Week’s adventures

This past week went by so quickly!  On Monday Mowa and I were invited to the home of Jean & Ann for dinner!  It was wonderful fellowship and both Jean and I were able to practice our language learning!  Ann is a Canadian who married Jean about 10 years ago here in Cote d’Ivoire.  They are preparing to move back to Canada for a year to finish Jean’s citizenship requirements.  I think I will be going with them to visit one of their ministries tomorrow (Saturday).
 

This week I also had the joy of going to visit Maison Dorcas, the women’s ministry Janet started here many years ago.  There are about 15 women who all work on sewing and craft projects in order to make a living.  They are all Christians so it has been a great way to disciple through Bible studies, leadership example, etc.  The women here in Africa live hard lives and it is wonderful for them to be able to come together and share as well as learn from each other.  (photos to come) 
 

I had the chance to see a beautiful Catholic church that is very near to Maison Dorcas!  It was huge and had VERY modern architecture!

One day I was at a standstill on the website so I just stayed at the house and helped Mowa.  She has to be out of her house by the end of Feb., so I helped move & sort some boxes, cleaned a room, and helped with some graphics for a “book” she is putting together concerning health, women&children, and HIV&AIDS.  In the evening we went for a few hours to a really nice hotel with beautiful grounds next to the lagoon surrounding Abidjan.  (I have posted photos…see below in flickr).  

 

 

The harmattan is basically over, so the skies have cleared.  It was wonderful to see blue sky & clouds rather than gray dust!  However, now it is back to being as humid as it was when I first arrived.  There was one day I took several showers b/c I just felt so hot and sticky from the humidity!  yuck.  
 

Today for lunch, Suzanne (national staff with SIM here in Côte d’Ivoire) took Dorothy and I for lunch!  We tried many different kinds of African food:
*Alloco – fried ripe plantain  (“the national snack”)
*Foutou Banane (pounded banane or plantain) with
*Agouti au sauce Graine – “bush meat” or similar to rat, served w/ a palm butter sauce
*Attieke (similar to couscous but made with casava) served w/ fried chicken.   

For a drink we had something similar to very strong Ginger soda…it was so incredibly spicy and strong!  It was like taking ginger and just adding a bit of water!  I didn’t care much for it and added in plenty of water to thin it out!  ha.  I guess you win some and you lose some!

Pictured below: Agouti…looks yummy don’t you think?  🙂  (it actually was QUITE tasty!)

 

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loving Abidjan…

I have begun to really enjoy my time here in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire!  I am thanking God for allowing me to live with Mowa…I now laugh to imagine my fear before meeting her!  I’m glad God forced me out of my comfort zone to live with a perfect stranger who is very quickly becoming a dear friend!  Mowa is the most Godly, caring,…and she even loves to bake & cook!  We have enjoyed evenings together making quiche (she spent several years in France & Germany and even took culinary classes!), and peanut sauce with rice, etc!  I am amazed at her heart for ministry and am very excited to visit and photograph her ministry!  (hopefully next week sometime!)  Mowa has introduced me to so many people already…I previously mentioned the Congolese woman who worked for the doctor in whose home I was born…and tonight I met another Congolese woman who actually went to TASOK (The American School of Kinshasa) where my brother and I started our schooling!  Such a small world!  Through Mowa, I also was introduced to an American girl (and her American friend and Jewish boyfriend) who is out here doing sociology work.  Together we all went out to eat at a Lebanese restaurant!  It was amazing food and I’m always shocked how inexpensive it is out here!   We got an apetizer, our meal, and some shared desserts all for about $7 each!  Then last night we all went to this dance school and saw an African art/music show.

I have come to really enjoy this city.  There is quite a bit to do…It is fairly easy to find your way around…and best yet, I feel quite safe here!  I even took a walk with Mowa this evening in her neighborhood!  However, the harmattan  has come now…it is primarily dust brought over from the Sahara.  The weather is just a bit cooler in the evenings and the humidity is much lower which is perfect.  However, dust just lingers in the air creating somewhat of a fog all day long.  Many of the people working in the street wear masks.

The people are all wonderful and are anxious to try to communicate with me through broken English.  They are also extremely helpful in giving French lessons 🙂  This past week, my coworkers Suzanne & Arnaud took me to the place where they buy fish (tuna) and Attieke…a dish made of manioc.  Arnaud and I really enjoy talking together so he can work on his English and I can work on my French and together we may be able to understand each other 🙂  (SOMETIMES)  I am inspired to return to French lessons of some sort when I come back to the States.

Today I went to Cocody market with a missionary who is visiting from Liberia for a few days and staying with the Welch’s.   It was a joy to be out in a market again!  I really miss them in the states!  My favorite things in other cultures are the jewelry and the artwork. I could spend HOURS there!  However, it is different this time since I only may get to go once or twice I have to buy so much more at a time!  In kenya I used to take $5 each week and buy just one or 2 gifts for people at a time.  Nonetheless, j’aime le marche!  (I love the market!)

