Bamako, baby ;)

I am in Bamako, the capitol of Mali. Here for vacation, tagging along with a couple who is part of the West African Leaders Conference for the mission.

It's hard to believe that this is my last month in West Africa! (for now, at least) It's been a treat to take time out before the busy end of my term, to relax, reflect and kick back, even exercise! I know that this will help energize me for the work ahead, the goodbyes, and Christmas.

This has been one of the best experiences of my life...but for different reasons than one might think. They are mostly internal reasons, and have to do with transformation and new understanding of what God desires and how He has been faithful to shape my life to jointly pursue His purposes. It has also been very challenging in ways I did not expect. God has begun to teach me, change me, and produce new things in me. These newly learned things would not have manifested without following the sense of call to serve in Cote d'Ivoire. The challenges have caused me to lean and depend on Him even more, but I understand better the reality that our lives are for His glory and Kingdom.

"For such a time as this" - it is a theme in the book of Esther, and although very much different, in a small way, I feel that phrase applies well to my time here. It applies well because I see how God timed my arrival to meet certain needs, and possibly to be a catalyst for the growth and needs of others. It is in serving one another in love that we become more like Christ. How I long to do that better.

On a lighter note, wandering the streets of Bamako has been a blast!! I just love visiting a new place and absorbing its energy and culture. In that way, every city is beautiful, with its own unique nuances. Bamako is like an overgrown village, but is still very much a city with a hum and buzz of people all about. The traffic is quite dangerous, so you have to be quick in crossing the streets and look out for motos (motorcycles).

The Niger River is a lovely sight, even during dry season when it is low. It somehow makes me feel far off, as if seeing just a portion allows me to travel up it to distant lands. The blue gray aura and tiny dots of just a few lone people out in the water, rowing long, thin canoe-like boats is beautiful. It gives me a strange sense of nostalgia, even though I only had a chance to look at it briefly. I hope to see it again someday!

The other day, I ambled out to search for a bakery. Without a drawn map, I couldn't find the place people described to me. There are so many stalls (boutiques)! Finally, I popped in at a small clothing boutique. I felt like I ought to greet, and look around before asking for directions. Somehow, I ended up buying a boubou (spelling?) which is kind of a loosely, shapeless and lightweight dress that is brightly died, often tie-dye, and may have embroidery on it too. The woman not only gave me a great price, she had it shortened for me in a matter of 15 minutes. One of the guys who help out at her boutique was able literally to be my guide, helping me cross the busy traffic, to get to the bakery nearby. What a deal for 6000 CFA, I thought (a little over 12 USD). It was so much fun, and interacting with the woman selling the dress was a hoot. If I understood correctly, she wanted my address in the U.S., I kind of laughed and told her it was very far. She kept saying, "Have faith in me!", and telling me to come back to buy again this week.

The artisan centre in town is hopping with merchants, and targets tourists. There are so many different souvenirs available. Artisans who work in leather, silver, etc., work on site and can make a purse to your description in a few days time. The sellers work very hard. But, you can also bargain with them, and you really should bargain. The first price is usually too high and it is easy to get them to lower it if you try. I was purchasing a few souvenir gifts and decided not to buy some small Touareg knives. Our group left the centre and even crossed the busy street. After just crossing, the seller was yelling and caught up to us, he wanted to sell me a different set of knives that were bigger/better than the ones I turned down. With all his hard work, I decided to shell out the asking price ($5 each), which was a pretty good deal.

I got to sit in on a session of the West African Leaders conference. A long-term couple in Mali, about to retire soon, shared their lessons learned over the years. it was great to hear what they had to say. All of them that I've interacted with have given me some new insight.

Another soul-lifting thing was that I got to listen to a portion of Handel's Messiah performed by a group of locally collected people. Many are missionaries, and I was impressed with the singing abilities of those involved, with such a random collection of people. It blessed me to hear the powerful strains of this incredible piece of music sung with spirit, and feels like a lift-off for the Christmas season.

Well, this is it for me today! We're having Chinese tonight, yay! The simple joys :)

Grace for the Road

I am away from the hospital and pharmacy this week, and in Abidjan. Abidjan is the big port city in Cote d'Ivoire, and is the economic capital where business is done. It is noisy, dusty and crowded in traffic - yet, very interesting. It is much different from Ferke!

Yesterday, another missionary and I went to get some car papers. We ended up in a used car parking lot eating fresh coconut that was hacked with a machete, with a congressman. The combination seemed funny to me.

