Rafting the Nile

Day 17 - Jinja, Uganda

We left at 8am on a bus for Jinja.  Adrift was the company and to be quite honest, I was scared out of my mind for today!  White water rafting on the Nile for the first time is daunting to me.  My throat was still bad, but I told myself that I came all the way to Africa for the experience so I'm not gonna back down now.  Also I had just learned about all the blood sucking/infiltrating/killing parasites that live in the Nile from school and my immune system was down from the strep so I thought I was being semi-badass haha  We had heard stories about people flipping and crazy Aussies as tour guides so I was praying that we didn't get any of it!  We lathered up in sunscreen and sure enough I heard: "Welcome mates!"  Oh no...of course my guide is an Aussie.  Perfect! (not..)  We got our gear and headed out with a team of 8.  Duncan, Aussie, gave us all the safety precautions and off we went.  8 rapids, 4.5 hours.  The time between the rapids was nice and quiet.  Just paddling and talking.  Right before we approached the first rapid,

Kristen asked: "Duncan, what grade are these rapids?"
Duncan: "These are all grade 5 and 6."
Me: "Does the grade go to 10 then?"
Duncan: "No.  6 is the highest and you will not survive those."

We'll stick with 5 then!  I said a prayer and off we went.  Scary!!  HUGE waves and Duncan's urgent voice with paddling was stressful enough.  A couple fell out and panicked b/c we weren't supposed to flip that one b/c it was particularly dangerous...right before the waterfall.  Sure enough we flipped the next one.  It seems better to just jump in instead of taking the hit but no!  The waves are so big that you get trapped.  It's quite frightening and I may or may not have let out a few expletives.  All the rapids have names.  The two Grade 6 rapids are named: Hypoxia and The Bad Place.  They are such beautiful demonstrations of God's nature and yet spell death.  You are really at the hand of Mother Nature then.  I flipped 3 more times and it was equally scary for all.  Let's just say that I was glad I went but was glad it was over.  I really think it would be so much more fun the 2nd time around.  I wanna do it again!!  It was thrilling now that I think of it.

This was one where Duncan was trying to do a "dry flip" (flip on the bottom of the raft while it was turning over...while staying dry).  Needless to say he got it.  

Facing what seemed to be death and absolute insanity.  Definitely in a boat with adrenaline junkies :)

This is the Zambezi River in Zimbabwe, Africa.  It is the most dangerous river in the World!! That would be amazing to do next time ;)

Photo: http://globecrashers.blogspot.com/2011/07/rafting-trip-of-lifetime.html

We had a late lunch at the river where we met/talked to a few more people.  I really admire people who are living their lives doing what they love.  People in general love their life/job/family/etc.  People are SO driven by money in America that they end up having careers that they hate!! These people just get by with what they need and get odd ended jobs in order to travel to the next place :)  I want to do that!! They are so incredibly happy and let me tell you...that kind of personality is definitely intoxicating.  

We have connections in Australia now so it's on the list for a future trip!  We went back, showered, and headed to the outdoor patio for some beers and pizza.  I wish we could have mingled more but most were already in clicks.  There were a group of Euro guys at the table next to ours but of course we did the little girl thing and laughed/snuck some peeks haha.  We went back to our cute little cottage to have some wine, chocolate, and fruit.  I've missed fruit so much.  None in South Sudan except 2 bananas.  Toilets and fruit...commodities!!!  Tomorrow is the market!  

The whole group in front of the Nile about to take off for the day!!  So pretty!!

Praise Him in the Suffering

Day 14 - Pure, South Sudan "The Field"

I already took an Ambien (this was my first one to have to take b/c the kids were being so loud outside of our tent haha and we needed sleep for the next day) so it's going to be sweet memory bullets today:

- I gave Violet her birthday card today and she loved it.
- I rode in a much needed Land Cruiser to Pure today.  I have never imagined a worse road.  We trekked through a stream, 2 foot deep cracks int the road and LC was rocking about 45 degrees back and forth for 2 hours.  Thank God I did not get car sick.

This was the stream we crossed.  It had gone down a bit so that we could get to Pure.

