Planning and planning and planning, yikes

Aaron

Dr. Ajak

Planning is the name of the game at this point.  I will be leaving in just over a month.  Now is crunch time.  My plans this year are different from other years.  I will be flying into Juba, the capital of South Sudan.  I will meet Aaron and, hopefully, Dr. Ajak.  We will be purchasing medicines to take to Memorial Christian Hospital in Werkok. With all the NGO's in Juba, it should not be too difficult finding meds for sale.  Purchasing meds in Sudan saves me hundreds of dollars in excess baggage fees - money that could be used for meds and supplies.  I will also make contact with International Medical Corp.  I did drop in on them in 2008.  Will be good to reconnect. Somehow we will make our way north to Bor town and then to Werkok. 

 I am also preparing for a Soup Supper Fundraiser at St. Paul's Episcopal Church.  It is planned for January 7, 2011.  I am hoping for a nice turn out.  Please tell all your friends about it.  I am also interested in helping a Sudanese friend become a professional in the medical field.  Much will depend on if war breaks out or if he has the luxury of taking three years to become a Clinical Officer (equivalent to your Physician Assistants).  He may have to do a nursing program (one year) for the time being, if there is war.  Here is some additional information:

 If you get knowledge, you can't keep your knowledge away from people seeking help,     ... These are our people.”  General John Garang

Dear Friends,

Gabriel Mabil is a public health worker at Memorial Christian Hospital in Werkok, Southern Sudan.  I have worked with Gabriel since my first trip to South Sudan in 2008. He is in his 30’s and is in his senior year of high school.  Due to the war, his studies were interrupted.  He endured the 21 years of civil war in Southern Sudan.  Peace came in 2005 and shortly thereafter a secondary school opened in the village.  Gabriel was finally able to continue his education.  Soon he will be graduating.

 Gabriel works the night shift at the hospital.  This means he works at night and then goes to school during the day.  He is married and has three children.  His demeanor is gentle and kind despite the terrible things he has been through.  He would like to continue his studies and help his people.  Gabriel is a sponge, soaking up knowledge and persevering in his studies and his work.  He gives and gives and gives.  Now it is time to help ease the burden of his very difficult life.  There are schools in South Sudan that train Clinical Officers.  This is equivalent to a physician assistant and is the education and training needed to run clinics and give medical care.  It is a three year school but is cost prohibitive to a Sudanese.

My dream is to have 1000 friends donate $10 to $20 each.   A friend, who would like to remain anonymous, will match $1500. This will pay for Gabriel’s schooling and give a stipend to help support his wife and three children for the three years he is away at school. Education will enable him to provide for his family, creating a brighter future.   I need your help to bring this dream to fruition. Any amount of donation is much appreciated.  Please send your donation to St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, African Mission Ministry Education at 914 Lane Drive, St. Joseph, MI 49085.  Checks should be made out to St. Paul’s with “AMM Education” on the note line.  This will be a tax deductible donation.  To read about Gabriel and the work being done at Memorial Christian Hospital go to catherinesquest.blogspot.com/.   Thank you and God’s peace be with you.

C