9 Month Update

I am writing this to you, happy to be back in Sudan after a wonderful month in Kenya. When I wrote my last update, I was really sick. Praise the Lord, I have healed. After a few days of being on the medication, I felt so much better. I had been sick for so long, it felt odd to be well again.

I had a great time in Kenya. Gordon, our logistician in Nairobi, was a great host (babysitter, really). He graciously allowed me to tag along with him as he worked as well as introduced me to some of his friends and family. Everyone was very welcoming and I felt like I had known them for years. I really got to experience Kenyan culture during this month and absolutely loved it. The month was a good mix of work and relaxation. We even went to Mombasa where I got to swim in the ocean and ride a camel on the beach. After missing home (friends, family and the beach), it was wonderful to be there and have fun. I also was extremely blessed to have time to slow down and spend time with the Lord. I felt His assurance that He is in control of everything and I don't need to worry about anything.

As much as I loved my time in Kenya and am so thankful for it, I am very excited to be back in Tonj. Everyone was happy to see me and it felt like I hadn't been gone at all. I missed everyone very much, the Kuj family, the ex-pat staff and the Sudanese staff. Right away, I jumped back into work as we had many emergencies in the clinic. Malaria cases are on the rise and we unfortunately have had many deaths recently. People often wait too long for help and are near death when they reach us. Sometimes its too late and there is nothing we can do. A few days ago I sat helplessly on the bed and watched as a woman died, possibly from meningitis. A couple days later, I prayed with the family of a little girl dying of malaria. She needed a blood transfusion and did not make it through the night. At times like this, its easy to feel discouraged about all the things we can't do. However, we have to choose to focus on what we can do. Many more people would die without the clinic and we thank God for allowing us to be here.

Suzy and I have been busy with administrative work. She will be going on a break in a couple weeks and we are trying to get caught up after my absence and get ahead before she leaves. I am making lists galore and enjoy checking things off as we get them done.

We have had many visitors lately. We had a team come in June. They helped in the clinic and did community outreaches. Some of them left on the plane that brought me here and others are leaving in two weeks. While I was in Nairobi, I met a couple, Paul and Elaine, who flew in with me and will go out on the next plane. Paul is teaching the pastors and Elaine has been a big blessing helping Suzy with homeschool. It has been nice getting to know them as well as other other visitors here, Jessica and Daniel.

A HUGE praise is our truck is almost here. Yes, the one we have been working on since February. Gordon and I loaded it while I was in Kenya last week and it left a few days after. We did not get one of the two exemption letters we needed and were told we would have to pay thousands of dollars in taxes at the boarder. Since our food and medical supplies are almost gone, we could no longer wait anymore to send the truck and would have to pay the money. Sabet's friend, Albino, went to the border to meet the truck and miraculously only had to pay less than $250! He then went with the truck to Juba, the South Sudan capital, and passed the inspection again only having to pay less than $250. It is truly a miracle and only God who could have worked that out. The truck should be here in a couple days.

Prayer Requests:

1.We still need teachers for our pastors school. The pastors return next week and we are praying for the right couple or man to come teach these men who want to spread the gospel around Sudan.
2.Pray for that our truck would be free from hijackers or mechanical problems and would get here soon with the supplies we need so badly.
3.The clinic has been extremely busy seeing 130-150 patients a day. We have had many emergencies lately too. Pray that our clinic staff would be strengthened and encouraged as they work round the clock.

For more picture and stories, visit my blog at http://thisisstaciesblog.blogspot.com/. For anyone who feels called to financially support the work I am doing with In Deed and Truth Ministries, here is how you donate:

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.

Thanks again for your support. It means so much to me.

Stacie