Both of us had been invited to attend and speak at the Samaritan’s Purse(SP) staff conference in the Nuba Mountains so Monday 21st June saw us flying in a 12 seater plane with some SP staff from Juba to Kauda, via Rumbek, where we refueled.

Everything was weighed carefully before we took off to make sure we were under the total weight limit for people and luggage. As a group we were 50kg over so we had to decide what to remove before we could take off.

On landing at Kauda, we drove for one hour up a bumpy unmade road to Heiban where SP is supporting the development of a theological college. This was to be our home for the next 4 days, at the foot of some mountains (see photo 1).

John had been asked to speak at two main sessions and at three electives, sharing his experience as a manager to deal with issues such a leading a team and managing change. Poppy spoke at two sessions on health issues.

It was wonderful to be part of the SP Sudan team. Over 100 staff from USA, Kenya, Canada, Uganda and Sudan took part and shared in the programme that was part spiritual and part team building and included some Olympic games over three afternoons. Great food was served. We watched USA win its world cup match vs Algeria, with a goal in extra time. And we had many good conversations and made new friends.

All too quickly it was Friday and at 0630 and it was time to get into a convoy of SP land cruisers for the return journey to the airstrip.

Unfortunately heavy rain had made the rough roads almost impassible in some places and we got badly stuck (photo 2). Three vehicles in our convoy had to be rescued by an SP tractor but eventually we reached the airstrip to catch our plane, muddy and over an hour late. But as the pilots were in one of the land cruisers, we were not too late! (see photo 3).

It had been a wonderful experience, with a group of very special colleague doing an incredible job in tough situations, helping the people of South Sudan (see www.samaritanspurse.org).

John and Poppy