What is different? How is it one week after having come from a world drastically different from the U.S.?
To be honest, it's NOT REALLY DRASTICALLY DIFFERENT. The shell certainly is different, and yet those minds in each of us, those "idol making factories" that reside in every human being don't change because we change continents.
Do you ever think about criticizing? complaining? stretching the truth? reacting in anger? thinking of yourself? thinking you are superior to someone who doesn't have XXXXX?
Are we going to be REAL here?
As I plan to give a trip report in my Sunday School class Sunday, I have pondered these questions AND I've looked up Scripture to help focus me. There are the "common" ones to those of us who have been raised in the church like Matthew 28:19-20 GO...... Teach...... teaching them to OBEY...... and Low I'll be with you ALWAYS......regardless of the continent.....
Are we focusing on the turtle's shell when we insist that "our world" is more comfortable? Turtles have the soft side too. BOTH are exposed! Which part of me am I going to let the world see?
I hope to add pictures to accompany the posts I've written. But that's a task for tomorrow when I'm fresher.
Will you pray for the Sunday School Report?
Thanks!
Thursday, June 19, 2014
Thursday, June 12, 2014
Can't You Just Send Money?
Last night I was challenged with the question "Can't you just send money?"
Why did I grieve over that question? One of the answers is that as I told the stories, God's incredible provision for us is not what came out. What these listeners heard was "danger"!
Was there danger? I guess I'd say yes in that generally it is known that people get sick and medical attention is woefully inadequate in those two countries. We generally know about dangers of malaria from mosquito bites. We have heard our stories. THEN I lived through experiences in which I have recorded my sensing that God was providing GUARDIAN ANGELS to keep us.
AND YET, I'd be naive to not also acknowledge that I'm sure there were other times in which God stepped in that I will never know exactly how He protected us.
But the FOCUS should NEVER BE ON US.
And if it is, I have done a woefully inadequate job of painting the picture of this trip. I wanted you Dear Reader to observe the growth God is doing in me but I want you to come away with the conviction that any perceived suffering is done in His power and is working out something in me for my good and His Glory.
I am convinced that we can't do this work by throwing money at a need and hoping it works. It takes sacrifice. It takes prayer. It takes , yes, trips to renew friendships and make more.
So, if you have seen what I wanted you to see, will you drop me an email at vvickery@gmail.com?
Plane friends etc
The first part of this post seems more like notes, which in fact it really is. I had to record in "notes" throughout the time in Africa since I couldn't get on line to record my growth through Africa.
This is the next to last post I plan to record. I hope those of you who have read these will email me at vvickery@gmail.com and give me your impressions. If I can speak to some Sunday School class, or if you would like to meet James Oonyu from Uganda November 8-15, please let us know.
Contact Karen at admin@eafc.net to get on the schedule. I really, really hope you will. If so, the time I've spent on this exercise will have been time well spent.
I DO want God to be glorified through these efforts and for benefit to come in the lives of those who read them.
Plane friends
Aaron Wible from Fort Worth. Goes to Univ of Okla and wad on the plane with us from London to Dallas. His team had been in South Africa.
Melissa Owen is his mother, Cindy and Susan are his aunts. Susan is married to AW Greer, Stacey's Dad ( who was in school with our daughter Susan)
His mother and aunts went went to Prep
His mother is 54. You learn a lit on a nine plus hour flight home.
Chase is from Shreveport. Goes to Dallas Baptist but went to Louisiana Tech. On this trip he was in Sierra Leone when we were
Alfonzo and Rocio sat by me. They Are from Guadalajara, Mexico. We had fun becoming friends with our fragmented knowledge of each others' language.
These trips don't end when you leave the countries. There are opportunities to bumble with your Spanish, write on a napkin in an attempt to share the Gospel. There is sharing of information with other missionaries, a team of 12 from the University of Oklahoma. These are sharp committed young people. Their church is a part of the Antioch Movement that is worldwide, seeking to expand in the 10/40 window. I will have to look them up. This team has been in Cape Town and even worshipped yesterday in Tim Sprowson's church, His People. ( Tim's parents live in Malawi and are good friends of ours) Aaron has close family in Jackson. Chase joined our discussion and the two of them realized they too had friends in common. Chase had been 2 weeks in Sierra Leone, church planting and teaching the people to grow a plant rimona, ( I am sure I have misspelled this) supposed to be a super food for nutrition.
Once again Peggy found someone else interested in knowing more about her worm vermacomposting. I think I too could do this, will try anyway.
I have also talked with young communications majors, these young people are really a quality group.
I have stayed busy all day, and yet the hours creep by. Three hours til Dallas, 2 1/2 waiting in Dallas, and one hour home. But once we stop in Dallas, we are on US soil and it feels good. Going through customs can be a bit of a hassle, but all in all we feel the wind at our back by then.
Time will tell whether meaningful relationships develop from random conversations. Maybe we are to all remain passing blurring memories in each others' minds, but maybe, just maybe God has something else in mind. Especially I would love to see that with Alfonzo and Rocio.
PS. Alfonzo told me there is place on the Internet that translates for you, and sure enough I found it and have emailed him.
PSS. I only thought 2 1/2 hours, then a brief layover, and a one hour flight home.
" My ways are not your ways, says the Lord".
Now, however I am home and will continue to process this incredible experience .
This is the next to last post I plan to record. I hope those of you who have read these will email me at vvickery@gmail.com and give me your impressions. If I can speak to some Sunday School class, or if you would like to meet James Oonyu from Uganda November 8-15, please let us know.
Contact Karen at admin@eafc.net to get on the schedule. I really, really hope you will. If so, the time I've spent on this exercise will have been time well spent.
I DO want God to be glorified through these efforts and for benefit to come in the lives of those who read them.
Plane friends
Aaron Wible from Fort Worth. Goes to Univ of Okla and wad on the plane with us from London to Dallas. His team had been in South Africa.
Melissa Owen is his mother, Cindy and Susan are his aunts. Susan is married to AW Greer, Stacey's Dad ( who was in school with our daughter Susan)
His mother and aunts went went to Prep
His mother is 54. You learn a lit on a nine plus hour flight home.
Chase is from Shreveport. Goes to Dallas Baptist but went to Louisiana Tech. On this trip he was in Sierra Leone when we were
Alfonzo and Rocio sat by me. They Are from Guadalajara, Mexico. We had fun becoming friends with our fragmented knowledge of each others' language.
These trips don't end when you leave the countries. There are opportunities to bumble with your Spanish, write on a napkin in an attempt to share the Gospel. There is sharing of information with other missionaries, a team of 12 from the University of Oklahoma. These are sharp committed young people. Their church is a part of the Antioch Movement that is worldwide, seeking to expand in the 10/40 window. I will have to look them up. This team has been in Cape Town and even worshipped yesterday in Tim Sprowson's church, His People. ( Tim's parents live in Malawi and are good friends of ours) Aaron has close family in Jackson. Chase joined our discussion and the two of them realized they too had friends in common. Chase had been 2 weeks in Sierra Leone, church planting and teaching the people to grow a plant rimona, ( I am sure I have misspelled this) supposed to be a super food for nutrition.
Once again Peggy found someone else interested in knowing more about her worm vermacomposting. I think I too could do this, will try anyway.
I have also talked with young communications majors, these young people are really a quality group.
I have stayed busy all day, and yet the hours creep by. Three hours til Dallas, 2 1/2 waiting in Dallas, and one hour home. But once we stop in Dallas, we are on US soil and it feels good. Going through customs can be a bit of a hassle, but all in all we feel the wind at our back by then.
Time will tell whether meaningful relationships develop from random conversations. Maybe we are to all remain passing blurring memories in each others' minds, but maybe, just maybe God has something else in mind. Especially I would love to see that with Alfonzo and Rocio.
PS. Alfonzo told me there is place on the Internet that translates for you, and sure enough I found it and have emailed him.
PSS. I only thought 2 1/2 hours, then a brief layover, and a one hour flight home.
" My ways are not your ways, says the Lord".
Now, however I am home and will continue to process this incredible experience .
Getting to know the functions of the blog site now (smile) Can you read red?
Headed home. June 8, 2014
What fun to see Hannah, one of my roomies in Yekepa from 3 years ago who is Amani Country Director. Emmanuel picked her up from the airport yesterday afternoon, and she stayed at the guesthouse with us last night giving us a ride in her vehicle to the airport this morning but she needed Emmanuel since she doesn't think it is safe to travel alone.
