Merry Christmas Mango

Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Will talk with you when we return in 2009. Big Hugs to you my son.

Rick_Lisa

Bailey Brothers Music

My Mango loves to play the guitar. He got a used one from a friend, but it needed some new strings. As a surprise, Rick and I purchased Andrew an hour guitar lesson and new platinum strings. He was so excited as he entered the store for his lesson. This class was just the basics like how to strum, tune, etc. I know with all of my heart Andrew will make beautiful music to the Lord with all of his talent and energy.

Downtown With Wesley

Its a wonderful experience in my life and first Christmas in USA, Wesley took me and Bullen into Downtown during the night to see all different Christmas colores lights in the Town. We drove around and enjoyed nice time together. we drove with Wesley's new truck. I'm looking forward to ride again with Wesley to Downtown.

Santa Claus Greeting

Andrew got to meet Santa Claus tonight. He was all smiles as he learned about our American customs. The talk was about Santa Claus for the week as we continued to explain all of the details: North Pole, Mrs. Santa, elves, reindeer, Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixon, Comet, Cupid, Donner, Blitzen and Rudolph, Red nose light, down the chimney, up the chimney, coal, stockings, etc. etc.

Cornerstone Christian School

Today we were asked to speak to the middle school children at Cornerstone Christian School. One of their teachers, Mrs. Sherri Whitehead, will be traveling to Mundri Sudan two days after Christmas and she has been talking to her students about our country and her mission trip. Bullen and I answered lots of questions about our life in the Sudan and I sang them a song in Moru. Thanks for inviting us Cornerstone!

Downtown Birmingham

Today the guys got to go to the roof-top of a building in downtown Birmingham, Alabama. They could see the city very well and I took their picture with the city in view. We also printed these and they sent them to family in Sudan.

Big Truck Drive

After a long day of travel and a meeting with a mission team, we arrived at the Mitchell's house for one week. Lala promised that we would drive a car this week in a big empty parking lot. Although it was late, Rick, Lisa, Spencer, Bullen and Andrew headed for Spain Park in Spencer's Big White Avalanche. After talking about the gears, brakes, steering wheel, etc., Andrew got to go first. Bullen said "I'm getting out while he is driving". We were all laughing (except Andrew) as Bullen opened the door and bailed out - Spencer also got out of the car to talk with Bullen in the middle of the empty parking lot. Andrew was very cautious as he learned to manuver the steering wheel and gas, but he did take out a couple of curbs along the way as he cut the corners to sharp. Juba to Mundri TAXI - Here I come.

Mundri Team Talk

Mark Whitehead is leading a team to Mundri Sudan to put in a well for fresh drinking water. Tonight we met with the team that will be leaving after Christmas and answered questions, ate barbeque, sang songs, danced and prayed. We give God all of the Glory, Honor and Praise for what He is going to do in my country.

Mango

The Mitchell's are so excited that you are coming to visit us next week!

Music to My Ears

Ephesians 5-19-21

19Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, 20always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. 21Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.

On Skype, Andrew played this beautiful song for me. The words ring so true as over and over he sings in his British African American accent, chords he has just made up from the Bible verse - giving thanks to Our Father for everything.

Andrew Played a new Song

This week i was burned inside my heart due the problem of this world but i prayed God answered my prayers let the glory be to God. (ask what was the problem?)
Befor the fire comes God gave me this song he knows the way to protect me.
THE SONG ITS ALL ABOUT GIVING THANKS TO GOD.
What can i say unto the lord ,all i can say thank you lord.(4x)
Ch: Thank you lord thank you lord,all i can say thank you lord.(4x)

This song is prayers for all things God does for me i do not have any thing to gave to him but i will give thanks to my God with playing music.Here is my prayers God give me a gift of Song.

Before i started playing mmusic god gave me a Bible vase from the Ephesians 5:19-21 in the vision on 10/25/2008, at 3:40 Am in the morning.I read the vase i fell happy for that.I had been praying 5 years ago i want to learn how to play Giter but no way and i said Gods time is the best.

