The Diocese of Kajo Keji
Mission Trip to Kajo Kejo
Many thanks to those of you who answered phones and worried and prayed for me during my trip to Kajo Keji, Sudan in early January. It was a strange set of coincidences to be safe in the most violent part of Africa and then to cancel my trip to Kenya, the "safest" country in Africa. The most striking thing about this part of the world is how hot and dry it is (in January) and how hospitable and joyous these folks can be. It is confusing to consider the problems Americans have today: a key locked in a car, a slow computer, waiting in line at the mall to return something, a teenager begging to use the car and then to share time with these people who have never visited a dentist, who can't see because they don't have glasses, who eat potatoes at every meal to fill up their bellies and then I wonder how they can smile so much.
These folks knew as I arrived that I was somehow connected with all the bikes that showed up last spring and all the thanks and praise meant for you, went to me. People did continue to ask for help but their requests were always so small and practical; reading glasses, a Bible, a Cross, a bike!
Although I did not get to the Loopo school this time, I did meet the pastor of that town and the Archdeacon of their deaconry (neither speak English). Their school begins again in February and the scholarships that you contributed through the loose plate offering at Christmas will pay for 50 children to attend school. That fee also flows through the education system and begins to buy supplies and give some small honorarium to teachers. You have made a difference in the life of this country. Education will release Kajo Kejo from extreme poverty.
Maria asked me to speak at the Adult Forum on Sunday, February 3 (World Mission Sunday). Please come and see my new pictures and we'll talk about how life has changed there in one year.
Jo Trepagnier
(Jo, our office manager, is a member of Nativity Cathedral and the Diocesan World Mission Committee. She traveled to Kajo Keji, Sudan in 2008 and is an active member of the Diocesan Capital Campaign.)