St John's Church, Wilunze Parish, Kikombo Village

We've visited Wilunze Parish two days now. Each day, I learn a little more. For example, note the title of this blog. I now understand why I couldn't find Wilunze on the map when I looked for it on Google maps. That's the parish name. There are 2 parishes in Kikombo - Kikombo Parish an Wilunze Parish. Wilunze Parish has 5 churches, one of which is St John's, which also is where the Parish is located. I have a notebook full of facts. 900 children in primary school with 10 teachers. 165 students in secondary school with 15 teachers. 11 staff at the clinic including 1 doctor. 183 cases HIV this year as compared to 165 this year. 1 broken deep diesel pump-driven Ayer well. 1 functioning shallower hand-driven pump well with 2 hand pumps on it. Beyond all these facts that have my mind spinning are the people. Fellow children of God. The happy smiles of the Carpenter's kids as we handed them their new uniforms, school supplies, and this really interesting 2-foot bar of soap that breaks unto individual soaps. Their priest Charles with a grin from ear to ear. The women commanding the scene as they serve us tea when we arrive and lunch later in the day. Olivia, the Carpenter's Kids Communications Coordinator. Christina, a friend that I felt immediately drawn to. Martha, who would love to come visit us in Virginia. I could go on and on. Tomorrow is our last day to visit Wilunze. We then go with our friends from St Mary's Arlington to their village, Ndebwe. I can't wait to make more new friends. And I haven't even told you about our incredible visit guides/drivers/CK and Diocesan leadership Pastor Niah, Pastor Emmanuel Sr, Pastor Emmanel Sr who visited us at St Dunstan's, John...they are amazing! I am truly changed by my time here. I look forward to sharing more with you when we get back, and seeing what God has in store for all of us in the coming days and months. Thanks be to God, Nancy