All About Africa: 3

We left Uganda, boarded a little plane, stopped to pick up the mail :), and landed in Sudan! 

 (This is the entire plane. Picture is taken from the last seat. See, little is not an exaggeration!)

 I was quite nervous because this was my first experience with such a tiny plane, but the ride was quite easy. We landed on a dirt runway as goats scattered and people stood by watching. This was definitely NOT like flying in to the DFW airport. Speaking of airports, there was no airport. We got off the plane, grabbed our luggage, and walked into the one-room building better know as customs. Seriously, this was hilarious! They had written the words "customs and immigration" on a piece of typing paper and stapled it to the wall. I signed a book with all of my information as they stamped my passport and I was accepted into the country. 

When we arrived in Yei we toured the EPC compound where we would be staying. We spent the rest of the day getting acquainted with the staff, learning about the history of Sudan, telling stories, laughing, singing praises to our Lord, drinking Fanta, and playing with this sweet little girl, Grace. 

 Seriously, she was SO precious! I wanted to put her in my suitcase, but Justin quickly objected......kill-joy. ;) 

We ended the day in the most amazing way. The team was sitting around chatting after dinner and some of the staff invited us to their prayer meeting. Small groups from the church meet to lift up one another in prayer (quite similar to our home groups). It was an incredibly sweet time as I was overwhelmed by the complete surrender to the Lord as these brothers and sisters were seeking His face. As we worshiped God through song together, tears fell down my face. I was reminded of the simplicity of worship. In America many times we make coming before the Lord such a production, but in Sudan these men and women were humbly and simply crying out their need for the undeserving grace that Jesus afforded us all. They didn't need lights, a band, fancy equipment, detailed song lyrics, or comfortable chairs; all they were concerned about was being in the presence of the Father. It was a blessing and privilege to gather with them and earnestly seek after Him. What a beautiful picture of the church body.

Quite a wonderful, restful first day in Sudan!!!