Into Yabus

Yabus!

Thursday we had our last breakfast in the Free Pentecostal Guest House, following a great devotional by Dean. We did yet another sorting and repacking because we heard that we would be allowed less weight into Loki than we had originally thought. Then the team that was going to run out and pick up burgers from Wimpies (yes!) walked to the wrong shopping plaza, then got lost, a few times. They finally had to order a cab and drive around to familiar territory before they could find their way back, and so lunch arrived about the same time as the van did to drive us to the airport. However, nobody got hurt this time, and we made it to the airport. Stuart, a fine young Scottish gentleman who has been working with SIM, joined us as he is going into Doro for his next stint. He recently completed several months in Yabus so he was able to give us a preview of what to expect.

At the airport, God had our back: no complaints about our extra pounds. We took off on time, in about an 18 seater plane. A nice round of “Happy Birthday” was sung by all plane occupants for Rick. A little choppy going up and descending, but in between it was smooth. As we descended into Loki (Lokichoggio) it really felt like we had finally arrived in Africa. In other words, we were landing in a town in the middle of nowhere. Getting closer we saw small circles which were fences built around huts and compounds. Eventually, near a river, near a ridge, several buildings were spotted, and then the landing strip.

We were greeted by Debbie (the aforementioned SIMmer heading to Theangriol) and Leah, who is SIM logistics person in Loki. We unloaded all our things and headed to the storage crate where the boxes we had sent ahead had been kept. We had to weigh all our personal bags and declare our own personal body weight (mortifying…but not a good time to be dishonest). When all this weight was totaled Leah figured that we had to shed a certain amount of kilos, so we sorted and repacked again. More items were left in the crate and we think they will be arriving around the 10th.

Then we hopped a taxi (well, really three) and headed to the guest house. Driving through town, there was a mix of people (different tribes), business shacks, a very rutted main road. Just a typical day in town. Dean, Andrew and Stuart went off in another truck to change money and pick up food supplies for Doro. The taxis we were in turned off the main road, seemed to just go over the side of the road really, headed down a rutted creek bed and then arrived at a gate which was the guest house compound. We were greeted there and checked into our rooms. Deborah and Clair and a few other SIMers heading out to other posts were also there. Our rooms were simple, clean, two to a room, mosquito nets provided. Showers and squatty potties at one end of the compound. Settled in and then gathered up again for taxi rides to go out to a nice dinner at African Experience, fondly referred to as “Afex.” Had a lovely dinner outside. Addition to our group were about six other SIM missionaries and two families (wives and children) of missionaries (from Ethiopia) currently stationed in Abwong, where violence has broken out and so the fathers have sent the women there to live until safe to return (these are really long sentences and I know constructed poorly, but I am tired and have so much to catch you up on so please bare with. Spelling too!) Dinner was all you can eat buffet: the stew that seems to be served at all meals, some grilled meat, soups, cooked vegetables, watermelon, custard. One more round of “Happy Birthday” sung to our fearless leader by all around the table. When we got ready to leave one of the taxis had a flat tire (understandable, given the roads) so we waited around for the change. Back to the guesthouse, showers and a fitful night sleep. It was plenty hot.

We got up early and headed to Leah’s home at the SIM compound for a good breakfast and fellowship. We got word that the plane we were to catch was running behind so we stayed a little longer, played with the children. Dean and Val took a little walk and got stopped by the police for questioning. Police presence is heavy in Loki (we know of others who have had cameras taken, etc.). Fortunately, they were let go without too much trouble but Val was happy he didn’t have his camera on him.

From there we went to the airport. Got our passports checked for travel into Sudan, went out to the storage crate and went through things….again. Had to get rid of a few boxes for later delivery. However, we had a few bags that we put on the dolly to be added to the plane if it was ok with the pilot. The plane arrived, unloaded, we loaded. The few things that were “iffy” got on, and we were off. Flight was uneventful. Flying over Southern Sudan, we realized how remote we will be. No roads. Just brush, an occasional river bed, some huts here and there, and finally the landing strip at Yabus, which really was in the middle of nowhere. Eli Fader and a few of the locals with the school were waiting for us. Unloaded our gear into the Yabus truck, and then said our farewells to Andrew, Dean and Stuart. We rode on our stuff in the back of the truck. The roads were a mess. Cannot imagine what it would be like in the wet season. The ruts were wild. We went through a dry river bed: just like a roller coaster. Ducking the thorn trees stretching over the road. As we got closer to the town, we passed many women, carrying loads on their heads and babies on their backs. Everybody called out and waved. Children ran to get their hands touched. Big smiles all around. “Hello” and “How are you” rang out. Outside of the town we came to the river that separates the SIM compound from the main town. Water was low enough so we could drive over the bridge but all around women washing, boys fishing, kids swimming. Another roller coaster ride and we were through and entering the SIM compound. Phalice and the other missionary staff were all waiting our arrival. It’s always so nice to have people waiting to see you! All so friendly, beautiful. Hands to help unload.

We’ve now settled in. We are definitely in a village but it’s impressive how all have made this a home. Beds and mosquito nets waiting for us. The men are in their own tukil (grass roof, mud walled hut). We are all with Phalice. Quite a palace: a nice screened in front porch, two beds in two rooms. A shower at one end of the building (which is basically a bucket with a spout that you climb up and turn on and refill when done. Sun warmed. And further down the path, the potty. Not a flusher but has a seat! (Hope this isn’t TMI, but only helpful for you to imagine). We’ve already held babies, sat and visited with the missionaries and women, ate a communal dinner: ugali (the staple that is like very thick cream of wheat), fish stew and fried fish.

I am having a very had time uploading pictures so will keep trying, but in the meantime, words will have to suffice. It’s actually miraculous to me that we are even able to keep in contact with the internet. Tomorrow, Saturday, some will walk into town with Phalice to get some sorghum ground, a few of us are walking with Bethany Fader to visit with the women and children, wives of the students of the BELC. I’ve been promised a cooking lesson over charcoal. Maybe on Sunday.

Well, the internet is out for the night. Hopefully we can post this in the morning.