Sudan 2013 Mission Trip
Update 4 
 
Sarah and a precious little boy from Dreamland. 
South Sudan Mission Trip
Saturday, October 5th Update

By Sarah Nimmo

 

When we arrived at Dreamland this morning, the fences were draped with the children's clothing and there were busy bodies everywhere. Saturday is laundry and bathing day, so many of the children were already working on their chores. We quickly began working on the art project with the children, and within several hours, all the children had completed their projects for Art for the Heart of Africa (taking place on Friday, November 1st-save your money and save the date!). We have some beautiful artists at Dreamland, and the vibrant colors they used are symbols to me of all the joy they find through their difficult circumstances. After completing the art, the girls took several of us down to a small water source where they go swimming. While some of them scrubbed laundry, others jumped in the shallow pool of water to splash and laugh and just be kids. Such a joyful sight to see!

 

While we had planned on working on the art project after lunch, because we were able to get it done in the morning, some of us were able to just hang out with the kiddos. We brought out several hundred coloring pages, and most of the children sat down and intently colored pictures of baby animals and Mickey and Minnie Mouse. When they were finished, although they were told they could keep their coloring pages, they wanted to bless us with their art. This was such a sweet gift! We'd love to bring these treasures back to the kids in Vineyard's JAM program!

 

In the morning, the medical team saw and treated a few of the Dreamland children. The rest of the day was spent primarily preparing for tomorrow's medical outreach in the community. With Amule's assistance, they made a list of supplies, and then went to a pharmacy in town where they spent several hours waiting on everything they needed. Apparently, this was quite an experience! The rest of the day was spent with Amule assessing the needs of the medical clinic to assist him in reaching out more to the community.

 

All of us are so attached to the children of Dreamland. We have spent years looking at their faces on our walls and praying for them, yet they have no idea of this connection that we feel to them individually. Throughout the week, the children have become more comfortable, but at the beginning, they all seemed somewhat leery of us. Mandy and I were talking about this, and she pointed out that this paints a picture for us of how God is with his children. He is attached to and loves each and every person he has created. Some have absolutely no connection with God, and for that, he is grieved. Others have connections, but there may be something holding them back from the deep relationship that he desires. While these human relationships and emotions are real, how much greater must God grieve the lack of desire for connection he sees in those he loves so much.   

 

It is hard to believe that we only have two more days of ministry here in South Sudan. Your prayers have been felt and greatly appreciated, and we ask that you continue to pray for our team and the lives of those we come into contact with.