Graduation

Our internet service in South Sudan (or lack thereof) did not allow for much blogging. So just to bring you up to date - graduation was incredible. It began in the morning with our students in caps and gowns marching around Freedom Square and around the market to the beat of the Police Band. People came out from everywhere at the sound of the band and walked along next to our candidates cheering. Truly, there had never been anything like it in Rumbek. Children who are not enrolled in school commented that they wanted to go to school and be able to be part of this parade someday. It was live streamed on facebook. You can find pictures on our website www.abukloi.org so be sure to check it out. One of the big events at graduation was the announcement of the micro-loans. We granted them to 6 of the 22 student business proposals. Money will be wired later and the teacher who worked with them on the proposals will continue to work with them as they start up their businesses. Everywhere we went, the talk was about Abukloi and the business plans. If even just 1 of these businesses can prove successful, it will be significant. With hyper-inflation and insecurity, economic development even on this small scale is more than a challenge. Our visit to Nancy's Garden was joyous. They greeted us with singing, walked us around their plots and then talked about their challenges. We gave them 40 pair of leather gloves and some money to help with watering cans, tools, and seeds. I told them about Nancy, my mother, for whom this garden is named, and showed them pictures. We read scripture and prayed. May God's spirit and Nancy's spirit, protect and provide for these women and their families. Bev and I left South Sudan yesterday and are on our way to Kenya for a short safari. We discovered in our overnight layover in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia that a 1 night visa requires us to pay $50 for a hotel they assign to us. Bev had already made a reservation for a nice 5 star so opted to do that. We also learned that they keep the luggage at the airport (trying to be sure people do not overstay their visa) so guess who doesn't have extra clothes, cosmetics, or medicine??? But I do have my electronics! Geez, a little advanced instructions would have been nice. Thank you all for your support of our trip and of Abukloi. Getting this first class all the way through secondary school is a great accomplishment. Our students are now taking the national exam. This is a 2 week exam and the scores (hopefully available in May) will determine if our students actually receive a diploma. Your continued prayers and donations are much appreciated.