Thank you to those of you praying for me this week.  it was hard to be away from home for the funeral of my grandmother, but God really brought people along side me here even on another continent.  I also enjoyed the notes, emails, and photos people sent from home.

Well I have some photos to upload but they are on my computer and I can not get to them at the moment (I am borrowing Mowa’s computer since I cant get mine to hook up to the internet).  I will try to upload them on Monday when I’m back at the office!

Have a wonderful Sunday!

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one week finished

I have now been in Cote d’Ivoire for a full week.  It has been a very full week, but a very good week.  I spent the night at the Welch’s last night since Mowa was out of town.  It was good to have internet connection so I could call and talk to my parents and sisters a bit.  The funeral for my Grandma will be on Friday, so please keep my family and especially my Grandpa (Ted) in your prayers…

This morning it worked better for me to just stay at the house and work here since they have wireless internet…it was GREAT to have a change of scenery!   I really don’t know if they believed me when I said I didn’t know much about websites…they are probably tired of getting emails with all of my questions!  However, thanks to some great help via skype, the website is coming together.

Random piece of info:  I had passion fruit juice this morning and I have decided that must be the primary drink of heaven!  I remember we used to make it during my early childhood years in the Congo.  This place actually reminds me a lot more of those days then Kenya ever did!  I think it must be because the climates are so much more similar.  Also, they were both colonized by the French…

Well I’m off to my home-away-from-home.  Bon Nuit.  (good night)

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Freedom at last…

My Grandma Val passed away this morning.  I am overwhelmed with emotions…tears for my own selfish loss, regret at being away from home and not being able to be there for the funeral,  but also joy that Val is finally released from her suffering here on earth.  For the past few years she has suffered from ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease).  She moved to a home a few months ago because my Grandpa could no longer care for her.  However even in the hard times, she still praised God and was a blessing to everyone in her life… even when she could only communicate with her eyes.  TODAY SHE IS FREE.

Sometimes I find myself seeking answers.  Why Grandma Val?  Why Grandpa?  He has served God so whole-heartedly and so faithfully, and yet God has taken all three of his wives. God is all-powerful and could have healed her.  Yet, it is that same sovereignty that brings me to my knees…knowing that God is in control and even though I don’t understand…that’s okay.  He has a plan for each of us, and our days are numbered.  Yet, today I mourn… and God is comforting me with this verse:

Psalm 116:15
Precious in the sight  of the LORD is the death of his saints. 

HE  CARES.

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New photos

I have posted new photos of the birthday party, of some of the markets on the side of the road, etc.  To see them, click on one of the 3 photos below (on the right side of the blog).

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un bon weekend (a good weekend)

My first weekend in Cote D’Ivoire is drawing to an end.  I was able to experience more of the culture over the weekend, which was wonderful!  On Saturday I went with Janet to a birthday party for the child of a family friend.  Parties are big events here, and this one was done right!  It is most important to make an appearance, but they really don’t care if you talk much to others.  It was hosted in the front yard under some large trees.  The chairs were all lined up with the children in front.  We were all served fruit juices (the passion fruit was my favorite!) as well as a plate of various cakes and assorted sweets.  However I shared a plate with Janet and was able to get past without eating any of it, b/c they’re not my favorite in Africa!  (too dry!)  Then there was of course music.  There are people here who make a living by providing and setting up the equipment for music and a sound system.  All of the children danced, but of course increased the drama as soon as the camera came out!   We had planned to make an appearance and then leave to go to a market, but that proved to be impossible.  After several hours, we were served dinner of chicken and a sweet fried plantain dish.  My health kick is going to be completely blown to pieces during my stay here!  Ha. 

 

I moved in with Mowa on Saturday evening and it has proved to be a good change.  I enjoy Mowa immensely, and we enjoyed chatting and looking at a map of the Congo together.  She asked me what town I was born in,and when I told her, Mowa told me her friend was from that town and had worked for a man named Doctor Fountain.  Once again, I was shocked at how small this world really is!  That is the name of the doctor in whose home my parents stayed when I was born!  (He was supposed to deliver me, but was out the night I was born helping a child who choked).

 

On Sunday, I went to a small church where both Mowa and the Welch’s attend.  It was all in French, but Janet and another man helped translate the songs and service for me.  Everyone was incredibly friendly as I have come to expect here!

 

After church, Mowa and I went to her ministry (called El Rapha) about 30 minutes away…it’s a nutrition & health center in the poorest area of town.  We weren’t there long, because it was not operating, but Mowa had to drop off some more milk for the infants that come this next week.  I was really impressed with the facilities.  They were well planned, well cared for, but not extravagant.  I hope I’ll be able to return to photograph it when it is operating!  When we were finished there, Mowa and I went grocery shopping which was another cultural experience!  Shopping takes on new challenges when all of the labels are in French!  Then finally, this evening I went to an international Bible study with Tim & Janet.  So it has been a good full weekend and I am refreshed and ready for another week of work!

