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. ;)