A lot of little things have happen in the last month, but they do not write themselves into stories well.  The political situation has changed significantly, but for me the victory of Gbagbo’s capture only meant a splurged dinner that day.  Our group here has been reorganized, but the story is more of an internal processing of people leaving and where we are going.  There have been fun cultural events and a few personal stories, but as I looked back through my journal for this blog entry I find… Continue

Ok so this blog I guess I’m announcing some pretty big news/changes in my journey here in Africa…

 

The Big news is... I've moving from Korhogo back down to Bouake. I'm doing this because there are more opportunities to work with animals in Bouake then in Korhogo as of now. It's sad because I do miss my family in Korhogo and I'll visit them often. I was a really good goodbye to them and explaining what I wanted to do in Bouake. But I'm moving in with a different Ivorian family…

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As the final days rapidly approach, I have the chance to reflect on my 7 months here and realize how much of a home this has become. As we crossed the border from Burkina Faso into Cote d’Ivoire (see last blog), Rod greeted the Rebels (AKA Forces Republicaines) with a traditional Senoufo greeting, turned to me giddily and asked ‘Isn’t it GREAT to be back home in Senoufo territory?’ I grinned widely and excitedly agreed with him. Even though my Tymbara (a Senoufo dialect) is lacking, I do…

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“Where were you yesterday during choir practice?” questioned Lucy, one of the worship team members.

“We got back from Ouaga yesterday afternoon, so I couldn’t make it,” I replied.

“So, you just up and travel like that?” wondered Benjamin, our djembe player.

“Yup. I do,” I responded.

If they only knew how much I travel in the US, they wouldn’t be shocked that I had just spend 30 hours in Ouagadougou, the capital of Burkina Faso a thirteen hour drive away. The thing…

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Mr. Gbagbo has been arrested and the internationally recognized president Ouattara is calling for peaceful transitions.  

 

Here is the latest from BBC

 

 

Just a quick note to let you know God’s decision on my home-bound trip. Due to the rules of US Air and political situation of Cote d’Ivoire, my flight was booked on May 7^th from Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. I will arrive home, spend a few days there, then go to Denver for my debrief and prep for the summer of recruiting. Keep the prayer and financial support coming! Let me know when and where you can hang out!

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Dear Friends and Family,



If I got to start this adventure all over again, I would start where I was two weeks ago – in an Ivoirian family’s home (CJ’s host family), learning what life is like through living it day by day with them. Essential take-aways from my week with them:

1. When Papa says you have Malaria, he’s right. Take the drugs he gives to you and say thank you, doctor.

2. Kids of all ages love dancing to the Cupid Shuffle. Laptop + dance moves – homework = fun… Continue