tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-92072645228674338652024-03-21T02:15:21.151-07:00The Mihsills: Missions, Musings & MoreMihsillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01607557738541898491noreply@blogger.comBlogger27125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9207264522867433865.post-4094296577434073772020-09-17T13:09:00.002-07:002020-09-17T13:09:41.729-07:00Don't you HATE asking people for money?<p> Missionaries have to ask people for money. Over and over. You may wonder, "Don't you HATE asking people for money?" Find out our thoughts on it in this video!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxM9kTfqwmcpXO25K9jXMrizvcKRzrvombKv6t4ifglvxnuJnQt7nJjI4_92Ulvzic7irRJgfL0Uk5_c0bPHA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br /><p><br /></p>Mihsillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01607557738541898491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9207264522867433865.post-45106572204657163752020-06-15T20:35:00.002-07:002020-06-15T20:37:45.747-07:00Recounting Our Repatriation During a Pandemic<br /><div><p style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijQmeUwQM2entU9ZGNQaQecA61ltLM5_y_YBTadjliRhbcwoBDRcD3LPjIYSAUeEONrty_QB9MexJORVv6kXEW-bFKl_tULbWhMoHZQd9Ll3Svuw3O9yzPKUDeyBJ3UG46dp-uFo3R8aSG/s1280/C589894D-C3A5-4598-B19B-D4258D988C75.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijQmeUwQM2entU9ZGNQaQecA61ltLM5_y_YBTadjliRhbcwoBDRcD3LPjIYSAUeEONrty_QB9MexJORVv6kXEW-bFKl_tULbWhMoHZQd9Ll3Svuw3O9yzPKUDeyBJ3UG46dp-uFo3R8aSG/s320/C589894D-C3A5-4598-B19B-D4258D988C75.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">Taking a repatriation flight to the U.S. on short notice was not how we planned to finish our second term on the mission field! But our story has been an incredible reminder of how God has walked beside us, been with us and gone before us. God is faithful!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"> </span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">As some of you know, after the borders of Cote d’Ivoire closed on March 22, we had not taken a previous repatriation flight to the U.S. on March 31. We felt led to stay in Cote d’Ivoire, and we were waiting to see if we'd be able to return to the U.S. for our home assignment set to start in June.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"> </span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">On Friday, April 17, we received an email from the U.S. Embassy that a final repatriation flight would be organized for Tuesday, April 21. It stated this would be the last flight to the U.S. until commercial air travel resumed. After prayer and processing again, we felt led to take the flight. It was to travel to Togo and then on to Washington D.C. We would need to pay by promissory note to the U.S. government. We would then need to organize our own travel on to Indianapolis.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">We signed up on Friday to take the flight, but did not know if there would be space for us. It seems a number of the embassy staff were also taking the flight. We applied online for a “laissez-passer” which is a permit to travel on the closed road to Abidjan. (This is the road we had to take to get to the airport. It had been closed several weeks in an effort to contain the spread of Covid-19.)We started to get things closed up around the house, packed, and worked on getting pressing ministry items completed in a hurry – transferring COP funds, connecting with pastors and IBAO students, working out details with our guards, etc. On Saturday (April 18) in the morning, we got an email that said the flight was full, and if we had seats, we’d receive a confirmation email soon. Saturday in the late afternoon, we found out there would be space for us on the flight, so we continued to prepare to depart. We started letting church leaders, pastors, and local friends know of our plans to depart. It was really hard to say “goodbye” in such a quick and abrupt way. We’re still processing this part of the experience.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">Although our seats on the flight were confirmed, we had not yet received the permit to travel on the closed road to Abidjan. We heard nothing, and were told we could apply in person on Monday morning at the prefecture office.</span><span style="color: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; line-height: inherit;"><span style="border: 1pt none; font-size: 13.5pt; padding: 0in;"> </span><span style="color: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; line-height: inherit;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">We got word that we needed to be at the U.S. Embassy in Abidjan Monday morning between 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. to complete the promissory note and paperwork, and to confirm our identities in person.</span><span style="color: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; line-height: inherit;"><span style="border: 1pt none; font-size: 13.5pt; padding: 0in;"> </span><span style="color: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; line-height: inherit;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">(Among the paperwork, was a letter stating that we should not travel on the flight if we had any of the following in the past 72 hours: a fever of 100.4F or above, a cough, or trouble breathing.) Since we were in Yamoussoukro about 2.5 hours away from the Embassy and didn’t have the permit to travel to Abidjan (and the prefecture’s office wouldn’t open until 8 or 9 a.m. on Monday morning to apply in-person for the travel permit), we wouldn’t be able to be at the Embassy Monday morning. Thankfully, the vice consul gave us permission to complete, scan, and email the documents, and because we’d met her once before and “knew” her through the Fulbright scholars, she was fine to confirm our identity when we arrived Tuesday at the airport.