Emmanuel and Wintee stayed in Peggy's room, and Peggy and I bunked together again. Since we were leaving at 4:30 for the airport, it saved Emmanuel time traveling to get us so early in the morning. Why Wintee came I can only speculate. A nice bed with an attached bath? Air conditioning? Maybe missing her husband who had been at a retreat since Tuesday? Whenever Wintee was around and there was food, she always ate. She doesn't look hungry, but she seems to enjoy food whenever she gets some. We have observed that a lot in this land. I think this has been a trip in which we have lived closer to the way the native people of the country do than ever before. I hope that if any of my African friends read this that I am not offending them. We Americans don't even know how spoiled we are. We so take our creature comforts for granted. It only takes a short time outside of our culture to discover how much we DO take them for granted and what adjustments it is for us to be without them.*
Soon we will be touching down in Sierra Leone for the last time this trip. Emmanuel evaluated the trip with us last night and from his perspective it was a 9 out of 10. It will take me a bit longer to truly evaluate it. Parts are easy. We were warmly greeted and appreciated by all the people. Our ministry is raved over among all the groups we encountered, whether the owner of the guesthouse or a visitor from Togo.
*But this is a hard land, physically exhausting. The airport is one hour from Monrovia in a good vehicle and going 30 miles an hour in one the needed repair took us twice as long that first night. We were charged $10 on time for fuel to get us there, $20 for the day we missed our flight and $30 another time. Eleazar, Christian, Julia Mulbah and Emmanuel provided us with meals or partial housing cost, but there was other times we had to feed not only ourselves but our host and his friend. So even taking out the visa debacle I think this was an expensive trip.
Was it necessary? Absolutely. Franklyn has been associated with EAFC since 2008 but just now thinks he understands us. It took personal contact. I had taught Emmanuel in 2011 and talked to many while in Liberia that year about EAFC but he coordinated the trip based on friendship with me, not understanding or valuing the work. That has definitely changed. Last night he asked what were the responsibilities of a country coordinator. From that I took it that he is willing to function in that role for a while. Franklyn accepted the responsibility with pleasure.
So now, we come home happy and heavy. Happy that we have been well, accomplished what we set out to do, fond of relationships that were rekindled and new one formed, but heavy that the needs so outweigh our ability to provide. Let me add a new "h" word, hopeful that God will give us favor with more people who can give that they want to.
To Him be the glory!!!
Headed home. June 8, 2014
What fun to see Hannah, one of my roomies in Yekepa from 3 years ago who is Amani Country Director. Emmanuel picked her up from the airport yesterday afternoon, and she stayed at the guesthouse with us last night giving us a ride in her vehicle to the airport this morning but she needed Emmanuel since she doesn't think it is safe to travel alone.
Emmanuel and Wintee stayed in Peggy's room, and Peggy and I bunked together again. Since we were leaving at 4:30 for the airport, it saved Emmanuel time traveling to get us so early in the morning. Why Wintee came I can only speculate. A nice bed with an attached bath? Air conditioning? Maybe missing her husband who had been at a retreat since Tuesday? Whenever Wintee was around and there was food, she always ate. She doesn't look hungry, but she seems to enjoy food whenever she gets some. We have observed that a lot in this land. I think this has been a trip in which we have lived closer to the way the native people of the country do than ever before. I hope that if any of my African friends read this that I am not offending them. We Americans don't even know how spoiled we are. We so take our creature comforts for granted. It only takes a short time outside of our culture to discover how much we DO take them for granted and what adjustments it is for us to be without them.*
Soon we will be touching down in Sierra Leone for the last time this trip. Emmanuel evaluated the trip with us last night and from his perspective it was a 9 out of 10. It will take me a bit longer to truly evaluate it. Parts are easy. We were warmly greeted and appreciated by all the people. Our ministry is raved over among all the groups we encountered, whether the owner of the guesthouse or a visitor from Togo.
*But this is a hard land, physically exhausting. The airport is one hour from Monrovia in a good vehicle and going 30 miles an hour in one the needed repair took us twice as long that first night. We were charged $10 on time for fuel to get us there, $20 for the day we missed our flight and $30 another time. Eleazar, Christian, Julia Mulbah and Emmanuel provided us with meals or partial housing cost, but there was other times we had to feed not only ourselves but our host and his friend. So even taking out the visa debacle I think this was an expensive trip.
Was it necessary? Absolutely. Franklyn has been associated with EAFC since 2008 but just now thinks he understands us. It took personal contact. I had taught Emmanuel in 2011 and talked to many while in Liberia that year about EAFC but he coordinated the trip based on friendship with me, not understanding or valuing the work. That has definitely changed. Last night he asked what were the responsibilities of a country coordinator. From that I took it that he is willing to function in that role for a while. Franklyn accepted the responsibility with pleasure.
So now, we come home happy and heavy. Happy that we have been well, accomplished what we set out to do, fond of relationships that were rekindled and new one formed, but heavy that the needs so outweigh our ability to provide. Let me add a new "h" word, hopeful that God will give us favor with more people who can give that they want to.
To Him be the glory!!!
Between generators and bullfrogs
Why ONE AM?
Electricity went off at 1 AM. So I risked mosquitoes to get cool and opened the door onto the balcony off my room. Generator roar and bullfrogs croaking from the nearby river serenaded me after that. This post was written while in a wakeful state June 7 at 1 AM.
1 AM June 7, 2014
I think I went to bed around eight last night. This trip has assaulted my creature comforts. That is why when the stewardess from Hungary let Peggy and me alone sit in first class for the short flight back to Monrovia yesterday we felt the privilege intensely . Thank you God.
Peggy and I have been trying to see if we could grasp a bit of what God had in mind by that third day in Sierra Leone. Instead of some big discipline or lesson we needed we think that God was showing is that we really have been learning how better to handle stressful circumstances with more grace. He has done the work in us. Every once in a while I think it is good to look back and see that we really are progressing in this walk of faith. It makes me then remember the verse " forgetting what is behind, I press towards the mark of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus". Now that we have looked behind, we now fix our gaze on Jesus lest a privilege of intercession become a stumbling block to the very thing we want, more love for Him, more dependence on Him and more faith in Him.
The book, "Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus" has taken me the whole week to complete. Between busyness and no power on iPad, it has been a slow process. Probably a good slow process to have time to reflect on the story of Jesus and His love, His pursuing us In the most unlikely circumstances. We have left a copy with Franklyn and one with Emmanuel. May the knowledge they gain help them in their ministry with this dedicated group of people. May my prayers increase.
Magdaline Mulbah, our precious EAFC student who will graduate June 28 came to see us. Thankfully it was a blessing to her too. She visited so long we had to reveal our profound fatigue. (AM praying that God will cause others to share Magdaline's passion for further education so she can really become a medical doctor) Now, let me try to get back to sleep. Prepare me Father for this last day in this land we have been privileged to know. Bless the leadership of the ECOL denomination as they welcome Albert and Priscella home who have been studying in a Kenya this month. May grace and repentance be a part of the process.
Good night again!
I think I went to bed around eight last night. This trip has assaulted my creature comforts. That is why when the stewardess from Hungary let Peggy and me alone sit in first class for the short flight back to Monrovia yesterday we felt the privilege intensely . Thank you God.
Peggy and I have been trying to see if we could grasp a bit of what God had in mind by that third day in Sierra Leone. Instead of some big discipline or lesson we needed we think that God was showing is that we really have been learning how better to handle stressful circumstances with more grace. He has done the work in us. Every once in a while I think it is good to look back and see that we really are progressing in this walk of faith. It makes me then remember the verse " forgetting what is behind, I press towards the mark of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus". Now that we have looked behind, we now fix our gaze on Jesus lest a privilege of intercession become a stumbling block to the very thing we want, more love for Him, more dependence on Him and more faith in Him.
The book, "Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus" has taken me the whole week to complete. Between busyness and no power on iPad, it has been a slow process. Probably a good slow process to have time to reflect on the story of Jesus and His love, His pursuing us In the most unlikely circumstances. We have left a copy with Franklyn and one with Emmanuel. May the knowledge they gain help them in their ministry with this dedicated group of people. May my prayers increase.
Magdaline Mulbah, our precious EAFC student who will graduate June 28 came to see us. Thankfully it was a blessing to her too. She visited so long we had to reveal our profound fatigue. (AM praying that God will cause others to share Magdaline's passion for further education so she can really become a medical doctor) Now, let me try to get back to sleep. Prepare me Father for this last day in this land we have been privileged to know. Bless the leadership of the ECOL denomination as they welcome Albert and Priscella home who have been studying in a Kenya this month. May grace and repentance be a part of the process.
Good night again!
Devotional Thought from Reading Bible while in Liberia
Devotional thoughts
Just read Nahum and Habakkuk at 5 AM and I have made notes in my Bible of all the verses that reminded me of where I am right now
Like these notes I just wrote by Hab 1:3-4
"In Liberia a second time. This is a hard land. I hear it is the second most corrupt in the world. It is hard to not throw up your hands when seeing all this."
"Yes this verse seems to picture what I have seen this week. There is no justice. The stories told by Dr Wilson at the Baptist Seminary speak clearly to this. Lord, have mercy on this land"
Hab 2:2-3 spoke to me
I reminded Caitlin(my granddaughter) to memorize verse 14
We are to never lose hope. "Wait for it". " the world will be covered with the knowledge of The Lord as the waters cover the sea"
And verse 20. "The Lord is in His holy temple. Let all the earth keep silent before Him"
Here is a verse I read that seems to speak of much of the poor health here
"I hear, and my body trembles; my lips quiver at the sound; rottenness enters into my bones; my legs tremble beneath me. Yet I will quietly wait for the day of trouble to come upon people who invade us.