In Ferke, it costs 200 CFA to take a taxi ride. Here it has cost us between 1900-2500 francs. Yup, we're in the big city. We have taken opportunities to eat out at some restaurants and have Vietnamese "nems" to our heart's delights. We also had cheap street sandwiches of grilled meat and onion skewers in baguette with beef bouillon sauce.

I thank God for this opportunity. He has taught me more about himself, and trusting Him. He has provided friends in the midst of lonely times, and healing after bouts of viral sicknesses. He has given "enough" language ability to function in my role, and he has definitely provided grace for the road of life in this time.

The sights I have seen, the feelings I've had, the people I have met, they have combined to impact my heart deeply and permanently. In such a different country from the U.S., I see Christ's influence working into lives in many different ways. Even in taxis and on bumper stickers, I have seen much evidence of the Gospel's spread in Cote d'Ivoire.

Personally, I have recognized my own humanity! I am weak, but He is strong. As I'm reading a missionary biography currently, I think it is ironic how I used to think of missionaries as spiritual giants. Although I still appreciate them greatly, I have come to know and understand what mission life is like by "staying a while"; the struggles are the same, but added with the totally different environment and culture!

I could use prayer for life direction, but I truly believe He will give that direction. To have a deeper understanding of His love and to learn to share that abudantly with others to make disciples is what I desire on this journey. He is the best, He gives the best, He deserves our best.

Where I'm At...

In the last blog, I made a comment I want to revise, yet I don’t really want to change the thought I was having at the time. It was about doubt and discouragement being terrible and ungodly; they aren’t faith-filled emotions, but they are part of a process which is often very healthy. I also thought about friends who deal with difficult emotions, as I do too at times, and want to clarify that the statement was not meant as a judgment. The fact is, it is sometimes just the way we feel, even for extended periods of time, and although God calls us higher, it is sometimes where we are at in the journey of life and faith. Praise God that He transforms us anyway, as we follow Him.

I see a lot of butterflies here which are symbolic reminders of beauty that comes out of struggle and former plainness or you could say, ugliness, as caterpillars. It always reminds me of the verse in Corinthians about being a new creation in Christ.

It’s been kind of a roller coaster with the rental/sale situation. I have had a total of about 5 good prospects for rental and 2 offers to buy, of which none of them have worked out. It was hard being let down each time after a buildup of what seemed like an answer to prayer on the surface, which has happened other times in life. The real question is: what does God want me to learn out of this?

I’ve done lots of thinking here about how our lives are so focused on the here and now, rather than the Kingdom and eternity. If my focus is on pleasing God, obeying Him and valuing His kingdom above all else, then how will my heart respond to these ups and downs? As long as I’m following Him and learning to be His disciple, none of these things should be permanently upsetting. But, yes, they are let-downs if my goal is merely to have what I want done in my life and when I want it.

The fact is, doing easy things and getting what I want when I want it, doesn’t really shape my faith. It’s a sobering thought, but it’s true. Also, when it comes down to it, do I love anything else more than God? What do my actions reveal? I should not, and hope to say I do not, but am still a work in progress.

I’m reading a book that I highly recommend. After being here for almost 4 months (wow! Incroyable!), my interest in missions and ministry has turned to discipleship. The book is by Walter Henrichsen, “Disciples are Made – Not Born: Making Disciples Out of Christians.” He does not mince words, and plainly states that discipleship costs us everything, with excellent supporting principles.

Two things have stood out: that we are called to do hard things in being true disciples of Christ. The author points out that Joseph didn’t want to go to prison, Moses didn’t want to go to Pharaoh, Abraham didn’t want to sacrifice Isaac, Jesus didn’t want to go to the cross. They were hard things, but if we acknowledge Christ as Lord, it requires dying to self, and discipline (which is the trait of its root word “disciple”).

Now, this might all sound depressing, but there’s a little vignette in the book about being given a gift, then being asked to have it back, and then…being given so much more. That is the sweetness of discipleship, although we are called to lay down our very lives, what we get back is immeasurably and eternally valuable. It may not seem obvious at the time when we’re going through a difficult situation, but God is not a promise-breaker. He is faithful in all He says and does.

It is raining steadily here, and I shall sign off now. Enfin!

Radical

God, change the scenery of my soul. Give me a new perspective. Help me to stop settling for a mediocre faith when I have the amazing, life-changing, soul-converting promises of God.

