Thursday 27th October

Penny is not feeling great today so it is decided that Ruth will stay home with her today while Greg and I go to town to get the Malek money from Western Union.  Kwi turns up early and gets straight into cleaning.  She does not seem to like the state of the kitchen and takes all the plates, cooking pots and utensils outside for a good clean.  She grabs a metal cot from next door, which becomes her drying rack.  She has managed to find a range of foods for us and has documented the price of everything she bought.

We have found out the mini van we have been using costs 150 pounds, which is only covering fuel as it is provided by a church member.  Most people travel on the “bota bota” motorbike taxis, at 5 pounds a trip, so Greg and I decide to give them a go today. 

The trip in goes smoothly, the bikes are quicker and more comfortable as they can weave in between the potholes.  Greg goes to Western Union while I wander around the market looking for food options.  I find some pasta, beef stock, tomato paste and chili sauce, so we have a backup if needed.  Lunch at the Freedom and emails sorted, and we are on the bikes heading home again.

Pastor John and Abraham came around at 5pm and had a good talk under the tree in the front yard.  When an outline of the program was requested, John announced that a youth workshop would be held tomorrow.  This has put a bit of pressure on Greg and Ruth to prepare, but they are feeling up to the challenge as God is gracious.

Robert and Nyiel have both flown to Juba today, so we have the house to ourselves for the next few days.  We had a good talk to Nyiel this afternoon, and continue to find out more good work she is doing.  She has left her family in Limerick in Ireland to lecture over here.  She has four children, aged 24 to 16.  She has a company in Bor that makes concrete block for building.  She has a regular session on the local radio and she has set up an NGO to help girls and young women in Bor.