Thank You!

Asante (Swahili), Kongoi (Kipsigis), Yin aca leec (Dinka), Thank you!

Swahili is a language commonly spoken in Kenya and I know a few words.  Kipsigis is a tribal language and was spoken in the community that I worked in at Tenwek Hospital over 30 years ago.  I still remember a few words in Kipsigis.  Dinka is the name of a tribe and their language.  When I am in South Sudan I will be using an interpreter for Dinka.  I do not know any of the language.  I looked up this word on the internet and it might not be correct.   I will let you know.

I want to thank those of you that have encouraged and supported me in recent weeks as I have been preparing to go to Kenya and South Sudan.  I leave tomorrow afternoon and have a 8 hour flight from Minneapolis to Amsterdam and after a 5 hour layover another 8 hour flight to Nairobi.

In preparing to go I have read 3 books that had a big impact on me.  They were recommended by my friend Joy Phillips that is a missionary in South Sudan with World Gospel Mission.  First I read SIX MONTHS IN SUDAN by James Maskalyk.  It was written by a doctor that told very interesting stories and was an eye opener to the medical conditions and the political environment.  He didn't try to cover up how he felt emotionally either but told it the way it was.
The book WHAT IS THE WHAT by Dave Engers gave me a fresh look at the extreme suffering that occurs in war and the amazing capacity for some to survive without bitterness.  This book was based on a boy that became a "lost boy" and eventuality went to the US as a young man refugee.
Another book I read was about 3 "lost boys" that told their stories in THEY POURED FIRE ON US FROM THE SKY.  The boys almost did not survive many times.  They too became refugees to the US.   I highly recommend all 3 books.

Several years ago when I was working at Family HealthCare Center in Fargo I cared for several of the young men that had been "lost boys."  I was struck then as I am now with my reading that so many have overcome so many obstacles, though they suffered so much.
I am impressed with the Dinka people of South Sudan and I am looking forward to get to know many as friends during my time there.
Thanks again for your gifts and prayers.