8 Month Update

This update will be pretty short since the month of June has been relatively uneventful. Everything has been routine for the most part.

The clinic has carried on as usual. We have a new clinical officer on our team, Caleb, who has done a great job. I have still been doing the pregnant mother health talks and have been attending the Saturday morning classes. I even got an A on my first test which was about equipment in the clinic.

The pastors school finished their last term of their first year. Joe and Nancy Losee finished their one year commitment and have returned to Kenya. We are looking for people to come teach the pastors. If you know of anyone who might be interested, please let me know.

Sabet came back from Nairobi and we are still waiting for exemption papers to come through before the truck can leave. We are getting closer to that happening and are praying the truck leaves this week.

My biggest battle this month has been my health. My stomach problems returned with a vengeance. For the past four weeks, I have been struggling. That is one of the reasons I am writing this update from Kenya. About two weeks ago Suzy asked me if I wanted to take my break when the next flight came in. Although I wasn't desperate for a break, I decided to go so I could see a doctor.

The flight brought in ten visitors. Some are staying for a few weeks, others for one month, two months and one for two years! I was bummed to miss time with the team, but knew I needed to get my stomach problems figured out. I'll be going back to Sudan when the plane goes to pick up some of the visitors on July 22. I won't be doing anything grand while I am in Nairobi. Just resting and doing free and cheap stuff around Nairobi.

I saw the doctor today for my test results. He is a little confused about what is going on with me. Most of the routine tests came out normal (thyroid, cholesterol, blood sugar, liver function, etc). I tested negative for malaria, typhoid and other common diseases here. I did test positive for a bacterial infection which the doctor thinks is masking something else like giardia or amoebas. He also discovered swollen lymph nodes behind my ears and on my neck after I complained of pain there and thinks there is an infection there too. So, he put me on four different medications which will hopefully help.

Praise Reports:

1.Stephanie Williams, a midwife from the US, has joined us. She will be staying two years. I am very excited to have a new friend.
2.With the team came a box of supplies from home! It was very much needed and fun to get.
3.I got to go to Rumbek (about four hours from Tonj) with the Kuj family for a three day vacation. We got to swim and enjoy air conditioning.
4.I am very thankful for the time in Nairobi to rest, relax, have fun and get better.

Prayer Requests:

1.Our truck needs to leave and clear the border.
2.Without me there, Suzy will be busy handling my tasks along with her busy schedule (logistics, homeschool, managing the clinic and compound) and deal with a team. Ask God to give her strength.
3.Teachers for the pastors school are needed. The next term is scheduled to start in August.
4.Healing for my body.

This month I have felt God teaching me about rest. I am not good at resting. I feel if I am resting that means I am not helping. Often I busy myself so much I that I don't spend time dwelling in God's presence and goodness. Then I end up making myself stressed, worn out and sick. Even being in Nairobi, I feel guilty about resting and not being in Sudan. However, maybe my sickness is a blessing in disguise. It could be God's way of forcing me to rest. After all, He knows my needs and He allowed me to be in Nairobi right now. Matthew 11:28,29 Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.”

As always, thank you for your prayers and support. When I have had a hard day, someone sends an email that strengthen and encourages me. God has blessed me with a great team back home which enables me to do what I do while I am here.

Donation Information:

1.Go to www.indeedandtruth.org. Click on donate and you'll see a my name listed and can designate a donation to me.
2. Mail a check to: In Deed and Truth Ministries, PO Box 51253, Colorado Springs, CO 80949 Please don’t forget to write my name on the memo line. Donations are tax deductible.

Until next month...

---Stacie