I am so very, very grateful for everyone's questions about how you can help. Words will never be able to express my gratitude and appreciation. I thought I could make it easier by compiling some wish lists to help answer those questions.
Pray:
The most important thing you can do is to pray for me and the people of South Sudan as we prepare to meet each other. They, as they plan for my arrival and me as I plan for my needs.
Please pray for God to grant us mercy and grace as we learn to adapt our two cultures and as I go bumbling along, making many mistakes along the way, I am sure.
Please pray for peace, understanding and compassion in an area that is still very much in turmoil as thousands return to their homes from the north to find they have been adopted by others, for an end to the tribal violence that continues throughout the area.
Wish Lists:
I am extremely limited on what I can take - up to eight containers, weighing no more than 50 pounds each, and they have to meet airline shipping standards for length and width, etc. I have to take everything I will need to live in Akobo - tent, furniture, cooking equipment, etc. I even have to think down to the little things like nail clippers, toothpaste, shampoo, soap, etc. Oh, and did I forget to mention food??? And the list goes on and the space is getting limited.
With those thoughts in mind I have been carefully pouring over websites trying to find the most economical and durable and weight/size conscious things I know that I will need. While some things seem very extravagant to me - 500 ct. sheets for example, I have chosen them for their durability and reducing the need to replace them.
I quickly learned in Ethiopia that scrubbing sheets by hand with scrub brushes to clean them wears them out very quickly and then they tear and I have nothing. While I love colors, white is more practicle. Colors tend to run in the bleach I have to use to sanitize my things and reduce the risk of more bacterial infections from the water they are washed in.
So, with those thoughts in mind, I have put together my wish lists to answer the question "How can I help?" I am attaching the links to the places I have found most helpful. Simply click on the link and you will be taken there.
Wal Mart https://www.walmart.com/giftregistry/gr_load_edit.do?registryId=80502131177
Cabela's https://www.cabelas.com/user/wishlist.jsp?WTz_l=Header
I will be adding more as time goes on and I learn more about what my needs will be.
DVDs & CD's: Are you cleaning out your old cd's and movies? Don't throw them away! I will be happy to take them with me. Any and all are welcome!
Please note, that while I really appreciate everyone's generosity, I am bound by the PCSUA Code of Ethics and I cannot accept a gift from anyone that exceeds $100 in value.
Financial Support:
is always needed. Financial contributions of any amount can be made to
Individual giving Extra Commitment opportunity account number: E200488
Churches and Presbyteries – Directed Mission Support account number: D507555
Please indicate my name and account number on any checks, and mail them to
