New Concept!

School Health Screening in South Sudan In the US most schools require a pre-Kindergarten physical and pre-6th grade physical, with the hopes of catching up all children on their immunizations and catching any significant health problems that haven’t been addressed. Most children have a Sport Physical done before being allowed to participate in school sports – always looking for that unusual heart defect or curvature of the spine (scoliosis) that might show itself in the adolescent. Of course, children are taken to the doctor’s office when sick – but these preventive physicals are designed to pick up the unexpected….and offer doctors an opportunity to counsel and educate the child and their parents on common medical issues for the child’s age group. This week we have been joined by a lively, caring, and fun group of medical people from the US – 1 family doctor, 3 nurses, and a young man interested in public health and nutrition. We have been blessed! We are doing what we are calling School Health Screenings – because we are seeing children who are registered in our United Methodist Nursery and lower Primary Schools here in this area of South Sudan. This is a new concept we are told – but it offers us an invaluable opportunity to examine hundreds of children and collect information on common health problems before meeting with their parents and teachers to consider steps to improve the general health of the communities, especially for the children. Here in South Sudan, one in five children do not live past their 5th birthday! Each morning we leave in a loaded Land Cruiser with Justus at the wheel and head out across the bumpy roads to arrive at the church – welcomed by singing children of the school. After initial introductions and prayers, we transform the church into a clinic – first registering each child with the teachers’ help, then measuring height, weight, and MUAC (mid-upper arm circumference to assess nutritional status). Each child waits patiently for one of us to examine their eyes, ears, throat, teeth, neck, heart, lungs, and skin, as well as feel their bellies to see if malaria has caused their spleen to enlarge. What a joy to see the trust in their eyes – along with a little bit of fear in being examined by the Kawaja (white person). Having “survived the exam,” they walk off to the last station with their exam form in hand and get a dose of Vitamin A and Albendazole (a medicine that treats the most common worms found in the children here). Vitamin A is known to boost the immune system to help healing with infections, and treating the worms every 6 months has been shown to improve growth and reduce anemia in these young children. Monday we saw 191 children at Ligitolo; Wednesday, 144, at Kenyi ; and Friday, 240, at Giru. Monday, the last day for the visiting team, we expected to see only 82 children. But other parents heard we were at the church, so we ended the exams when our forms finished – at 175! Then we compiled the information and met with the Parents and Teachers to discuss the common problems seen. Just as we parents in the US want our children to be strong and healthy and able to learn and grow well, so the parents of South Sudan desire the same. They just haven’t had the opportunity to learn some of the basic health information that we take for granted. At the close of the day, a short skit highlighted the importance of basic hygiene – using a personal face cloth and towel, soap, toothbrush and toothpaste, and a comb to stay clean and promote healthy living. The Health Kits from UMCOR were passed out to each child by the teachers, and our day would come to a close – with the joy of seeing each child skip off to their home with something learned and something to help them on “the road to health!” Every day, we, the team, arrived back home - tired, hot, and yet satisfied, that each child was “loved on” for just a few moments – and they heard “Yesu hibu ita” (Jesus loves you!) And the information gathered will be used to help that child’s community understand how to help the children on the “road to health!” The song, “Jesus loves the little children, all the children of the world,” rings in my ears as I survey the school health screenings. No – we haven’t treated every single problems with free medicines as the adults often request – there is a government health facility nearby to which they can go for help. But we have shared the love of Jesus with these precious children, and we have important information to help us educate the community for a better tomorrow! Thank you for our first visiting medical teams! God bless you for the gift of your time, energy, and love!

Malaria - what does it feel like?

