Best 2 Weeks ... Vol.II Pictures

 Our time in the South Sudan began at Yei International Airport.  We spent 2 days traveling each way and 14 days at Harvestors Reaching the Nations (HRTN) orphanage and school just outside of Yei.  South Sudan became an independent nation in July, 2011 and is located in east central Africa.

My wife, Chris, with Sikely in her arms and Ruta, a child we sponsor through HRTN.  Chris picked Sikely up to play and ended up rocking her to sleep.  We took Ruta and some others in a group, to the town.  That was an adventure!

Spending some time with Morris, Ruta's brother, whom we also sponsor.  Each day had time for us to spend playing with the kids, before and after supper.

P7 kids, 1/3 of the class, during a "Maths" class I taught them. Great kids thirsty for knowledge.  When I asked them what they wanted me to share with the teachers during an inservice (training-their term) scheduled for the afternoon, they said they wanted teachers who were "creative" and "loving", and the kids are worried about "sponsorship".  Sponsorship means money needed to attend secondary school next year, and the university.

Teachers at the afternoon inservice (training) I facilitated the last day we were there, after 2 weeks of observing and teaching in each classroom.  They were great.

The rest of the teaching staff.  I started by asking them what they wanted to talk about and, an hour and 20 minutes later, we had covered most of their topics.  The topics included: identifying and helping slow learners and advanced learners, dealing with kids who have been traumatized (big issue in this country), teaching methods that foster engagement and interest.

Isaiah, my buddy and friend. I had fun with a lot of the kids there, whose fingerprints are on my heart. Angelo, Victoria, Aaron, Helen, Charity, Ruth, John, James, ...

Walking to a "home cell" for a community Bible study. In the picture is Pastor Pooshani, who is an inspiration and difference-maker to these kids.  The fence to the left marks the border of a Bible College that we are just outside of in our walk.  Where are the kids? In back of me.  Remember my strategy - keep in the middle!  I heard stuff moving on both sides of me in the dense bush!

Posing with a group of kids from one of the home cells.  This Community Outreach Bible Study program, set up and run by Pastor Pooshani, is thrilling, impressive, and heart-rendering.

Typical road  going in, out, and throughout Yei. Many of the country roads would be termed not passable by our standards.  It rained for all but 2 days we were there, so the roads around the orphanage were under water or rutted.  Our drivers were great, and got us around.
***********************************************************************************

I could put more in, but it gives you a great idea.  Vol. III- I had LOTS of Fun!!!!