After struggling to get our ten heavy bags out of the airport and into the car, I paused, pondering in my mind: how am I already dirty and sunburned? Only minutes after arriving in Juba, South Sudan I found myself covered in a layer of dark-orange dust with my forearms scratched by the sun’s strong rays. Standing in a cloud of dust and heat, I surveyed the parking lot. Almost every vehicle was a Land Cruiser or some type of off-roading vehicle, reminding me that the road ahead would be rough. Really rough. I began to wonder about our decision to move to South Sudan.
“Even though we got your reservation,” the man at the guesthouse in Juba explained, “we just learned that a group of one hundred is coming, so you cannot stay here.”
We were sent to a new hotel and carried our big bags to our room. Children stopped their movements and stared at us silently, unresponsive to our efforts to greet them. Language differences blocked my desire to interact with the women cleaning the hotel.
“It is possible, even with all the thought and prayer you put into this decision, that you were wrong.”
Thirsty and exhausted from a whirlwind of travel, we grabbed our empty water bottles and headed towards the common dining area. As we walked down the dirt road to the cafeteria, tables in front of the building led our eyes to a river… and to a revelation.
The Nile claimed the ground before us, powerful and beautiful. The ancient friend called me to sit close and calm my spirit. Bumping past stones, smoothly sliding by, reflecting the dancing sunlight, the river carried a sense of comfort to the anxious soul at her side.
In the Christmas season we celebrate the mysterious reality of “Emmanuel,” God with us. Though God’s presence is at times difficult for me to discern in my life, our connection becomes abundantly clear when I am near to nature’s wonder. Through the soothing sounds of the Nile’s waters, I felt the Prince of Peace affirming me, “Yes, this is where you are to be.”
Posted on December 13th, 2011 by Nancy
Filed under: Uncategorized
I have no doubt that you are exactly where you should be, doing the work of the Lord. Your beautiful face announces it to the world as you speak of the South Sudan and the people there. You are an inspiration.
Nancy and Shelvis:
I am so excited to read/hear all about your new journey! I will pray for you regularly. I will think of you often. And I will smile at the amazing things you are doing!
I know and trust that our Heavenly Father will never leave your side…He will strengthen you when weak…carry you when exhausted…guide you in the dark…and squeeze you tight often. Wow – He is awesome!
Much love,
Tilly
Rochester, Michigan
I am so honored to know you two and so proud of your wllingness to follow your call. Peace and blessings be upon you
Shelvis and Nancy
Sally and I know exactly how you feel. We felt the same upon our arrival in Jerusalem in 2006. I remember the first night there. We were so sure we’d made a huge mistake. We were wrong about that, thankfully. Cling to each other, and hold on to your sense of calling. You will have many tough days ahead, no doubt. But you will never regret the decision to do this – well, not in the long run at least. Sally and I commit to praying for you. Actually, I envy you!
By the way, I’m the Development guy with the RCA and my wife, Sally, is the Executive Assistant for the General Secretary. Let us know your needs – we will help. Remember as well that our son, daughter-in-law and grand daughter are missionaries with the PCUSA in Brazil.
Merry Christmas, Nancy and Shelvis! I know I have been “lost”, but know that you are both in my thoughts and prayers, and that your stories mean so much to all of us who know you! I love and miss you two, and would love to support you in any way that I can!
love,
Rachel