Happy Homecoming

After two weeks of being away, we’re happy and excited to be back in Adjumani! The grass has returned, giving the place a wonderful, refreshing feel, and the seven chicks are cuter than we imagined. We had a wonderful time in on the coast of Kenya, enjoying the World Venture renewal conference and what felt like our second honeymoon. Rick and I relaxed, snorkeled with tropical fish, drank coconut milk out of the coconut, and buried our toes in the fine white sand off the Indian Ocean. I was reminded too of what an amazing and talented husband I have in Rick when he joined the Masai warriors in a traditional dance they performed for us poolside (click here for pictures).

After Kenya we headed to the airport once more for the arrival of our friends Derin & Andra. They arrived safe and sound with many goodies and much love from home, even an ice cream maker! They are transitioning very well into Adjumani life: Derin washed everyone’s clothes yesterday by hand and Andra is fighting off cockroaches and preparing passion fruit juice (not at the same time of course). Michael Idha sat with them last night, and excitedly talked with Andra about utilizing local ingredients and creating new recipes for the ATRUD bakery. Both Derin & Andra’s skills and interests seem like a perfect match for Michael’s development work.

We all had the privilege of meeting the newest member of the Vuyaya family – Anzo Godwill. He’s beautiful, healthy baby with a head covered in soft black curls. Regina is doing well also physically, but having a hard time filling the 16 jerry cans of water she’s needing each day now. It just so happens that the national youth track meet is taking place next to the bore hole Regina also uses. Imagine the line up with 10,000 additional people in the area. So we are happy to be able to help supply her with water.

On a national level, our attention has been turned once more to the ongoing peace talks with the LRA. Our friend Rev. Solomon is participating in these peace talks in Juba, Sudan and has met Joseph Kony face to face. It seems Kony keeps thinking of excuses of why he is delaying the final signing, but we heard from Solomon today it is supposed to happen on the 10th of April. We are praying this long war will come to a peaceful end. Even today, we heard stories from Pastor Mark how the LRA marched through the area in 2002 and they had to flee to the bush. We also met with the children of Amazing Grace, many orphaned due to this very same war. Needless to say, we are clinging to the hope of long term peace.