- We only treated 20 patients today.  It was market day apparently.
- We played volleyball with the crew and catch with the kids from the village.  Gave the ball to them afterwards.  Such a sweet and funny moment that was in trying to communicate that to them haha
- I made "half cakes"/mandazeh with Violet.  She taught me how to make, roll, and cook them.  Great fellowship time.

- We danced to Nigerian music videos.  Violet taught me how to dance.  She's so fun! Love her :)
- Prayed for Mogga's sickness with Violet tonight.  She is so concerned.  Poor thing.  May God grant her peace.
- Thankful at the end of the day for such beautiful people of God who give their lives to serve.  What a testimony of God's love for us.

PS: Alex is translating a movie from English to Kuku so that the kids will understand.  What a sweet soul.

Day 15 - Pure, South Sudan

This morning I helped Violet with breakfast then started the day after devotionals.  I Corinthians 10:20-22 stood out to me.  You either worship demons or you worship Christ.  You cannot live both lives.  AT home I feel like I may live both lives for the sake of being "moderate"/"normal".  I cannot continue leading this life.  I've got to think of the Lord and follow His ways in all that I do, even if it makes me stand out.  God is more important.  I've also been reading my Bible every day which has been a blessing.  I've learned so much from the people here.  We didn't have many patients at Pure as we thought.  They expected 300+ and we probably had 100 in 2 days.  Not bad.  To be honest, I was getting a bit impatient in the pharmacy.  It's hard work seeing that many patients so fast.  I've had some great fellowship here as I wind up my time here in South Sudan.  The way you can work with Christians is amazing.  I've gotten close to Violet and I'm sad to leave her.  I really admire her life and all that she does at 23.  The ride back was bittersweet.  I got to admire so much beautiful nature and thank God for blessing me with this trip.  I also held in my tears because I love this hard life.  Helping the souls Christ made is priceless to me.  I'm not sure of God's plan but I promise to save money so that I may come back to give of my life.  I believe God sent me on this journey for a reason.

Hanging out in the pharmacy!  I loved praying with people after giving them their medication.  So blessed.

A group picture right before we left our last village!

Day 16 - Kampala, Uganda

Today is the day we leave South Sudan :(  I've really loved it here.  The people, environment, purity, nature, kind servant hearts.  Our MAF flight got here earlier than expected so we left around noon.  They all are expecting me to come back and I just asked them to pray.  I don't know what God has in store but I have the desire for this type of life so we'll see what He does.  When we got into Entebbe Frank took us to get some cokes on our way to Kampala.  Our first encounter with a 3 aisle supermarket was culture shock.  So much food....so many choices.  I literally stood there with my jaw dropped.  Crazy, right?  Uganda is such a poor developing country but we were in a place with nothing.

My last tiny MAF flight!  Goodbye to my dear friends!

We stayed at a hotel in Kampala called "The Red Chili".  It was such a great experience.  Young, hip, and TOILETS!  It seemed like a luxury...oh yeah..hot running water!!  It was about $20-$30/night.  Pretty good.  They have all sorts of adventures leaving from there.  They also have a kitchen with different themed meals most nights.  Pizza, BBQ, etc.  People from all over the world are there...most just travelling.  Some quit their jobs, some are on leave, some just are in between school or before/after school.  It's a different world and I have to say that I absolutely am in LOVE WITH IT!  Americans would say it's "hippie" but I say it's cultural and living life!  I wish I had found this passion before medical school.  I would have done this type of work for a few years....I might not have come back! :)

The traffic and environment in Kampala is so similar to Bogota, Colombia.  Pollution, smog, no enforcement of laws, honking, man made lanes, boda bodas (motorcycles) and walkers.  I loved it to say the least.  Felt like home.  We decided to check out a local Indian restaurant called Calypso.  It was SO good and reasonably priced for American standards.  Kirsten and Lars are really nice.  They are the couple from Norway who donated the eyejusters.  Apparently the minimum wage in Norway is $20/hour.  Imagine how high class everyone is?  The amount of wealth in that country is tremendous.

