Hello everyone,

I hope you all are doing well. I wanted to update you a little on the progress here in the Ivory Coast.

Friends of mine gave me a very thoughtful present before leaving: journals. And I'm glad they did! The way of life here is already becoming normal. That is a good thing; however, with normality comes forgetfulness. Therefore, in order to communicate some of my thoughts, I thought writing out some excerpts would be the best way.

May 3

Friday went on a canoe trip down the Sassandra River. Was an enjoyable ride. Went through the mangroves and afterwards went out to search for Astapho the hippo. He has 3 wives and 3 kids. Note: none of the females are named. However, when they called out for him and pounded on the boat, neither he nor his family showed up. Oh well…

May 6

First big rain today. Maybe beginning of rainy season? Significantly cools things down. Feels like fall is on its way…have thoughts of apple picking and Halloween.

May 9

Day of Amandine’s wedding. Big ordeal of the day was figuring out how to transfer a 3 level cake on the roads out there without the frosting completely melting off of it. Solution: freeze the cake beforehand and transport it to the church separately in Tupperware containers at the very last minute.

What struck me about the wedding was how informal it was. Completely ok to get up and walk around. However, one cameraman took it too far by going to the wedding party seated behind the bride and groom in order to sell his pictures. He was kindly told to leave. But in general, people kind of did their own thing the entire time and it was ok.

May 23

Graduation day. The auditorium was looking nice. The guys decorated it well. Enjoyed hearing the testimonials of the 4th year students (5 of them) the most. The moment after was special taking pictures with everyone and exchanging good-byes and congratulations. Nice way to end my time in Cote d’Ivoire.

April 4

Today was Cookie’s last day with us. His owner showed up after 7 months. Surprisingly enough, Cookie ran up to him as if he recognized him. He left without any struggle whatsoever.

April 16

City has been having problems with the water. Apparently, water line broke so whole city suffering, but we’re fortunate since we’re at sea level. So the guys went to Abidjan to get the part to fix the problem. Came back but wasn’t the correct part so had to go back. During this whole time (few days), one big city without water!

Had a Jewish Seder dinner for Easter. Rather interesting – especially the empty seat at the table for Elijah. A lot of imagery through the meal of Christ so rather surprising how the Jewish people don’t see it all. Also, like the part how questions are welcomed by children but they need to learn from an early age to be patient in getting those answers.

April 27

Last day in Abidjan. Purpose of the trip was for another financial seminar. Thoughts of the seminar: attitude of the pastors was different. Some of the comments surprised me, such as the one on how those in charge should feel good (meaning having their pockets full of money) in order for all the other employees to feel good. However, they all seemed appreciative of the training. Different sorts of questions this time concerning different ways to invest your money which weren’t asked before.

Next subject Yamoussoukro. What a beautiful site (the largest basilica in the world is here). One of the most beautiful things that I’ve seen, partly because it’s in the middle of nowhere. Yes, the immediate reaction is what a blatant form of misuse of finances, but it takes on a different light being there.

Huge boulevards welcome you in the city; however, not all needed. And funny enough, with all that open space, still saw a taxi accident. The fact that the Ivorians think that one day the blvds will be filled with cars is commendable.

Talked about publicity tonight in CI. Kind of strange how Coca-Cola advertises their drink by placing it in snow next to a snowman of some sort and then BRRR !!!! written next to it. Emmanuel, Ruth and even Olivier recognized that they really have no idea what that’s supposed to mean. So why is it here???

March 3

Today was the first class of literacy. I think it’s sad how first those who can read don’t help those who can’t – why is the literacy rate so low? Second sad thing seeing guys around my age who can’t read and yet they are there wanting to learn.

Yesterday was up at the cyber doing month-end work. Paid out several invoices and put money aside into several provisions, including a provision to pay off the Bible school costs. Was exciting to see. Our goal is to have 50% of ITB costs covered by March. Seems like we’re on schedule. Big answer to prayer.

March 11

Today was woken up by little feet pounding on the floor and then a large knock on the door. Cookie (pet chimpanzee) now knows how to open doors.

March 22
Last Friday, Cookie escaped. Went out to get breakfast and he wasn’t on the tree. Got a knock on the door with the message, “Cookie is in a dangerous situation”. Another knock came a few minutes later with another message, “We got Cookie…come and get him”. From then on I was his rescuer. He was very cuddly with me the few days following. It was as if he knew I had helped him in a special way.

