Ama Kado!

Mede!

I posted some pictures below of the past few days. Enjoy!

Change

The other day at the Mundri Diocesan Office dedication Bishop Bullen spoke about three biggest things that plague Southern Sudan:Ignorance, Poverty, and Disease.

There is no deadlier combination that I can think of that would be worse, unless you brought back the war. But because Sudan is no longer at war and the Moru are no longer forced to live in the bush, rebuilding and creating life is at the center of their focus. There is great evidence that progress has been made in education, health care, and economic development, yet, Lui town is still a place in great need, and the Moru people have many challenges ahead.

One example that is central to building up this community is the "new"road. The road has been redone and is very smooth compared to what it once was. It is a perfect example of things to come as it represents a gateway to new things. It brings in supplies, basic imports, new forms of transportation (the bus pictured below travels to Juba once a day for only $10 U.S.), and connects Lui to the greater world. It's a central part of eliminating poverty, disease, and ignorance. The road brings great promise and is no different than a new road in the U.S. when major roads are built and gateways are established.

In the same address to his people, Bullen said, "Change, Change,Change, you must change, or change will change you."

The progress of the road is one aspect of new life that forces people to change. Since the road is faster, accidents that may cause injury are now a reality, something the Moru have never had to deal with. With any new technology or new advancement in society, there are always new problems and new consequences, so learning how to change is important.

It's going to take hard work and sacrifice to make Southern Sudan a better place, and I have no doubt in my mind that the people of Lui Diocese will step up to the task.

More stories and reflections to come!

Stay tuned!

Peace,
Joe Chambers

P.S. It's 96 degrees in the shade. I hear it's cold back home.

Moru lesson of the day:
Mede- Greetings
Ama Kado- We are good!