After dinner we went back to the chili for a few drinks and to mingle.  We talked to a couple of Irish guys who were backpacking through East Africa.  I ended up going back to the room because I'm pretty sure I have strep throat.  I would post a pic here (yes I took one) but it was so gross!! Oh well...on antibiotics that I found in a barber's shop and don't feel horrible (Just realized how ridiculous this sounds).  Rafting tomorrow...yikes!!

I miss walking around this place.  We would walk EVERYWHERE instead of taking cars or boda bodas.  It was so beautiful getting to admire God's beautiful creation and all that he has provided for this country (as little as it is).  I especially loved seeing all the kids scurry when they saw "muzungus" (white people) coming!  It was so precious.  They would all wave as if you were the president coming by and yell "HIIIIII".  So amazing.

This is my friend Emmanuel.  We would practice Kuku and English together while he was pruning the garden.  We had such great conversations.  Such a beautiful heart for the Lord and so smart!  He is definitely quite talented and is driven to make something of himself.  It brought tears to my eyes.  

Miracles

Day 11 - KK, South Sudan

Today we went to the orphanage and got to play with tons of little kids.  I was hesitant before going because the thought of kids not having a family breaks my heart.  Almost if not more than sick children.  We had a great time though and I especially loved playing with the little ones.  They ran to the entrance when we arrived and just wanted to be held.  So sweet.  Poor things all were covered in urine and snot but had the happiest faces I've seen in a while.  Just a hug or a kiss made their day.  Not going to lie, at first it was hard holding the kids while I was covered in urine but I reminded myself that they are God's children in need of love right now.  I quickly got over it.  It was well organized at least and the kids seemed happy and healthy for the most part.  Not as depressing as I thought it would be. 

We also went to visit Emmanuel's grandparents' house to see their hands.  It was good to visit the elderly.  They were really happy.  We watched a great movie, Courageous, about 4 men living out their Godly call to be fathers.  Cheesy but really inspirational.  Can I just say that I experienced one of the sweetest moments with Apoka while we were watching the movie?  His sweet innocence and faith in God truly made me realize how pure people are here.  Bold and honest.  That's what I love about life here.  There aren't as many false pretenses as in the US.  No guarding yourself because you don't know the others' intentions.  Just waiting on God to present opportunities for you to reveal what Jesus has done in your life.  Beautiful.

 I think I'm already getting a little bit of culture shock after talking to my family.  They were not being offensive nor meant to hurt me but all the same it kind of did.  For the first time in life I have found people who lay down their lives for others, wanting no compensation for it.  I can relate so much more to people here than I can at home in the US.  There is something off in my relationships with Americans.  I am not studying medicine with the hopes of earning much money.  I do not care about money!  I want to help souls truly in need.  I would gladly give my time and efforts for the absolute minimum.  My family does not always understand this about me.  I feel like all they want is for me to be a hot shot doctor with lots of money.  The Lord knows my heart and even if I stand alone with no support, I will follow what God has put on my heart.  I don't know His plan for my life yet but I trust Him to show me.  I just pray that my eyes will be open to whatever He wants me to do.  He has been very clear in the past and even recently in my afflictions about becoming a doctor.  He showed me the great need for medical knowledge....so Lord let your will be done.  Lord, please help me be still and enjoy everyday that you give me because it is truly precious.  

 Playing with the kids on the floor.  The floor is covered in urine, etc. and most of the kids were sick.  They all wanted to be touched and held...so that's what I did! 

 See how happy they are?

 Kids will be kids.  These two were fighting over who got held...so naturally I tried to hold both little boys.  Couldn't quite do it.  Must be a mom thing.  

 This little girl had just been brought in to the orphanage with malaria.  She was crying up a storm and had a horrible fever.  I sang to her and rocked her to sleep.  That alone confirmed that I was sent here to touch even the tiniest lives.  Defining moment. 

Day 12 - KK, South Sudan

Today service began around 9:30am and we finally left after communion at 1:00pm.  Service is still not over and it's 2:00pm.  Got to love African First Baptist Church!  I'm still struggling with the assumption that people here do not like the Catholic faith.  I think that they believe that most are raised Catholic but not practicing.   This obviously frustrates me because I am not only a firm believer but also practice the faith.  They know I am Catholic and see me reading my Bible so hopefully they don't judge me.  God, give me peace because I am really being open to their faith.  After lunch we spent the day counting pills and organizing the pharmacy.  We decided to undertake the big task of alphabetizing all the drugs so that it would be easy to find.  It took so long and was hard work but I'm really glad I helped because Norma needed it.  I went on a run and came back, ate, and relaxed with a movie.  Great Sunday!

