Random thoughts...

Friends, just some random observations for your enjoyment...

• Sudan is hot...go figure
• Contrary to my belief, Volleyball is the most popular sport in Yei. I play at a court very close to SP's compound and the competition is Amazing...6'5 small forwards galore
• The roads are "Not OK"
• As a whole, the people are incredibly friendly. Very different from Russia
• Women really DO carry everything on their heads, no neck rings though..sorry Lee
• it's snake season
• All our engineers are Kenyan, all carpenters Ugandan. Sudanese love driving and mechanics..and volleyball
• Tim Tebow won the Heisman
• the faith of the believers here is remarkable. we truly do worship the God of ALL
• mom hold on...there's a bad Ebola outbreak in northern Uganda
• River water tastes like liquorice and makes my stomach feel mushy
• 4-wheelers are fun
• Orphans are God's gift to whoever gets to experience them..not hard to fall in love
• Goat tastes bad
• the bananas here are so sweet. Great dietary substitute when goat is served
• Rice and beans every meal. by the way, no refrigeration so the meat has extra juices
• the only way to describe downtown Yei; An old western town you see in the movies after 20 years of neglect
• no such thing as a trash can in Yei
• USD, aside from Ugandan Shillings, is the only currency exchanged here. Take that Europe!
• I'm going to cape town in 7 days!!!! Cheese with every meal!
• I know I said this, but the people I've met have been the best part. It's funny how you can become such great friends with people in such small capsules of time, then in the blink of an eye...life moves on
• I miss all the people I Love, my grandpa especially...tell him I said that if you see him
• I miss my baby
• Ugandans have a funny way of speaking English...they'll phrase a statement in question form, then emphatically answer their own question/statement. If I ever start talking like that, do what?...Make me stop!
• I now know what a 70 hour work week feels like
• gunshots at night are not uncommon
• Grace changes your perspective
• the cultural divide is great...however, people are people
• I miss Calvary dearly
• My dad is smarter than I ever gave him credit...mom and dad seem to get wiser the older I get...is that a coincidence?

Well, just some thoughts I though you'd enjoy. Overall I doing great, the allergies have ceased and the food no longer does funny things with my insides. I'll be traveling to Cape Town, South Africa for Christmas so eat your hearts out..you got Thanksgiving but I got Christmas. hopefully I can get a burger there, oh and a milkshake...umm, chocolate too. I forgot what milk even taste like. ok this is the point I cut myself off..Love you all, God is Good!

signing off, Joey-bag

"It's beginning to look alot like....."

OK, I know, I know, it's been a little while. I've been so incredibly busy over the past month I haven't had time to....wait a minute, I totally forgot! Thanksgiving is next Thursday! Ummm, I can't wait for Thanksgiving DINNER!! The smoked turkey Dad has perfected over the years, sweet potato casserole with pineapple and roasted marshmallows on top, the cranberry mold (love it mom) that melts in your mouth, the Jiffy cornbread stuffing, fresh green beans sauteed in garlic and butter, and the PIES! Oh, my favorite part! Fresh baked Chery with the warm buttery crust, fresh Pumpkin with whip cream and Cinnamon, and......OK, it started as a joke but now I'm just torturing myself :( You guys just enjoy your Thanksgiving, and I'll just be here serving the Lord. Please don't work about me. I'll probably have a nice pot of boiled goat and some sort of root that has a nice earthly flavor. We might even have Tang for the big day, and if we're lucky, really lucky we might get powdered milk substitute to mix with our lukewarm bore-hole water while we eat under the African sky just thankful we even get to eat this day! I just hope and pray the Malaria bug stays away so we can spend this time without any dry-heaving, cold shivers, or the dreaded "runs" to keep us from the feast-to-be.
OK, I'm sorry...I was just giving you guys a hard time, we're gonna have a great Thanksgiving. The plane rotation lands in Yei next Thursday and from what I hear, we'll have a few turkeys and all the trimmings flown in. Believe it or not, Thanksgiving isn't the most widely celebrated African holiday....I know, that's what I said!!! Hopefully though, Nairobi should have most of the traditional favorites...keeping the cranberry in prayer. So, on to what's important. Our progress is moving at an un-heralded clip. We're shooting for a record 7 churches in December, which, with only 4 actual building crews is remarkable. Our building operation focuses on one region at a time, while the additional four sub-bases spread over South Sudan mobilize church congregations to gather raw materials, engineers stake out the parameters, and plans are finalized. The work God's doing in this region is truly amazing and I thank Him everyday that He's allowed me to partake! Guys I must admit however, conducting business in S. Sudan is like nothing I've ever experienced...not that my experience should serve as any gauge. Example, the other day one of our drivers "knocked" (the African phrase for hitting an object with a car) a goat that ran out into the murram road. Well, a baby goat now turns out to be full-bread and pregnant, and the owner wants compensation for the goat and each soon-to-be offspring. Needless to say we had....you guessed it, goat for dinner. I stinkin' hate goat. Just a crazy world we live in with a lot to experience. The great part...God is visible in all creation, you just gotta look...(Romans 1:20-22).
As the famous 21st century versifier Andre 3000 once quoted, "You gotta get up, get out and do somethin', don't let the day's of your life pass by..."
Signing off,
Joey-bag o donuts