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">We would still need to arrive in Abidjan by Monday before dark to depart on Tuesday, so Bobby went Monday morning to apply in-person for the travel permit, but the prefecture’s office said that the process could only be completed online. We emailed the U.S. Embassy to let them know our problem, Bobby waited at the prefecture’s office, and Jenny applied again online from home. The embassy staff really stepped up! Within a few minutes of sending an email to the embassy, they called us. The consul put one of his staff members on the case, called us and told us this person’s job that day was to see that we arrived in Abidjan. A couple hours later, the permit came through! The security advisor of the U.S. Embassy then got put on the case, and he started calling Bobby about every 30 minutes to get an update on our progress to be sure we would be admitted by police through the health checkpoint (using the permit) and into Abidjan.</span><span style="color: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; line-height: inherit;"><span style="border: 1pt none; font-size: 13.5pt; padding: 0in;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">We finished packing our car, did a final COP funds transfer, stopped by Moore’s school to say “goodbye” to his teacher and his best friend (the teacher had been working one-on-one with a different student each day at the school), dropped off an item at a friend’s house, and we drove to Abidjan. Just outside the city limits, our travel permit and our temperatures were all checked at the health checkpoint, and we entered Abidjan without any trouble! The embassy’s security advisor kept in close contact with us until we arrived at the hotel near the airport where we would spend Monday night.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">The hotel was empty except for a cargo flight crew from Europe. We ate dinner at the hotel, called and texted some more church people to let them know we were departing, the kids enjoyed the big hotel bathtub, and we went to sleep for the night.</span><span style="color: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; line-height: inherit;"><span style="border: 1pt none; font-size: 13.5pt; padding: 0in;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">On Tuesday morning, we took the hotel shuttle to the airport where a special area was set up by the U.S. Embassy to check our passports. The very first person to greet us was the U.S. ambassador, and then we met the security advisor while waiting in line. The vice consul checked our passports and confirmed us on the flight, then the airport staff took our temperatures. (This was the second and final time our temperatures would be taken throughout this whole journey.) We got in line at the check-in counter to check our bags and get our boarding passes.</span><span style="color: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; line-height: inherit;"><span style="border: 1pt none; font-size: 13.5pt; padding: 0in;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">We then went through airport passport control and security. Rease announced that she had to use the bathroom, but there was no place. Gladly, she had a diaper on, but she was frustrated that we couldn’t take her to the potty! While I (Jenny) was taking my electronics out of my carry-on bag to go through the security scanner, I found that Rease had somehow dropped the hotel TV remote in my carry-on bag!</span><span style="color: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; line-height: inherit;"><span style="border: 1pt none; font-size: 13.5pt; padding: 0in;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">At this point, it was about 1:15 p.m. and the flight was scheduled to depart at 2:55 p.m. About 10 minutes later, as Bob was buying some snacks, they started boarding the plane! We didn’t have time to change Rease’s diaper. We were close to the last people to board the plane, which was open seating (as was the following flight). This relatively small plane (6 seats across) from Abidjan to Togo was nearly full. There were people on it who had come from Mali as well. Pretty much everyone on this flight (as well as the next flight) wore masks.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">As we landed in Togo, we had some turbulence, and this is when Moore got motion sickness. Rease, not having had her diaper changed, had leaked all over her pants! When we exited the plane in Togo, we changed Rease’s diaper and pants in the line waiting to have our boarding passes for the next flight issued. Our flight was the only one there at the airport in Togo, so this was a fairly quick process – boarding passes, security, passport check, boarding the next plane.</span><span style="color: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; line-height: inherit;"><span style="border: 1pt none; font-size: 13.5pt; padding: 0in;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">The next flight from Togo to Washington D.C. was not full. There were many middle seats open. The plane had 9 seats across (3-3-3), so the kids and I (Jenny) sat in 3 middle seats with Bobby sitting across the aisle. The middle seat next to Bobby was empty, but there was a gentleman in the window seat in Bobby’s row.