Tears and joy

Ok, I promised myself (and you guys) to come back to Renk with more joy. No more miserable stuff (well, maybe a little). And I need to shorten these things a tad…ok, a lot! :o)

I had a wonderful time back home in the UK. Catching up with my family, celebrating my Grandma’s 80th Birthday, visiting the hospital, going out for lots of coffee, visiting Bridgwater and Reading, wearing what I wanted, eating good food and proudly attending my brothers wedding. Can you believe there are now two Rebekah Rice’s in the world!?!

Managed to hold off the tears until I was on the plane to Cairo, when I realised how much I was going to miss home, my friends and family, and how much work I was going back to in Renk. I was really scared. Scared I wouldn’t be able to do the work and that I’d simply mess up.

Khartoum was kinda hard too as there were hardly any people in the office. Made me even more homesick. Then after a five and a half hour bus ride, I was back to Renk. And it was lovely. Everyone was so welcoming. Took a good 15 minutes saying hello to everyone, but that’s the Sudanese way, and it’s great. After lunch, it was back to work and like I’d never left. And yes, things are already very stressful, but I know that with God by my side I can get through this. I sometimes wonder why God has brought me here, but I just have to trust Him. Something I really don’t find easy.

Today I went to the one of the camps for the first time since I’ve been back. As soon as I got out of the car, a little girl shouted, “Rebekah!” and ran over to me and gave me the biggest hug. It was a great feeling. Her smile said it all. Then I went and saw a baby girl of 1 month and 10 days old. She was born before I went and they named her Rebekah. It was great to see her again. I could have stayed in the camp all afternoon, just greeting and chatting to everyone. To me, that is what makes my time here worthwhile, simply spending time talking to the people who I live amongst.

Then on Saturday I had lunch with the Sudanese guys from work, which was great. Bless them. They’re so lovely to me. Then in the evening I dropped them off at their friends house. But of course I had to come in and greet everyone…which then led to me having my toenails painted – first time ever, and they were painted GREEN – Tina would be proud of me! Then they brought out food, which I had to partake in. Then there was dancing, which I also had to partake in, and was pretty poor at it. But I made them all laugh! :o)

Then there was my first Ramadan breakfast (evening meal) on Monday night...very nice. And SO much food! I really don't know how these people don't eat or drink anything all day when it is so hot!

Hmmm….I suppose I should do some work at some point. Now, where did I leave my motivation???