Though the fig tree should not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines, the produce of the olive fail and the fields yield no food, the flock be cut off from the fold and there be no herd in the stalls, "
Have patience you say. All these wrongs will be righted
I hear the steady roar of a generator all night as I try to sleep. If only it were just the bullfrogs by the river. I cover myself with bug spray, a healthier option than malaria. I watch what I eat and drink because of cholera in this land.
Rice, rice, rice. The people are sick and stay that way because they either don't or can't get the right foods. This is a land that could grow vegetables, but the few we have gotten are masked in a sauce over rice and some kind of meat.
Indeed there is rottenness in the bones. Lord, have mercy!
Just read Nahum and Habakkuk at 5 AM and I have made notes in my Bible of all the verses that reminded me of where I am right now
Like these notes I just wrote by Hab 1:3-4
"In Liberia a second time. This is a hard land. I hear it is the second most corrupt in the world. It is hard to not throw up your hands when seeing all this."
"Yes this verse seems to picture what I have seen this week. There is no justice. The stories told by Dr Wilson at the Baptist Seminary speak clearly to this. Lord, have mercy on this land"
Hab 2:2-3 spoke to me
I reminded Caitlin(my granddaughter) to memorize verse 14
We are to never lose hope. "Wait for it". " the world will be covered with the knowledge of The Lord as the waters cover the sea"
And verse 20. "The Lord is in His holy temple. Let all the earth keep silent before Him"
Here is a verse I read that seems to speak of much of the poor health here
"I hear, and my body trembles; my lips quiver at the sound; rottenness enters into my bones; my legs tremble beneath me. Yet I will quietly wait for the day of trouble to come upon people who invade us.
Though the fig tree should not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines, the produce of the olive fail and the fields yield no food, the flock be cut off from the fold and there be no herd in the stalls, "
Have patience you say. All these wrongs will be righted
I hear the steady roar of a generator all night as I try to sleep. If only it were just the bullfrogs by the river. I cover myself with bug spray, a healthier option than malaria. I watch what I eat and drink because of cholera in this land.
Rice, rice, rice. The people are sick and stay that way because they either don't or can't get the right foods. This is a land that could grow vegetables, but the few we have gotten are masked in a sauce over rice and some kind of meat.
Indeed there is rottenness in the bones. Lord, have mercy!
Is Togo Next?
Togo next?
William Walter Ames is from Togo. His grandfather's grandfather had the same name, given to him by his Scottish parents.
One time this present day William met a black man in the US named Ames. That man asked William if he would do a DNA test. He did and found that these men were descended from the same father and mother..
What links William Ames to me however is not human but knowing a loving God and wanting to see Him worshiped in Togo too.
But for that to happen, current work in other countries will be watered down unless we get more donors catch the vision that seems so easy for the Africans to see.
Once again the cooking stones illustration has effectively and quickly communicated why we are here. (I'll try to post a picture of that too)
At 4:30 we still wait for Emmanuel to arrive for our evaluation time. In 12 hours we will be headed for the airport.
Wintee took us to the city to try to find curios, not easy in this country. Julia sent Magdalene with lunch kavala fish, plantons with a tomato sauce and some mangos. Between food and a nap, I have been revived.
Three stones (Church, College, and EAFC) necessary to cook the food that will feed the people. The student is the pot and we are putting ingredients into him so that when cooked the right amount of time, people can be blessed through his word. Africans like this story. Does it resonate with you?
William Walter Ames is from Togo. His grandfather's grandfather had the same name, given to him by his Scottish parents.
One time this present day William met a black man in the US named Ames. That man asked William if he would do a DNA test. He did and found that these men were descended from the same father and mother..
What links William Ames to me however is not human but knowing a loving God and wanting to see Him worshiped in Togo too.
But for that to happen, current work in other countries will be watered down unless we get more donors catch the vision that seems so easy for the Africans to see.
Once again the cooking stones illustration has effectively and quickly communicated why we are here. (I'll try to post a picture of that too)
At 4:30 we still wait for Emmanuel to arrive for our evaluation time. In 12 hours we will be headed for the airport.
Wintee took us to the city to try to find curios, not easy in this country. Julia sent Magdalene with lunch kavala fish, plantons with a tomato sauce and some mangos. Between food and a nap, I have been revived.
Three stones (Church, College, and EAFC) necessary to cook the food that will feed the people. The student is the pot and we are putting ingredients into him so that when cooked the right amount of time, people can be blessed through his word. Africans like this story. Does it resonate with you?Wednesday, June 11, 2014
Angels Show Up in Different Forms
Don't judge a book by its cover, we've been reminded all our lives. Would it make a difference to you if you saw rough looking characters on a dark alley IF YOU SAW BIBLES UNDER THEIR ARMS?
I hope the answer is yes!
Well, meet Eagle and Hustler, especially visualize Hustler. They were friends, but their outward appearance wasn't very similar. Here is the story about them I wrote last week.
A Story from Sierra Leone
"Eagle"and "Hustler" are both young, skinny young men with plenty of personality and do have a job . Their job is to sell concessions on the ferries that take an hour to cross the estuary that divides Freetown from the airport.
It appears that Eagle may be senior to Hustler since we saw him with the boss counting money from his money bag and doling out wages to other employees.
Eagle first greeted us when he recognized the two white ladies that seemed to stand out. We had been on the eight o"clock ferry and now he was seeing us again at noon.
miss your flight?" He asked. We responded briefly but later had several opportunities to explain in further detail why we were back on the ferry.
Peggy first spotted Hustler with his hair cut close on the sides but with a definite peek at the top of the head. He wore a white sleeveless tee shirt, gold necklace, another shirt unbuttoned, chained bracelet and the biggest sunglasses I have ever seen. I guess you have guessed we named them. Eagle had the word printed on his sweatshirt and Hustler, well, his attire and manner named him. It took him a few minutes of eavesdropping on our conversation to join Eagle in the seats next to us. They had our attention.
There was an attempt to talk with them about Jesus. Peggy started quoting what she said was John 3:16 which actually was Romans 3:23. When I began to correct her, Eagle smiled like he knew John 3:16. Peggy is convinced he did know it.
The long ferry ride gave us lots of opportunity to explore our new friends. Eagle said he had a brother who was a taxi driver and could take us to the Embassy.
When we did disembark, each of them grabbed one of our suitcases and meandered through the crowds protecting us with their sense of authority, never asking for anything from us. They did introduce us to a man they claimed to be Eagle's brother who did have a car, no sorry, a vehicle in Sierra Leone ( pronounced vicle). We had lots of fun with that especially when our driver's car started malfunctioning. Speed bumps were an obstacle that caused his engine to die. A 45 minute ride grew into over an hour and a half. Peggy said,"we are in a pickle with this vicle." You might as well keep your sense of humor.
I think our driver needs naming. "Spark Plug"did have a sense of honor that he would assume the responsibility to get us to the embassy. The only problem being that time was not on our side.
When we began to weave circuitous bumpy back roads our imaginations did start to question his honor. In hindsight we both think he was finding easier ways to get down hills since traffic and up hills were definitely not friends to his car. Spark Plug finally had to cry "uncle" but didn't do so until arriving at a junction where other taxis picked up passengers. That was a short trip which pleased us since the new taxi had its own cacophony of weird sounds coming from its engine.
The number of guardian angels had begin to mount not even mentioning that as we arrived at the Embassy, there was our only true friend in Sierra Leone Franklyn who had been waiting for us, having done all the preliminary work necessary to get the travel documents for next day"s trip back to Liberia.
He had even called Samuel, his friend who had become our friend too to come with his car to take us part of the way back to the ferry. ( Time wasn't on their side either as they both had class 30 minutes before we were to be on the ferry) What was touching to me was that as Samuel put us in the next to last taxi of the day, he gave the cabbie his phone number and asked him to call him when we had safely arrived.
Can you hear the flapping of angel wings all over this land?
I hope the answer is yes!
Well, meet Eagle and Hustler, especially visualize Hustler. They were friends, but their outward appearance wasn't very similar. Here is the story about them I wrote last week.
A Story from Sierra Leone
"Eagle"and "Hustler" are both young, skinny young men with plenty of personality and do have a job . Their job is to sell concessions on the ferries that take an hour to cross the estuary that divides Freetown from the airport.
It appears that Eagle may be senior to Hustler since we saw him with the boss counting money from his money bag and doling out wages to other employees.
Eagle first greeted us when he recognized the two white ladies that seemed to stand out. We had been on the eight o"clock ferry and now he was seeing us again at noon.
miss your flight?" He asked. We responded briefly but later had several opportunities to explain in further detail why we were back on the ferry.
