Politics and Peace...

National Elections in Sudan are scheduled for April, the first step towards democracy since the military dictatorship took power. President Bashir is currently negotiating peace deals with rebel groups from Darfur and has also expressed his commitment to work towards sustainable peace with the South. A referendum is scheduled for January 2011 where Southerners will decide between independence and remaining in a unified Sudan. This is a critical period where there is potential for lasting peace or for renewed conflict. Sudanese leaders have asked to pray for peace.

When there is nothing we can do...

A few weeks ago we were being shown through a hospital at Marialbai where we met a woman who at first seemed to be paralysed. During a fit she had fallen backwards and hit the back of her head and had been brought to the hospital where she had laid motionless ever since. Ros asked various questions and was able to ascertain she still had feeling and movement in her feet, but couldnt determine why she was unable to move. She came over to me and quietly said there was nothing she could do to help.

Almost every day in the remote regions of Sudan we met people in desperate situations who would look to us with hope and expectation. It isnt easy to admit - to them or ourselves - that there is nothing we can do.

I said to Ros and Paulino Malou that at least we could pray with this woman. In prayer we recognise our weakness and God's greatness and express our belief that God's mercy is not dependant on physical realities. And, sometimes, it is all we can do...

Ros had more questions to ask, trying to find a medical reason for the "paralysis", and I left her to her work. Later she told me that she and Malou did pray before they left the woman. But that night Ros admitted her feeling of helplessness and frustration. It was one of the few times in the whole trip I saw her a bit shaken. We discussed the importance of knowing our own areas of weakness and accepting our limitations before we try to help others with theirs.

Before we went to bed one of the locals casually commented that the lady at the hospital that Ros and Malou had prayed for had got up out of bed, said she was fine, and walked home.

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Addition - Ros reminded me we were also told that the traditional healer (sometimes called witch-doctor) visited the woman at the hospital. Is that what you call having a bet each way?

Some photos of Ros...

I'm fairly sure Ros took over 1000 photos while in Sudan - but she wasnt so keen about being on the other side of the camera. In spite of being a bit camera shy I managed to get a few pictures which I hope give a small insight into Ros' experience.

Ros (or  Mama Ayak as Adut Dit named her) getting into traditional dress

Doing laundry in Marialbai

Cute and delicious - but no Ros, you cant take it home!

With Anwon and Achol

Joseph and I were amazed at what came out of Ros' luggage - even a battery powered fan! Very useful in 39 degree heat and 80% humidity.

A farewell gift from Adut Dit