40 years, 40 days, 40 hours...

The number 40 in our Bible has implications of testing and transition. Not that our 40 hours travelling to Sudan will go down in history with the Israelites 40 years in the desert or Jesus' 40 days of trial. Never-the-less, it has been a test, and we are on a journey. We were up before the sparrows yesterday, only to spend 9 hours at Perth airport. Ros worked her charm with the staff at Malaysia Airlines and we were upgraded to business class for the flight to KL. Here we are in Dubai, enjoying yum cha breakfast and watching a spectacular sunrise - which would be all the more enjoyable if we werent meant to be on a flight to Addis Ababa and then on to Juba! Customs took a while to clear all our medical equipment and we missed the flight. We plan to spend the night here and fly tomorrow, getting to Juba on Thursday and Aweil on Friday. We've had a few hours sleep between us in the last 2 days, so a comfortable Dubai hotel will be welcome - in spite of not being where we wanted.
Despite this change of plans, everything has been shaping up well for the work we hope to accomplish in Sudan. We will keep you updated.

Some very supportive businesses...

A few businesses have been exceptionally helpful and supportive of our coming trip to Sudan, and I want to publically express my appreciation to them here...

Firstly, Annabelle from Fulham Gardens Flight Centre is, in my opinion, the best travel consultant in the world! Arranging a trip to Aweil is quite complex, and not something many consultants have done before. Last year four travel agents I tried found my trip too difficult and simply gave up. Annabelle seemed to enjoy the challenge and after many hours worked out an itinerary which not only saved us thousands of dollars, but also has much better airport connections. When it was all finally done, and I apologised for how time consuming it had been, she presented me with gifts for myself, Joseph and Ros and wished us well for our work in Sudan. So thanks Annabelle. You're a champ!

Malaysia Airlines have also been generous to us by granting 60 Kg of free excess luggage. This will allow us to take birthing kits and a small amount of medical equipment to provide to primary health providers in the Aweil region. Thanks to Caroline and Steve in the Adelaide office for arranging this.

Virgin Blue have done the same for our domestic connection flight. Apparently they receive hundreds of requests for sponsorship each week, so I feel fortunate to have my request approved. So thanks Ashley and the sponsorship team at Virgin Blue. I appreciate your support.

I commend these companies to you and ask you to consider showing your support in return.