I have been specifically asking God why He has not moved regarding a prayer request for a buyer or renter for my place back home. It has made me question and wonder, because I felt a very strong sense of calling to come out for this mission. Then, there have been other challenges. But God reminds me today…

Doubt, worry and discouragement are terrible, ungodly things, because in Christ, we have no excuse for these things. I have been thinking about how often as Christians we allow these white-collar sins to pervade our faith. To be honest, I hear traces of unbelief in so many conversations that I have with fellow believers. Then, we sigh and still say God is in control, as if that is the last resort because our human thinking is exhausted. It is human to worry, but when I read the New Testament, I read about radically life-altering teachings. These promises are ours as believers in Christ. Acts of sacrifice and conversion should be no surprise in the kingdom of Christ. This Gospel is still alive today – it is the life-transforming salvation of Jesus Christ.

I think of Jesus’ challenge to the rich young ruler about selling all he has to give to the
poor. (Luke 18) I relate to this in some ways. I think of Zaccheus, the reformed tax collector, going back to return the excess funds he collected in his former way of life. (Luke 19) I think of the disciples dropping their own familiar lifestyles to follow Christ. (Luke 18:26) I think of Mary anointing Jesus feet with costly perfume, against Judas’ complaint of how the money could best be used. (John 12) Jesus honored her in all history, for how she poured out her love and worship of Him in this act.

Truly, Jesus and following Him requires radical faith. I need, desperately, to have a different faith than what I currently have. I ask you to pray with me that God will radically change my faith from the very roots. I want to be a Christian who reflects Romans 15:13, overflowing with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. This is the God who can fill us with all joy and peace, but it will take radical, unshakeable faith.

He is able to accomplish all things which are His will for us. I want to know that deep in my soul, not only by words that slip off my tongue as a balm to worry, but as the solid anchor of all my thoughts.

My Will and My IPOD

The irony of coming to Cote d’Ivoire is that while so many external things are new, I realize that a big part of what I am here for is to change internally. Almost every missionary I’ve talked to cites spiritual growth as one of the biggest changes they go through.

As I’m only here for 8 months, I realize that my time and abilities are limited. This is a reality but was hard for me when I began to understand this more fully after first arriving - the extent of my limitations. But, as I trust God desires me to be here, serving Him cannot primarily be about what I want.

On the other hand, I believe this is a great opportunity, and have also seen a different light on my role recently. There are some immeasurable things that we will never understand how God measures, I suppose. We have human thinking about attainable goals and expectations, which we try to control and exert our will over. God knows better and refines us in the laying down of our own ambitions, in so many ways.

I read a quote for July 1st from a little calendar in the pharmacy. It struck me because it is something I recently thought and prayed about intensively. It says, “The case with true believers in Christ is that they frequently find their will more or less exalting itself against the will of God.” (Spirit Refreshers, text from Renew My Heart by John Wesley and Show Me Your Love by Barbour Publishing) These words pricked my heart. For so long now, I have struggled with God, shallowly thinking I have laid down my own ambitions. The reality is that I have not truly laid them all down. I still have them, and while it is human, it is not God’s best for me.

As I’m studying Jeremiah, two things that stand out are that God called him to be single through a challenging call in his life to be God’s weeping prophet to Judah. The second thing that stood out to me was this verse in chapter 10:23, “I know, O Lord, that a man’s way is not in himself, Nor is it in a man who walks to direct his steps.“. It was something I turned over and over, wondering if this answers my question of whether God gives us choices or molds us into what we are to be. Although I don’t dare claim an answer on such a complex subject, I tend to believe that God desires us to passionately seek His will at every step, as an act of worship and surrender to Him.

On another note, my IPOD and speakers were stolen out of the house I’m living in today. While it is certainly not a happy event, I also realize God knows what happened to it and even permitted it to happen. He knows who did it, and though annoying and a sense of personal invasion that is a bit disturbing, no physical harm was done to me. Prayers would be appreciated to help me get over this unfortunate incident as it does shake one’s trust in the people around you. I enjoy music a lot so it is more the loss of a modern technology to listen to music that saddens me.

C’est un peu triste, mais c’est la vie!

At last, I'm here...

Allo!

Eight days have passed since I arrived at the Baptist Hospital in Ferke village in northern Cote d’Ivoire. There are, of course, adjustments. Locks turn different directions, LOTS of new sounds around your home, things that “thump” in the night, and you just have to get used to these sounds as being normal. I don’t know why, but I figured out that this is often the birds or other wildlife flying/thumping into the roof or piping around the house, I think. Maybe it’s a little game for them. Once, I shared bathroom time with a tiny, jumbo paper clip sized lizard and another day with a mini brown frog. I’m told they are harmless, and I always remind myself I’m a lot bigger than them.

I spend time studying a language that, so far, is a grammatical mystery to me. I am currently reading a book about French Grammar, hoping to understand the language from a big picture perspective. I have language help during the week, with a hospital worker who lives within walking distance from the hospital.

