15 Month Update

This update will be short since not much new has happened since the last update. The biggest news is that the Referendum went peacefully. There was a 99% turnout rate! Although everyone knows the South voted to separate from the North, they are waiting to announce the results until February 14th. Please keep praying for the country. The North does not want to let the South go and we are worried about their response.

In the beginning of January most of our Kenyan staff returned from their Christmas break and our clinic is back to normal business. We still are seeing many malaria patients, although it should be on the decline soon. Our pastors are still on break, but will resume classes on February 14th. My schedule will get busier as I assist Sabet with the administration of the school.

I praise God for a wonderful two and a half weeks in Kenya in January. We needed to have fewer people in Tonj during the Referendum so that we could evacuate everyone in one flight in case of emergency. For that reason, Suzy, the kids and I went to Kenya. I traveled by bus upcountry to Kisumu where one of our staff members, George, lives. I met his family and we had lots of fun going to different places around Kisumu. On January 24th, we headed back to Nairobi where we met up with Margaret, our nurse/midwife. The three of us took a bus to Uganda (14 hours!) and then flew to Sudan. The plane was tiny, but it was one of the best flights I have taken.



Prayer Requests:

1.My future – As of now, I am planning to come home for a two to three month furlough and then return to Sudan. God always keeps me on my toes, so I know things could change. Pray for confirmation and clear direction.
2.Peace - The people of South Sudan are excited about the separation and feel a new hope for the future. One of our employees, Awad, has a new baby he named Ayen Freedom. That is the perfect picture of how the Sudanese feel: new country, new freedom. Pray the North honors their commitment and lets the South go with complete peace.
3.New Clinic Building – Much has been accomplished lately on the new clinic. All the bricks were made and the foundation is being laid. Pray for the materials, workers and funds needed to finish.



I thank you for your continued support. The longer I am here, the more I see how much there is to do here. These people need hope and help. We want to show them they can find that in Jesus. Thank you for your donations and prayers that allow me to be here. I am blessed by you.

Love,
Stacie

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.

Big News

Today David gave us flushing toilets!!!! We no longer have to use buckets of water to flush. This is huge!!!! Woo hoo!!!!

Essentials of Life

Amy is a Carmex addict and last week she proved it. She did a load of laundry and found three Carmex sticks bobbing up and down on the top. I am a crystal light addict and today as we were talking by the washing machine, we saw a crystal light packet floating on the surface. I guess you can tell what is important to us by what we find in the washer!

I Love This Sign

Do not drive in the lake... check.

Referendum Update

The referendum went smoothly in South Sudan. There was a 99% turnout rate. I wish we had the same turnout for our elections in the US. Although everyone knows the South voted overwhelmingly for separation, the official results will be announced on February 14th. Please continue to pray for peace. All eyes will be watching the North to see how they respond.

Travel by Train

George and I took the train from Kisumu back to Nairobi. It is my new favorite way to travel. We left the Kisumu train station around 7:00pm and arrived in Nairobi around 9:00 the next morning. We rode second class which offers sleeping cars. For dinner we had rice, chicken, cabbage and potatoes. It was really good and only cost $3. The breakfast was toast, sausage, eggs and tea. Although the train was loud, sleeping on it was nice. I loved the gentle rocking motion. The train was really fun. I have always wanted to travel by train and highly recommend it!





(George's parents live by the train tracks and his mom, nephew and cousin came out to wave good bye as we passed their house.)




(The sunset over Lake Victoria)

Long Journey Home

We made it to Sudan! George, Margaret and I left Nairobi Tuesday morning around 7:30 heading to Uganda by bus. We stopped in Kisumu where we had lunch with George's parents. The bus driver was mean and almost left without us! He refused to let Margaret and I go to the bathroom. By 9:00 pm we arrived in Kamapala, Uganda. We met up with Abraham (who is helping build the new clinic) and stayed at the MAF guesthouse. The next morning we left at 6:30 for the airport. We took off around 8:00am and were in Tonj by 12:00. The plane was tiny (sat six), but was very comfortable. It was the best flight I have had. Although the journey was long, I wouldn't mind doing that again. The bus ride was fine and the plane ride nice.




