Author name: Lois Gillespie

This morning in our staff devotions, we were directed to Hab. 3:17-18: “Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls: Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation.” This was Habakkuk’s testimony during a tough time in his life. We’ve all seen similar testimonies from contempory heroes of the faith, some of whom we know personally. It may be that in the days ahead, others of us may be called upon to declare with these others: “Yet I will rejoice in the LORD.” 

Bob and I count it a privilege to pray for you as you share your struggles and concerns with us. We love to hear from you. If you’ve written in the past week, we may not have gotten your e-mail as it seems our hotmail account has been rejecting mail. Please notice the additional e-mail address on our About Us page that you can try if you feel we aren’t responding to your e-mails.

We’re sitting around with not much to do since there has been no school yesterday or today at the advice of the American embassy. We’re been walking back and forth to school (only way to do e-mail and watch CNN), about a .5k walk, and feeling no threat. Some others say they have noticed a definite lack of friendliness on the part of some Africans, but those we’ve encountered seem the same as usual. Remember that you can call us at 221-656-4026 if you need to. It’s our cell phone which seems to be working OK (although David tried and couldn’t get through). We’ll do our best to stay in touch. After what we experienced at the end of September, this seems a little anti-climatic for us. But we know that it’s so much more and doesn’t really compare. We are praying for all those involved and for their loved ones who wait to hear from them.

We’re hearing interesting reports about how people on the home front are preparing for war, like renaming foods, etc. We aren’t experiencing any of that ‘patriotism’ although most of us check CNN regularly for the latest news. 

Even so, we’re busy planning emergency contingencies here at Dakar Academy. They’ve never had any plans like this, so the input of all of us from ICA is proving useful. We don’t really expect to have to evacuate, or to have any problems if/when war breaks out. Senegal is very calm; Dakar has had 2 anti-war demonstrations that were peaceful and poorly attended. President Wade of Senegal has been one of President Bushes’ advisors throughout this whole process. We expect to be as safe as you are. 

We join with you today in praying for wisdom for those who are making this decision and for those who will be implementing it on the front lines.