Lainya

OK, back to some form of normalcy...sorry for the delay in posts, but the past 14 days have been...in a word, intense. I'm beginning to feel a bit more comfortable in my position with S.P. but, gaaalll lllley was I thrown right in the fire. Andrew (the previous fiance guy), left shortly after my arrival, and if things weren't already in disarray, they certainly were a few days after I took over. Second week away from Mommy, and suddenly one day I feel a bit warm. Mind you, this is a day after I signed off on ALL the finances. I was leaving the office to meet everyone for lunch when the nurse spotted me...an hour later I'm in bed with a 102.9 degree temperature. No malaria but it might as well of been. So, needless to say for the past 14 days I've been learning how to convert and run 3 currencies, speak Arabic, tribal, and sign language (mostly how I communicate...), and keep this machine of an operation...operational. WOW! What an amazing work God has allowed me to join in on! He never gives you too much, but what I've learned is He gives you just enough to NEED His help. Thank you for that Lord. Anyhow, my health has improved (still can't shake the allergies), and I'm growing more comfortable each day I'm in Africa...thanks for every one's prayers.
OK, what I did today, then some funny stories. We left the compound at 8am this morning and drove two and a half hours over the worst terrain possible, with the worst shocks you can image, to a Church opening in Lainya (just NW of Yei). For those who don't know, the mission of Samaritan's Purse in South Sudan is to rebuild every Christian church that was destroyed during the south's war with the northern government (the Peace agreement that ceased hostilities looks shakier as each week passes...please pray). The operation has now rebuilt over 50 churches, but the model is in place and we are really hitting stride! Anyhow, back to today's adventure.
We showed up to the church dedication at 10:15 and immediately the festivities began. I was the volunteer cameraman for the day (thanks for the skills mom...), so pretty much had free roam throughout the service and dedication. I never realized how valuable this would turn out to be(a little frightening too)! Well, the service started at 11 and ended....OH, I don't know, maybe around 4:30. This is over 5 hours of sitting in a hot South Sudan Church listening to every bishop, and community leader, and government official, and layperson, and special guest, and billy-bob speak about...well, something in Juba-Arabic. The really cool part....they REALLY love the Lord, and 2.) They break out in song and dance every-time the wind blows...or the Holy-Spirit. Really very, very cool to be a part of. I've now been able to worship with Russian and Sudanese believers in their environment. Anyhow, as much as I loved the worship marathon, I used my privilege to sneak in and out to go play with the kids running around outside. I think they got a bigger kick out of me than I got outta them. Took a while for them to warm up, but they absolutely adored the camera and once I started acting goofy, they let loose. Kids are really the same no matter where in the world they were created! To wrap this up, we had a nice dinner after the service in a straw tukkel (hut), which consist of....you guessed it, goat and liver. This was actually a beautiful meal, I just can't get use to goat! I just think the smell of cooked goat, plus how ugly goats are alive....deadly combo for me, complete dealbreaker :) I've got some great shots of the women preparing the meal outside (indoor kitchens are unheard of), gotta somehow download pictures on this site. Well, the day was amazing and what a cultural experience. I just keep remembering how God has ordained every step of this journey and what an adventure He is bringing me through with HIM!
OH, almost forgot. I accidentally (wink-wink) took a picture of a government officer (big no-no) while journaling the dedication. Half-hour later I see two army men in full garb calling me out of the church...with very serious looks on their faces. I stumbled and stammered but couldn't get through the people while the service was in full swing. I acted as if I was sorry and took my seat...eyes straight ahead! Well, the rest of the service the camera was off and I stuck as close as possible to the Bishop the last hour of the day. I gotta be honest on this one...i tinkled a little...not. OK, I always ruin it at the end. I love you all so much...keep prayin'! 1 Tim. 1:10
joey