(Uganda was very green and beautiful)



(As we flew close to Tonj, I wondered where all the huts went. Then I realized, they are still there; it's just the surroundings have gone brown and they are now camouflaged).

Lake Bogoria

One weekend, George and I traveled to Nakuru where his brother, Dave, was temporarily working. It's about four hours from Kisumu. We had a fun time visiting with him and went to Lake Bogoria for the day. Lake Bogoria is famous for it's flamingo population and natural hot springs. Other than flamingos, some of the animals we saw were: Ostrich, Dik-Diks, warthogs and antelope. We heard there were hot springs where people were able to sit in like a jacuzzi. After driving around the lake, we couldn't find them. We asked a few people who directed us to a stream. There we found locals (of the Kalagen tribe) swimming and washing their clothes. We changed to our bathing suits and hopped in. The water was really warm and the area was beautiful. It was a place most people would never find on their own. Because I was with Kenyans, they were able to find this spot. As I looked around, I had another "how is this my life?" moment. It was a once in a life time experience. Swimming in a natural hot stream with the locals in Kenya. It was great.






(George's brother, Dave, swimming in the hot spring)







(Look at the baby ostrich!)




(Flamingos are so clumsy when they fly. They start running on the water and flapping their wings)





(We boiled some eggs in the hot water!)

Impala Park

We visited Impala Park in Kisumu. They have lots of animals including lions, cheetahs, monkeys, ostrich, buffalo, impalas, antelope and jackels. There were also many beautiful trails to walk on. My favorite was an old train track trail.

Braids

I got my hair braided and extensions put in! George's cousin Pauline and sister, Nancy, worked on it for 9 hours. We ended at 2:00am. I watched four and a half movies during the process (While You Were Sleeping, The Bodyguard, 27 Dresses, Bringing Down the House and Paul Blart). Halfway through we ran out of hair and I had to go to the store to get more. I was warned it would hurt a lot to do it and also hurt for a while after. At times, it was painful when she was pulling it tight, but overall, it wasn't too bad. I like my hair this way, but I am dreading taking them out. I am hoping they will last one month. We'll see...

Food

While in Kisumu, I ate a lot of Kenyan food (I know, a big shocker since I was in Kenya!). They make everything from scratch and it's really good. I also had a lot of tea. The tea is made with milk and sugar. Usually for breakfast (late, around 9 or 10) or an evening snack, we would have tea and bread with margarine. Dinner is eaten very late, around 9:00 pm. Often it included fish or chicken, sakuma wiki (greens) and ugali - a Kenyan staple. Fish is very popular in Kisumu so I had yummy talapia a few times and tried omena (little tiny fish). One of my favorite meals was beans and chiapatti (a fried tortilla type thing). Whenever we went out, I usually ordered chicken and chips (fries). In Sudan we never have chicken, so I really enjoy eating it when I am in Kenya. I tried to learn how to make a few items and look forward to trying them out in the US.



(This meal we ate while out in town. I had beans anc chiappatti. George had omena, sakuma and ugali. It was a bargain and cost a little over $1.00).



(George made really good fried chicken)

Fanta Citrus

One year ago, I tasted Fanta Citrus in Nairobi. It was magical! When I came back in July and December, I couldn't find it anywhere. In Kisumu, they had it everywhere! I was so excited and had it every chance I got.



(Having lunch at Kenyatta Sports Grounds)

On the Move...

This morning I arrived back in Nairobi after spending two and a half weeks in and around Kisumu visiting George, our lab technologist. Tomorrow morning, George, Margaret and I will take a bus to Uganda, spend the night and then fly to Sudan on Wednesday.

I have a lot of photos and things to share about my time in Kisumu. As soon as I can, I will start posting blogs.

Please pray for a safe bus ride to Uganda and flight to Sudan.



