Brian shared a message from Haggai and Ezra (which I learned today were written about the very same time period despite their placement in the Bible). He spoke about how the older people who could remember the grand temple built by King Solomon cried when they saw the foundation of the temple that would be rebuilt because it would not be as large or as ornate as Solomon's temple. However, in Haggai God Himself told the people not to be sad because the new temple would be even more beautiful because of His glory and presence. The gold and the beautiful wood would not be necessary because God Incarnate, Jesus Christ, would be present in this temple.
I wept as I listened to Brian's words because they mirrored what I had experienced just a few hours earlier. On Sunday evening when we arrived I was overcome with culture shock and I humbly admit, a little disappointment. The drive through Yei was such a shocking experience - the desperate appearance of the town, the people - and when we arrived at Harvesters I was looking at our surroundings with worldly eyes. But this morning, as I walked across the compound to get Stephen's school materials I was struck by the beauty of this place! The towering Teak trees, the freshly swept red dirt, and the sounds of the happy children are all things that I am going to miss. Thanks be to God that because He is present here this place is truly beautiful.
After our time in chapel, the Director named Levi graciously invited us to his home for tea. He is Sudanese but has lived most recently in Uganda. He has been at ALARM for 3 years, arriving with his wife but he now lives alone since her death in June. In addition to our team of five, we were joined by Margaret who serves on the ALARM staff as well. She has been here in South Sudan for five years.
We spent a leisurely time of fellowship with these two servants of God hearing about their ministry and their lives. Supposedly our visit was to bring them encouragement but if we did, then it was mutual!
We headed back through the cornfields and arrived at Harvesters in time for lunch. The school children began their exams today so they only had school from 9-11. After lunch and a game of soccer for Stephen, we met for our review of Science and English. We've been asked not to post any pictures of the children so I can't share it here but I did take a great picture of my new little friend. I will gladly share with anyone who wants to see.
We did our tutoring session in a different room today and had a very large world map on the wall next to us. Stephen was very interested in this. I showed him South Sudan which wasn't actually on the map but I could show him the general area. I then showed him Texas and he was quite amazed at the distance between my home and his. He was also impressed with the size of Russia! I am grateful for how God has made the world seem smaller to me this week, despite the long distance that we've traveled.
After tutoring I went over to the hospital to give blood and was treated to a room temperature Orange Soda for my giving. It was a little surreal to be reclining on a hospital bed in a little room in the jungle of South Sudan while drinking Orange Soda! No pictures of that experience though.
Once I finish this entry I will go over and read books to the children before they head to bed. I think this will be the last night we do that since tomorrow night is movie night! From what I hear this will be quite an experience so stay tuned...
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