I've been back for a while now …

And the question I am still getting is 'how was your trip?' Word to the wise - it was not a trip, and that is too broad of a question to answer. I am really happy that the 30 second window that I was made aware of (the average person will give you thirty seconds to talk about your trip before they lose interest) hasn't come into play with anyone who I would want to share with for a longer period of…

I have to say upfront that I couldn't have done it without Jamie. Since I externally process a lot, she was a listening ear for hours on end, and even participated in my self-debates and spoken dilemmas. It was great to have someone pose in my picture of the vast amount of tomato sauce available in the super market and someone to talk to about how much I miss the Journeyers. 

It is weird being back here, but I haven't really had any shock. The worst is hearing a song, like…

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Dear Friends and Family,

April afforded me new opportunities that I had not yet experienced in West Africa, a great ending to seven months of cross-cultural…

I know you've seen them all over our photos.

I know you've cringed at how a woman can wear 5 different ones and still be fashionable.

I know you've wondered at why someone would wear one with bottles on it to church.

So here is the list of things we have thought of regarding how to use them....

1. tablecloth

2. diaper

3. blanket / mattress / sheet

4. wedding ring

5. laundry basket

6. potholder

7. hat

8.…

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…

“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…

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!

 Unlike Julie Andrew’s suggestion of starting at the very beginning, I’m going to start towards the most recent event, when CJ’s mom saw her bringing stools over to the buckets we were doing our unmentionables in. She asked “What are you doing?” CJ replied, “We are going to do our wash.” With a huge smile and on the verge of a laugh, “And then sit down?” I am laughing out loud even as I write it down; Ivoirians bend over to do their laundry in a bucket, like one of those hardware tools to…

Well, I finally was able to spend some time in family’s homes in Korhogo with the Journeyers. The fear, excitement, anxiety, and hope all climaxed on the ride up as I was thinking about things I should and should not have packed. When I was finally dropped off at CJ’s, though, I relaxed and settled into the rhythm of life there.

Although CJ’s courtyard is Senefo speaking, I think it was the best for me to start off in as her conservative family is modern. There is a girl’s house…

Hey Guys!

Quick Update.

Life is tenuous here ... thanks for your packages ... I don't need any more chocolate, coffee, or anything! You people are amazing!

I would love to talk with you more, but I gotta run back to my Senefo home I'm staying in this week. More to come ...

SUNDAY: Even though I just wrote about some interesting things in my day yesterday, I need to write down some more things about today! My lovely moto-taxi man, Issa, came and got me for church right on schedule, and we went yet another way between Belleveille and Kennedy. Church was good as always, and it was nice to see my acquaintances there that I had missed last week when I was in Ferke. We had two interesting visitors with us; one a Christian who lead us in a song, “Bless me, Bless me…

Just a snapshot in the life of …

I woke up this morning to another cool, humid morning that promised a hot, humid day because it rained just before sunrise. Since the Korhogo crew was to leave a little after 7a, I got myself presentable and went over to Rod’s to see them off after which I went back home, took a hot shower, had some breakfast, and (thanks to Angelika leaving me her internet stick) I started my online morning. It’s amazing when you don’t have email access all day long…

5 March 2011

Dear Friends and Family,

Ça chauffe (it’s getting hot) - the political situation and the temperature! We are safe and keeping our ears and eyes open as rumors about the future become realities – no electricity, no cash, no texting, little internet, little gas and diesel –, though we trust that God’s hand is already working.

A few highlights from this month …

-…

When everyone asked me what I wanted to do for my birthday, I nearly got teary eyed when I said that I wanted to have dinner with all my friends and go out dancing, because I miss those so much here in West Africa. God knew, though, that I needed that outlet, and made a way for it to happen – and more!

Thursday night, Rod, Angelika, the Bouake Bunch (Jamie, Steph, Chazz, and Devin) and I piled into the Land Cruiser with our laptops in tow to have dinner and downloads at Black…

Blog:

A weekend snapshot of my ever-moving life…

Our orientation in Bouake was over early, so the Bouake bunch decided to make the trek with us leaders to surprise the Korogo crew on Friday. After a lovely dinner at a poulet chaud restaurant, we all went back to our guest houses, crammed 3 extra girls into the already overflowing sleep space, and tried to sleep. Since I am still in pain from the accident and fighting a stomach bug, I didn’t sleep much. The next morning, we all…