Many problems with the Internet connection. Never seems to be consistent. I think it’s a scheme of Aviso. Need some kind of a credit from them because it’s really ridiculous.

Cyber in a densely Muslim area. Some guys came in to copy a huge 200 pg. book concerning the Koran. Patrice was there talking with them. They couldn’t understand how in John 1 the Word = Jesus and how could Jesus could have existed from the beginning if He has a Father.

Went to the little bakery in town Saturday morning. Had a pain au chocolat African style – a little sweeter and denser – with an espresso. Bakery has a flat screen tv and air conditioning. Something you wouldn’t expect in Africa.

March 31

Last Monday and Tuesday had the financial seminar with the pastors and church leaders in the area. It was nice seeing people there from several different denominations. In general, a good spirit was felt among those present. Had about 30 people there. During question time, asked how much one is allowed to ask in interest, how to teach a budget to those who can’t read, etc…

Saturday – Sunday: business people seminar. Around 40 some people showed up. Encouraging to see. Exhausted by the end – mainly due to the heat. Really drains you of energy. Major questions for the businessmen was who to go into business with – all non-Christians are forbidden, including family members?

Feb 2

In Abidjan at dusk, the sky is filled with thousands of bats. Kind of eerie when seen for the first time.

Drive from Abidjan to San Pedro pretty uneventful (which is a good thing). Could see the effects of dry season. The foliage on the sides of the road were drying up: some of the palm trees were turning yellow and the rubber trees’ leaves were changing color. Looks like fall time.

Feb 6

Things that I forgot since I left: the security guards dressed in yellow guarding the grocery stores, “ca va un peu”, slowness of life, mosquito repellant, the white UN trucks

Feb 11

Yesterday was our first day of the financial seminar. We covered the subjects of ownership and how to spend wisely. I believe it was well received – the subjects of African solidarity (which hinders a lot of people from financial freedom) were brought up during the question time. Very difficult for them to say no to extended family when asked for money. Today’s subject will cover the subject of credit which is an equally difficult subject to discuss.

Feb 19

This morning got up early to experience the sunrise. However, what we woke up to was a lightning storm and a group of fisherman getting ready for their day of fishing. This process began the day before as the fishermen were all mending their nets. They set up their boats on logs and began rolling their wooden boats into the water. They then began to furiously paddle their way over the waves. It was interesting seeing some of the little kids involved in the entire process – mending nets, bringing things in from the nearby village, and some even going out with them. This will probably be their routine for the rest of their lives. Life is definitely more simple here.

Showed a guy how to better his golf swing on the beach, which he seemed very happy about. His swing wasn’t too bad for having picked up the game by watching it on television.

Had a nice chat with some locals. Hotel owner doesn’t believe that you can get rich without coming from a wealthy background or without being corrupt. Also believes in destiny, that we really can’t change the course of events in our life… Destiny means at a certain point that we don’t have total control – so then the question is raised, who does??

Feb 22

Last night early this morning got a phone call. Phone calls in the middle of the night most usually mean bad news; however, this morning came to find out that Celestine had her baby. She ended up giving birth in her home; however, no one knew how to cut the umbilical cord. So went to the hospital in a taxi in that state. She ended up not staying because the mosquitoes were too bad. Saw her this morning with many other people from church. Never held a newborn 12 hours old. She was so quiet even when being handled amount so many different people. This is how her life began – among family and friends. Her home was not as clean as a hospital, and she did not have near the number of appointments a lady would have in the States…and yet everything was ok. Everything was ok.

Feb 25

Came back from attending a mourning ceremony for a death. Interesting how in one week’s time have seen new life and seen the sorrow of death. However, what struck me each time was the solidarity of the Africans. Most everyone in the church came along to show their support. Touching to see. Up until now, I’ve seen the negative affects of this mentality in regards to money management; however, I’ve seen a different side these past few days.

Dec 4

Another entry on Cookie (pet chimp) – This morning had a soccer match. He gets very protective of his plastic ball, which makes the match much more interesting. At times, he decides to pick-up the ball and run away as fast as he can. However, I managed to get the ball away from him. He knew he was defeated because the next time we crossed each other in the hallway, he challenged me. What does that mean? He stares you down, starts pounding his little feet and charges towards you. He then starts pounding his little fists on you to show who is in charge.