Peggy first spotted Hustler with his hair cut close on the sides but with a definite peek at the top of the head. He wore a white sleeveless tee shirt, gold necklace, another shirt unbuttoned, chained bracelet and the biggest sunglasses I have ever seen. I guess you have guessed we named them. Eagle had the word printed on his sweatshirt and Hustler, well, his attire and manner named him. It took him a few minutes of eavesdropping on our conversation to join Eagle in the seats next to us. They had our attention.
There was an attempt to talk with them about Jesus. Peggy started quoting what she said was John 3:16 which actually was Romans 3:23. When I began to correct her, Eagle smiled like he knew John 3:16. Peggy is convinced he did know it.
The long ferry ride gave us lots of opportunity to explore our new friends. Eagle said he had a brother who was a taxi driver and could take us to the Embassy.
When we did disembark, each of them grabbed one of our suitcases and meandered through the crowds protecting us with their sense of authority, never asking for anything from us. They did introduce us to a man they claimed to be Eagle's brother who did have a car, no sorry, a vehicle in Sierra Leone ( pronounced vicle). We had lots of fun with that especially when our driver's car started malfunctioning. Speed bumps were an obstacle that caused his engine to die. A 45 minute ride grew into over an hour and a half. Peggy said,"we are in a pickle with this vicle." You might as well keep your sense of humor.
I think our driver needs naming. "Spark Plug"did have a sense of honor that he would assume the responsibility to get us to the embassy. The only problem being that time was not on our side.
When we began to weave circuitous bumpy back roads our imaginations did start to question his honor. In hindsight we both think he was finding easier ways to get down hills since traffic and up hills were definitely not friends to his car. Spark Plug finally had to cry "uncle" but didn't do so until arriving at a junction where other taxis picked up passengers. That was a short trip which pleased us since the new taxi had its own cacophony of weird sounds coming from its engine.
The number of guardian angels had begin to mount not even mentioning that as we arrived at the Embassy, there was our only true friend in Sierra Leone Franklyn who had been waiting for us, having done all the preliminary work necessary to get the travel documents for next day"s trip back to Liberia.
He had even called Samuel, his friend who had become our friend too to come with his car to take us part of the way back to the ferry. ( Time wasn't on their side either as they both had class 30 minutes before we were to be on the ferry) What was touching to me was that as Samuel put us in the next to last taxi of the day, he gave the cabbie his phone number and asked him to call him when we had safely arrived.
Can you hear the flapping of angel wings all over this land?
Details of PLAN B "Later" explained about June 5
"Later" 6/5
Tayo as promised was taking good care of us until we got to the desk where they check your passports. He didn't know how much better care he would have to take of us after the agent told us we had used our single entry visa into Liberia even though it was good for 30 days. Tayo made sure that we went to The Gambia Bird agent to rebook for the next day so we wouldn't have to rebuy our ticket. Still there was a fine for our mistake. After that Allisun took over. He tried to help us call Emmanuel in Liberia so they would know not to expect us. He helped us call Franklyn who promised to meet us at the Liberian Embassy. Allisun secured the taxi, got us to the ferry and told us how to proceed from there. All worked well until we were almost on the other side where we were delayed because the President of the country was in the area. At 1:15 we began the taxi ride to the Embassy, a journey that took us two hours ( but probably was a 45 minute trip) and yet our first taxi broke down.Franklyn had been there a long time waiting on us but thankfully had secured the photographer for the two extra passport pictures. This proved also to be a very expensive mistake we made,but thankfully they gave us the emergency visa.
Samuel came back to the rescue providing his car to take us half the way to the ferry. They were concerned that we couldn't make it to the ferry in 2 hours but they also had class at 5 and we surely didn't want them missing class for us. They secured a cab in town who was a good driver and brought us to the landing at the right time so we could EAT. This was our first meal since lunch yesterday. Fish and chips never tasted so good.
Night after June 5 adventure
We are now in the Alisam Guesthouse about 2 minutes from the airport ready for the 10:30 flight in the morning. We have tried to call Emmanuel. He called us at one point today and so has been given sketchy details.
How do we show appreciation to all the people who have ministered to us today?
What were we to learn from this experience? We know that in all things we are to give thanks. We have tried to relax and display cheerfulness when encountering all the people we met, whether the lady that processed our visas or the waitress who served the fish.
We are tired but we are well. Two more days before the adventure going home. I had just as soon it be unadventurous. We have had about all the adjustments and drama we can handle for now.
Tayo as promised was taking good care of us until we got to the desk where they check your passports. He didn't know how much better care he would have to take of us after the agent told us we had used our single entry visa into Liberia even though it was good for 30 days. Tayo made sure that we went to The Gambia Bird agent to rebook for the next day so we wouldn't have to rebuy our ticket. Still there was a fine for our mistake. After that Allisun took over. He tried to help us call Emmanuel in Liberia so they would know not to expect us. He helped us call Franklyn who promised to meet us at the Liberian Embassy. Allisun secured the taxi, got us to the ferry and told us how to proceed from there. All worked well until we were almost on the other side where we were delayed because the President of the country was in the area. At 1:15 we began the taxi ride to the Embassy, a journey that took us two hours ( but probably was a 45 minute trip) and yet our first taxi broke down.Franklyn had been there a long time waiting on us but thankfully had secured the photographer for the two extra passport pictures. This proved also to be a very expensive mistake we made,but thankfully they gave us the emergency visa.
Samuel came back to the rescue providing his car to take us half the way to the ferry. They were concerned that we couldn't make it to the ferry in 2 hours but they also had class at 5 and we surely didn't want them missing class for us. They secured a cab in town who was a good driver and brought us to the landing at the right time so we could EAT. This was our first meal since lunch yesterday. Fish and chips never tasted so good.
Night after June 5 adventure
We are now in the Alisam Guesthouse about 2 minutes from the airport ready for the 10:30 flight in the morning. We have tried to call Emmanuel. He called us at one point today and so has been given sketchy details.
How do we show appreciation to all the people who have ministered to us today?
What were we to learn from this experience? We know that in all things we are to give thanks. We have tried to relax and display cheerfulness when encountering all the people we met, whether the lady that processed our visas or the waitress who served the fish.
We are tired but we are well. Two more days before the adventure going home. I had just as soon it be unadventurous. We have had about all the adjustments and drama we can handle for now.
June 5's PLAN B
What were the lessons of June 5? Maybe some of you will comment and help us put together the pieces of this day spent very differently from what we had planned.
The irony of our picture taken the night before on the beach in Sierra Leone with our new friends by a sign of a restaurant named "PLAN B" We had no idea when we posed for that picture that we were about to experience PLAN B, C and D!
June 5
Fitful sleep knowing I had to get up at 5:30 for a six o clock departure for the ferry. Besides that my room never got dark nor the a.c. get cool. Thankfully though I feel good.
Franklyn and Samuel were prompt. We left in heavy rain. Our plan had been to buy economy ferry tickets 3,000 ( less than a dollar) but our hosts recommended against that plan. First class 10,000 Leones ($4.50) now seems like a silly amount for us to quibble about. I guess we don't want to appear to be rich Americans who can't tough it. Franklin's reasoning ,however, made sense. We would more likely find people who would not try to take advantage of us and possibly could find someone with a vehicle who would be willing to take us from the ferry to the airport. So as we traveled we prayed that God would show is how to approach people respectfully and know the right people to contact. Our Guardian Angels, however ,turned out to be Tayo and his friend Allisun who worked with him. Tayo is from Nigeria but Allisun is from Sierra Leone. Franklyn met them before we even got on the ferry. He introduced them to us. We told them we were only learning their names that they had already been prayed for. Tayo carried my suitcase onto the boat, a real blessing . Not that I couldn't have done it but there were many obstacles to step over. He will share a taxi with us the rest of the way.
As one would expect by now if you have followed these posts, I can't conclude without reference to food. We have pictures of Peggy and me eating our cucumber that Franklyn bought us the other night. I have never eaten a cucumber for breakfast followed by cocoa dusted almonds, but I am thankful for nutrition
We are about to disembark. Until later!
"Later" will take another page. " Later "was a very long day. " Later" finds is still in Sierra Leone. "Later" has us pondering what all this was about. It may take a very long time or maybe never before God shows us what "later" was all about.
Fitful sleep knowing I had to get up at 5:30 for a six o clock departure for the ferry. Besides that my room never got dark nor the a.c. get cool. Thankfully though I feel good.
Franklyn and Samuel were prompt. We left in heavy rain. Our plan had been to buy economy ferry tickets 3,000 ( less than a dollar) but our hosts recommended against that plan. First class 10,000 Leones ($4.50) now seems like a silly amount for us to quibble about. I guess we don't want to appear to be rich Americans who can't tough it. Franklin's reasoning ,however, made sense. We would more likely find people who would not try to take advantage of us and possibly could find someone with a vehicle who would be willing to take us from the ferry to the airport. So as we traveled we prayed that God would show is how to approach people respectfully and know the right people to contact. Our Guardian Angels, however ,turned out to be Tayo and his friend Allisun who worked with him. Tayo is from Nigeria but Allisun is from Sierra Leone. Franklyn met them before we even got on the ferry. He introduced them to us. We told them we were only learning their names that they had already been prayed for. Tayo carried my suitcase onto the boat, a real blessing . Not that I couldn't have done it but there were many obstacles to step over. He will share a taxi with us the rest of the way.