(In front of the River Kibos...more photos to come)

View From the Top

As we flew out on January 6th, the pilot circled over the compound so we could take some photos from the sky. Here is a snap shot of where we live and work:



A. Kuj House
B. Rooms for me, Stephanie, Mercy and Margaret
C. Dining/Living Room
D. Rooms for Dennis, George, Pritty and Tom
E. Pastors House
F. Mike and Amy's room
G. Dorm style room - sleeps five. Used for teams
H. Clinic
I. Pharmacy and Lab
J. Pharmacy Store Room
K. Pastors School
L. New Clinic Building
M. Kitchen
N. Mango Tree where patients wait
O. Front Gate

All is Well

I just wanted to post a quick blog to let you know I am doing well. I haven't had easy internet access which is why I haven't been able to post previously. To use the internet, I have to go to a cyber cafe and the computers are very slow and I am charged per minute. I have having a great time in Kenya and will update you as soon as I am back in Nairobi or Sudan which should be on the 25th (on week from today).

Going to Kenya Tomorrow

Tomorrow I am going to Kenya along with Suzy and the kids. I don't know how long I will be there. The earliest I would return is January 25th. We are playing it by ear depending on the referendum and the result announcement. If it's safe to return, I will come back with a few of our staff members and Sabet will go to Kenya to spend time with his family. I will be visiting a friend outside Nairobi so I don't know if I will have internet access. I will post an update as soon as possible. Please keep me and my friend in your prayers as we travel by bus. And, please remember to pray for the staff who is staying in Tonj as well as the referendum on Sunday.

Monkey See Monkey Do

The biggest excitement on the compound happens when a monkey is spotted. Someone will see the monkey and everyone else comes running out. This has happened the last two days. On Sunday, we were eating lunch and Sabet saw a monkey in the mango tree. So, we all ran out to see him. Then we sent Magueck and Donato up to try and catch it. Unfortunately, the little guy was on to us and jumped to the next tree. Eventually we got tired of watching him sit and stare at us and went about our business. Yesterday I saw him in another tree and today another one was running around. You would think it would be less exciting as we see more monkeys, but nope... it's just as cool each time!

14 Month Update

Here is a copy of my 14 Month Email Update:

Happy New Year from Sudan!

It's 2011 and that means a lot for Sudan. For those of you who follow my blog, you know about the upcoming Referendum. For those of you who don't, here is a brief summary. On January 9th, South Sudan will take part in a historic vote. They will be voting on separating from the North and becoming their own country. If they don't separate, they will be forced in to strict Islamic law. The country has been in peace for the last five years and we are praying that continues. Everyone is expecting the vote to separate will pass overwhelmingly, but what happens next is the question. Many are expecting the North to put up a fight primarily because they don't want to lose control over valuable oil areas that would remain in the South. There is an atmosphere of peace on the ground right now, but since things are unpredictable Sabet is keeping a close eye on the situation.

Although most organizations are leaving during the Referendum, due to the important free services our clinic provides to the community, we want to stay open. Sabet, Mike and a few other missionaries and Kenyan staff will be staying in Tonj as long as everything remains peaceful. MAF and AIM air are on stand by to evacuate them if needed. Suzy, the kids and I will be going to Kenya during the Referendum because if we stayed, we would have too many people here to fly out on one plane. Part of me is sad not to be here, but I understand safety comes first. Because I am overdue for an R&R (my last proper one was in July) and I am not a doctor or nurse, it makes sense for me to be one of the people leaving. So, on Thursday January 6th, we'll be flying to Kenya where I will be visiting a friend. If there are no problems with the vote and the result announcements, I will fly back to Sudan two to three weeks later with a few other staff members. It's important to know we are not in danger. Sabet has government contacts that he is communicating frequently with. If there is any possibility of violence or war, he will shut down the compound and get everyone out of there.