</span><span style="color: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; line-height: inherit;"><span style="border: 1pt none; font-size: 13.5pt; padding: 0in;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">The aircraft and crew were Ethiopian Airlines, but there was no electronic service on the flight (TV screens were not on, reading lights didn’t work, etc.). This was ok, but a bit of a challenge when the lights were dimmed and Rease wanted a snack – it was really dark! We used our cell phone lights for a bit. This flight had some pretty rough turbulence. Thankfully, Moore was asleep, but Rease was awake at the beginning of the turbulence, and she had motion sickness. This was unexpected as she’s never had motion sickness before. Soon after that, she went to sleep, and both kids were asleep for the worst of the turbulence, thank the Lord! The air got pretty choppy for a while about 2 hours before we landed. ( I would rate this the 3<sup>rd</sup></span><span style="color: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; line-height: inherit;"><span style="border: 1pt none; font-size: 13.5pt; padding: 0in;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">worst flight I’ve been on for bad turbulence.) Thankfully, we landed safe and sound around 1 a.m. Eastern Time on Wednesday, April 22 in Washington, D.C. We were given health forms to complete for each person in addition to the usual customs declaration form. The health forms asked if we’d been to China, specifically Hubei province, Iran or Shengen country in the last 14 days, if we’d had symptoms of Covid19, if we’d been in contact with anyone who had it, and where we’d be staying the U.S. (There was a place at the bottom for a health official to fill in our temperature and whether we appeared physically ill warranting a health evaluation; this portion remained blank.)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">We exited the plane and followed the “social distancing” stickers on the floor as we waited in line to go through passport control. It was at passport control that the security agent took our health forms. The only question he asked regarding our health was which countries we’d visited in the last 14 days. We said Cote d’Ivoire had been the only country we’d been in, and he gave us our passports and sent us on to baggage claim. (No one took our temperatures, gave directions about quarantine, what route we’d take to get to Anderson, symptoms to watch for, or any other information.)</span><span style="color: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; line-height: inherit;"><span style="border: 1pt none; font-size: 13.5pt; padding: 0in;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">We got our bags, and went to wait for the baggage counter to open for our flight to Indianapolis. It was cold!! We shared a sandwich and a muffin, and the kids watched the iPad while we waited. After checking our bags, we went to our gate. It was then that the sole came loose and fell off of Rease’s shoe! So the rest of the trip, she had only one shoe!</span><span style="color: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; line-height: inherit;"><span style="border: 1pt none; font-size: 13.5pt; padding: 0in;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">We were so glad to find that our flight to Indy was going on as scheduled. More than half the flights on the “Departures” board in Washington D.C. had been canceled, presumably due to no or few passengers. The gates were almost all empty. We overheard two airline workers say that this flight to Indy had a handful of passengers, so it was going! We boarded the 50-passenger plane. We were half the passengers! There were 9 total passengers on the plane. Being on a small plane, we were a little concerned about feeling every bump and facing motion sickness with the kids again, but thankfully, it was a smooth and vomit-free flight!</span><span style="color: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; line-height: inherit;"><span style="border: 1pt none; font-size: 13.5pt; padding: 0in;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">We arrived at Indy airport, which was practically empty, got our bags, rented a mini-van from Enterprise, and drove to Anderson! We were so warmly greeted at the guesthouse with so many who helped prepare it for us prior to our arrival. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">We then had an 18-day self-quarantine. Many friends dropped off groceries, toilet paper, and more! Many offered to help and checked in on us. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">We’ve had quite a bit of contact by phone and WhatsApp messages with those in Cote d’Ivoire as well as with partners here in the U.S. We’ve kept busy going through storage items, communicating with partners, friends and colleagues, as well as re-starting Moore’s French curriculum studies and preparing virtual and in-person visits for our home assignment time .<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">We are so grateful to the Lord for walking with us, making a way, and sustaining us. God is good and He is faithful!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p></div>Mihsillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01607557738541898491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9207264522867433865.post-39369262160682924292017-06-15T21:01:00.000-07:002017-06-15T21:08:23.257-07:00Moore Sings "We Are The Light of the World"Listen to Moore sing his new favorite worship song!<br />
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<br />Mihsillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01607557738541898491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9207264522867433865.post-77811641214155000852016-07-23T02:00:00.000-07:002016-07-23T02:00:28.659-07:0047 Simple Steps on How to Get a Visa for South Africa When You Are an Indian Citizen with an American Permanent Resident Card Living in Côte d'Ivoire<div class="MsoNormal">
After Bobby’s adventure with the South African Embassy here
in C<span lang="FR" style="mso-ansi-language: FR;">ôte</span> d’Ivoire, we were
inspired to write this attempt at a humorous recounting of his visa saga.