May 2013 Last week I started revising a grant for Imagine No Malaria (INM), a wonderful project under UMCOR - Health which joins hands with many churches and organizations in a major effort to eradicate malaria in the coming years. We in South Sudan know how this disease affects many in our small circle of friends, and many who lose loved ones to the disease every month. The truth is, even in 2013, ONE PERSON IN AFRICA DIES EVERY 60 SECONDS OF MALARIA! Most of us from the US don't understand much about malaria - because it was eradicated in the US in the 1950s. But Africa is so vast. What will it take? Then malaria struck me 2 days later despite bug spray and mosquito net, and my understanding of the disease became much more personal - not just as doctor and caregiver! It began with remarkable headache, body aches, fevers to 102.8*F and shaking chills. Wow! It had been more than 18 years since I had suffered malaria - and maybe due to my age, the symptoms and signs were much more intense. Or perhaps I have fewer distractions (like 3 young children!) that kept me from noticing what my body was going through. I knew that I was more than uncomfortable - and kept thinking what it must be like for young children to suffer these effects and have no understanding of what was happening to them. Or what it must be like to be a single mom with children who need attention and having NO energy to care for them OR NO MEDICINES CLOSE BY OR MONEY TO BUY THEM. Thankfully there is medicine to take to treat malaria, and I was able to get started within a day of onset of symptoms - but I must say, looking at the side effects of the medicine made me wonder what I was experiencing from the medicine and what was from the malaria parasites swimming around in my bloodstream. All my energy was zapped - the chills, nightmares, and sweats were pretty remarkable. I don't remember being this sick since I had the measles when I was 9 years old and Grandma came to help Mom care for the house full of spotted children! Thankfully my wonderful husband, Lynn, picked up the slack around the house and with the work that continued on this week. How grateful I was for his patience and understanding! I really am a terrible patient - as many doctors and nurses are! After finishing 3 days of strong medicine, I still felt pretty rough yesterday. Would I ever get my energy and appetite back? But thank God, as the day continued I felt slow improvement. Now today - I have fixed breakfast, washed a few dishes, listened to some inspirational talks on You Tube, spent time with my Healing Lord, and decided that I should write this blog NOW....and not wait! Yes, I am bushed at 12 noon.....and I trust I will continue to get better. But my passion to complete this INM grant proposal in the next week is stronger. I would challenge you to pray for understanding and solutions to this menacing disease of MALARIA in Africa and many parts of Asia. And learn what you can do to support the fight against malaria!You can go the the website UMCOR Health and click on Imagine No Malaria for starters. For many of our Prayer Warriors, I am grateful you were praying without even knowing the need. Thank you!

What is your story?

February 2013 What is your story? Here in South Sudan, we are blessed to meet people of all walks of life - from the farmers in the village, to a church leader from the Nuba Mountains, to the doctor at the government hospital, the traditional birth attendant, the relief worker with Doctors without Borders, the student in primary school well into his teens, the laborer digging up tree stumps, or the grandmother who is guardian of 3 orphans. Each one has their own story....if we take the time to listen! This past week I got into a conversation with a pastor who is just 39 years old. He shared his story with me - from being a refugee with his parents in Uganda, working at heavy labor in tobacco and tea fields as a youth (before and after school), struggling to come back to Sudan after finding out he had brothers here, chopping and transporting poles of teak wood by himself to make money to start over after his simple home was destroyed by the LRA. His story is one of struggle, hardship, family bonds, faith, and commitment to making a better life for his own family. Could this story really live within this humble man who now serves as a pastor and works through the week as a farm extension worker? It is good to remember that we each have our own story. Do we share it with others? Do we ask others about their stories? One of my favorite old hymns is "I Love to Tell the Story ….. of Jesus and His Love." I think I grew to love it when I was first at a missionary conference and observed “saints” singing at the top of their lungs, a song which resonates in their hearts! I am challenged during this Lenten Season – do I share my story of God’s faithfulness in my life? And do I listen, truly listen as other’s share their stories – their struggles, their doubts, their joys, their sorrows, their hopes? The story of Jesus is one of love for all. May we who follow Jesus share his love with each one we meet! Blessings!

Transportation - do we think about the challenges?

TRANSPORTATAION.... When I was growing up transportation was primarily by car or bus. I found it fascinating once I learned that many cities have public buses and trains, although the presence of cars has multiplied throughout my lifetime. Everyone thinks they need a car for everything....we've lost the art of walking, except for healthy exercise. In South Sudan, as in most of Africa, the primary means of transport is walking! Buses, vans, and motorcycles called Bodas are available but, sadly, more expensive! Private cars are few but growing in number. Two flights a week come into Yei from Uganda through Eagle Air, but the expense limits its use. Roads are not paved - only 40 miles are reportedly paved in all of this new country. Rains can turn the dirt roads into small lakes and mud - slowly ALL forms of movement. No matter what form of transportation is available, difficult roads make it hard for those who want to sell in the market, or for those who need food or supplies for daily living. This week we were blessed with another first! Rather than traveling slowly 100 miles over the poor road to Juba for more than 5 hours, we were allowed to ride on a UNMISS helicopter! The flight was only 45 minutes and offered a superb view of the land between Yei and Juba. The Russian helicopter piloted by an Ukrainian crew added to the international experience for us. The United Nations is very active in South Sudan - the staff in Yei are Canadian, Nepali, Indian, and South Sudanese! Our world is growing smaller - travel becomes easier for many, TV and internet connect us so quickly to cultures and peoples who seem very different on the outside, yet are created by our God and hope for a better life for themselves and their families, just like us! I recognize once again the privilege it is for us to serve in this place - to walk side by side with our brothers and sisters here in South Sudan and share the love of Jesus every day. God has blessed us richly!

