Wednesday 21 August 2013

The Way Home.



The past few weeks in Nagishot were crazy! I went to two funerals, helped deliver a baby, stayed up late with friends and counted down the days before I could hug my baby sister.

Then, the day finally came to begin the journey. That journey  which would lead me back to Montana, the place of pine trees and bluegrass music! Back to my home in Montana.

 
  After saying goodbye, finishing up the dishes and packing the last few things it was nearing 3pm before I began the 10 mile hike down to Chukadum with my violin in hand and Nacorice, my escort carrying my backpack.

Saying goodbye to friends.

Nacorice on the way.




















We reached Chukadum and visited with friends before the sun went down and there I had my first meal of day with three older woman. We feasted on roasted corn over the fire as we talked and laughed in Didinga. Then I was shown a mattress where I curled up into a little ball and fell asleep (somehow) to the sound of the three snoring older woman.



Waking up before the sun I gathered things together and found a vehicle to take me to Torit about a five hour drive into South Sudan over bumpy and muddy roads swished in-between four people and two chickens. 



Finally in Torit I was greeted by the three happy faces of the missionary children who live there and spent the evening catching up and talking with these amazing servants of God! 

South Sudan immigration
After going to immigration and sorting out all my Sudan visa issues, I got on the MAF plane to take the next phase of travel to leave South Sudan and head to Kenya.


MAF Plane

The flight took all day but finally, late that night, I arrived in Kenya and got a good night of sleep at a hostel. 
Flying out of Sudan











The next day I went to the Doctor where I was poked and prodded. I found out that I've REALLY NOT been alone all this time!  Nope, I have three different types of parasites (and their children) living in me. I was given a prescriptions and by now should be animal free.

Doc in Nairobi



The next day, I took a taxi to the Nairobi Airport.

If you are up your world news you will know that the international airport in Nairobi burned down two weeks ago.  It was hectic, full of long lines and big white tents in which hosted the thousands of traveling people.



White tents working as the airport in Nairobi.
Going to Dubi


The first flight was 7  hours long to Dubi, the second flight was 13 hours to Seattle and third and last flight was only 59 minutes to Spokane where I saw my parents and sister for the first time in two years!

With tears, long hugs and flowers they greeted me and we talked the three hours to Montana, where I fell fast asleep, finally back, in my home in Montana. 

My home in Montana.


Friday 16 August 2013

The Last Bible Study.


The past few weeks of Bible study were truly exciting as the chronological Bible stories finally reached their pinnacle of Jesus arrest, death, burial and resurrection! Seeing the fulfillment of prophecy, the coming of the long awaited Deliver from Satan, sin and death was so impactful! Jesus came and finished what he came to do! Praise God, praise God for this most wonderful, glorious truth!


Waiting for Bible Study to start.


The night after we finished the story of the Deliver’s crucifixion, Nacorice (the faithful translator for Church and Bible Study) was quiet around the fire.  Catching my gaze in his direction he looked up and said, “I’m just still thinking about Bible study.” So I let it rest. 

After some time he finally looked at me and said, “I thought I knew the story of Jesus. I thought I knew, but today I realized, I never knew! I never understood what Jesus did for me until today and it affects me so much.” 
Having a meal together after Bible Study

Marta at Bible Study.
He wasn’t the only one who was richly impacted. The past three weeks of Bible study have affected ME TOO, God’s word is so rich, so true, so wonderful! I have come to a deeper understanding of the Good News of Jesus! Jesus came because of MY sins, He came because of YOURS He is the the way to be free, to be forgiven. He is the way of true life.

 Praise God for His indescribable gift!