As many of you know, a group of us had a chance to visit the village of Lith Payam in Southern Sudan, the home of our dear friend Abraham Piok. Upon entering the airport in the capital city of Juba, we discovered a whole culture of people who have lived their whole lives in the midst of war, violence, and death. This same atmosphere was felt as we arrived in Lith Payam a few days later; just last August over 100 people in the area were killed, most of who were women and children. Despite this tragic situation, however, the power of relational presence was felt. Village elders, women, and children alike expressed their gratitude for our coming, and we experienced incredible hospitality from a people who seemingly have nothing. Our time spent in Lith Payam was full of laughing as we tried to understand each other's cultures and engaged in the common language of giving, learning and playing. It was undoubtedly clear to us that true bonds of friendship were formed, and as a community who's mission is to walk alongside others through the journey of life, it was also clear that we need to continue to Adsideo our new family in Sudan.