Reading the mission team blogs one feels the sense of satisfaction with the work accomplished this trip. Our partnership is evolving, matching needs and interests of our Moru friends with talents and resources this diocese has to offer. Here are a few outtakes from these rich two weeks in the Episcopal Diocese of Lui.
Last post from Lui.(Dec. 2) They have wonderful, doable ideas that don’t involve raising funds for a tractor — more about all that from home. Then Sam, Marc, Robin, and Jennifer took off for Mundri and a chat with the World Harvest Mission ag folks, while the rest of us stayed in Lui. Vasco, Stephen, Gordon, Warren, Bishop Bullen, Wayne, and I sat for a long time discussing diocesan priorities and fundraising. This morning Susan and Ev presented school supply funds (we bought and distributed all we could!) and our art project supplies to Lunjini’s headmaster. We have the final tea party and goodbye at 5 pm, then we pack and go tomorrow — MAF flight at noon.
Two things that make me happy (Dec. 1). This is Evelyn in her element. One person — Ismail — asked to come and read with her. But when he came for the lesson, he brought two friends. Then two more showed up. I have never seen anyone happier in Lui than Evelyn teaching reading to adults. She did this yesterday and has another lesson scheduled for this afternoon…
Meeting Noel on the road (Nov. 30). Noel is coming to Lui tomorrow to meet with the bishop, and ask to stay in Lozoh. He has many great ideas and plans for his community after two years in Seminary in Nairobi, but very little resources for the coming year. He has not been at home to farm, and so has nothing in the storehouse. You never know who you will meet heading down the road in the bush…
Sunday Service (Nov. 30). We had drums, dancing and ululating. It was something I will never forget. Bishop Smith spoke about Isaiah 39 and the symbol of the crocus as a sign of promise and hope. We who are the church live in hope. Pray for the people of Sudan and for the team as we get ready to leave our brothers, sisters and children of Lui…
Sunday (and Monday) in the park with George? (Nov. 30) We went to the site of the new diocesan center, where SUDRA had Sumadhura drill a well last May. Bishop Wayne blessed the site and sort of laid the cornerstone. The engineer who was coming to do it properly was delayed in Nairobi or Juba, so they’ll do it again later, but the symbolic act has occurred. Luckily he had his trusty archdeacon to hold his hat and stick…
Going to Lozoh (Nov. 29). When we first got here, it didn’t look like we would be able to get to Lozoh. The road is grown over with grass, and won’t be cleared for a few more weeks. But Debbie Smith spoke with Vasco Daniel and Darius Manyugu. Manyugug says he can find Lozoh, even through the grass. So, Deb and I will be able to get to Lozoh for Church tomorrow…
Tags: Bishop's schedule, Health and wellness, Lui, Mission, Sudan