Mushroom Hunting Anyone?!....

“What good is it, brothers and sisters, if a person claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, ‘Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed.’ But does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.” James 2: 14-17 Although it is fall in the US, it is hot and rainy on many days here in South Sudan. Some are finding oyster mushrooms in the village markets – very large ones, and it reminds me of the spring of 2011, when I last “looked for mushrooms!” It was early April. There was a warm wind and spring rains had moistened the earth again that morning. It reminded me of the special times I enjoyed hunting morel mushrooms with my dad many years before. In Kentucky I learned they were known as “dry land fish” or “hickory chickens!” I set out for a good afternoon walk. On my way I met someone returning from mushroom hunting – I began to wonder if the forested area along the path might hold a “mess” of mushrooms for supper for me as well? But soon I realized a brisk fitness walk would not result in any mushrooms. To be successful at this task, I had to slow down and clear away the brush around the base of the trees to see anything of value! Of course, it was a bit risky as thorny vines and muddy ground caught my clothes and open arms. The scripture from James came to mind as I picked up my pace again, with no mushrooms in hand. Trying to hunt mushrooms on a walk was like our efforts as Christians to love someone “on the run.” “What good is it?” To love one of God’s children like Jesus did involves slowing down – taking time – sometimes clearing away the debris and barriers to reach the heart of the person buried inside. Sometimes we must get our feet a little dirty or take a risk in the midst of the thorns. God calls us to love one another – whatever season it is! I know it is difficult anywhere we find ourselves. In our fast-paced world, investing time and energy is a very real challenge. Here in South Sudan, I realize that cross-cultural relationships force me to grow even more sensitive to the real heart of the person. It is hard to know what lies deep within a person who has suffered years of war; seasons of grief when loves ones have died or abandoned them; disappointments have filled their days; or hunger for food and even a spark of hope pervade every hour of the day. We are thankful to have many opportunities to see the physical needs here. Yes, it is easy to see when someone needs clothes or food. Yet, Jesus calls us to a different type of action as well – to slow down, to seek the heart of a person, and to share the love of Jesus. Jesus offers each one of us food that will never spoil and HOPE that will never disappoint us! Bless you as you reach out today!

Our children are the future!

Every week we hear these words from women and men here in South Sudan! We can certainly identify with this sentiment - so often we look to the next generation to find ways and inspiration to help make this world a better place in which to live - whether we live in the USA or in Africa, or any place we are planted! Since our last post, we have shared the joy of doing health screenings on nearly 130 children in a local children's home! I realize what joy I feel when I see a healthy child's face, and what a privilege it has been to work in healthcare with children around the world over these past 30 years! An 18 month old boy was taken to this same home just 6 weeks ago - very malnourished and sick, since his mother had died when he was only 2 months old. He was unable to sit on his own. But, with the love and care of many adults and other children in the children's home, he is now a smiling child with the strength to sit and will soon walk! James 1:27 says: "Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world." We are seeing the fruits of pure hearts who care for others in this way - but what a challenge to us all! A few weeks ago I wrote about "Trainings" and their importance in this country. We have just completed 5 trainings with Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs) where we taught them a new skill - to use simple bulb syringes to suction the mouths and nostrils of newborns with problems breathing after delivery. This week we heard the testimony of one of these TBAs - she helped a mother on Tuesday, where the baby came out very flat and not breathing. After suctioning and stimulating the baby, the infant started breathing and crying! Praise God for opportunities to empower these very special TBAs who assist women in their communities to bring each

precious child into this world in a safe way. HOPE FOR THE FUTURE!