The Children

There is no way I can write down the events of the past two days in a way that describes them fully. I am amazed, humbled and inspired by Sudan and the beautiful people here.

The last two days we have spent at Iris, which is one of the orphanages in Yei. Except they don't refer to it as an orphanage, they call it a children's village. Michelle, who is the mama of the village, says that the kids have a heavenly Father, and they are all His sons and daughters. It is amazing how over 90 children function together as one big family.

The kids are beautiful beyond description. They giggle and laugh and love being held. I've spent most of my time with the smaller ones as the older ones are in school for most of the day. Jambe is my little helper. She has big eyes, rich dark skin and comes running when she sees me. Today she played with my hands for a long time, I don't think she could get over the whiteness of my skin and how if she pressed on my fingers they turn red. I want to say she is four or five, but most of them don't know how old they are. But she can count to ten in English and snap her fingers when she sings Jesus Loves Me. I love her.

Most of the kids have cuts on their arms and knees and feet that don't get treated. Their clothing is literally rags. Today we tried to sew some of their clothing but it is just so beat up that there's not a lot we can do. A toddler came up to me when we arrived and grabbed my ankles. He wasn't wearing anything and had snot all over his nose and mouth. He cried until I picked him up, and as soon as I did he fell asleep in my arms. He was so congested and would wake up every once in awhile and cry. It broke my heart that the only thing I could do for this poor baby was wipe off his face and let him sleep on me. If he was an American baby, his mother would not have waited a second before taking him to the doctor.

But honestly, good clothing and medical attention are the only main things these kids are lacking. They are so full of God's joy. The atmosphere at Iris is incredible and I don't know how to adequately explain it. Their favorite things to do are to sing and pray. They take care of each other so well, and genuinely love each other as brothers and sisters. There is something beautiful here in this big family village that is rarely found in families in America. I feel God's presence working in these children and that is so much better than food and clothing. I keep thinking of the verses in Matthew that talk about how we shouldn't be anxious about things because our heavenly Father feeds the sparrows and clothes the grass, so how much more will He take care of His children. I know He will provide for the children of Iris, because He has already provided for them in so many ways.

I have been so blessed by these children. We started handing out cards today and I can not wait for you all to see pictures! They are so grateful. We only have two more days with them, which makes me sad. I have so many other stories to tell you, but I have been hogging the computer for a long time. On a much funnier note, Billy drives us around on this red motorbike with a cart in the back. It is hilarious. I am sure the town of Yei thinks Billy puts his women in a cart trucks them around like his goats. The boda boda (taxi) drivers shout out and make offers for us, so I think Billy should put price tags on us.

Ok I love you all! Thank you for making cards and praying for me! Pray for the children of Iris that God would provide for them!

Abby

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

Kamal's Children

Just a quick hello from Kamal's children.

Barkat (7) and Naina (5) are teaching me more Swahili and they are making me laugh so hard that I'm about to wet my pants. Right now Naina is teasing Barkat about his girlfriend called Matiti... He is VERY upset. Allie is trying to calm him by saying she has an embarrassing boyfriend too so its ok. I don't think it's working. Now Naina is being pinched.

Their laughter is so beautiful. Now Naina is pretending to cry... and Brazil just scored so Issa, Kama's second oldest, is shouting with joy. I am sure our driver, Faraji, is jumping up and down somewhere too. Personally, I like Drogba so I hope Ivory Coast catches up. Murad is also cheering for Ivory Coast but he wants Spain to win the whole thing so I feel sorry for him. :)

Ok I have to go!!

goodbye kenya

This is my last post before I leave for Sudan in the morning. We fly out very early and we are not sure if we can take all of our luggage. Mr. Scott is trying to see if we can send in the school supplies on a later AIM flight.

I have been absolutely spoiled here in Nairobi. Today this beautiful Kenyan woman spent 7 hours doing my hair. I wish I could upload a picture, Allie says I look like a cave woman. Anyway this woman told me all about the Kenyan church and what it meant to be a Christian here. It was so encouraging to me to hear her story, and how God has been faithful to her throughout the years. It was an incredible blessing, Praise God for the work He is doing here!

She also tried to teach me some swahili but I'm pathetically limited to asante (thank you) habari (how are you) mzuri (fine) karibu (you're welcome) and sa sa (what's up). I wish I had time to learn more and spend more time with the beautiful Kenyan people!

Pray for safety as we fly tomorrow. The planes will be much smaller than British Airways. I am so excited! God bless you all :)