Our trip to s. Sudan was full of unexpected happenings. Our already short 3 day trip got shorter even before leaving Uganda. We could not fly out from our airstrip because of water and mud. Because of this we had to drive 2 and a half hours to another airstrip halfway over the mountains. We arrived in Mundri 3 hours later than originally planned, but again the Lord is not limited by time. He used every minute and moment we had.
When we first arrived we had to cross the river to the Mundri town side. The bridge is in the building process and so at the moment the only way across is by the boat that is pictured above. Notice the thick rope that is tied from one side to the other and the guy pulling it across. You can't tell from the picture, but the current is pretty strong, so it is not an easy thing to pull the boat back and forth.
Pat and I enjoying the boat ride across, oblivious to what lies ahead. We were only planning on being in Mundri town for the rest of the day and then heading back across to the Lui town side to stay the night. The Lord had other plans. The river ended up rising because of all the rain and flooded so that they no longer could take the boat across. We were stranded with no luggage and no way to communicate to those that were preparing for us that evening. But we were also in the hands of very friendly and hospitable people who were ready to care for our every need.
When we got up Tuesday morning we decided to take a walk down to the river. As we were walking we noticed that everyone was brushing their teeth; people standing on the side of the road, people on bikes, even those driving cars. Everyone was brushing their teeth. Some with a tooth brush and some with a stick. We obviously did not have our tooth brush handy, but we were very excited to learn about the stick method. After 5 minutes of stick brushing my teeth actually did feel clean. Fresh breath on the other hand, not so much, but hey I can't expect too much.
This is one of the local primary schools. When we first arrived the children we already done for the day.
We went back the next morning to see some of the students. The is one of the younger classes. They have no desks and a classroom that is not conducive to the rainy weather. However, I did not notice any complaining eyes or faces, only smiles and enthusiastic hearts.
Here is Bethany and I in our Hobbit Tukul. It offered a pretty comfortable nights sleep.
This is part of a health center in Mundri town. One of the medical assistants took us around and answered all our questions.
We got to visit many schools on our trip. Here we are at another primary school. I was happy to find that their were a lot of female staff, which is not common in Bundibugyo. I am standing with one of the teachers in the above picture.
Because there are so many classes and students and not a big enough physical structure to hold them all, some classes meet outside. This is a picture of one of the classrooms under a tree and some eager boys who wanted their picture taken.
We survived! It is the end of the trip and we are about to get back on the plane to head to Bundi. We thank the Lord for the opportunity to go to Mundri, for orchestrating all that happened, the conversations that took place, and all that we experienced and saw. We are excited to see what the Lord is going to do next. Please continue to keep the process of launching a new team in your prayers.