Over this past busy weekend we had a meeting that was pretty discouraging, and then on my last visit across the border I sat with different ones from Chief T’s clan. They have suffered the death of 3 family members just in the past week. I am pretty sure that two of them need not have died if they had had access to Gamboula’s medical care, which is far superior to what they can get in the little border town they live in. One who died was Fadi, a 30ish mother of 4, the oldest child of the man who was kidnapped for 2 months back in 2006. Add to that the news that our friends the Turks may not be at Gamboula with us next year and there now is the possibility that Timothy may not be able to extend ’til April or May and may leave in January. My frame of mind was not exactly rosy. Yesterday’s Covenant devotional (thank you, Hannah, for sharing) spoke about crying out to and trusting God when the waters threaten to overwhelm and you’re sinking in the mire, as written in Psalm 69: 1-12. That’s where I was; saddened to my very core about the meeting we had, heartbroken over my Fulani friends, and wondering about our future. I needed to be reminded of this, that our God is one who is there to keep me from sinking, that he has a plan and loves these people that we live among more than we ever can. Hannah continued to share from Psalm 69 the next day, verses 13-18, encouraging me to look around and realize the gifts and abundance he has blessed us with here. I have to say that I have been touched and lifted up by interactions this past week with individuals whether they be Fulani, Gbaya, or expats. That is what keeps me going, the one on one interchanges, knowing that it is in these relationships that we can truly be part of God’s plan for us here.
I needed a giggle and I got one! Sylvie, our amazing cook/helper since ’98, and I happened to dress as twins the other day. I thank God for silliness and the joy he brings through simple things!
