I am now in Kenya after a long flight south in the MAF plane from Juba. And now in the southern hemisphere for the first time. Not that anyone finds that interesting other than me, but it's a small milestone! I'll have to watch the water go down the plughole to see if it really does circle the other way...sad, aren't I!
And as always, the MAF plane I joined was well utilised, and there were many people from various organisations returning back from Juba. These included Medair staff - Medair are a medical mission that provides primary healthcare in some of the remotest parts of southern Sudan, and without MAF, would really struggle to work where they do. Also on the flight was a small team from Nairobi Lighthouse Church, back after assessing the needs in parts of the country and working out what the church can do to help in outreach. One of the outcomes is that they will be taking over a remote medical facility after the existing development organisation are pulling out of the area. One of the church members, Janet, had actually been in Sudan for 4 months, and was 'stranded' in a village after running out of money. Thankfully, MAF were able to bring her back home to Nairobi. She was very grateful for the work of MAF - quite a recurring them, it has to be said. The team said they were truly humbled by the enormous needs that many Sudanese communities face. I'll say it again - Sudan needs our prayers.
So, here I am in Kenya. Nairobi is 5,500ft above see level, and therefore noticeably cooler than Juba, despite its proximity to the equator. Very refreshing after my few days in the relentness Sudanese heat. MAF has good hangar and office facilities and the large team here are all very hard at work. The city itself, compared to what I have seen so far in Africa, is very well developed. But at the same time, still maintains its African influence, culture and interesting driving habits.
From Nairobi, MAF does flights to outlying settlements in Kenya, particularly the north which is still famine-affected. There are also flights to Somalia, although with the current situation within that country, it can be difficult to get permissions to fly across the border. But the majorty of flights are into Sudan, carrying tons of cargo and people every week to and from the country, all making a difference.
Weight permitting (let's suck that belly in), I hope to be able to hop on a flight tomorrow in our little Cessna 206, but we'll keep you posted.
