26 May 2020
Friends, greetings in the name of Our Lord and Savior,
Yes, I am still in the USA. My scheduled return to South Sudan on April 12 was delayed due to travel restrictions by the PCUSA as well as the governments of South Sudan, Kenya, Uganda and Ethiopia. (I must travel through either Ethiopia, Kenya or Uganda.) In that this “monster” in our midst is still raging, it is unclear when a return may be possible.
South Sudan began registering its first COVID-19 cases about a month ago. So far, ten deaths have been attributed to the virus. I pray that the virus does not spread because our friends there are already so vulnerable due to hunger and lack of drinking water and handwashing facilities as well as medical care. Most of the country’s citizens are living in overcrowded internally displaced camps where it is even worse. I am hoping that there is already a bit of immunity in the bodies of the South Sudanese or a local remedy that will help them ward off this attacker.
So, I am here, and I am well. Like others, I am wearing the mask, cooking huge meals for aged family members (a father of 97 years, an 86 year-old uncle and a cousin who spent a “lifetime” as a military man and is now suffering with PTSD, cancer, divorce and alcoholism), tutoring my grandson, and delivering meals to out-of-school children whose parents are still working. On a few occasions (as a reserve driver), I get the opportunity to spend a moment or two in conversation on doorsteps with Meal on Wheels recipients.
Life is different and can often be described as “upside-down.” My heart goes out to everyone because I know that few have ever experienced shortages, confinement, and a feeling of not being in control. After having spent decades in some of the most impoverished countries where everything is in short supply – especially medicines and good health – I know that life is challenging. We can, however, come through this; hopefully, stronger in faith and more aware of our global neighbors.
I stay in touch with my South Sudanese worshipping community, friends, colleagues and neighbors. They have had much concern for all of us here and are following the news very closely. More importantly, they are praying for everyone. Let us continue to pray for each other and those beyond our borders.
Stay well and may peace and grace be with you. Thank you for your support.
In Continued Fellowship,
Leisa Wagstaff
PC(USA) Mission Co-Worker – South Sudan
c/o PO Box 85, Leasburg, NC 27291