I guess words need to become action, and the next step for me is to address the issue of logistically staying another year in Cote d'Ivoire.

There was no word of God in a earthquake or a storm telling me what to do next year. There was a quiet stillness, but it did not include the information I was hoping to hear. Rather, for that moment, I was reminded of how impossible certain things in my life seemed a year ago and how God has brought me through them; and I was assured of how foolish my fears I have now will seem in another year. I do not know what I expected to happen when I prayed for God to open the door, but I hoped to have more to tell supporters. I realize that if it is God's will I stay, He will place on peoples hearts the burden to give and provide me the the faith to act, but wouldn't it have been nice to hold up something as proof of God's direction. For myself as well, the articulate word of God has great appeal when I consider where this decision will may take me.

I sometimes think of a promise I made to God a couple years ago and the way He has brought me since then. If I receive the funds needed to stay a second year, I wonder where will the next door lead. Missionary was not on the list of careers in middle school, nor did I grow up dreaming of providing clean water for villagers or building churches. What were the prerequisites of those called by God to leave their home? What should I expect as proof enough that He is asking me to go and to serve as a missionary. It is not as decision I am trying to make, but I realize that staying a second year in Cote d'Ivoire brings that path closer. I do not know if that is a path I will have the opportunity to take next year or in ten years, but it has been on my mind as I think about a second year.

I do have a praise and prayer request to tell you. One of my fears for staying is French. It seemed like common experience that it was easier to learn a language by immersion. I however am discovering that my ability to understand math and science may have come at a compromise to language learning. In spite of this I have found people patient enough to spend five minutes just trying to help me understand a single thought. And it is one of these persons, Benjamin, who has offered to help me during his summer vacation to improve my understanding of French. It might just be directed conversations while I help him pick green beans in the field, but it is an encouragement against my frustration.

Please continue to pray as the Spirit leads, but particularly that I would wholly trust what happens next and that God would take care of my logistics for next year.

Thank you,

Devin

If you would like to partner with me in working another year in Cote d'Ivoire, please send me an email or go to www.worldventure.com