Birthday in Yei.....not

Two years ago I spent my 24th birthday in Kiln, MS. and at least we had indoor plumbing...now, no one even shows up to the party...i threw myself. By the time I ate, the goat was tough and the lentils were cold....again. Thanks for being such loved ones and not even sending an order of wings from Bru's, or at least a pork plate from Tom Jenkins' (I mean spare the 6 bucks!! Seriously) You think I'm bitter...Water and goat for 30 consecutive meals, lunch and dinner, and we'll see who's regular!.....I'm sorry, that did go a little too far. Mom, I apologize...I know your sending some emergency TP and some matches in a care package any day now, I promise I'm not mad. OK before I ruin this blog, I love you all and really appreciate the b-day wishes!! I got to ride the quad (4-wheeler) into town after work today and pick-up a case of African soda (promise) and a jar of pringles...i was shocked too. I promise when I get some down time I'll update everyone on the church rebuild project and explain exactly what it is Samaritan's Purse does in South Sudan....very exciting. Franklin has an incredible vision that needs to be prayed for. In the meanwhile, PLEASE be praying for peace that look oh so fragile....
Signing off, a 15 lbs lighter....me

Freedom!!

Independence! Today is the Ugandan independence day. We're only a few miles from the border so it was a big day in Yei. There's also a large group of Ugandans that works for Samaritan's Purse on this project in South Sudan. (The area is so poor and war-torn for so long that any sort of skilled labor is nonexistent, thus Ugandan and Kenyan workers fill most all skill positions). Anyhow, Yei had an all day celebration commemorating the occasion, capped by a highly competitive, once a year soccer match between the New (S) Sudan and Ugandan teams. A Ugandan friend, Andrew, who turns out was the primary striker for the Ugandan team, invited me...I couldn't miss this! My first real adventure in town was unforgettable! I was dropped off by a 4-wheeler (quad) into Freedom Square (the center of town) where there is a regulation soccer field...ok maybe not regulation. The field was all murram (like a mix between gravel and clay), no grass at all, bumps and ruts comprised the terrain (mostly from washout and vehicles) with between 5-7,000 Sudanese surrounding the playing area. It was nuts!! The feeling was intense walking into downtown, looking for my Ugandan friends as the only westerner among thousands of natives...needless to say, I didn't find them, they found me..HA.
6'4 with a bright red jacket with the words "EVERYONE LOOK AT ME!!" written across my chest. Actually, in 15 minutes I felt perfectly fine. Anyhow, back to whats important...the game was incredible, the energy was electric. A few minutes in I was hooked....OK, I'll publicly admit it...I now like soccer. Now, I feel much better. Uganda dominated the first half but only led 1-0 at intermission. Second half was all New Sudan. They scored an incredible goal following an acrobatic bicycle kick pass that sent the place bananas. 3 minutes later Sudan scored another improbable goal...but...offsides! Now, the place really went wild; people flooded the field, a dog was running around nipping at people, guns were going off (OK, not really any guns) but you get the point....bonkers is the only word to do the atmosphere justice. Well, the game ended in a 1 all tie, which was probably the best result for civility. Andrew played very well although not too many scoring chances. Left just in time to get back before dark, probably a good call on such a night....Anyhow, miss u all. Keep Praying HARD! Love me.

