Josh's trip to Sudan

The Ross Sudan group:

(back row) Meghan, Josh, Ethan, (front row) Caitlin, Autum, Chelsea (kneeling) Jason

So...I wanted to be sure to share some of the pictures we have from Josh's trip to Sudan over this past break. He had an amazing trip. He was fortunate to have a great group of friends to go with to support each other and I think all of them would tell you that they fell in love with the Sudanese people. Josh said as soon as he got home that the people in Sudan totally made the 2 days of air travel worth it, so I know he was really taken with them! Josh has also said that he will go back and would like Isaiah and I to go someday as well. We are definitely thinking it would be a great way to show Isaiah that you can be happy and trust and love God even when you don't have all the material things you think you 'need'! Josh felt like he was going to make a difference, but found that he actually gained more than he gave on the trip! I hope you enjoy the pictures....I know I did!

They drove/rode approximately 2 hours to/from the villages (bomas) each day crammed in the back of this land rover

They flew on this tiny plane from Uganda to Sudan and back courtesy of MAF (Missions Aviation Fellowship)

A view of the Nile River from their MAF plane

Taking a break from working with the cattle

I don't know about you, but I think these guys look a little scary!

The group split up to attend church at local churches on Sunday. Josh went with Chelsea and Caitlin

Josh took some of Isaiah's clothes and handed them out to the children. He said that Owala (the little boy he is putting the yellow shirt on) was very serious and never smiled, but couldn't quit smiling after he got his new yellow shirt!

The crew stayed in this building in a fenced in compound while in Sudan.

Autum, Meghan, and Pastor Larry

Josh and Autum relaxing inside on their beds (notice the mosquito nets!)

Every day after they were done with work, the group would head back home and play with the village children. They took some soccer balls and coloring books along to give the kids too!

This is a typical family home in Southern Sudan made of mud and a grass thatched roof

Meghan, Caitlin, and Josh out working

A church made with mud walls and the grass thatched roof

Caitlin having fun with some of the kids

Josh dosing a cow with de-wormer

Josh holding a calf, so Paul could give it a vitamin injection

After dosing the cattle, they would do some education with cattle farmers about diseases, symptoms, how they can be spread, etc. by using pictures and the help of a translator.

Mango trees! Josh said they were everywhere and so full of mangos! All the talking/meeting they did was pretty much done under mango trees for some shade.

The Sudan crew

The whole group has beaded bracelets they got on their trip as a reminder of this great experience.