my week.

This week I...

-found out about a new regulation in South Sudan--all foreigners on flights entering or exiting the country must go through the capital city of Juba first to clear customs.  Trusting God with all of the good and bad implications of this rule.

-got terribly stuck in the mud, like really really deep mud, with Carrie and Mindy.  We conquered that giant deep puddle after uprooting two trees with the wench!

-drove passed two women peeing standing up on the side of the road.  We were sure to wave emphatically!  Yes, they waved back mid-action.

-also passed what looked like a bunch of heads in a mud puddle.  Nope!  As we approached in the vehicle, the heads stood up--it was a group of boys bathing!

-fixed our plumbing from our shower by, naturally, digging a trench behind the kitchen for water to drain out completely instead of stopping up and coming out in the shower.  I do not think I have ever sweat so much...

-sweat a lot this morning doing this crazy turbo kick cardio workout dvd with Carrie and Mindy.  It was fun!  Haven't worked out like that in a while!

-attempted to story in Nyaronyit three times to practice the short version of REAP Life but was unable to do so due to translator location miscommunications and lots and lots and lots of rain.

-ate macaroni and cheese.  Family Size Box.  From my grandparents in the bag they sent about three months ago.  For probably five meals now.  (alongside other things of course!  And yes, Mindy enjoyed the fake cheesy goodness with me!)

-learned that polar bears are left-handed.  How they discovered that I will never know!  Also, re-learned why leaves turn colors in autumn.  It is so similar to why fingers and toes get cold first.  All of that preserving nutrients and energy and water and heat in the most important inner parts.  Love how Creator God keeps the same patterns in His creation.  Beautiful!

-have experienced a little over a week now with on and off and on for a few seconds and off again solar power issues that seem unsolvable.  I've learned that the only reason I need electricity is for freezing veggies/meat/cheese that I cannot buy here in Sudan and for my computer for internet to communicate with my family and friends all over the place.  Have learned that it is so easy to get comfortable and start trying to take back control of my life.  So grateful that He is in control and am so grateful for dark nights where God removed all other things that distract me and allowed for extra time praying and spending time with Him and His Word.

-suffered a large, or rather GINORMOUS, bump in the mud and rain with Mindy at the wheel during which my body left the seat, my head hit the ceiling, my body slammed back down on the seat belt buckle, and body jumped back up again.  We laughed so hard.  I am surprised my headband didn't crack!

-was splashed on the same road trip as above by muddy water, once again with Mindy at the wheel.  (She did not get wet.)  More laughter.  So glad to have these crazy moments with a friend!

-ate an apple from Nairobi.  Joy in every sweet and juicy and healthy and fruity bite.  Never has an apple tasted so delicious.  It was the best in my whole world (to use a Walker-ism).

-wish I had taken my camera everywhere with me so you could see all of this in action.  Alas, I did not.  But let me assure you, if I had, they would be some seriously legit pictures!