It is beautiful and simple living here in many ways. The sun shines strong and bright every day, and there are beautiful flowers and birds, fruit bats in the trees, and many mango and other trees on the hospital compound. The trees are especially neat, and I appreciate the fullness and shape of them.

The hospital staff have been friendly and gracious. Some of them are so exuberant to meet first thing in the morning, with a hearty, “Bonjour!” and perhaps a handshake, smile and laughter. I really enjoy their happy spirits. There are a few of them who just exude joy, and it is contagious.

Our arrival (along with a short term missionary) was rather a long haul, as we had a 5-hour delay in Paris due to an unsafe engine, and had to deplane and reboard a different aircraft. On the 7-hour drive into Ferke, a couple days later, we got a flat tire. Yet, we can never underestimate God’s goodness in keeping us safe and well protected, and providing quick aid to these problems. Praise Him.

Arriving at a long awaited destination has been like a dream and vision, starting as a seed planted in my heart, beginning to bloom. Being here, I am struck by a realization of my own smallness. I am aware of limitations, linguistically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually. There is a keen sense of dependency on God for emotional needs, and while there is great excitement, there are challenges.

I also begin thinking of how God would have me to serve in my life. Although I don’t feel a very clear sense of direction yet, I believe that deepening my study and understanding of His Word is one of the main things I should do. Keeping a missions-oriented perspective and being open to His leading is what I trust God wants of me.

At Sunday worship in the local Baptist church, they carry out the service in four different languages, but they preach in French, and only translate into Dioula. They sing in all three tribal languages though, with three choirs: Dioula, Senoufo, and Chebarra(spelling?). It takes about 2 ½ - 3 hours, and I admire the inclusiveness of their worship. It was pretty awesome to hear them worshiping in the local tribal languages!

Going to the market for groceries is always interesting, and you learn that if you shop around, you can find different prices or better quality produce, even just a few yards away. It takes quite a bit of navigating the crowded vendor area setups. You can also have a person to help you shop and cook, which is quite a blessing.

I have to say that the poverty in the villages strikes me pretty hard at the heart. I have seen poverty before on short term missions, but now living here right by it, I cannot help but feel bewildered by it. It truly makes me appreciate what I have more, even when I have relatively less than I did in the U.S., I still have a lot more, and I realize that it is changing me in some way.

The hardest part for me is entering the home of someone I consider a friend, because it is much more personal. I know that each person is accustomed to their way of life already, but I suppose with fresh eyes, it is hard for me to see. I trust that God will work in me what He desires as I serve Him here.

Well, those are all the thoughts for now! I’m sure that is quite enough. ;)

Chinese Bible study

I went to a Chinese Bible study over the weekend, and noticed something special. There is room for silence and reflection.

This impressed me because so often in my generation/culture, there seems to be such a buzz of discussion or activity, needed and expected.

It also makes me think about how often I leave room in my daily walk with God for silence, listening to Him, and reflecting on what He says through His Word.

Mixing with other cultures is healthy, it's beautiful to see how a variety of cultures worships the Lord. Actually, I am Chinese by heritage, so I'm sort of just going back to my own roots

Fast Facts about Cote d'Ivoire

A French speaking country in West Africa, on the coast.

Population around 18 million. Capital city: Yamoussoukro Economic capital: Abidjan

Became a French colony in 1893, and became an independent colony Aug. 7, 1960.

Currency is the West African CFA franc (not exchangable here in the U.S. at the airport!), and is about 500 francs = 1 US dollar.

President: Laurent Gbagbo

There was a civil war in 2002 due to sociopolitical tensions (at which time most missionaries were evacuated), but the crisis ended around March 2007 when a political agreement was signed. It has been pretty stable politically since then, but there are still some security issues.

What's in a Name?

Bonjour!

This blog is for the Cote d'Ivoire mission.

A funny anecdote is that I sent an Easter card to a missionary addressed to "Cote d'Ivoire". I figured the post office knew where that was, since they sold me postage specifically for Cote d'Ivoire.

The card was returned, stamped with,"Need Better Address". Apparently, someone didn't recognize this other name for the Ivory Coast. The government actually prefers it to be called "Cote d'Ivoire" but it is more commonly referred to as the Ivory Coast. The other 3 cards I sent were not returned, so it was quite random.

I thought it was funny that the returned card was for the pharmacist missionary I am going to fill in for....when she receives it, maybe she'll get a chuckle out of it "needing a better address".

I look forward to leaving soon for the village of Ferkessedougou! I love that name, which basically means Village of Ferke (dougou meaning village).

May God shine His light on this lovely country, region and village through His presence there.

A'bientot! (see you later!)

Blenda