As one would expect by now if you have followed these posts, I can't conclude without reference to food. We have pictures of Peggy and me eating our cucumber that Franklyn bought us the other night. I have never eaten a cucumber for breakfast followed by cocoa dusted almonds, but I am thankful for nutrition
We are about to disembark. Until later!
"Later" will take another page. " Later "was a very long day. " Later" finds is still in Sierra Leone. "Later" has us pondering what all this was about. It may take a very long time or maybe never before God shows us what "later" was all about.
June 4 in Sierra Leone recorded June 11 in Jackson
It's June 11 as I try to resume resurrecting the past week an a half. At lunch today I calculated with Barry that I began the journey home at 11:30 PM Saturday night CDST, on June 8. I rested in my own bed for the first time since then last night June 10!
I feel amazingly good today, but from past experiences, I'm not so naive as to think jet lag won't be an issue THIS time. The body goes through many adjustments going and coming. I am aware but not as aware as I think I probably should be of all the grace I have been visited, from prayers by those of you who read this and prayed for me. I nurse the bites from various insects (hoping they weren't all mosquitoes) Stomach issues were kept to a minimum. I have been surrounded by Guardian Angels, some I recognized but others I'm sure will only be seen with resurrected eyes.
What I've also come to realize is that through it takes about 24 hours to arrive (and longer than that to return home) the trip begins the minute you BEGIN your journey. I hope there will be comments to the new friends we met in airports, in planes and any other place we went between the bookends of take off to final landing.
Now, I will try to copy and paste June 4
6/4/14
No makeup this morning. The electricity went off this morning and there was not enough natural light to bother . Hair goes natural; clothes are dirty from another day of wear. The room is dirty, the air conditioning didn't work correctly last night. We have no breakfast at 8:30 I guess because the electricity has just come back on. I haven't had coffee since I was in Africa. Nescafé instant doesn't rate as a cup of coffee to me.
Franklyn bought us cucumbers last night. That might be breakfast. Here I go again talking about food.
See why Jonah 3 was good reading for me this morning. The plant God gave withered and Jonah complained. Is that me? I am pondering that based on the above paragraphs.
So much for gluten free. It doesn't even seem important. That roll I just ate was divine. I used it to sop up the yoke of the two fried eggs we got at 8:50 after they had told us the cook had not shown up for work.
Just wondering as I conclude the recording of the wonders of this day why so much centers around my creature comforts and yet I can't seem to do justice to the truly important events of the day. Is it just easier to describe food than people? What impression am I wanting to make on you the reader? I can't tell it all so why do I choose some events described vividly and others I can't seem to grasp words to describe?
Yesterday at this time Franklyn I had known in person for a few hours. Tonight I can add 24 to that number. My impression of him last night was good. Tonight my appreciation of him has been grown exponentially. Why? First of all he has taken so seriously his promise to Karen that he would take good care of us. He has held my hand as we have crossed busy streets. He has gotten on the right side of me when in potentially dangerous situations. He has warned me when he thought I was around people who would snatch my belongings. When Peggy and I insisted that we could get ourselves home from the beach after his wife Becky, pastor Alusine Sesay and friend Joyce Johnson were sent on home, he told us "No, I will take care of you." Later we saw for ourselves the wisdom of his decision. We were in a taxi stuck in traffic. He asked if we could walk. Of course we could. So when we had walked passed the traffic block he guided us to another taxi for the remaining trip back to the guest house.
When we told him about EAFC'S latest experiment in raising funds by making jewelry from African coins, he became a man on a mission to get them for us. It might sound like a simple task but believe me, it was not. I won't go into all the reasons this was complicated but it was.
After showing us the city's high points thanks to his friend Samuel who had a car and not only brought us in last night but spent his day with us today, we then had meetings with two whose applications had not made it to the committee, two church elders, his sister Betsy and his wife who had gotten permission from her boss to get off early so she could greet us.
The seeds of EAFC here were born in 2008, and yet I must admit to not praying fervently even when I heard that Franklyn had been sick almost to the point of death for about a year. He received one degree through us, and after working and being sick another year, he is now well enough to begin working towards a masters degree. We got to visit his university and visit with the finance officer who explained some of the banking issues she had encountered. Our visit definitely helped the situation, I believe.
Now I believe EAFC is on the verge of taking off in this country. Franklyn accepted the position of Country Coordinator with pleasure and we got to meet the team assembled beside him to aid in the development of the work in this country. I truly expect to see it blossom in the next few years.
We are honored to be here. We are about to learn "what The Lord has done for me I cannot tell it all". In both countries they sing it beautifully, and it has been for me a continuing compass centering me on True North when my flesh wants to wonder in the mind fields of secret grumpiness .
Thank you Father for letting me be here.
Tomorrow we leave at 6 AM so we can get the 8 AM ferry, to then negotiate for a taxi to take us to the airport for a flight that does not leave until noon . Can see see how the seeds of grumpiness could again raise its head? And yet even in the travel and uncertainties we meet fascinating people, see God's hand of protection on us. I sense prayers of the Saints back home as well as the ones here too.
Good night!!!
I feel amazingly good today, but from past experiences, I'm not so naive as to think jet lag won't be an issue THIS time. The body goes through many adjustments going and coming. I am aware but not as aware as I think I probably should be of all the grace I have been visited, from prayers by those of you who read this and prayed for me. I nurse the bites from various insects (hoping they weren't all mosquitoes) Stomach issues were kept to a minimum. I have been surrounded by Guardian Angels, some I recognized but others I'm sure will only be seen with resurrected eyes.
What I've also come to realize is that through it takes about 24 hours to arrive (and longer than that to return home) the trip begins the minute you BEGIN your journey. I hope there will be comments to the new friends we met in airports, in planes and any other place we went between the bookends of take off to final landing.
Now, I will try to copy and paste June 4
6/4/14
No makeup this morning. The electricity went off this morning and there was not enough natural light to bother . Hair goes natural; clothes are dirty from another day of wear. The room is dirty, the air conditioning didn't work correctly last night. We have no breakfast at 8:30 I guess because the electricity has just come back on. I haven't had coffee since I was in Africa. Nescafé instant doesn't rate as a cup of coffee to me.
Franklyn bought us cucumbers last night. That might be breakfast. Here I go again talking about food.
See why Jonah 3 was good reading for me this morning. The plant God gave withered and Jonah complained. Is that me? I am pondering that based on the above paragraphs.
So much for gluten free. It doesn't even seem important. That roll I just ate was divine. I used it to sop up the yoke of the two fried eggs we got at 8:50 after they had told us the cook had not shown up for work.
Just wondering as I conclude the recording of the wonders of this day why so much centers around my creature comforts and yet I can't seem to do justice to the truly important events of the day. Is it just easier to describe food than people? What impression am I wanting to make on you the reader? I can't tell it all so why do I choose some events described vividly and others I can't seem to grasp words to describe?
Yesterday at this time Franklyn I had known in person for a few hours. Tonight I can add 24 to that number. My impression of him last night was good. Tonight my appreciation of him has been grown exponentially. Why? First of all he has taken so seriously his promise to Karen that he would take good care of us. He has held my hand as we have crossed busy streets. He has gotten on the right side of me when in potentially dangerous situations. He has warned me when he thought I was around people who would snatch my belongings. When Peggy and I insisted that we could get ourselves home from the beach after his wife Becky, pastor Alusine Sesay and friend Joyce Johnson were sent on home, he told us "No, I will take care of you." Later we saw for ourselves the wisdom of his decision. We were in a taxi stuck in traffic. He asked if we could walk. Of course we could. So when we had walked passed the traffic block he guided us to another taxi for the remaining trip back to the guest house.
When we told him about EAFC'S latest experiment in raising funds by making jewelry from African coins, he became a man on a mission to get them for us. It might sound like a simple task but believe me, it was not. I won't go into all the reasons this was complicated but it was.
After showing us the city's high points thanks to his friend Samuel who had a car and not only brought us in last night but spent his day with us today, we then had meetings with two whose applications had not made it to the committee, two church elders, his sister Betsy and his wife who had gotten permission from her boss to get off early so she could greet us.
The seeds of EAFC here were born in 2008, and yet I must admit to not praying fervently even when I heard that Franklyn had been sick almost to the point of death for about a year. He received one degree through us, and after working and being sick another year, he is now well enough to begin working towards a masters degree. We got to visit his university and visit with the finance officer who explained some of the banking issues she had encountered. Our visit definitely helped the situation, I believe.
