here

I am finally here. It seems so surreal. I keep wanting to pinch myself or something because I honestly think I am dreaming.

Right now I am in Yei, which is in southern Sudan. We flew in this afternoon on a very small plane, but it was so cool because we could see a lot of the African bush. I kept expecting to see a herd of elephants or something. Billy picked us up at the airport, which was a dirt runway and a small building. I have a much greater appreciation for Jaars pilots.It really does look like something you would see on the missionary videos at Jaars or in National Geographic, except MUCH more tangible.

I think I am already falling in love with it. The trees are full of big green leaves and the sky is clear and huge. The sunset tonight was incredible. We are staying in the Samaritan's Purse compound, although it is empty because SP finished their project and have moved farther North. It's still pretty nice considering I am in the African bush. I have a bed (hopefully without bed bugs) and a mosquito net, and the bathroom has toilet paper although you have to put water in it to make it flush. There is a physicians assistant who lives down the road, and we can walk into town to watch the World Cup.

So far I have not spent time with any of the Sudanese people. They speak Kokwa (I don't think that is spelled right) and are very dark with beautiful white teeth. Tomorrow we are going to one of the orphanages. I am so excited! I have waited so long to be here and working with these kids, and now I only have to wait for tomorrow!

I am still very tired, although I got to take a nap today. Billy got Allie a monkey, except it doesn't like her yet and smacks her when she gets too close. It's really funny. I think the moment I saw the monkey I finally realized I was in Africa. :)

SP has wireless so I should be able to get on a lot until we got to Wadupe. Thank you for all of your prayers. I miss you so much!

Abby