Please know that we write this tongue-in-cheek, knowing that God had this under
control the whole time! So here it is…</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u>47 Simple Steps on How to Get a visa for South Africa
When You Are an Indian Citizen with an American Permanent Resident Card Living
in Cote d’Ivoire<o:p></o:p></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Like anyone would, google the embassy website
and download the visa application.</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Become confused by the application’s directions
on the embassy website and attempt to locate the embassy the next time you are in
the big city (Abidjan). </div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">[Next
time you are in the big city where the embassy is reportedly located…]<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Before going out, look up the street address of
the embassy listed on the website. </div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Find that the street name on which the embassy
is located (according to the website), does not actually exist on any city maps.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">5.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Call your Congolese friend who is a pastor and
lives in Abidjan to find out if he knows where the South African embassy is.
When he refers you to your Nigerian pastor friend, call him next to see if he
knows where it is. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">6.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->When your Nigerian pastor friend gives you
directions that the embassy is near the Ivorian president’s residence, drive
around the residence while trying to look out for the embassy, but trying not
to look suspicious to onlookers.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">7.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->When you can’t find the embassy near the
president’s residence, ask random people on the side of the road, using the
street name which you found on the embassy website but which you cannot find on
any maps.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">8.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->When no one in that area has heard of that
street, drive to the U.S. Embassy because embassies are sometimes in the same
area, right?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">9.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Ask more random people on the side of the road
while trying not to look suspicious in front of the U.S. Embassy.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">10.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->When
the random people from the side of the road give you directions to a completely
different part of the city, decide to take a break and attempt to look the
embassy phone number up on their website using your phone. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">11.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Call
both numbers listed on the South African Embassy website. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Repeat. Wait patiently while no one
answers.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">12.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Drive
across town to do another errand while waiting for someone at the embassy to
pick up the phone. (Wait some more while no one picks up.)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">13.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->While
your spouse is inside a place of business running the errand, use your phone to
google the embassy website again. Use your sleuthing skills to realize that the
street name on the embassy website is missing one letter and that is why you
cannot find it on any maps and why none of the random people on the street had
any idea what street you were asking for.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">14.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Laugh
in a half-mentally-unstable-half-this-is-ridiculous manner in order to maintain
the sanity you have remaining and to avoid yelling and being a bad example to
your three-year-old kid in the back seat.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">15.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Take
a brief moment to relish in the fact that it was because of the typo on the
website, and not your poor French pronunciation, that caused people on the
street to look at you as if you were a few crayons short of a full box.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">16.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->When
finishing the errand, realize that the consular’s office of the embassy where
you can inquire and drop off applications will close in 15 minutes and even if
you knew where it was located, you wouldn’t get there in time. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">17.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Try
not to lose your religion.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">18.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Give
up for the day and decide to do it the next time you are in the big city.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">[A few
days later…]<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">19.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->When
your Nigerian pastor friend asks if you found the embassy, say no and have him
realize that where you went was the president’s offices and not the president’s
home residence.</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">20.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Say
“yes, please” when your Nigerian pastor friend offers to go with you to search
for the embassy on your next trip to the big city.</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">[On
next trip to big city…]<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">21.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Make
arrangements to meet your Nigerian pastor friend.</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">22.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Get
stuck in traffic and be 45 minutes late to pick up your Nigerian pastor friend.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">23.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Pick
him up and get stuck in more traffic.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">24.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Arrive
at the South African Embassy (YES…FOUND IT!) four minutes after the consular
office closes and try to be patient while the front desk worker tells you the
office closed four minutes ago while simultaneously chasing your 3-year-old who
is running and screaming on the lawn of the embassy because he is so glad to be
out of the car he just sat in for 3+ hours.</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">25.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Ask
the front office worker if you at least have the correct application. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">26.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Find
out that the visa application you downloaded from the South African Embassy
website is not the application the South African Embassy requests for visas.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">27.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Get
the correct application from the front office worker.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">28.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Decide
to complete the application on your next visit to the big city.</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">[On