Now I believe EAFC is on the verge of taking off in this country. Franklyn accepted the position of Country Coordinator with pleasure and we got to meet the team assembled beside him to aid in the development of the work in this country. I truly expect to see it blossom in the next few years.
We are honored to be here. We are about to learn "what The Lord has done for me I cannot tell it all". In both countries they sing it beautifully, and it has been for me a continuing compass centering me on True North when my flesh wants to wonder in the mind fields of secret grumpiness .
Thank you Father for letting me be here.
Tomorrow we leave at 6 AM so we can get the 8 AM ferry, to then negotiate for a taxi to take us to the airport for a flight that does not leave until noon . Can see see how the seeds of grumpiness could again raise its head? And yet even in the travel and uncertainties we meet fascinating people, see God's hand of protection on us. I sense prayers of the Saints back home as well as the ones here too.
Good night!!!
Tuesday, June 10, 2014
6/3/14Food, dinner, priorities
June 3
We have prepared for this day having learned that most of the preparation must take place the night before since we don't have electricity and the room at 6:45 AM is still fairly dark.
Food! Anyone who has read my blog from 2011 knows that during the first visit to Liberia I visited the topic of food a lot. I had been in Monrovia then a time or two, however, and had seen food in the markets that wasn't available in Yekepa and so assumed this time it would be different. It is; well, kind of! Yesterday morning when all that was served at breakfast was pineapple and later hard rolls were brought out, I asked if I could pay for a boiled egg. That is not my favorite way to eat an egg, but hey, I had had no supper the night before and knew I had a busy day ahead of me. Even in church Sunday I came close to fainting. Thankfully God heard my prayer and the sip of water and sitting down restored me.
Last night the owner of the guesthouse arranged a taxi so we could go to dinner. The dinner was reasonably prices; the taxi wasn't. He charged by the hour and I feel ripped off because he knew that where he was taking us was in the middle of Monrovia which is far from Paynesville where we are staying, that the traffic was heavy and the potholes were numerous. It took an hour just to get th the restaurant. Surely there were places closer. "In all things give thanks" is coming to mind right now. I didn't go to bed hungry and I did have a cool room when we got back.
We have prepared for this day having learned that most of the preparation must take place the night before since we don't have electricity and the room at 6:45 AM is still fairly dark.
Food! Anyone who has read my blog from 2011 knows that during the first visit to Liberia I visited the topic of food a lot. I had been in Monrovia then a time or two, however, and had seen food in the markets that wasn't available in Yekepa and so assumed this time it would be different. It is; well, kind of! Yesterday morning when all that was served at breakfast was pineapple and later hard rolls were brought out, I asked if I could pay for a boiled egg. That is not my favorite way to eat an egg, but hey, I had had no supper the night before and knew I had a busy day ahead of me. Even in church Sunday I came close to fainting. Thankfully God heard my prayer and the sip of water and sitting down restored me.
June 4 in Sierra Leone
June 4
No makeup this morning. The electricity went off this morning and there was not enough natural light to bother . Hair goes natural; clothes are dirty from another day of wear. The room is dirty, the air conditioning didn't work correctly last night. We have no breakfast at 8:30 I guess because the electricity has just come back on. I haven't had coffee since i was in Africa. Nescafé instant doesn't rate as a cup of coffee to me.
Franklyn bought us cucumbers last night. That might be breakfast. Here I go again talking about food.
See why Jonah 3 was good reading for me this morning. The plant God gave withered and Jonah complained. Is that me? I am pondering that based on the above paragraphs.
So much for gluten free. It doesn't even seem important. That roll I just ate was divine. I used it to sop up the yoke of the two fried eggs we got at 8:50 after they had told us the cook had not shown up for work.
Just wondering as I conclude the recording of the wonders of this day why so much centers around my creature comforts and yet I can't seem to do justice to the truly important events of the day. Is it just easier to describe food than people? What impression am I wanting to make on you the reader? I can't tell it all so why do I choose some events described vividly and others I can't seem to grasp words to describe?
Yesterday at this time Franklyn I had known in person for a few hours. Tonight I can add 24 to that number. My impression of him last night was good. Tonight my appreciation of him has been grown exponentially. Why? First of all he has taken so seriously his promise to Karen that he would take good care of us. He has held my hand as we have crossed busy streets. He has gotten on the right side of me when in potentially dangerous situations. He has warned me when he thought I was around people who would snatch my belongings. When Peggy and I insisted that we could get ourselves home from the beach after his wife Becky, pastor Autice and friend Joyce were sent on home, he told us "no, I will take care of you." Later we saw for ourselves the wisdom of his decision. We were in a taxi stuck in traffic. He asked if we could walk. Of course we could. So when we had walked passed the traffic block he guided us to another taxi for the remaining trip back to the guest house.
When we told him about EAFC'S latest experiment in raising funds by making jewelry from African coins, he became a man on a mission to get them for us. It might sound like a simple task but believe me, it was not. I won't go into all the reasons this was complicated but it was.
After showing us the city's high points thanks to his friend Samuel who had a car and not only brought us in last night but spent his day with us today, we then had meetings with two whose applications had not made it to the committee, two church elders, his sister Betsy and his wife who had gotten permission from her boss to get off early so she could greet us.
The seeds of EAFC here were born in 2008, and yet I must admit to not praying fervently even when I heard that Franklyn had been sick almost to the point of death for about a year. He received one degree through us, and after working and being sick another year, he is now well enough to begin working towards a masters degree. We got to visit his university and visit with the finance officer who explained some of the banking issues she had encountered. Our visit definitely helped the situation, I believe.
Now I believe EAFC is on the verge of taking off in this country. Franklyn accepted the position of Country Coordinator with pleasure and we got to meet the team assembled beside him to aid in the development of the work in this country. I truly expect to see it blossom in the next few years.
We are honored to be here. We are about to learn "what The Lord has done for me I cannot tell it all". In both countries they sing it beautifully, and it has been for me a continuing compass centering me on True North when my flesh wants to wonder in the mind fields of secret grumpiness .
Thank you Father for letting me be here.
Tomorrow we leave at 6 AM so we can get the 8 AM ferry, to then negotiate for a taxi to take us to the airport for a flight that does not leave until noon . Can see see how the seeds of grumpiness could again raise its head? And yet even in the travel and uncertainties we meet fascinating people, see God's hand of protection on us. I sense prayers of the Saints back home as well as the ones here too.
Good night!!!
No makeup this morning. The electricity went off this morning and there was not enough natural light to bother . Hair goes natural; clothes are dirty from another day of wear. The room is dirty, the air conditioning didn't work correctly last night. We have no breakfast at 8:30 I guess because the electricity has just come back on. I haven't had coffee since i was in Africa. Nescafé instant doesn't rate as a cup of coffee to me.
Franklyn bought us cucumbers last night. That might be breakfast. Here I go again talking about food.
See why Jonah 3 was good reading for me this morning. The plant God gave withered and Jonah complained. Is that me? I am pondering that based on the above paragraphs.
So much for gluten free. It doesn't even seem important. That roll I just ate was divine. I used it to sop up the yoke of the two fried eggs we got at 8:50 after they had told us the cook had not shown up for work.
Just wondering as I conclude the recording of the wonders of this day why so much centers around my creature comforts and yet I can't seem to do justice to the truly important events of the day. Is it just easier to describe food than people? What impression am I wanting to make on you the reader? I can't tell it all so why do I choose some events described vividly and others I can't seem to grasp words to describe?
Yesterday at this time Franklyn I had known in person for a few hours. Tonight I can add 24 to that number. My impression of him last night was good. Tonight my appreciation of him has been grown exponentially. Why? First of all he has taken so seriously his promise to Karen that he would take good care of us. He has held my hand as we have crossed busy streets. He has gotten on the right side of me when in potentially dangerous situations. He has warned me when he thought I was around people who would snatch my belongings. When Peggy and I insisted that we could get ourselves home from the beach after his wife Becky, pastor Autice and friend Joyce were sent on home, he told us "no, I will take care of you." Later we saw for ourselves the wisdom of his decision. We were in a taxi stuck in traffic. He asked if we could walk. Of course we could. So when we had walked passed the traffic block he guided us to another taxi for the remaining trip back to the guest house.
When we told him about EAFC'S latest experiment in raising funds by making jewelry from African coins, he became a man on a mission to get them for us. It might sound like a simple task but believe me, it was not. I won't go into all the reasons this was complicated but it was.
After showing us the city's high points thanks to his friend Samuel who had a car and not only brought us in last night but spent his day with us today, we then had meetings with two whose applications had not made it to the committee, two church elders, his sister Betsy and his wife who had gotten permission from her boss to get off early so she could greet us.
The seeds of EAFC here were born in 2008, and yet I must admit to not praying fervently even when I heard that Franklyn had been sick almost to the point of death for about a year. He received one degree through us, and after working and being sick another year, he is now well enough to begin working towards a masters degree. We got to visit his university and visit with the finance officer who explained some of the banking issues she had encountered. Our visit definitely helped the situation, I believe.