Dorm Dorm

I am back to MY home in Alabama!  My DORM ROOM.  It feels so good to be back in the bed that I have grown accustom to, sit at my little desk to read, shower where my feet have stood for 3 months, take tea from the coffee pot and put on my coat and hat to sleep in this freezing state.

Smiley Face

Andrew is my Smiley Face Sudan son.  He is always smiling and making the best of every situation. He spent Thanksgiving with the Wilson's in Wadley and I was able to Skype him to say hello. Andrew is also my only War Eagle child (it is ok - i still love you) and he is pumping fists and yelling War Eagle!  We will see about that tomorrow.  

Lisa (LaLa)

RANDY Glasses

Andrew got NEW GLASSES!  I can't wait to see them.  Sarah, told me that Andrew picked ones like Randy on American Idol wears and he looked so good in them.  I think they will make him look older and smarter.  We will see......  

Eye Doctor/ on the way to Wadley

Yesterday day we met eye doctor ,we do alot of test but our eyes are good doctor told me that my eye is good he is going to give me eye glass,when i want to use computer, then i have to use the glass in order to protect my eye.
On the way to wadley Sarah asked i and Bullen who are your friends in school in Southern Union? Can you tell me their names? Bullen started calling his friends names like Randy,byron Morien and others, Bullen said for him he didn't want to associate with girls his friends are all boys. Then Sarah asked how about to Andrew? I replied Sarah, i have many friends boys and girls,many of them like me if i need their help they were ready.Sarah and bullen asked me what are their names? I said,I knew some but i forget some of their names. Bullen said Andrew you want to be a history teacher,why you forgeting the names of people? I replied the teacher didn't teach me to remember all the names of student but he tought me to know what had happened in the past event upto today, but not to remember the names of all student in southern Union Bullen said Andrew you are right. I enjoyed nice time yesterday.

SKYPE!

This past weekend, Rick and I downloaded Skype on the guys laptops - now while they are in Wadley - we can see and talk with them on the computer. Here is the email from Andrew - He is ready to talk. I love you buddy.

Hey Lala,i have conected my skepe if you can call me now.
I am online
Thank you
Andrew

FIRE Pit

We gathered around the fire-pit to roast marshmellows. Yum Yum.  Andrew is learning to play the guitar.  What better song to learn on than "Jesus Messiah".  Everyone sang as Andrew learned the cords.  It was so much fun and a favorite memory we will never forget.

Scatter Christ

Lisa

American Lessons

We arrived back at our house around 1am from Secret Church. It was great to study God's Word and learn about the Holy Spirit.
I got up around 8:30am and decided that I was going to introduce my Mundri boys to life in America. As I always do with my other two sons, I go into the bedroom while they are asleep, pull on their toes and then jump in the middle of the bed. Bullen and Andrew were stunned. Andrew was asleep with his Columbia jacket, hood and sweat pants on under a mound of cover. Bullen on the other hand had his shorts on but was wrapped up like a mummy (head and all) in 3 or 4 blankets. I think it took him 5 minutes to find a way out. I was laughing while they were still wondering - What in the world is going on? They were still very tired and sleepy - too bad - get up - get up. These guys were much more obedient than my American boys - out of the bed they came ready to do whatever.
After breakfast it was time for a "take care of yourself" lesson. I took both of them into the double sink bathroom with their toiletry caddies in hand and me in the middle. First was the face scrub with a buff puff - I told them it would be a little rough on their skin but would clear up the acne in a couple of weeks. What is acne Lala? How do you spell that? Don't worry about it just wash your face at least once a day. Then, Crest on the spinning toothbrush. I made sure they got every tooth, top and bottom, as they were spitting constantly. At one point, they were brushing their tongue with the revolving head and laughing. Next, Listerine! with instructions DO NOT SWALLOW - put a swig in your mouth, swish and spit out. How much is swig Lala? I have no idea - turn up the bottle and I will tell you when to stop. They both proceeded to pour and watched - with me doing the mouthing motions to show them how to swish. SPIT it out! Both guys had their mouths wide open and their tongues stuck out like it was on fire. Hot Lala! I told them that mouthwash was getting all of the germs out of their mouths. On to oil-free lotion for their face and Visine. They were so cute trying to figure out how to place the drops in their eyes. They were given instructions to use when their eyes felt dry or red. Next was astringent on the end of a Qtip for their ears. They knew what to do with the cotton swabs and how to use them. After we finished, I made them repeat the instructions. Andrew and Bullen did awesome! We talked about anti-bacterial soap killing bacteria, shampoo for your hair, shaving cream and razor for your face and when to change the blade.
I tell this story for one reason - we Americans are so blessed and take so much for granted. In Sudan, they brushed their teeth with a stick! God has richly blessed our people and nation. We not only have running water, electricity and food, we even have a toothbrush. Thank You Father for our many blessings and privileges - thank You for allowing Bullen and Andrew to share these blessings too.
Scatter Christ
Rick_Lisa

