Questions

Have you ever received an email with a bunch of questions about yourself? You answer all the questions and send it to your friends. It's really fun. Some people hate them, but I LOVE them and am always willing to fill them out and send them around. I haven't received one since I have been here and Amy sent one specifically for me and Tonj. I thought you might like to see some of the questions and answers.

What is your favorite food item in Tonj? Without a doubt - Hamburgers. That's our Saturday lunch. One time Jane didn't use enough meat and our patties were the size of a silver dollar. It was so funny. Now she has gone the other way and we all get giant quarter pounders! I'm not complaining.

Do you let them hang your underwear on the line to dry? HAHAHA! Yes. I love Mabior because he doesn't judge me on my giant granny panties. Many of the other women wash their own though. The clothes line is right by my room so I grab them as soon as they are dry.

Are there less distractions in Tonj or is that just a myth? There are less distractions on Tonj for sure. In America, we are so busy all the time. I have lost my ability to just sit in silence or rest. I was always cramming my day with stuff to do and when I was at home, the TV or music was on. That's not to say there is nothing to do. I am actually quite busy, but it's different than in the US. I am bummed we have the DSTV. I hope that it leaves when the World Cup is over. Because the internet sometimes works only a few hours a day, I don't find the computer or being online as distracting as it could be.

What is your least favorite noise? The stupid roosters that don't know when to crow. 1:00 pm, 8:00pm, 3:00am. They do it ALL day.

Does the spiritual warfare seem stronger or just more obvious? I think it is stronger, but maybe not as obvious. I think it's stronger because once we take the leap to leave our comfort zone, we are prey to the enemy trying to discourage us. It's hard and he knows it's hard. I find myself being more anxious about issues that I don't need to be worried about. I say it's not as obvious because we get used to it and maybe don't always see it for what it is. At home, I could tell right away when something was out of the norm and could link it to spiritual warfare. Here, there is so much out of the norm, I forget to call it what it is... the enemy waging a war against the Lord's work. Although spiritual warfare is NOT fun, it gives us a chance to grow closer to God. We have two choices: 1. Give in to the enemy's lies and suffer emotionally or 2. Chose to trust God and grow closer to him as a result of the hard times.

What has been your best memory of this last year to date? This is tough because there are so many stand out moments. Mark and I had enough funny moments to fill a book. Since I love to laugh, I think of those often and fondly. However, there was a special moment with Mabior that I won't forget. I was having a bad day and really hated being in the kitchen. Without asking, he came in and helped me cook. Men in Sudan never cook, so it was especially touching that he did. We ended up singing and laughing and having a great time. I will always be thankful for that day. It was a reminder that God provides comfort when needed and it can come from the most unexpected places.

What one food item do you crave that you can not get in Africa, anywhere? Doritos and Dr. Pepper

Is is hotter in Tonj or Palm Springs? Hmmmm, that's hard. I have only been to Palm Springs once and it was Africa hot there (before I knew I would get to experience African heat). I declared I would never return (and haven't!). I think I will go with Tonj because there is no escape from the heat. There is no restaurant or hotel with AC. You must endure it.

If you could listen to any Bible teacher, who would it be? Matt Tague

What is your favorite Dinka word? Isal a tol tin? This is spelled so wrong, but it means "do you have diarrhea?" Mabior taught it to me and everyone laughs when I ask them.

What is your favorite time of day? Between 5 and 7 pm. Work is winding down, the internet is usually on and I usually get to relax in my room and shower before dinner.

Do you sleep with ear plugs or without? Without, unless there is a party happening somewhere nearby and I can't sleep. I am used to all the other noise now.

If you could stay at Safari Style or in Nairobi, which would you pick? Nairobi 100%. Safari Style is wonderful once you have been in Tonj for a while. The pool and AC are so refreshing. But, it still is Sudan. People in Rumbeck thought it was funny we came to Rumbek for a vacation. It's like going from Ramona to Vista. A slight improvement, but nothing grand. Nairobi is a true escape from the harshness of Sudan and really allows you to rest and enjoy civilization again.