My US/UK trip served me in many ways, not least as refreshment before a very emotionally exhausting time. Sadly, as I took up an Acting Director role on my return, the hostilities in South Sudan required one of our bases to be evacuated and most people at another to be relocated temporarily to Nairobi. Times like this bring out both the best and the worst in people but God brought us through with no lives lost, although homes and ministries in Melut were destroyed.
With only weeks to go before finishing in the office, the three of us who had been on the 'Multicultural Team Work' training in the US, put on a day's training for about 20 people from the Kenya and South Sudan teams.
We had around 8 different nationalities present, many different personalities and we enjoyed laughing and learning together.
What could you add to this list of how we are strengthened through diversity?
Because of the way our team is rarely all in one place at the same time, our goodbyes started early, in order to catch certain people whilst they were in Nairobi.
The Personnel team of Deborah and Susan
Briana, Danielle and Christiane
Kelemwa pours the Ethiopian coffee
Bethanie is not the only one leaving from her group of friends. India (second from L) is leaving for Dar es Salaam.
Kalkidan, India, Bethanie and Alice
A final meal and games with our MAF friends, the Machell family.
We started more intentionally capturing 'normal' scenes from our daily life. Here Bethanie and Caleb lead the way on the walk to church.
Over the road is 'The Greenhouse' shopping centre where Justin gets his hair cut and our favourite sushi place is located.
We pass the 'Tropical Medicine Clinic' which our team frequents to be tested for any residing nasties!
The office block on the left has gone up since we arrived. Anyone need a car wash?
This office block opposite is under construction.
Prestige Plaza - site of many an enormous 'Nakumatt' (supermarket) shop in preparation for a trip to South Sudan
Bethanie's Sunday School class, which Justin helps to teach
Our friends, the Faders, currently in Nairobi having lost their home in Melut
Bethanie and her friend Angel
A final meal with Christiane (that is STILL painful to write) at our favourite Ethiopian restaurant
How we will all miss this awesome Canadian/Mabaan lady.
Team farewell #2 was joint with SIM Kenya and the East Africa Office. This was the occasion of treasurer Martin's speech about 'crying backwards' which made sense of my almost permanent headache through these last weeks - holding the tears in hurts! They came out plenty too.
The lovely Lorna in the Finance team - she is beautiful and she makes you feel beautiful too!
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