Life in Yei

It's now my 4th day on the SP church reconstruction compound in Yei, South Sudan and life is good. I must admit however I was the first of the new arrivals to come down with a bug...literally! I've been in bed the better part of the last 36 hours as sick as I've been before. The sang over here is "The first man down, the first man up"...whatever I still feel terrible. Anyhow, I've learned my role over the next 12 months. I will be the field finacial officer for the entire program. Maybe a bit different from what I initally imagined, but a lot more responsibility than previously thought. There are 2 divisions in this project. The Yei base (the main hub with 4 sub-bases) and the Nuba Mts (can't even find on a map). I will be overseeing finances for the Yei project and their 4 sub-plots...should be a great learning experience. The project has grown so quick, they've outgrown all the previous system and the financal end has suffered. I have a friend from the Boone office overseeing all of the finances in South Sudan that was destined for Nairobi, but (by the grace of God) will be living here in Yei. Big Help! Anyhow, continue to pray for the people of Sudan and the continued peace in this region. I'll explain more when I'm feeling better...love you all Joey

I'm Here

Arrived just past 7pm local time (remember I'm 7hrs ahead) and met Richard and Karn Todd at the gate. Richard is the friend that recruited me to Sudan....I know...what a friend! HA. Anyhow, the flights were tough on me...I sat next to some interesting people, with some interesting stories. Marty from Ann Arbor was going to kick a squater off his land in Lafia. Thank you for that Marty, thats quite interesting...he found my story cool too. And the second flight I sat next to a couple born in India, living in Michigan, and vacationing in Africa. While bording the flight to Nyrobi there was a man in the back screaming to the top of his lungs while 3 large men tried to subdue him...The 3 large men stood over him the whole flight....OK, that was fun. I wasn't a little bit nervous, ha. God is so good though, what unique experiences so far and a few great chances to share my faith. Im in Nyrobi tonight and Tuesday then off to Yei, Sudan. I also should be flying to Kambala, Uganda in the next few weeks to meet the purchasing and ordering crew there.....Love you all!! miss you Lion

Less than a week!

4 days to go and....wow, it seems like last week I got the call. What a good God we serve!! He uses your passions and desires to draw you closer to Him. He's sending me half-way around the world, puts me in an incredible adventurous yet dangerous position, and gives me everything and everyone at home to MISS.......simply to draw me closer to Him, to reveal His true character. What an opportunity! Psalm 86: Teach me Your way, O Lord; I will walk in Your truth; Unite my heart to fear Your name.
Thanks for everyone's prayers and support...if I didn't say goodbye to anyone I truly am sorry.
I leave this Sunday morning and arrive in Nyrobi, Kenya October 1st. I should leave Kenya for Yei, Sudan a week or so after. BTW, check out where I'm going on Google Earth, it's really quite interesting...Love you all and already missing you :)

2 weeks until departure!

Alright...this is getting too close for comfort! Only 13 days till departure and the weight of it all is starting to sink in. I just got back from Samaritan Purse's headquarters in Boone, N.C. The training for the next year of my service was...extensive and intense to say the least. I came away with a new respect for what S.P. does around the world and (yet another) confirmation that this is exactally where the Lord has me. At dinner my first night away, I had a tugging to open the Word. John 20:19-21 is where he brought me!!! ALRIGHT LORD, fill me to the brim and send me out!!! I'm gonna miss every(some)body so much...conflicting emotions