 

 

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CFA francs

It’s easy to be a millionaire here! 🙂  It’s approximately 500 francs to the US $. 

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A fair chance…

I must admit that the first 2 days I was here, I could only compare C.D. to Kenya and it came up lacking every time!  However, I am now realizing I did not give it a fair chance!   

The few people that I have been able to meet and spend time with, I have enjoyed thoroughly!  Gerard is a guy at the office who is quite jovial and a great French teacher!  (It has amazed me how much French is actually coming back to me from my Freshman year of college!) Gerard also brought me a grilled plantain and ground nuts yesterday so I could try some of the national food!  It was VERY good!   I loved that it came wrapped in a child’s homework page – from English class no less!  

Last night, Tim & Janet had invited another couple over for dinner.  Ann is from Canada and is married to Jean from Cote D’Ivoire.  They were wonderful and I hope to see them more while I am here!  They also work with SIM.

This morning I got up early (now that I am over my jetlag I usually wake up at 6:30 or so b/c it is so light outside!) and went for a walk with Janet.  It was wonderful to get out and exercise, but even better to be out of the neighborhood and into the community!  It seems so much different than Kenya.  I don’t get a lot of people staring at the funny mzungu (I haven’t learned the French word for white person yet) who was out walking for EXERCISE!  The Kenyan people walk everywhere they go, but not at all for the reason of exercise.   The idea is absurd to them.  However, here in C.D., I saw many of the nationals out walking or running or even having gym class outside on the dirt roads!  From several conversations, I have found out that many people here have health issues such as high cholesterol and are now trying to exercise, drink more water during the day, and eat less oil!  

Another difference I have seen is in dress.  Most Kenyans in our area wore modern western clothing probably purchased from outdoor used clothing markets.  However, here in Cote D’Ivoire, there seems to be much more pride in the African traditional clothing!  Many have the full African costumes, and others use the African fabrics incorporated into their western-style clothing!  I really love it!  

This afternoon I will be going with Janet to a birthday party for a little girl and then possibly to a market!  This evening I will be moving over to the home of a Congolese woman named Mowa.

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The task is begun…

Well today I finally got a good start on the website for SIM in West Africa.  We had a meeting with the staff and I now have an initial chart and a diagram of this new site.  I also was able to chat online with a guy from SIM in the States which was a big help in overcoming my feelings of being overwhelmed!  

Several random observances for the day:
* There are millipedes everywhere…including crawling up my sink
* The toilet paper rolls here look like almost finished toilet paper rolls in the States…not much to them!
*  It is incredibly easy to mix up languages and kudos to those of you who know 2 or 3 and can actually keep them straight!  I keep trying to say “Asante” and “Kwaheri” before realizing they don’t know what I’m saying~  Ha.
*   The terrain here really is beautiful!  There are palm trees and gorgeous plants everywhere and the backyard of where I am staying looks like an oasis!  
*  It is relatively safer here than it is in Nairobi!  

Please be in prayer with me about my living situation!  I have been staying with a missionary couple from the U.S. up until now, but will probably be moving to the home of a Congolese woman on Saturday.  In some ways this could be great as I will probably have more opportunity to get out into the community.  However, it also makes me more nervous as I will have to use French more often, as well as probably have to deal with transportation a bit more!  (As many of you know that is my greatest fear here in Africa!)

I am signing off for now and hopefully will sleep better than last night (I was awake from 4-6:30am).  I have found that the worst jetlag hits the 2nd night so hopefully I am caught up now!

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Trouble-free travels!

I can hardly believe that I am writing from the other side of the world!  In some ways, this seems so much like the parts of Africa I have seen…but in other ways it is completely different!  If possible, there are MORE people out on the streets, the traffic is a bit crazier, but supposedly it’s relatively safer.  And, if I can say just one thing….this is the most humid place I have ever experienced!  

Thank you all so much for your prayers during my travels!  I couldn’t believe how blessed I was to have a day of complete ease!  I didn’t get singled out of any lines, didn’t have to open a single suitcase or argue my way out of being charged for something; I found all my connections well and each one of them was about 10 minutes early due to some wonderful tail winds!  And I had been the most nervous about the airport here in Cote D’Ivoire, but God provided a Brazilian employee of the United Nations to sit beside me from Paris!  He was wonderful and helped guide me through the visas, baggage, and customs!  

Well, after sleeping only about 2 hours last night, I am exhausted and am ready for bed!  Hopefully tomorrow I’ll wake up and be right on schedule with the change in time! (We are only 6 hours ahead here rather than 8 or 9 like it was in Kenya!)

Bon nuit!  (Good night…I guess I better practice up my French now!)

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