New Security Guards

We have found our new security guards for the compound. Watch out Sudan here are the Lewis boys! Yes, Davis is holding a AK47 that belongs to a guard here at Mango camp. He makes nightly rounds with John, the night guard. John let him hold the gun for the picture. They are loving all of the weapons that are over here in Sudan.
We always have several kids wanting to ride in the truck with us. This is a picture of a typical ride home with all the kiddos in the back.
Walker has found a new hobby. He has been watching the workers break-up rock with their hammers and has decided he can do it too.

Our first visit

This weekend we had a great surprise. We were contacted earlier in the week by a couple, Philip and Linda Byler, who live in Torit, Sudan who serve with African Inland Mission. They found our blog site and contacted us. Torit is about a 4 hour drive away from Kapoeta. They were heading to a nearby town and wanted to know if we could meet up with them. They arrived Saturday around lunch and spent the day with us. It was fun getting to know them and sharing with them. God knew that I needed a smiling face and someone to talk to.
Benton was given the opportunity to slaughter his first goat on Saturday. The day guard, Marco, had given him a Toposa knife. The knife was too dull to cut the goat's throat. Benton was bummed but looks forward to his next goat slaughtering.
Walker continues to be everyones friend and never meets a stranger. In the picture, he is playing in the dirt with a few of his new friends.
No pictures of Davis this time, every time I had the camera out he was off playing, hunting or making something. They killed a bat this week with their slingshots. They were so proud.
Shannon is using chronological Bible stories on Sundays under a tree outside of the compound. We are having around 30 people attend each Sunday. So far, there have been 5 pray to receive Christ. A few of the Toposa have even led in re-telling the stories. This is very encouraging!
Language is going great for Shannon. I am having a harder time trying to juggle homeschooling, language and the other Mommy duties. Please pray for me to be disciplined and devoted to learning a new language.

Getting closer

We are about 2 weeks away from being in the house. We can't wait! Last night Benton and Davis spent the night at the compound. They stayed in the tent with a few of the men working on the house. They had a blast staying up late and being served their morning chai. We are blessed to have a group of christian men from Uganda working on the construction of the house. They have been so nice and caring to our family. They have joined us for church each Sunday. We will be sad to see them leave.
The boys have decided that they need an outdoor kitchen for themselves. Here is a picture of them constructing the mud walls. Sunto and Lomkwam are two of their friends that have been helping. They always have some new project going on. Walker is always watching or destroying what they make.
We were able to get away for two days to Loki, Kenya. It is about a 3 hour drive from Kapoeta. We stayed at a place that had air-conditioning. It was nice to have the temperature under 90 degrees. We even found a place that had milkshakes.
Thank you to all of our friends and family that have kept in touch with us. We have really appreciated your words of encouragement. Please continue to pray for us and the Toposa people. We love you all!