Nov. 4
We still have a lot of things to get done and training to do, so please pray for this endeavor!! A lot of wisdom is needed to say the least :)

October 9

A lot of disease here - main prayer request at Wed night prayer service - one women brought her child with her that has a skin disorder - apparently normal

October 12

Went to church today - all churches a bit different in style; however, struck me today how the sermons are similar between here and the States - talked about what makes a good member of a church - something what I would here in the States...interesting how the Bible is cross-cultural...

October 15

Yesterday, the tax office could not receive phone calls or have an internet connection because someone stole the telephone cable from them.

October 16

Cookie [our pet chimp for a few days] is a fascinating animal. Whenever he eats something, always needs to put it up to his little nose. Always likes taking my hand over his face and in his mouth. Likes playing high 5 or high 20 in his case...not afraid of rolling up his little fist and smacking Sassy (pet rottweiler) in the nose. Locals are afraid of him - literally jump away! Various problems that stop progress from happening - employees don't get paid, businesses don't save for the future and things run down, bribery, don't pay taxes and have to close down...

Oct. 25

Yesterday, had the business meeting (with the council) when we went over the business plan and the pricing. The section about ownership brought up a lot of discussion - afraid what will happen in the future, so needed to phrase it correctly.

Traveling day to Divo. Pass through rubber tree plantations, banana trees, cocoa trees, etc... Ivory Coast is the #1 exporter of cacao. Liberia has the largest rubber plantation run by Firestone. Familiar signs along the road: Total, Coke,Michelin, Nescafe, Orange, Fujifilm.

Oct. 27

Whirlwind in the last few days. Arrived in Divo Saturday afternoon – went straight to Agnes’ home. Very welcoming. Offered us plantain chips. Love the color blue and the tiles in her home. A couple of family members living there – mother, son of her younger brother, daughter of another relative, a nephew, and niece. After a few minutes there, went to the hotel which was surprisingly very nice. Nice and clean. In the evening, got ready for the evangelism outreach. Muslim shop owner allowed us the use of his outdoor wall to project the film.   Started singing some hymns and inviting people to sit. Chick film shown which shows the story of the Bible from start to finish through pictures. Pretty graphic at times – part about sacrificing children to gods was relevant since rumors recently going around that children in the villages have been kidnapped and offered as sacrifices for the elections.   Several people came forth to indicate that they accepted Christ – however, it will be the follow-up work that will be a very important factor. Encouraging seeing some of the people at church the following day from the outreach. Church was on Sunday – they met in a school room. Here always say "Proclamez le Seigneur” – which means clap.

Drove into Abidjan on Sunday afternoon. Roads have potholes everywhere, which makes the driving experience interesting. Saw one bus tipped over alongside the road– not sure what happened. Many times, these buses are maxed-out to capacity – shows African ambition – get as much use out of something as possible.

Sept 17

Entry into the Ivory Coast in Abidjan. Made it through customs without any kind of a problem - no questions were asked and no bags were opened. Real answer to prayer. Met oilman on plane from Canada who has been here for 4 years - frustration rests with the fact that nothing changes here. You can train someone but when the teacher leaves, they'll go back to what they were doing....the Bible does change people and the Kings [missionaries I'm with] have seen it personally with their own eyes.

Sept 19-20

Set-up of Internet cafe. These past 2 days have been spent at the Bible Institutes preparing the Internet cafe. A couple of problems occurred these few days: loss of electricity, generator not working, etc... however, a lot was accomplished...

Cultural note: the larger the wife, the better the husband treats her!!  Ate 2 traditional African meals today: 'la sauce feuille' and 'la sauce pistache' - both served with rice which was very good! Special people: Patrice (4th year Bible student) - the Kings gave him money to replace two of his front teeth - cried when that happened - now has more confidence. Also they baked him a cake for his birthday - first time anyone celebrated his birthday.

Sept 24

First day with ITB (Institut Theologique Baptiste) students. Really insisted on being 'fidele' or faithful from the very beginning. In addition, insisted on the theme of paying for their studies - excuse that this is Africa is NOT acceptable. Seems that the students have a large heart for the ministry and are excited about the new school year.

Sept 25-26

The Lebanese have built-up a grocery store which really have everything there that we need. Went to the tailor, wood worker/carver, shoe maker, etc... Went to a small market where multiple women working and selling different items. Very protective of who you buy from. Not very sanitary - that is why all fruits and vegetables bought from them are bleached.

Sept 30

Last day of Ramadan for the Muslims. Call to prayer around 8 this morning. Many of them came pouring from the streets (probably the majority of people) from the area, which was a site to see.