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
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Monday, June 21, 2010
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
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
Sunday, June 20, 2010
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!!
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 :)
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 :)
Saturday, June 19, 2010
arriving
Right now I am in Nairobi, Kenya. I wish I could write everything down but I have limited time, so here is a quick update.
It is beautiful. We got in safely last night around 10ish, and the host family we are staying with are some of the most generous people I have ever met. Margaret is a wonderful cook, this morning she made us eggs and sausage. Also, African tea is so wonderful.
Right now I am at Mayfield Guesthouse which is AIM's station in Nairobi. Allie's dad is staying here, and I have been trying to stay awake while Allie has been getting her hair done. I have not really slept since leaving Charlotte on the 17th so I have been struggling today!
If we have time today we are going to try to see some friends working with IV's Global Project here. According to our driver (whose second choice for the World Cup is the U.S.... his first is Brazil, which I completely understand) anyway, he said the worst thing about Nairobi is traffic. We aren't supposed to be out after dark so hopefully we will be able to make it.
Everyone I have met in the last 16 hours has been gracious, kindhearted, and full of joy. I am so blessed to be here! Tomorrow I am getting my hairbraided and we fly out very early monday morning. So far we are all healthy, although I am absolutely exhausted. Connie and Allie will not stop picking on me.
Thank you for your prayers. Asante!
It is beautiful. We got in safely last night around 10ish, and the host family we are staying with are some of the most generous people I have ever met. Margaret is a wonderful cook, this morning she made us eggs and sausage. Also, African tea is so wonderful.
Right now I am at Mayfield Guesthouse which is AIM's station in Nairobi. Allie's dad is staying here, and I have been trying to stay awake while Allie has been getting her hair done. I have not really slept since leaving Charlotte on the 17th so I have been struggling today!
If we have time today we are going to try to see some friends working with IV's Global Project here. According to our driver (whose second choice for the World Cup is the U.S.... his first is Brazil, which I completely understand) anyway, he said the worst thing about Nairobi is traffic. We aren't supposed to be out after dark so hopefully we will be able to make it.
Everyone I have met in the last 16 hours has been gracious, kindhearted, and full of joy. I am so blessed to be here! Tomorrow I am getting my hairbraided and we fly out very early monday morning. So far we are all healthy, although I am absolutely exhausted. Connie and Allie will not stop picking on me.
Thank you for your prayers. Asante!
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Final Words
This will be my final post before I fly out tomorrow. I should be able to get internet access when I arrive in Nairobi on Friday, June 18 and I will also have it off and on the first week I am in Sudan. After that I am not sure how frequently I can update.
BUT... I wanted to say a few things to all of you before I go.
First: I love you all. I am so appreciative of your support and your prayers mean so much more than you know. Praying for me for the next 6 weeks is the best gift you can ever give me. Thank you.
Second: My brother will have my phone while I am away. Hopefully he will not prank call anyone, but I wouldn't put it past him. If you want to creep him out start sending me really strange text messages. :) The best way to contact me is to send me an email to my gmail : abbyemoore@gmail.com. I can't guarantee a response but please let me know how your summers are going. I will be missing you all so very much.
Third: Schedule: I will be in Sudan from June 21 until July 24ish. I know God has incredible things in store for me there, but I would be lying if I said I wasn't nervous. The first week we will be working in the orphanages in Yei (SO EXCITED!!!) and from then on we will most probably be in Wadupe (the village). We fly back in Nairobi at the end of July and we'll spend several days in Mombasa (the beach). Allie and I will not get back to Charlotte until August 2.
PRAYER
1. Honestly, I have felt spiritually attacked the past 24 hours. I feel that my nervousness has been twisted into fear that is not from God. It is a frightening thing to step out into the unknown. However God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and love and self control. Please pray that Jesus would wash Allie, Connie, Billy, me and all of our families with his sweet sweet peace. Pray that I would not be crippled by anxiety, but instead that his joy would be my strength.
2. Safety. That our travels from the U.S. to Nairobi and from Nairobi to Sudan and back would go smoothly, and that we would be protected from all harm and diseases.
3. Baggage. From Kenya to Sudan we can only carry 44 lbs each. And despite the fact I am only bringing 5 skirts/shirts, a towel, sheet, medicine and 3 things max to wear in Nairobi/Mombasa, my luggage is pretty heavy. If you can understand the gravity of how serious this is, I do NOT have room to bring Oswald with me. Yeah I know Oswald deserves to be in bold, he is that important. That should almost be its on separate prayer request because I honestly do not know if I can sleep without him. I haven't actually ever tried. Anyway, we are trying to bring school supplies for the school in Wadupe, so pray that we will be able to bring as much as possible.
4. That God would work in us, in spite of us, and through us. I am so blessed to be going!
Again, I love you all so very very much. My heart is not big enough and my words are not strong enough to truly convey this crazy pounding going on inside of me. God is so good, and I am so blessed.
Love love love you. I am going to go spend my final night with Oswald. :)
This is so crazy.
BUT... I wanted to say a few things to all of you before I go.
First: I love you all. I am so appreciative of your support and your prayers mean so much more than you know. Praying for me for the next 6 weeks is the best gift you can ever give me. Thank you.