 Just hanging out in the field wanting a picture!

Day 13 - KK, South Sudan

Today we woke up with it raining and we are blessed because it waters the crops.  I'm so used to sunny days at home that I think rainy days are dreary.  Need to be positive.  We are testing staff for glasses and organizing the pharmacy again.  We are supposed to be going to Pure tomorrow with MHI but Godfrey went to check the roads.  Apparently there is a stream that you cannot cross if it has been raining.  Lord let your will be done.

We went to the hospital this afternoon to see how baby Issac was doing.  I was nervous that He had died BUT we heard that they had been discharged!  The mama was still there with her babies!  She looked so much healthier and baby Isaac looked great!  He was suckling and his eyes were wide open.  Such a miracle that our prayers were answered.  On our way to run our errands, we were listening to praise & worship songs in the car.  I started tearing up about leaving here.  I see myself living this life.  I really do.  I feel at home more than I do in the states.  The people are simply amazing and the love of God is so beautiful.  Passion.  I don't know where God is leading me but I firmly believe that I was sent on this trip for a purpose and I will just trust God to let His plan known to me.  God, I just pray to be obedient.  I read a lot of great Scripture today about not only talking about your faith, but living out the Word.  Lord, help me...I'm going to try and do this more.  Jesus, I trust in You. -- Maranatha --

 Baby Isaac is on the right!  What a difference from this right?

This is my video for the post.  These are the older children at the orphanage singing for us.  Love it!

Spiritual Day

Day 10 - KK, South Sudan

Spiritual day.  This was such and awesome experience here in Africa.  WE were told that noone was to work and that the whole EAM staff was to go on retreat in the field to study the Word of God.  We left at 10:30am for the field and started with Kuku/English worship songs.  We then had 1.5 hours of personal prayer time afterwards.  A few of us hiked up a small mountain and I read my Bible and praised our Lord on a rock overlooking the country.  I had such an experience of being in love with what God has blessed this country with and the beautiful relationships.  People here are so much happier than back home.  We cam back to the compound walking for 1.5 hours.  I love doing this because you really get to experience the culture and the people.  I practice my Kuku and take pictures.  Great.  I wanted to take a picture of one of the UN vehicles or compounds but it's not allowed.  The UN still governs the country and it reminds me of Nazi Germany in a way.  Crazy.  When we got back the guys had the ATVs which had just arrived.  They were having a great time playing with them so Jess and I got on (naturally!) and went for a ride.  So much fun!  On the way back we got to drive and I was driving Alex, 28.  We probably looked not very lady-like driving through town full speed, straddling a "bike" in pants and a helmet.  For the most part I've been very good about keeping with the cultural norms....but sometimes I've gotta let my rougher side out and have fun! We ate dinner then went to overnight prayer at 9:30pm.  They sang and danced worship songs.  It was so great!  It almost made me cry because of the pure joy and dedication to the Lord.  It was intermixed with Bible readings and prayer.  It reminded me of adoration and made me miss mass and my Catholic routine at home.  I'm hesitant on asking where the Catholic church is here but I do know that one guy on staff is Catholic.  The staff was predominantly Protestant and I knew that coming in.  I am a very open minded Catholic in that I appreciate and understand others beliefs and love to listen to people's life story regardless of any religious affiliation.  I'm not here to judge.  I'm only on this earth to love and care for my brothers and sisters.  That being said, I hold fast to my Catholic beliefs and I strive on a daily basis to lead the life in which I believe.  I'm not great with words so sometimes when things are said about Catholics I tend to shut down and just pray that God shows himself through me.  God give me strength!  Anyways, I definitely feel like today was needed to thank God for my life and pray.  Tomorrow the orphanage and hospital.  Happy day!

 Disclaimer: A few days without a shower.  This is little MJ and typically how mamas carry babies here in Africa!  So comfortable and they fall right to sleep.

 Some kids wanting a picture.  They love cameras!

