First Term Updates – Cote d’Ivoire/Senegal

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.

We praise the Lord that our friends Ken and Julie are back from the states. Ken’s doctor assures him that his heart is fine, but that he is ‘stressed out’. For those of you who know Ken, this is amusing. He is one of the most easy-going guys around. If he is stressed, where does that leave the rest of us? We find ourselves even more dependent on taking one step at a time as we try to determine what God would have us do for the next year. 

I’ve been blessed lately to realize afresh that even though I can take only so many things in an evacuation backpack, I am not limited when I take my requests to God. His grace is boundless and unlimited, so I don’t have to prioritize and ‘cut back’. How precious that is to me!

We’re praising the Lord today for the good news we received this morning. Our co-worker and friend who left for the states last week for some medical tests has received the OK to return to Africa. We’re expecting them this weekend. It’s been special to hear the kids pray for Mr. Vaughan; he’s definitely a favorite teacher!

The statement released at the end of the mission leaders and school board meetings last week in Dakar was what we expected: ICA will ‘hibernate’ for the 2003-2004 school year and work towards re-opening for the 2004-2005 school year. At the meeting on Friday night when the statement was read to the staff and students who are here, it was greeted with total silence. Up to the last moment, we were all hoping it would be different. Those who attended the meetings came away with a very clear sense of the need for ICA in central West Africa, and are committed to making that a reality once again. 

Now we have some decisions to make regarding next year. Spending time with the Marines (our West Africa field directors) did help clarify these options for us, but a lot will depend on when it is safe to return to Bouake. We are committed to returning to ICA when it re-opens and will be part of those who work towards its rebuilding. In the meantime, it’s possible we may have the opportunity to do some language work either here in West Africa or in France – something that would position us to be more effective at ICA and in Bouake.

Thank you all for your e-mails and even occasional snail mails, too! We love to hear from you.