December has been a quiet month on the compound. The women had a chance to go on a wonderful retreat while the guys held down the fort. It was a huge blessing and team building experience. Once we got back, our Kenyan staff went home for their Christmas break. Tom (our doctor) and Stephanie (our midwife) were here so we kept the clinic open for emergencies. Tom did a great job dealing with every case that came up. Although malaria season is over, we still got quite a few people severely sick with malaria. We also had a child who stuck beans up his nose, a few badly broken bones and many other emergencies. Our pastors school is on break for Christmas and the Referendum. Without them and many of our staff members on break, it has looked like a ghost town around here! Usually we are so busy, that this has been a refreshing break. It has been nice to have a slower pace and get ready for the new year. We had a very nice Christmas and New Years celebration just the ten of us: The Kuj Family, Mike and Amy Yordt, Stephanie, Tom and I.

Prayer Requests:

1. A peaceful Referendum and safety for those left in Tonj
2. A safe and restful R&R for me in Kenya.
3. Vision for me for 2011 as I listen for God's guidance about my future.

There is so much more to share than I can include in this email. My blog has lots of stories and pictures so be sure to check it out: http://www.thisisstaciesblog.blogspot.com/

As a missionary, I have to raise the funds to support myself here. I need to raise around $1000 per month to cover my expenses. That's a lot, but God has been faithful to provide. As we start a new year, would you please pray about whether God is calling you to join my support team? One time donations are great, but the monthly option is good too. If you can spare $25 per month, over a year it goes a long way! If He does, here is what to do:

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.

Thank you to everyone who has faithfully supported me. Not everyone can give financially, but everyone can pray. Please remember me, In Deed and Truth Ministries and the people of Sudan in your prayers. I am here as your representative to show the love of Jesus to these precious people so they may come to know Him has their personal savior. May our Heavenly Father be honored through our work here. God Bless you all as you start a new year.

Love,
Stacie
aka Yar

8 Days to Go

The country votes in 8 days! Will South Sudan become it's own country? We are praying that is the case. Following are some thoughts from a recent ministry email Sabet sent out that describes the situation better than I could:

As many of you are aware, Sudan is about to make history with a new nation being born in less than 2 weeks! With over 40 years of civil war this country has had it's share of devastation, deprivation, destruction and deadly diseases. Many stated Sudan would never find peace but not only have we lived without war for the past 6 years we will have the opportunity to taste the long awaited freedom in just 10 days time when the country votes in the upcoming referendum. So far the registration process has been peaceful even with the return of thousands of displaced people coming from the North and other countries to return to their homeland and vote. More than 55,000 people have returned and reunited with loved ones. Over 1,000 of those are estimated to arrive in our area of Tonj during the next few days. This is one of the reasons we feel led to stay during the referendum process and serve our community. The general feel on the ground is one of calmness and nothing is expected to happen but we do have MAF and AIM AIR on stand-by as a precaution should we need to evacuate for any reasons.

We ask you to join us in prayer for this historic event that will take place on January 9th. Pray for peace in the voting, waiting for the announcement and the result. Pray for both governments of North and South and that God's will prevails for both these nations. We are excited for what 2011 holds for In Deed and Truth Ministries as we forget those things which are behind and reach forward to those things which are ahead, we press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

Happy New Year!

It's 2011! I hope everyone had a fun and safe New Years Eve. We had another fun night here filled with lots of games and laughter. Of course, there was Twister:



My favorite game was one we invented: Kanga Costume Contest. In Kenya they have pieces of fabric called Kangas. They can be used for many things including clothing. Suzy and I each had two Kangas and a book that shows how to make various clothing items from them. So we pitted the boys against the girls to see who could make the selected item the best. The boys did much better than I thought they would. Here are a few photos:





(Hannah was the boys' model one round.)



(Knotted Head Scarf)



(Is this Mike and Amy or a Romanian refugee couple?)



We also played Scattergories, a few coordination games and others. As midnight approached we had sparkling apple cider, popcorn and rang in the New Year with Mike's firework display. It was a great evening.

I pray this next year is filled with many blessings for each of you.