Friday, July 24, 2009

Kyle, Kids, and Elephant Puppet


Greetings from Yambio, Sudan.

Sitting here on July 23, 2009, it is amazing to think back on the
events that have taken place over the last few days. Two days ago, we
left Uganda for Sudan on the small MAF plane in which I was co-pilot
to Pilot Achim. He was a very friendly man, willing to show me the
cockpit and all it’s contents. After an impressive landing in Yambio
we met members of the church and left for our Sudanese homes. After
purchasing Sudanese fabrics at the market, we were measured by the
tailors for our custom fitted outfits. In our first night in Sudan,
Neil and I had some very new experiences: a fast lizard almost got
into our room, scared bird caught in the corner of our room, and a
killer (exaggeration) moth landed on my neck right before bed.

But after a wonderful night of sleep, we left for the nearby Yambio
Primary School at which we put on a Creation play and a Noah’s Ark
play. The kids loved all the puppets and animal masks that we used
during the skits. We sang the Funky Chicken and Jesus Loves Me with
the children as well. Than we set up two stations for the children:
one had the parachute and the other had bubbles. Later in the day, we
went to the Yambio Hospital to witness the needs of the facility. It
was good to see that supplies and equipment were readily available,
but even sadder to see that the hospital was unable to use a lot of
the equipment because they have no consistent and strong source of
power. Before supper we walked to the nearby soccer field where we had
given a soccer ball to the children. I got a chance to play with the
younger kids and it was a lot of fun. The kids were very young, but
very talented for their age. I was impressed by the skill and passion
for the game.

Today we went to the Baguga School to host a children’s outreach.
After meeting with the teachers and local chief to discuss problems
and solutions to the difficult situation, we acted out the two plays
from yesterday, as well as a play about the Prodigal Son. Afterwards,
the children thoroughly enjoyed the parachute and “Red Light Green
Light.” After a donation of three soccer balls to the school I got
another chance to play soccer with the Sudanese children. Again, I was
very impressed with the skill of the much younger children. For their
age, they are all very talented. Tonight I am hoping to get the chance
to play with the kids again before devotion.

Thanks for all the prayers!!

Kyle