Liberia

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From Ivory Coast the group split and only Joel and one other guy continued on to Liberia.  When first plans were being made for this trip they were going to drive into the village and then back out to continue back to Senegal.  However because of Ebola and the complications of that the boarder between Liberia and Ivory Coast is still closed and that meant that they would not be able to get out of Liberia by land.  So it meant that now they were venturing in by foot.

They met up with one of our missionaries who works with the same people group, but from the Ivory Coast side, and then they packed up to begin their 3 hour hike to the village in Liberia.

They hiked in with a team of people carrying their stuff
They hiked in with a team of people carrying in supplies for the team
They began with crossing a river by boat
They began with crossing a river by boat
It took multiple trips to get across
It took multiple trips to get across
The boat had a leak so they kept scooping water out to keep it a float
The boat had a leak so they kept scooping water out to keep it a float
Then the real hike began
Then the real hike began
They hiked through the jungle
They hiked through the jungle
It was hot and the journey was long
It was hot and the journey was long
When they finally made it, the team was swimming on the other side of the river while waiting
When they finally made it, the team was swimming on the other side of the river while waiting
The hikers took a break
The hikers took a break
While the boat came to get them
While the boat came to get them

One of the most special thing for us about this trip was reconnecting with one of the families who had just moved there.  We had walked alongside them 2 years as they worked on French and culture.  Now we had a chance to see them in the context of their future ministry

It was a joy to see them again
It was a joy to see them again
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To see how God was taking care of them
They met with the elders
They met with the elders of the village
They were welcomed with cola nuts dipped in chili powder
They were welcomed with cola nuts dipped in chili powder
It was the official presentation of the new family to the village
It was the official presentation of the new family to the village
And also a chance to asks for a host family who will guide them into culture
And also a chance to asks for a host family who will guide them into culture
It was a long meeting, but also an important one
It was a long meeting, but also an important one
The days that followed involved meetings about strategy
The days that followed involved meetings about strategy
One couple is nearing the end of culture and language learning
One couple is nearing the level needed in culture and language learning to begin teaching
And thinking about what teaching might look like.
And so it was time to think about that might look like and what was needed to see all progressing forward.
After a few days it was time to hit the road again.
After a few days it was time to hit the road again.
This time they motorcycled out
This time they motorcycled out
Over great roads
Over great roads
With only one motorcycle breaking down
With only one motorcycle breaking down
But still managing to catch a flight
But still managing to catch a flight

At the airport the early the next morning they were hassled some at the airport since the land boarder didn’t bother giving them an entry stamp into their country.  But after some serious talks they finally agreed to let them one the plane.

From green back to the desert, but also back to home!
From green back to the desert, but also back to home!

As you read this now it is time to pray for this team.  Pray for Aaron and Amy as they work hard to finish up language learning and think ahead to teaching.  Pray for Guy and Keyla as they begin language learning and adjust to life in the village.  Pray for the people that their hearts would be ready to hear God’s truth soon!

Comments

  1. I so wish you were close enough to hug! I can hear in all the busy, an excitement for what God is doing in you and through you as a family, but with that busy comes exhaustion. I am praying right now for refreshing times to come soon. That you will be able to take time to reflect more fully on the many people and ministries you are supporting as well as the day to day ordeal of living in Senegal and raising a family. At first, I think, “they are so amazing” and then I am reminded that even YOU point to the source of your strength in all of this – God is so amazing! God is so good. He sustains and gives life. He enjoys you and all you are in the middle of all of this. Miss you!

  2. Andi, I have loved reading your entries about the most recent trips. Incredible journaling and pic’s. I am praying for you all and praying for you to stay strong in your marriage and in your health. God is using you and it is obvious that you are a team together. May God use you… to reach people anywhere he chooses to put you.
    Lauri

  3. Wow! Roads are laughable until you realize these are what Joel & team have to travel on.
    May God use each one for His glory!

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