(The first paragraph was written on our second flight. Now I am writing from Yei, at The Harvesters compound. We have spent most of our first day here which will likely be different from the weekdays to follow. Before I write about today I will back up to our safe arrival. )
My quick email update mentioned that we had 3 safe and uneventful flights. That alone is miraculous! The flight from Entebbe to Yei was on an 8 passenger plane piloted by Jonathan who flies for AIM- African Interior Missions. I was nervous but at the same time filled with "peace that transcends all understanding." There were some small bumps, I practiced some breathing exercises and went through the alphabet praising and thanking God. When I got to Z and praised our God for zealously pursuing me, I opened my eyes to see a rainbow! From what my new friend Laura said, it was the 5th rainbow we'd flown through/by. In the clouds and rainstorm that Jonathan was maneuvering through, God was reminding us of His presence. After that I was able to keep my eyes open and enjoy the remainder of the flight. I was surprised by how green Africa is. It really was beautiful to get an up close view from above. Our landing on the short and narrow mud strip was impressive and we only slid a little bit!
We were met by Mr. Maurice from Harvesters. This dear man has served here for 10 years! There had bee some miscommunication so Security and Immigration had already gone home for the day. Plan B for this involved Mr. Maurice driving us into town to the Immigration office. There is really no way to describe this drive but I will try. Yei has no paved roads. We have arrived at the end of the rainy season which wreaks havoc on unpaved roads. Mr. Maurice 's skill on theses roads rivaled our pilot Jonathan's. He had to avoid goats, cattle, people on foot and boda-bodas (motorcycles with 2 or 3 people riding or carrying their goods). I will admit that I was not mentally or emotionally prepared for the extreme poverty that we saw in this 30 minute drive. I have seen nothing like it.
After we left our Passports at Immigration, Mr. Maurice drove us to the Harvesters compound. We arrived at 5 pm just as the dinner gong was sounding. We quickly put our things in our room and walked to the pyatt - the building where our meals are served. The missionaries and their families eat here or in heir own homes. We met an Australian family that has been serving here for four years. After dinner we had a brief orientation and then walked back to our dorm. I am in a room with Dianne and Jana. Brian and Laura are in a separate apartment. I think our lights were off and we were asleep around 9:00 pm.
Sunday morning began when our alarm went off though we didn't really need one. Seconds later the gong to wake the children was rung! I am thankful to say that we had a good night's sleep, complete with the sound of rain on our tin roof. Throw in some hot water for a shower and the day was off to a great start! We gathered for breakfast and then walked over to where the children were gathering for their song time. This was so much fun, our first interaction with the kids ranging from those barely walking to older teenagers. They welcomed the 5 of us, some with hugs and many smiles. I had fun taking pictures and then showing the kids their beautiful faces. After song time the kids were dismissed for their Sunday school classes. I ended up in a room with little girls ranging in age from 3-8 or so. The class was taught by one of the older girls, probably about 12 or 13 years old. She had an assistant who carried a small switch for crowd control. This was a very effective and surprisingly gentle way to get their students to listen attentively. Once Sunday school ended we all walked over to where church was starting. The church was built early on in the Harvesters history, in 2002 while war was still raging here. The church is attended by others in the community of Yei. Though I could understand very little of the singing, I am certain there was tremendous joy in the room! We were made to feel welcome and a part of the service - despite not being able to sing along.
Lunch followed church and we enjoyed the roasted chickens prepared for Sunday. After we had eaten I watched several of the missionary kids run in and grab chicken bones off of their moms' plates. I knew they weren't giving them to the dogs so I just had to ask. The kids were throwing the bones up in the air to the hawks were circling - much like I grew up throwing breadcrumbs to the Galveston seagulls!
I'm looking forward to Monday where I will be with the kids at school. I know it will be very different from the little piece of Heaven where I teach every day. Please pray that I can be used and helpful to the kids and teachers here.
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