Second: My brother will have my phone while I am away. Hopefully he will not prank call anyone, but I wouldn't put it past him. If you want to creep him out start sending me really strange text messages. :) The best way to contact me is to send me an email to my gmail : abbyemoore@gmail.com. I can't guarantee a response but please let me know how your summers are going. I will be missing you all so very much.
Third: Schedule: I will be in Sudan from June 21 until July 24ish. I know God has incredible things in store for me there, but I would be lying if I said I wasn't nervous. The first week we will be working in the orphanages in Yei (SO EXCITED!!!) and from then on we will most probably be in Wadupe (the village). We fly back in Nairobi at the end of July and we'll spend several days in Mombasa (the beach). Allie and I will not get back to Charlotte until August 2.
PRAYER
1. Honestly, I have felt spiritually attacked the past 24 hours. I feel that my nervousness has been twisted into fear that is not from God. It is a frightening thing to step out into the unknown. However God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and love and self control. Please pray that Jesus would wash Allie, Connie, Billy, me and all of our families with his sweet sweet peace. Pray that I would not be crippled by anxiety, but instead that his joy would be my strength.
2. Safety. That our travels from the U.S. to Nairobi and from Nairobi to Sudan and back would go smoothly, and that we would be protected from all harm and diseases.
3. Baggage. From Kenya to Sudan we can only carry 44 lbs each. And despite the fact I am only bringing 5 skirts/shirts, a towel, sheet, medicine and 3 things max to wear in Nairobi/Mombasa, my luggage is pretty heavy. If you can understand the gravity of how serious this is, I do NOT have room to bring Oswald with me. Yeah I know Oswald deserves to be in bold, he is that important. That should almost be its on separate prayer request because I honestly do not know if I can sleep without him. I haven't actually ever tried. Anyway, we are trying to bring school supplies for the school in Wadupe, so pray that we will be able to bring as much as possible.
4. That God would work in us, in spite of us, and through us. I am so blessed to be going!
Again, I love you all so very very much. My heart is not big enough and my words are not strong enough to truly convey this crazy pounding going on inside of me. God is so good, and I am so blessed.
Love love love you. I am going to go spend my final night with Oswald. :)
This is so crazy.
Monday, June 14, 2010
63 hours and counting
I am sitting in the Paulson's kitchen trying so hard to get things done, but my brain is not cooperating. I am going last minute shopping tomorrow and as of right now I have three different shopping lists. Every time I start concentrating on one thing, I think of something else and therefore nothing ever gets done. So it will be a miracle if I finish this blog post before I leave.
I am so close! I feel like I have constant butterflies fluttering around in the pit of my stomach. Being in Waxhaw is great, especially at the Paulsons, because they know what they are doing, and it makes me less nervous. Here is the run down for the next couple days.
June 15, 2010
I am getting all of the last minute stuff I need. If you are around I'd love to see you, but my driving is dependent on my parents. So the closer to Waxhaw you are, the better!
June 16, 2010
Allie flies in from California in the morning and we pack and repack until all of our baggage weighs exactly 44 lbs.
June 17, 2010
Allie, Mr. Scott. Connie, and I fly out of Charlotte airport around 1. I think we fly to New York and then to London I am not quite sure.
June 18, 2010
We arrive in Nairobi, Kenya! We will be there for several days staying at a guest house and getting adjusted. Mr. Scott will leave us here.
June 21, 2010
We fly out of Wilson airport to Lokichoggio, Kenya. From there we will catch a plan to Yei, Sudan.
From here on our schedule is tentative. There will be internet access and Yei so I will be able to keep you updated as much as possible. I am so grateful to be going! I have waited and prayed for so long. God is faithful. Here is what I have been praying for the past several days.
1. Safety as we travel.
2. All of my funding has not come in yet. It would be a blessing to leave completely covered for the trip.
3. Psalm 37. That I would not worry, that I would trust Him, delight myself in Him, and be still before Him.
almost there!
I am so close! I feel like I have constant butterflies fluttering around in the pit of my stomach. Being in Waxhaw is great, especially at the Paulsons, because they know what they are doing, and it makes me less nervous. Here is the run down for the next couple days.
June 15, 2010
I am getting all of the last minute stuff I need. If you are around I'd love to see you, but my driving is dependent on my parents. So the closer to Waxhaw you are, the better!
June 16, 2010
Allie flies in from California in the morning and we pack and repack until all of our baggage weighs exactly 44 lbs.
June 17, 2010
Allie, Mr. Scott. Connie, and I fly out of Charlotte airport around 1. I think we fly to New York and then to London I am not quite sure.
June 18, 2010
We arrive in Nairobi, Kenya! We will be there for several days staying at a guest house and getting adjusted. Mr. Scott will leave us here.
June 21, 2010
We fly out of Wilson airport to Lokichoggio, Kenya. From there we will catch a plan to Yei, Sudan.
From here on our schedule is tentative. There will be internet access and Yei so I will be able to keep you updated as much as possible. I am so grateful to be going! I have waited and prayed for so long. God is faithful. Here is what I have been praying for the past several days.
1. Safety as we travel.
2. All of my funding has not come in yet. It would be a blessing to leave completely covered for the trip.
3. Psalm 37. That I would not worry, that I would trust Him, delight myself in Him, and be still before Him.
almost there!
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