I finally remembered what day it is – in time to send along this Wednesday Update! I must be getting back to ‘normal’ – what’s normal?
Anyhow, most of you know by now that Bob and I will be heading back to Africa on Nov. 5th. We have thoroughly enjoyed our time here in the states, not only with family, but also with some of you as we have visited in your churches. Your love and care for us has far exceeded anything we ever imagined, and we thank God continually for your response to our sudden needs.
We will be going to Dakar Academy in Dakar, Senegal, where around 90 of our ICA students are enrolled for the rest of this school year. We will be joining other ICA staff who have been asked to come and help with the increased student body.
As we left everything behind in Bouake, we are busy restocking – but only are allowed 4 rubbermaid action packers to put everything in. Actually, we will be able to purchase most things in Dakar – as finances allow. We’ll be doing a lot of sharing with other staff members who are in the same position as we are. None of us plan to make this a permanent location; we all want to go back to ICA when it reopens in August 2003, if God wills.
In spite of a recent cease-fire agreement in the Ivory Coast, the US has issued a mandatory evacuation of all it’s non-essential personnel and all family members. They are arranging with neighboring Ghana to issue temporary visas to allow for the quick removal of American citizens through Ghana. The economy of West Africa has been greatly affected by this struggle within the strongest country of the region. Even Senegal, where we are headed, is already facing loss of income from fewer exported goods.
Please pray for peace in the Ivory Coast. Pray for African friends and neighbors who are still in the Ivory Coast, and dealing with all that we were able to escape. Pray for us as we prepare to return to Africa, and for the ICA students and staff who are making a new home, even though only temporarily, for this school year.