Telephone Line

Today in Mundri, the telephone line was opened official on Oct 30/2008.  It is the history of Southern Sudan. Nothing happened like that but i am so happy because i can call from U.S. and talk with my Dad. 

TAKE TEA

I asked Andrew what he missed the most from his home country, Mundri Sudan. He told me that he missed taking tea. You mean drinking tea? Yes. Why can't you drink tea in America? I don't know how to make. Daniel took Andrew to Walmart and purchased tea bags and I explained how to make hot water with a coffee pot. Now he can take tea whenever he wants.

Why am I Here?

Andrew Elispana
My Name: Andrew Mahandis Elisapana
My Age: 25 yearsMy major is: Education.

Why did you want to come to school here in the US? I come to school here in the US because I need good education. School materials and books are available. Good teachers and technology. United State is a Peaceful country good for studies.

What do you want to do with your education when you return to Sudan? I want to go back to work in my country, open a Christian schools to teach my people so that they will be able to understand the word of God and be able to take good care of themselves I pray that God will use me to teach for His glory, because many southern Sudanese people do not go to school due to the persecution example no good school was build in southern Sudan, no running water, electricity, good road.

In 1953 Muslim take my father out from school because he is a Christian and my elder brother Alison Gift when he finished his high school he was denied in 1985/86 by Muslin in the north not to go to college because he is a Christian not only my father and my brother but they do to all southern Sudanese people because of our faith in Jesus Christ.

From my family I’m the first person to go to College it’s a miracle. Due to the persecution in Sudan Still today our people diebecause of no medicine, we sleep in Mad Hut house the roof attached grass every 2/3 years we rebuild it, drink dirty water full of disease, study under the tree, stay without electricity, drive on dirty road, and others. Today I thank God so much for choosing me from the Jangle of Sudan to come in U.S to study in order to go back to teach my people.I am so thankful and I appreciate your support in the form of this grant to assist with our school fees and living expenses while here in U.S may God bless you and use you for His glory.

I will conclude that as you educate us here you educate millions of people in Sudan because when we go back the knowledge we get from you they will get from us it’s so great. Thank you Pray for me: knowledge, wisdom and understanding. Pray for my family back home.

Andrews email: zarahmandis@yahoo.com

Soles4Souls

Three Sudanese students have been eagerly helping Soles4Souls 'change the world one pair at a time' by donating a little time at the Roanoke, AL distribution center.
Stephen Dokolo, Bullen Timo and Andrew Elispana are in United States to further their education at Southern Union State Community College in Wadley, Alabama. Four Corners Ministry put the students through high school in Uganda, where the students earned their diplomas, allowing them to be approved for admission into Southern Union.
Paul Wilson, the President of World Outreach Division at Soles4Souls, first met Bullen, Andrew and Stephen in 2005 when he traveled to Sudan to distribute shoes to the needy.
"I am appreciative of Soles4Souls, it is so hot and the ground burns our feet," stated Stephen. "The closest thing I compare it to for Americans, it is like having a new set of tires for your car."
The three students have just completed their first week of school and are now volunteering some time in the warehouse as a way to give back for the generosity shown to them through Soles4Souls.
"In Sudan we could not get a pair of shoes even if we had money," said Bullen. "These shoes are life changing. They protect our feet from infection and injury."
The students have been helping to sort, pack and ship donated shoes, many that will end up in Sudan. Andrew Elispana hopes that he can help those in his home country.
"I so much want to share my appreciation for how I have been helped with the gift of shoes so it is with great joy I can work with Soles4Souls here," he said.