 I spotted these few boys walking down a road hand in hand.  The oldest siblings take care of the little ones most of the time and it's so cute to see!

 Walking between the crops (one of my favorite places to walk here)!

Bush clinics

Day 7,8,9 - Godo, South Sudan

So here starts the great work of MHI (Mobile Health International).  We went out to the village of Godo to diagnose/treat those in need and provide medicine for 50% off normal cost.  Charging for medication allows us to build a sustainable health clinic for them to eventually take over.  We do not want them dependent on us long term because there are many to serve in other areas.  I think in 3 days we saw 300 patients.  That's unheard of in the States.  The first day I observed Mogga (clinical officer) diagnose/treat and helped him with figuring out the diagnosis.  The most common illnesses were malaria, URTI (upper respiratory tract infection), UTI (urinary tract infection), shigella, and fungal infections.  When in doubt...malaria.  It's the beginning of rainy season so the mosquitoes are on a rise.  Five of our MHI staff were serving these past few days with malaria themselves.  Their hearts are so humble and passionate for the Lord that they don't think twice about serving others.  What a way to live!  To be honest I don't miss the life in the US.  America is full of misconceptions, false pretenses, and untrue relationships.  Many don't know what hard manual labor is. 


Today I am most thankful for running water.  Our compound is the only one with it and in the field there is none.  You must go and fetch jerry cans full of water from the borehole which may/may not be miles away.  I am extremely blessed back home.  Just water.  When I was dirty/sweaty at night I just offered it up as a sacrifice to the Lord for all the people that live like that everyday.  I don't know what all I have been blessed with.  The 2nd/3rd days on the field I helped with the pharmacy.  It was by far the most stressful because these people are getting many drugs and there are so many people to give them out to!  It was a great experience and all the while practicing my bugs/drugs from school.  I got to talk a while with MJ,1 yo, and her mom Violet, 23 (Mogga's family).  Violet is 23 and a beautiful mom.  She is also a clinical officer and has high hopes of going back to get her medical degree.  Loved her.  I really go to know the crew as well.  They're all sweet and are passionate for Christ.  The road to Godo was so bumpy because it's just a dirt road.  I'm also thankful for paved roads especially during rains because it all becomes muddy here.  I don't know how they do it here during the heavy rains.  Apparently everyone gets stuck and the malaria is rampant.  When we got home a couple from Norway had arrived to donate glasses for people here.  It's really cool.  A person puts on the glasses and looks at a chart.  There are magnetic dials on the sides that you can adjust until the person can see clearly.  The lens is wavy and it's the latest technology.  We'll see how people take it here!  Tomorrow's spiritual day!

I haven't posted pictures today because this song really resonated with me these 3 days.  I saw pain, suffering and at times no hope.  All I could do was pray with these people (after giving them their medicine) and reassure them that God is in control and He will provide for their lives.  We just need to put our full trust in Him.  Occasionally I would wish that God would just come down and take some of these people who are in so much pain so that they can be happy in heaven with their Father.  I also know that each one of us is put on this earth with a purpose.  That purpose might not be known yet but the will to be obedient to God will lead us down the right path. 

Trusting in God's faithfulness

Day 4 - Kajo Keji, South Sudan

Today was another good day.  We got to sleep in and then a few of us went to the KK hospital to see the wards.  It was rough.  So many sick kids in the pediatric ward...mainly malaria.  In particular this mother had 4 month old twins, one of which was unresponsive, cold, and retracted when we got there.  Surely I thought he was going to die.  We prayed over him (one of the greatest blessings of practicing medicine in Africa) and found out the mom was not producing milk because she was malnourished.  Basically the child was starving and had malaria.  We went to the market and got formula, bottle and blanket and took it back to the ward.  When we got back baby "Isaac" was looking around, warmer, and started suckling.  No treatment or milk....just PRAYER!  Praise God and his healing powers!  It was truly miraculous.  We then walked back to the compound with Emmanuel, 17, who taught me a lot of Kuku (their language) today!  It was cool to see all the toocles and how the families live.  We spent the rest of the day sharing life stories, laughing, and counting pills for the pharmacy.  Such an enlightening day on many fields.  I am realizing that I need to sit and wait for God to move me in my life.  I can't make large dedicated plans without first feeling a strong call to it.  I'm young and single and have a heart open to whatever God is calling me to do.  I just need to enjoy the moment/day and appreciate what God has given me.  I just pray to God that he grants me the serenity to accept His plan for my life and just to trust that it will be a beautiful story.  Doparana! (Goodnight!)

