We will take with us birthing kits and medical equipment as requested by the midwives based at Aweil Civic Hospital. We also hope to visit camps where Darfuri refugees have settled and to establish a stronger channel of support through the Aweil churches. There have been requests to support the development of new churches in regions surrounding Aweil through a partnership programme with Australian churches, and so we hope to gather the necessary information and meet prospective partners in this ministry. In additon we plan to register an NGO, employ a project coordinator, open bank accounts and negotiate with leaders in government about other projects where they have invited our assistance.
The development of friendships is fundamental to all we do, and so of course there will be many hours sitting and chatting under mango trees drinking chai and swatting mosquitos. The way of getting things done is very different in Sudan - scheduled appointments and strategic planning may as well be left at the departure lounge. But we have a shared vision with local Christian leaders, and as my "brother from another mother" Pastor Ronald Ruay wrote in an email this morning "our faith will move mountains".
Photo: Aweil Town from the air. Catholic church is at the front right. Mother Adut Dit's home is on the main road just behind the open school ground in the centre.
