Tales From Nagishot

Two weeks ago I got that chance to return to a place that has grown near and dear to my heart, Nagishot, Sudan. As many of you know, I first went to Nagishot this past summer, on a trip lead by my dear friends Jonathan and Lauren Ramirez who will, God willing, be moving there within the next few months. Those two weeks impacted my life more than I think I even realize right now. From the people, to the smell, scenery, sights, and sounds, all of it infiltrated my soul and hasn’t left yet.

Since coming back on Monday, countless people have asked me about the trip. From trying to get every detail, to asking for a one word onomatopoeia to sum up the trip (thank you Nolan Dean), I’ve tried to recount my second trip as much as I can. Yet I can’t help but feel like I’m doing the people of Nagishot an injustice each time I talk about it. Not to mention an injustice to the incredible things that God did in the midst of our trip. Something I prayed for on this trip was stories. I felt like I missed out on a lot of stories the first time we went, and I really wanted to capture that this time around. I prayed that God would open up all of my senses to Nagishot, to the Didinga people, and to the larger story he was creating for them. More than I could have ever dreamed of, God granted me stories. Whether it’s the story of City on a Hill, as told by William and Eunice in the dark light of a post-dinner conversation, or the story of a parent’s plea to give their child the “light” of education during a PTA meeting, or the story of 24 women who spent one Friday afternoon dreaming with me under the shade of a big tree, these are the stories God has created in Nagishot. And these are the stories that continue to tell of his greatness amongst a people he created for his glory.

So since I can’t possibly attempt to sum up my trip in one conversation, much less a blog, I’m going to tell it in stories. I pray that each of these stories will take on a life of their own, that they may each tell smaller tales between the lines I write about them. And more than anything, I pray that the stories will paint a larger picture of what God is doing in Nagishot, and around the world.

To all of you who have supported me in Nagishot, these stories are especially for you. I could never thank you enough for your support, prayer, and encouragement. You are each truly a part of these stories just as much as I am.

You can keep up with the “Tales of Nagishot” as I post them on my blog here over the next few weeks.

Peace, love, and happy reading-
Jackie

Greetings from Nagishot!

Hello Friends,

Greetings from warm and beautiful Nagishot, Sudan! On Sunday night, the team
from Makarios finally arrived in Nairobi and we departed for Sudan the
following morning. We were quickly met by Alfred and Pastor William, as well
as sweet Joshua who made the long trek to greet us at the air strip. We have
only been here a day and yet God has already shown up in great ways. The
EVFree team from Austin is doing a wonderful pastoral training for a small
group of 15, and the women are leading a women's ministry in the mornings
where 4 women accepted Christ on Monday, praise the Lord!

Our team spent most of their first day soaking their new landscape. It is
amazing for me to see how much has changed here in the five short months
since I was here. William and Eunice are truly raising up a God-centered
ministry here, that not only takes the gospel to an un-reached people group
but meets their physical needs through development as well.

This morning Pastor William gave us a tour of the City on a Hill School, and
there was much to take in. School started yesterday but students are still
slow to come back after holiday. We spent much time observing the new
additions (the first brick buildings for storage and a bathroom), talking
with some of the teachers, and observing the classes. The students are eager
to learn and take their studies very seriously. The greatest needs right now
are for trained teachers and classroom buildings so school can be year
round. How truly great is our God that he brought together a team with just
those giftings...I am in awe of God's grace and intentionality with us.

We look forward to the days ahead as we continue to spend much time
listening and learning more about the school. Pray that God would continue
to open our heads and hearts to where he may have us here in the future.
Pray for the EVFree team as they continue to teach the word of God.

Love and blessings,
Jackie

The Joys of African Travel

It's Sunday afternoon, and I'm sitting in an internet cafe in Nairobi, Kenya. Since Friday, I have spent 7 hours in the Chicago airport, 8 hours on a plane to London, and finally 7 1/2 hours on a flight to Nairobi. And to think we are only half way to Nagishot....

While Amie and I made it comfortably here, the other three members of our team from Makarios weren't so lucky. The thing about international travel that your layovers make a big difference. And since their flight out of NY was delayed, that meant they would miss meeting up with us in London and have to arrive in Nairobi a day late. I hate that they aren't here. I hate that their first experience in Nairobi will come in on such an exhausting note. But I trust in the Lord on this, and I am always so awed by his intentionality with even the most frustrating of circumstances. Our last trip to Nagishot in August found 2 of our team members without their bags for the first week. What started as such frustrating circumstances turned into the most beautiful display of God's sovereignty. It just so happened that the lost bag fee came out to be the exact amount of Didinga brother Hector needed for a personal emergency. In the same way the Lord was faithful in all things 5 months ago, I trust he will do the same this time.

This morning Amie and I got to get to know our hostel a little bit. I love hostels, they bring such an array of travelers. In a matter of minute I met Lucia, an Italian traveler, and Brad, a Tanzanian church planter with AIM, the same missions agency that will fly us out of Loki tomorrow. Lucia and I could barely communicate with her broken English, but she tried none-the-less, asking me the few things she knew in English like what month my birthday was. We met up with our Nairobi travel aide, Sammy, and his brother Josphat this morning. Sammy has been the most incredible friend to me in this trip, he got all of our Sudan visas in a matter of 2 short weeks, and paid for our Loki flights as well. It is such a joy to work with such a truly humble servant of the Lord like Sammy.

We spent the rest of our morning hanging around the Sarit Center, a big shopping center in nairobi. We are currently in a cyber-cafe, and loving the cheap rates :). This afternoon, Amie and I will explore Nairobi as much as we can, eating at well-known Indian restaurant for lunch, and then try to meet up with Ruth, who works for Food for the Hungry. It is a beautiful day in in Nairobi, and while Kenyans think it is hot, we think it is just perfect...

I am eagerly awaiting our arrival in Nagishot tomorrow. All throughout our travel, I have barely been able to sleep, thinking and day dreaming about reuniting with my Didinga family soon. I can't wait to be greeted by familiar faces off the plane, and attempt to regurgitate the little Didinga I still remember. Last night as I sat in my hostel room, I wrote in my journal how natural it feels for me to be here. I actually enjoy the travel (easier said for me than our makarios team i'm sure), and love being in new places. I feel comfortable in Nairobi, like it is another city I could call home to one day. Who knows, maybe I will find myself here one day soon...

I believe that is all for now friends. There are so many thoughts and feelings to be written down, but so many of them are to be shared in person with all of you, and many have yet to be processed for myself. To think we aren't even to Nagishot yet! I feel so blessed to be here, to be a part of this trip, to reuinite with a people that have become like family for me. Family, what an interesting concept. Amie asked me of all the places I've lived, where do I feel most home, and to that I didn't have a concrete answer. I believe my family resides in many places. From Kansas City, to Austin, to Nagishot, God has given me a family that is beyond any I could ever deserve. I love that soon enough, two of my closest families will be together, the Ramirez's and the Laku's. The next time I come to Nagishot, it will surely be a family reunion to celebrate.

Please continue to pray for our team from Makarios. Pray that they will rest in the Lord in the midst of their travel troubles and that his grace and mercy would be known to all of us.

Until Nagishot... :)