All About Africa: 5

On Monday, we ventured to the orphanage in Lora, Sudan. The distance between where we were staying in Yie to the orphanage was about 17 miles. Because of the terrible conditions of the roads.......Let me tell you, these are not roads as we think of them in America. They are dirt pathways with potholes and strange speed bump things every few yards.......what would have taken 20 minutes in America, instead took around 70 minutes, depending on the day. So, we took advantage of this time by catching up on sleep, doing last-minute preparation for our lessons, and mostly telling stories and laughing. We were blessed to have a driver from the EPC each day. He spoke some English but seemed content to simply drive. One morning someone was passing around gum in the van and Justin asked our driver if he wanted a piece. He took it, gave it a few chews, and promptly swallowed it. Apparently, he had no concept of gum. This was quite funny as we did not consider that this might be the case.......just a quick example of one of the MANY cultural differences we experienced! :)

Visiting the orphanage in Lora each day was an amazing experience! These precious children are having their needs meet in ways that the rest of the bush (This is what the area in which most Sudanese people live is called.) is not. They get 3 meals each day, an education, a bed to sleep in, an on-site nurse, "mothers" who love and care for them, friends to play with, and most importantly, an opportunity to hear the gospel each day. They are told that Jesus loves them and that He is the way to true happiness. What a precious gift of provision from our Savior and His people! 

During this first day with the orphans, we simply played and talked with them. 

It was a hot day but God blessed us with the ability to bring these sweet children jump ropes, Frisbees, and soccer balls; the act of which lit up their faces. I was overwhelmed by the thought of how American children take these simple things for granted each day. May we remind them and ourselves of the riches we are afforded here in America! 

*More to come from this first day at the orphanage!