Day 5 - KK, South Sudan

Today was Sunday so we all got up, put makeup on (shocker!) and went to First Baptist Church at 9:30am.  It started with praise and worship and then we had a 2 hour long sermon about sin.  Long but great.  After lunch we went to the hospital to visit baby Isaac.  He had not declined from last time but we noticed he was arching his back (like Tetanus) and had oral thrush.  I'm not sure if he's going to make it.  It really is a sad story but people here don't have much hope in those cases.  Survival of the fittest.  We'll visit him again tomorrow.  Also the mothers of the kids were outside the ward eating lunch which consisted of insects, posho (flour mixed with water), and what looked like a mound of mashed beans.  It took my breath away.  I'm all about embracing the culture...but when it comes to eating insects....now that's a different ballgame.   I also got to see Norma (nurse practitioner) clean out an ingrown toenail and clean a wound today.  It was neat because I got to practice some of my school material.  Tonight we went to Godfrey's (MHI worker) house to chat and meet the kids.  They offered Elizabeth and Grant a rooster and a hen as a wedding present.  The hen is given so that when it produces, the first offspring will be eaten when Godfrey and his family come to visit.  The rooster is meant for eating immediately.  They also prayed over them.  What a nice and generous gift!  It was a good and rewarding day.  My neck is hurting and back/head so not sure if I'm catching something or just the pillow.  I hope it goes away so that I can be 100% tomorrow.  Yi bulo (see you!)

Day 6 - KK, South Sudan

We started today off with devotion at 8:30 am then Jessica, Kristen and I went for a 3 mile run and did some circuits afterwards.  It felt good.  We also had a little audience of kids.  They probably thought we were so crazy!  We then went walking to Camboni, where we were going to buy some scarves/bags that a Catholic mission group was making.  On our way there many kids were on their way home from school and latched onto us for most of our hour walk.  We sang songs, laughed and I really felt like we were in the Sound of Music!  Fantastic!  The poor kids had ringworm all over their bodies but were so happy to be touching any part of me.  They love our white skin.  We also visited baby Isaac today and he was about the same.  Not sure he's going to make it.  Prayers are needed for him and a little girl with hydrocephaly that I made smile today :)  The Lord truly is watching over all of them and knows what plans He has for their little lives.  I love it here. Still.  So much simplicity, beauty, large hearts, and generosity.  Tomorrow we go out to the field with MHI and camp out for 3 days.  Lord grant me the selflessness to take care of Your people to the best of my ability.  It will be hard but I must put my body aside and sacrifice myself for Your will.  Christ give me strength and the heart to serve. 

Mother and her twins.  Baby Isaac is closest to the camera.  Completely unresponsive and cold.

Photo taken by Liz Levacy.

 The pediatric ward was built in the 1930s and has never been renovated.  No electricity.  No resident physicians.  No medical care during the weekends.  Scarce resources. 

 Little kid's footprint on the way home from school.  Beauty.

 Jessica and Danielle counting pills for our next visit out to Godo!

 The kids who held onto me while walking to Camboni.  At one point I had 10 little hands latched onto each arm.  Showering them in love fulfills me. 

Praying that God would empty me of all my desires and let me focus on the needs of others.  It turns out that is a very powerful prayer. 

