Breaking barriers
As the mosquitoes buzz incessantly against the outside of our mosquito net, I pause to count my blessings.
Our humble beginnings in Guinea have led us to see the hand of God's protection and provision. We have had plenty of food and clean water. Our health has been better than we were expecting.
Most importantly we have many new friends here who are interested in helping us navigate the uncharted waters of culture and language acquisition. We must be driving them crazy. We are so strange and do the weirdest things. But little by little, the barriers are coming down.
We are excited to learn how much the national church in Africa is making a coordinated effort to reach their own people. It is to this national church planting movement that we have been sent to submit ourselves to their apprenticeship and teaching. We want to see God use us in partnership with these missionaries from Africa and other parts of the world.
You might be asking if this ministry plan is feasible. I certainly struggle with doubt. These first few weeks have revealed so much that needs to change in me if I am to have an effective ministry among the people of Guinea. Our attitudes and emotions are being tested as we face the constant sense of ineptitude.
So much is different here. I cannot begin to describe the ways. Even the things that appear to have a comforting familiarity like a handshake or an invitation to a baby shower deviate completely from the meanings we would naturally assume. It is safe to say that culture shock has begun.
Electricity and running water is intermittent at best. The heat and humidity is at its worst in the late evening. We knew this coming in, but until you experience it, it doesn't really sink in. We're getting use to sweating all day long.
We still have not been able to find a source for toilet paper, a fly swatter, or Phillips screws. But cell phones and phone cards can be purchased from most street corner vendors.
This week was our first to organize something regular for French study. It will mostly be oral with people helping us. We are starting from square one, and will work our way up to what is called "proficiency" as fast as we can.
Please pray for health for us as rainy season sets in, and mosquitoes and sickness are rampant. Pray also for wisdom as we seek to understand the culture and communicate with those around us.
Our humble beginnings in Guinea have led us to see the hand of God's protection and provision. We have had plenty of food and clean water. Our health has been better than we were expecting.
Most importantly we have many new friends here who are interested in helping us navigate the uncharted waters of culture and language acquisition. We must be driving them crazy. We are so strange and do the weirdest things. But little by little, the barriers are coming down.
We are excited to learn how much the national church in Africa is making a coordinated effort to reach their own people. It is to this national church planting movement that we have been sent to submit ourselves to their apprenticeship and teaching. We want to see God use us in partnership with these missionaries from Africa and other parts of the world.
You might be asking if this ministry plan is feasible. I certainly struggle with doubt. These first few weeks have revealed so much that needs to change in me if I am to have an effective ministry among the people of Guinea. Our attitudes and emotions are being tested as we face the constant sense of ineptitude.
So much is different here. I cannot begin to describe the ways. Even the things that appear to have a comforting familiarity like a handshake or an invitation to a baby shower deviate completely from the meanings we would naturally assume. It is safe to say that culture shock has begun.
Electricity and running water is intermittent at best. The heat and humidity is at its worst in the late evening. We knew this coming in, but until you experience it, it doesn't really sink in. We're getting use to sweating all day long.
We still have not been able to find a source for toilet paper, a fly swatter, or Phillips screws. But cell phones and phone cards can be purchased from most street corner vendors.
This week was our first to organize something regular for French study. It will mostly be oral with people helping us. We are starting from square one, and will work our way up to what is called "proficiency" as fast as we can.
Please pray for health for us as rainy season sets in, and mosquitoes and sickness are rampant. Pray also for wisdom as we seek to understand the culture and communicate with those around us.