A letter from Debbie Blane, mission worker in Sudan
August 2011
Dear Friends,
Greetings from Louisville once again! I grow closer to the day and time of departure from the United States to the Republic of South Sudan and yet I still do not know when that departure will be.
Thankfully I have encouragement on the way for this journey. I had a note on Facebook this morning from one of my students saying "Hi" and asking for prayers for the new country. It is good to reconnect even if imperfectly!
I am now waiting for the days and weeks to go by so that I can visit the dentist here in Louisville for what I hope is the last time this year. I need to get a final crown seated, a last American teeth cleaning, and I hope I will be good to go. Then I can head back to my African home and my work.
This has been a good and also difficult few months. I have traveled what is to me a great deal. I have been on both coasts of the United States. Now, remember that I am a Yankee, and a West Coast Yankee at that. So to me Pennsylvania is on the East Coast. I haven’t actually seen the Atlantic Ocean, whereas I did actually see the Oregon coast when I was in Oregon. I have traveled so much these past few months that I sometimes forget what airport I am in. I have also noticed lately that when I wake up in the mornings I sometimes forget what bedroom I am in—is it Khartoum or Pennsylvania or, wait!, oh yes, Louisville!
For those of you who don’t recall, the English track of the Nile Theological College has relocated from Khartoum (in the north of Sudan) to Malakal in the new Republic of South Sudan. There is now one college with two campuses. Since I have not been to Malakal since early this year, and for only two days at that, I cannot report firsthand on the comings and goings of the college or of the town. I have heard from a sprinkling of students and this is greatly encouraging to me, as I have not forgotten them. They have not forgotten me either! One of my students had malaria recently and was successfully treated for it with medication.
In my personal journey of preparation for my return to Africa and to my new home and to the taking up once again of my teaching responsibilities, I am somewhat overwhelmed by the amount of work I have to do. I must find out about visa or travel permits into South Sudan. I must pack. Thankfully I have a “master packer” coming to the apartment tomorrow to help me get the packing under control. This is a total blessing.
I hope, pray and trust that next month my September letter to you, my partners in ministry, will be written from Malakal in the Republic of South Sudan.
Please pray for:
- The Nile Theological College. Please pray for the necessary resources for teaching. Please pray for provision for housing, food, medicine and daily life/bread for the students, staff and faculty.
- Please pray for peace in the Republic of South Sudan. Please pray for an end to tribal conflicts and a coming together of all of the South Sudanese peoples to focus on a healthy and peaceful start for their new country.
- Please pray for me as I continue to make preparations to return to Africa and begin a new academic semester with my students in a new home and a new country.
As always, please be aware of the links for donating financial gifts for God’s ministry through me if you feel so moved. I covet your prayers and am grateful for financial support as well. Without financial support my work cannot continue at the Nile Theological College.*
Blessings to you,
Debbie
The Rev. Debbie Blane
The 2011 Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study, p. 54
Visit Debbie’s blog: Debbie's Journey Continues
Give to Debbie Blane’s sending and support.
Give to Nile Theological College.