Now I believe EAFC is on the verge of taking off in this country. Franklyn accepted the position of Country Coordinator with pleasure and we got to meet the team assembled beside him to aid in the development of the work in this country. I truly expect to see it blossom in the next few years.
We are honored to be here. We are about to learn "what The Lord has done for me I cannot tell it all". In both countries they sing it beautifully, and it has been for me a continuing compass centering me on True North when my flesh wants to wonder in the mind fields of secret grumpiness .
Thank you Father for letting me be here.
Tomorrow we leave at 6 AM so we can get the 8 AM ferry, to then negotiate for a taxi to take us to the airport for a flight that does not leave until noon . Can see see how the seeds of grumpiness could again raise its head? And yet even in the travel and uncertainties we meet fascinating people, see God's hand of protection on us. I sense prayers of the Saints back home as well as the ones here too.
Good night!!!
Bookends
Bookends
I see I got one post recorded the brief time I had Internet in Sierra Leone. It is out of sync recorded. Let me try again. As I board planes today for the final leg of this African adventure, I realize that even days traveling like this are not wasted. See what I recorded more than a week ago as we began our travel.
May 31,2014
Why would one ever consider recording a day spent on an airplane? How can that entertain, enlighten, or edify?
Maybe I write to amuse myself as I sit these last two hours before touchdown on the African continent, even though we will still not yet have arrived in Liberia.
Health is maintained through balance between food intake quality, exercise, stress management and sleep. With that in mind it is easy to see that my body has by necessity been stretched. Even though I ordered gluten free food, it has been far from nutritious. Even though we walked and stretched at ever available moment, those moments have been limited. Stress management and sleep have been challenged by crying babies, crowded seats, dry air.
Ok. Lest one thinks I only see the glass half empty, let me quickly change the subject to Annah and Alioh from Zimbabwe, who actually live in Dallas but are returning to South Africa, Botswana and Zimbabwe for two months. Between Dallas and London we formed a friendship that only happens when people share a common love for their God and Savior. We will see one another again, I am sure. Then I rejoice in this last leg of the trip with the empty seat beside me. First class can't be much better; well, maybe their food is.
Last of all I share the book I have returned to repeatedly throughout the journey which won't get finished due to "low Battery". No, maybe I can continue. Peggy has a real copy of Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus. We are going into a world where the worldview clashes are evident on a daily basis. The loudspeakers that call to worship from mosques are a daily reminder of the presence of two very different views of eternal truth. May God help us as we learn, as we discuss, and as we leave our copies of this book with our friends in Liberia and Sierra Leone.
We are ready to get there!
May 31,2014
Why would one ever consider recording a day spent on an airplane? How can that entertain, enlighten, or edify?
Maybe I write to amuse myself as I sit these last two hours before touchdown on the African continent, even though we will still not yet have arrived in Liberia.
Health is maintained through balance between food intake quality, exercise, stress management and sleep. With that in mind it is easy to see that my body has by necessity been stretched. Even though I ordered gluten free food, it has been far from nutritious. Even though we walked and stretched at ever available moment, those moments have been limited. Stress management and sleep have been challenged by crying babies, crowded seats, dry air.
Ok. Lest one thinks I only see the glass half empty, let me quickly change the subject to Annah and Alioh from Zimbabwe, who actually live in Dallas but are returning to South Africa, Botswana and Zimbabwe for two months. Between Dallas and London we formed a friendship that only happens when people share a common love for their God and Savior. We will see one another again, I am sure. Then I rejoice in this last leg of the trip with the empty seat beside me. First class can't be much better; well, maybe their food is.
Last of all I share the book I have returned to repeatedly throughout the journey which won't get finished due to "low Battery". No, maybe I can continue. Peggy has a real copy of Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus. We are going into a world where the worldview clashes are evident on a daily basis. The loudspeakers that call to worship from mosques are a daily reminder of the presence of two very different views of eternal truth. May God help us as we learn, as we discuss, and as we leave our copies of this book with our friends in Liberia and Sierra Leone.
We are ready to get there!
Finding misplaced posts
Here is another one I posted from London. From now on, I hope these come in order, but they might not. But then maybe I shouldn't be doing this when I am bone tired.
Some of our first adventures
Cars needing repair is very common in Africa. The hour long trip from Roberts Airfield in Liberia to the City takes much longer in a vehicle that is limping. So even as we arrived very tired in Saturday night. we were being reminded of the need for flexibility and to put expectations on a back burner. Read about having to change guesthouse a from day one to day two.
June 1
Aggrey Cove Guesthouse
So what we aren't on the beach. We have our own room, and bathroom we aren't sharing with 19 kids from Arizona on a mission trip. I know they were glad to see us go. They could use our room!
We couldn't even have meetings at the other guesthouse because kids had strung mosquito nets all over the gathering room as well. Before we left this morning a student had already come to see us. We had to meet him on the front porch. CeCe is from Guinea and is one of Laurel Rynd's favorites from when she taught there. I hope we can sometime help fund his education. He has big plans for reaching his people.
We spent the day (Sunday) with Emmanuel, Wintee and Blessings Jonah. This family also cares for about 6 others calling them their children as well. Sunday school started at 10 and church was from 11-1:30? At least that!
We sang hymns like "There is Power in the Blood", heard beautiful harmony from a choir who processed in wearing long robes. Never mind that we were sweating in our cool dresses with fans blowing on is. Wintee had already told us this is their cool season. Remind me to check when hot season is before ever planning another trip here .
Internally I had moaned over the heat, had grimaced over a cold shower without water pressure last night, grumbled over the wet, bumpy roads we traveled last night and today. Name it, my internal barometer was set on "creature comfort" adjustments. And then God touched me through a song the congregation enthusiastically sang, "What The Lord has done for me I cannot tell it all" My spirit was convicted What is a reason to groan to me is a reason to praise for them. We were living with the same conditions, and I had seen them as hard, while these dear people were worshiping God. Thankfully, God touched me so I could join in the praise and was able to take communion with them later in the service.
After church we ate at the Jonah's house, toured the partially built school they are constructing as money comes in and then drove around the world changing our accommodations.
Peggy and I just had tea and snacks we had brought in our suitcases. So far, my food experience is matching my previous Liberian experience. I am hungering for vegetables and even fruit. Avoiding wheat and rice isn't even a passing thought if I don't want to fast a lot of meals.
The generator goes off in the middle of the night so I better enjoy these next few hours of being cool. What a luxury, this thing called air conditioning. I am so glad the Holy Spirit takes my passing tired lisps of praise and takes me before my intercessor. I go to bed feeling very blessed.
June 1
Aggrey Cove Guesthouse
So what we aren't on the beach. We have our own room, and bathroom we aren't sharing with 19 kids from Arizona on a mission trip. I know they were glad to see us go. They could use our room!
We couldn't even have meetings at the other guesthouse because kids had strung mosquito nets all over the gathering room as well. Before we left this morning a student had already come to see us. We had to meet him on the front porch. CeCe is from Guinea and is one of Laurel Rynd's favorites from when she taught there. I hope we can sometime help fund his education. He has big plans for reaching his people.
We spent the day (Sunday) with Emmanuel, Wintee and Blessings Jonah. This family also cares for about 6 others calling them their children as well. Sunday school started at 10 and church was from 11-1:30? At least that!
We sang hymns like "There is Power in the Blood", heard beautiful harmony from a choir who processed in wearing long robes. Never mind that we were sweating in our cool dresses with fans blowing on is. Wintee had already told us this is their cool season. Remind me to check when hot season is before ever planning another trip here .
Internally I had moaned over the heat, had grimaced over a cold shower without water pressure last night, grumbled over the wet, bumpy roads we traveled last night and today. Name it, my internal barometer was set on "creature comfort" adjustments. And then God touched me through a song the congregation enthusiastically sang, "What The Lord has done for me I cannot tell it all" My spirit was convicted What is a reason to groan to me is a reason to praise for them. We were living with the same conditions, and I had seen them as hard, while these dear people were worshiping God. Thankfully, God touched me so I could join in the praise and was able to take communion with them later in the service.
After church we ate at the Jonah's house, toured the partially built school they are constructing as money comes in and then drove around the world changing our accommodations.
Peggy and I just had tea and snacks we had brought in our suitcases. So far, my food experience is matching my previous Liberian experience. I am hungering for vegetables and even fruit. Avoiding wheat and rice isn't even a passing thought if I don't want to fast a lot of meals.
The generator goes off in the middle of the night so I better enjoy these next few hours of being cool. What a luxury, this thing called air conditioning. I am so glad the Holy Spirit takes my passing tired lisps of praise and takes me before my intercessor. I go to bed feeling very blessed.
June 2 posted much later
Reactivating might not be as easy as it seems. I apparently have two sites for what I posted in London isn't showing up. Let me try again but before I do, here's an update that will put the past week and a half in perspective.
I should be home now, but WE ARE NOT!