Scott J. Will in Mundri

Hot, dry, desolate. No way could I ever live here – or at least that was my initial impression, but that quickly changed. The land was brown, wilted from the abandonment of rain over several weeks and the desert like heat at the peak of the dry season. The physical beauty was lacking, the land was flat and bare, but the people were amazing. The Episcopal Church of Mundri accommodated beyond our every need – tour guides, storytellers, food providers, etc. The town was small and remote, but the people were tall and welcoming. The locals of Mundri spoke much better English than those in Bundibugyo, Uganda. As I was walking about by myself one afternoon I spoke with several children, from very young to those in their early 20’s. The kids were delightful and their stories incredible. One such story that I continue to think about is that of the boy pictured above:

I approached two young men that were dancing on the dry, barren land as the sun faded, colors changing from yellow to orange to the blackness of night. They were listening to their small radio, as the played their favorite gospel music tape over and over. I could tell the music was some type of religious music, and so I approached the boys about asking about their choice of music and obvious dancing skills. Over the next several minutes I joined in the dancing and “praising of God.” The younger of the two boys, 18, was the worship leader and children’s choir director of the local Episcopal Church. He told me his favorite thing to do was listen to and make music that worships and honors God. As I continued to ask him questions he told me more of his incredible journey for a man so young in age.

When he was 12 years old he was sitting in school one day, a local primary school with dirt floors and crumbling brick walls, when gruff, demanding soldiers entered the room and ordered him simply to follow them or be killed. They handed him a gun that day and told him he was no longer a boy, but now a soldier. Over the next several weeks to months, he was forced to become a “boy-soldier”. He was forced to use his gun, on people, killing innocent victims or become one himself. He was forced to watch people be killed, forced to walk for miles on end through the bush of Sudan, forced to leave his family never-knowing if he would see them again. Forced to abandon the life of a child and live the life of a soldier.

Eventually the young boy escaped from the military entourage and fled through the night. Over the next several weeks he literally fled by foot, alone, without food or water, seeking refuge that he did not know if he would ever find. Miraculously, he eventually found his way to a refugee camp in Kenya, his salvation of sorts.

This young boy later learned that his entire family had been killed, apparently disposable byproducts of the ongoing civil war that has devastated the country, killing ~2,000,000 people and forcing ~4,000,000 to flee from their homes. The world he had known as a boy was now gone, never to return. Yet here he was, in front of me on the now dark, barren night, singing and dancing with all his might. Why? Why would this young man, several years after being kidnapped and forced to kill, be singing, dancing, and worshipping God? Many in his situation would surely curse the day they were born, blaspheme God and all his followers, but not him. Not this joyful young man standing before me now, swaying with the beat of the beautiful gospel sound resounding from the small radio that was balanced gingerly from the large, smooth log resting next to us on this fading day. Rarely have I beheld such a beautiful, simple, yet incredibly meaningful sight. 

This boy explained that his exuberating joy is because Jesus saved him and spared him - saved from mortal death thus far and filled with eternal life. Grateful for his life, and aware of his mortality, but still an unending love and commitment to Jesus Christ.

In reflection on my brief visit to Sudan, my trip to Mundri was a wonderful experience in which I am extremely grateful to have had. Though the land was far from my idea of picturesque physical beauty, the people were beyond beautiful – an eagerness and desire to learn and rebuild, a quiet confidant hope no doubt forged through years of persecution and war, and a willingness to engage without isolation or suffocation (as compared to Bundibugyo, Uganda where people yell “Muzungu” all day long and children flock to see the white man).

The people of Sudan are very inviting and would no doubt have many more miraculous stories to tell. The perceived need in Sudan seems greater to me than Uganda, though both countries are still trying to rebuild from devastating conflicts. As I continue to process my recent adventure in Uganda and what my future may hold in store, I am left reflecting on what one missionary wisely told me - “In doing God’s work we must continually ask ourselves where can I be most useful”.