So, as I prepared for the trip to Sudan by reading and researching (you know, general nerdy behavior), there were several things I said I absolutely would NOT do while in Africa. Little did I know, I would do almost all of them, and I would like it!
1. I will not stick even a toe into African mud.
Not just a toe, I walked completely barefoot around our compound, all the way down the muddy airstip, through the village, and through the residential district in lots o’ standing water and mud!
2. I will not wander off by myself.
Check. I didn’t go far; I just went to the borehole near our compound with one of the Sudanese women. Did I have another kawaja with me? Nope, because I felt surprisingly safe in Sudan. Before leaving the States, I wondered how risky being in Sudan would feel, but once there I knew that I was in God’s hands. Never once did I feel even a little bit threatened.
3. I will not eat or drink anything that is not prepared on our compound (or of which I do not know the origins).
Check and mark. The day that we went to Torpuot, I ate sorghum and boiled maize prepared by the Sudanese in the village. I also drank fresh, whole milk with a lot of sugar…yummo!
4. I will not jump into/swim in any body of water.
There was no reason to swim, so I didn’t…but I think I’m going to stick to this one in the future, too!
5. I will not let fear or uncertainty hold me back when forging relationships with the Sudanese.
I absolutely did not hold back in forming friendships, asking questions, and showing love for the Sudanese! I cannot imagine how differently the trip would have been had I not given my heart to each person I encountered. It caused me a lot of grieving when I left, but it was SO worth it!!!
This is one of Mandy’s pictures, and though you cannot see my feet, this was the first morning it rained and we (Mandy, Angie, and I) decided to go barefoot. This is me in the duel sut with the Sudanese women…
This is also Mandy’s picture, and this was taken in Torpuot. This is the team and I “enjoying” sorghum and boiled maize…