We got to Dallas and weather in Jackson cancelled our flight. Rental agencies were closed. We will try to rent a car in the morning. Even then the closest the airlines could get us to Jackson was Gulfport, another 3 hour trip from Jackson. So the irony of this is that the need for flexibility and faith doesn't exist just in Africa. This event has brought that home clearly. Lest we forget for one minute that our life on any spot on this earth is just as dependent on His grace as any other. We do tend to think too often in America that we have "some things covered". How ridiculous is that!
I should be home now, but WE ARE NOT!
We got to Dallas and weather in Jackson cancelled our flight. Rental agencies were closed. We will try to rent a car in the morning. Even then the closest the airlines could get us to Jackson was Gulfport, another 3 hour trip from Jackson. So the irony of this is that the need for flexibility and faith doesn't exist just in Africa. This event has brought that home clearly. Lest we forget for one minute that our life on any spot on this earth is just as dependent on His grace as any other. We do tend to think too often in America that we have "some things covered". How ridiculous is that!
SUNDAY, JUNE 8, 2014
A week ago June 2, 2014
What a difference three years can make. In 2011 the seeds of Eafc work in Liberia were germinated. Because of the work of men like NATHAN, ELEAZAR, CHRISTIAN since then we have a vibrant team forming.
Read about that in what I recorded on June 2
June 2
Peggy and I stay across the hall from each other which made a lot of difference last night. She had a loud barking dog on the floor above her. She heard loud pigeon English preaching all night. Well, maybe the difference was that a half of Ambien aided my sleep after they turned off the electricity at 1 AM. We only get power from 7-1 at night. We had misunderstood and thankfully they turned it on for us a few minutes this morning, long enough for me to dry my hair.
Our rooms have similarities too. Trickles of water come in the shower. Now there is no water at all in our room. These kind of stories tend to make those who never have or never will come to Africa breathe a sigh of relief that I am here and they aren't.
Let me quickly say, "but on the other hand". We are personally being developed by a mighty God, and who doesn't want to be changed by God into a more godly person? We ate breakfast this morning with Scott who has lived in Africa 14 years. He works with the Southern Baptist and was a most interesting man. It is fun to find kindred spirits. Then there are all the men and women we met yesterday. They so blessed us. As I write now, I hear singing of children's voices, a pleasant reminder of what God taught me yesterday " what things God has done for me can't be told ". That is a rough paraphrase of the song sung at church yesterday.
Twenty five came to the meeting; pastors, one alumnus, current students, new ones and even a few prospects that haven't yet made it. It was fun to see old friends from ABC days, Eleazar, Nathan and Julia, Martin, and of course Emmanuel who is doing such a good job coordinating our activities. We gave a general overview of EAFC, its history, its vision and its structure. We asked them to pray for James Oonyu's visit in November.
I think what touched me the most was the meeting the pastors called after the real meeting. Most likely that meeting was the REAL one for they were giving structure to how they would proceed after we are gone.
Wintee, Emmanuel's wife brought our lunch , typical Liberian meal of rice with sauce. This one had sweet potato greens, fish and chicken in it. We did get fresh pineapple too.
Read about that in what I recorded on June 2
June 2
Peggy and I stay across the hall from each other which made a lot of difference last night. She had a loud barking dog on the floor above her. She heard loud pigeon English preaching all night. Well, maybe the difference was that a half of Ambien aided my sleep after they turned off the electricity at 1 AM. We only get power from 7-1 at night. We had misunderstood and thankfully they turned it on for us a few minutes this morning, long enough for me to dry my hair.
Our rooms have similarities too. Trickles of water come in the shower. Now there is no water at all in our room. These kind of stories tend to make those who never have or never will come to Africa breathe a sigh of relief that I am here and they aren't.
Let me quickly say, "but on the other hand". We are personally being developed by a mighty God, and who doesn't want to be changed by God into a more godly person? We ate breakfast this morning with Scott who has lived in Africa 14 years. He works with the Southern Baptist and was a most interesting man. It is fun to find kindred spirits. Then there are all the men and women we met yesterday. They so blessed us. As I write now, I hear singing of children's voices, a pleasant reminder of what God taught me yesterday " what things God has done for me can't be told ". That is a rough paraphrase of the song sung at church yesterday.
Twenty five came to the meeting; pastors, one alumnus, current students, new ones and even a few prospects that haven't yet made it. It was fun to see old friends from ABC days, Eleazar, Nathan and Julia, Martin, and of course Emmanuel who is doing such a good job coordinating our activities. We gave a general overview of EAFC, its history, its vision and its structure. We asked them to pray for James Oonyu's visit in November.
I think what touched me the most was the meeting the pastors called after the real meeting. Most likely that meeting was the REAL one for they were giving structure to how they would proceed after we are gone.
Wintee, Emmanuel's wife brought our lunch , typical Liberian meal of rice with sauce. This one had sweet potato greens, fish and chicken in it. We did get fresh pineapple too.
Thursday, May 29, 2014
First attempt at re activating blog
For me I began packing late for this trip, and yet I think it has been ok. It amazes me though when I hear of people who can begin a journey like this the day before. I think of all that Karen in our office has done for us. I have never had a personal assistant, and that is what she has been for me. Thank you Lord, and thank you Karen. I won't bore my readers with the details for which I am personally grateful; just know they are many.
Yesterday I remembered I hadn't packed the hand held mirror, maybe not a big deal to male readers, but for us ladies, it's huge. (Smile) This morning I wonder whether I should try to find a micro fiber
towel since we leave in the middle of the week for Sierra Leone. I don't think taking a wet towel
would be too nice. I write that just to share the myriad of things to think about. It doesn't really matter whether you are going for a short time as we are or a long visit. You have to go through the same processes each time.
I certainly hope there isn't even a tinge of complaining coming through in what I write. Knowing though that blind-spots are ever before me, I am reminded that for this too you could pray. As a man thinks in his heart, so is he, So having a pure heart would be the beginning of my prayer requests.
All teams that I know about begin their list of prayer requests with requests that God grant safety of travel, health and safe arrival of luggage, and for the families we leave behind. Though a prevalent requests, please don't overlook the need of these when you pray.
Pray for cross cultural communication. We want to be gracious guests, to ask good questions, to seek to understand more than to be understood. We want those we partner with to also ask good questions, for illumination as to their responsibilities. We want wisdom to discern the character of those with whom we work. Have we, EAFC, chosen well the 12 new people which will receive the funds? Pray God gives us a spirit of discernment. Pray that we figure out the least expensive but most effective ways to get funds where they are needed. This is huge. Some don't understand the expense and time involved in wire transferring money or why EAFC is a stickler for making sure funds only go to the educational institution, even with that, however, there are times that we have to trace the money as not all universities credit the right accounts. Did I read somewhere that the heart is deceitful and desperately wicked, who can know it?
When I. Egan writing, it was a test run. I haven't written on this blog for a long time as you can tell. Could I remember how? Feel free to share and tell others how they can follow this if so inclined
This is my attempt to open up a world that most of us will never see for ourselves. I want you to see the richness of the people, not regarding money but with gifts from God that we might not pick up on since their way of living is so different from the people I normally live among .
Yesterday I remembered I hadn't packed the hand held mirror, maybe not a big deal to male readers, but for us ladies, it's huge. (Smile) This morning I wonder whether I should try to find a micro fiber
towel since we leave in the middle of the week for Sierra Leone. I don't think taking a wet towel
would be too nice. I write that just to share the myriad of things to think about. It doesn't really matter whether you are going for a short time as we are or a long visit. You have to go through the same processes each time.
I certainly hope there isn't even a tinge of complaining coming through in what I write. Knowing though that blind-spots are ever before me, I am reminded that for this too you could pray. As a man thinks in his heart, so is he, So having a pure heart would be the beginning of my prayer requests.
All teams that I know about begin their list of prayer requests with requests that God grant safety of travel, health and safe arrival of luggage, and for the families we leave behind. Though a prevalent requests, please don't overlook the need of these when you pray.
Pray for cross cultural communication. We want to be gracious guests, to ask good questions, to seek to understand more than to be understood. We want those we partner with to also ask good questions, for illumination as to their responsibilities. We want wisdom to discern the character of those with whom we work. Have we, EAFC, chosen well the 12 new people which will receive the funds? Pray God gives us a spirit of discernment. Pray that we figure out the least expensive but most effective ways to get funds where they are needed. This is huge. Some don't understand the expense and time involved in wire transferring money or why EAFC is a stickler for making sure funds only go to the educational institution, even with that, however, there are times that we have to trace the money as not all universities credit the right accounts. Did I read somewhere that the heart is deceitful and desperately wicked, who can know it?
When I. Egan writing, it was a test run. I haven't written on this blog for a long time as you can tell. Could I remember how? Feel free to share and tell others how they can follow this if so inclined
This is my attempt to open up a world that most of us will never see for ourselves. I want you to see the richness of the people, not regarding money but with gifts from God that we might not pick up on since their way of living is so different from the people I normally live among .
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