Start to a beautiful journey

Day 1 - Entebbe, Uganda

It's Wednesday night and we left USA on Monday night...and still not in South Sudan.  We fly out on a 12 passenger flight in the morning!  I feel at home here already.  There is so much poverty but it was expected.  People are so thin even here in the main city of Entebbe.  We are staying at Banana Village overnight.  There are tons of monkeys, horses, and mosquitoes!  Those things swarm like schools of fish...insane.  We are staying in a little hut with 3 beds, a toilet, and a shower.  No hot water and it's great (little did I know what was to come).  I'm ready to give up my life the next month.  It's all about them.  I had a nice religious conversation with Frank (our driver) today.  He said there are wars between the Catholics, Muslims, and Born Again Christians (protestants).  There's a growing number of Muslims here apparently.  There are many refugees from Darfur, Sudan who have come south to avoid the wars in their home country.  We checked out a local market and Lake Victoria this evening.  We stand out because we are white.  I hate looking like a tourist but I guess I can't help it here.  People are nice and I hope nothing I do is offensive because I'm still trying to figure out the culture.  Can't wait to arrive in Kajo Keji tomorrow!

Day 2 - Kajo Keji, South Sudan

We finally arrived 4 days later!  We took a small plane (12 seater) from Uganda to KK.  Akem, our pilot, gave us the scenic tour which included some low flying over the Nile River!  We were looking for elephants but saw none unfortunately.  The sheer beauty of the nature was breathtaking.  Truly God's handiwork.  When we arrived to KK, David, the pastor of First Baptist Church, took us to the compound.  On the way there children lined the roads and were waving.." byeeee!!! hiiiii!!!"  It brought tears to my eyes...yes embarrassing.  The happiness amidst the poverty is amazing.  We arrived at the compound and met everyone.  The crew is so nice and Christ filled.  It truly makes a difference.  The humility and servant hearts that these people have is amazing.   I had a great conversation with one of the girls, Elizabeth, about her life story.  She has such a beautiful trust in the Lord that it served as a reality check for me.  I need to re-center my life on Christ and realize that He has a great plan for my life.  I need to commit less and just sit and wait.  It will be hard for me but I have to learn to be patient.  I will see the blessings afterwards hopefully!  Tonight I went on a great run with Jessica (nurse practitioner), Grant (MHI project manager), and Elizabeth (Grant's fiancee).  Good times and needed exercise.  Also a lady, Efaf, from Darfur brought her 9 mo. old baby in for malaria.  The crew also tested 115 people for malaria in the field yesterday.  Everyone has it because of rainy season!  So sad.  Tonight we played a fun card game "Nerts".  Took a bath and now in my toocle (no idea how to spell it because very few here write).  Thank you Lord for this enlightening day and please help prepare me for tomorrow.

Day 3 - KK, South Sudan

I slept my first 8 hours in 5 days!  Finally over jet lag.  Today was awesome.  We started off with an hour of Praise & Worship and bible study.  It really taught me the lesson of humility and truly being a servant of the Lord without seeking benefit.  After breakfast we went to our little clinic/lab to do medical inventory and package pills for our days out on the field next week.  I got to practice memorizing all my drugs and what they're used for!  Too bad boards are next summer haha.  After lunch we relaxed a bit then went out to immunize WHI (Water Harvest International) staffers.  Guess what? I got to give 6 shots (my first ones!)...Tetanus and Typhoid.  They went well except Grace's (cook) whose hurt a bit because her arm was skinnier than the guys.  Woops...I guess it's all in the learning.  We got back, relaxed, and went for our 2nd nightly run!  Great weather but it rained last night which means that it was so muddy out.  We were slipping and sliding all over the place and jumping streams, cow patties and sliding past the occasional cow.  The kids were laughing at us.  You never see people running in a line like we were unless they are running away from something!  It was truly a mud run...Sudanese style.  Authentic.  Love it.  When we got back Grant wanted to do CrossFit...great!  We did arms/legs for 15 minutes which seemed like a lifetime.  Awesome workout.  Who would have thought I'd be running and doing CrossFit in South Sudan?? Not this girl.  And since we can't wear shorts we have to wear pants or capris.  Talk about hot!  Great times though.  Grace fixed us a cute Italian dinner of noodles with tomatoes and garlic with basil.  What a treat!  Overall great day of action and looking forward to building relationships with the staff here.  They're great :)

I relate most to pictures and lyrics in songs so every post I will leave you with something that really made the experience real for me.

 

 

Bed at Banana Village in Uganda

 (L to R) Danielle (nursing student), Kristen (EAM staff) at Lake Victoria

 View of the Nile river from the plane

 Little toocles

Landing in Kajo Keji, South Sudan