your next (now third) trip to the big city…]<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">29.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Collect
what you believe is all the paperwork you need according the list given to you
by the front office worker at the embassy.</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">30.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Arrive
at the embassy and find out they will not accept your application because you
have the wrong size of passport photos, your Ivorian residence card (which you
have translated into English yourself even though everyone working at the South
African Embassy speaks both French and English) has to be translated by a certified
translator from the list provided by the embassy (although the embassy never
provided said list prior to this visit and your card has approximately 3 words
on it: Bobby, male, and Indian), you don’t have a letter from your employer
saying you are allowed to leave the country (uh, why would you need this?) and
you don’t have an invitation letter from a resident of South Africa inviting
you to come visit.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">31.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Ask
the woman at the embassy how you can get an invitation letter from a resident
of South Africa when you do not actually know any South African residents.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">32.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Try
to remain calm when the woman at the embassy tells you to get an invitation
letter from the owner of the retreat center where you will be staying in South
Africa although the owner does not know you from Adam.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">33.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Leave
the embassy and track down a certified translator to translate your Ivorian
residence card.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">34.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Find
the translator and have her translate that “genre”=”gender” and “Indien”=”Idian”
on your residence card.</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">35.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Correct
said translator by telling her she left the “n” out of “Indian” when she
translated it.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">36.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Receive
blank stare from translator because she writes in English but does not
understand much spoken English.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">37.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Listen
to sigh of relief from translator when you explain her misspelling in French
because she finds you speak French. Continue the conversation in French at her
request.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">38.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Pay
15.000 francs ($30 U.S.) for “certified” translation by the non-English-speaking
English translator.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">39.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Go home to collect other three items you
need before another attempt to submit your application.</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">[At
Home…]<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">40.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Request
and receive needed invitation letter (profusely thanking the South African resident
who wrote it who has never met you) and letter from employer. Take a passport
photo of the correct size.</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">[On
your next (fourth) trip to the big city…]<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">41.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Go
to the embassy and have this conversation with the embassy worker: </div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Embassy Worker</i>: “How did you get this
letter from your employer?”</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Bobby</i>: “They sent it from the
U.S. Our colleagues brought it with them </div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: .5in;">
when they came from the U.S.”</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Embassy worker</i>: “How come your
employer did not specify in the </div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: .5in;">
letter that you are a missionary living in Yamoussoukro?”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.0in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Bobby</i>: “I was told I needed permission to leave the country but not
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.0in; text-indent: .5in;">
that specific
information.”</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Embassy Worker</i>: “Hmmm…Okay. Come next
Tuesday.”</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">42.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>SUBMIT APPLICATION AT LAST! Do happy
dance.</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">43.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Pray
for the visa to be granted.</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">[On
your fifth trip to embassy…]<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">44.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Return
to embassy three days before your scheduled departure to South Africa and find
that you <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">HAVE BEEN GRANTED THE VISA!</b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">45.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Praise
God.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">46.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Call
your wife to tell her the good news.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">47.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Start
packing!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitOPs_pZc7fG56Y3krXPYbr_o5fgeZXrIFc9uCLX9Bgk0jAJTFh5_HEhU4MOEGQhxoensOC-hbj7yIpU7WLivImJb-jQeFFdl-REJjw5j8LZAb9GPfYEJyFLYFIn0mruD8wcv7nzTZsAe5/s1600/photo+of+Bobby+with+S.+African+visa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitOPs_pZc7fG56Y3krXPYbr_o5fgeZXrIFc9uCLX9Bgk0jAJTFh5_HEhU4MOEGQhxoensOC-hbj7yIpU7WLivImJb-jQeFFdl-REJjw5j8LZAb9GPfYEJyFLYFIn0mruD8wcv7nzTZsAe5/s640/photo+of+Bobby+with+S.+African+visa.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Mihsillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01607557738541898491noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9207264522867433865.post-67325874957592731652016-06-21T09:08:00.000-07:002016-06-21T09:08:00.071-07:00A Simple Gesture<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEialYfOfvyKdz_ugU5GCbkwl3jsrV-QjelLXz_V1K9mvlZrw-W_CHzePJi34aYNeZXhtL7AvNLSybGef6IpMb_yor-7rkpIThRYUEuUZcEpbxj4HxwuRnz_W_USeglxfBSavMXfs962D9w0/s1600/20160501_102315.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEialYfOfvyKdz_ugU5GCbkwl3jsrV-QjelLXz_V1K9mvlZrw-W_CHzePJi34aYNeZXhtL7AvNLSybGef6IpMb_yor-7rkpIThRYUEuUZcEpbxj4HxwuRnz_W_USeglxfBSavMXfs962D9w0/s400/20160501_102315.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sammy and Yao sharing toys</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Our 3-year-old, while trying to learn three languages, has gotten really good at gesturing. When he
can’t communicate in French, he points and makes noises. (He also pretends to
be a train, running and whistling while he pulls his “tender,” but that’s
another story.) So, a couple of months ago when we visited a village about 45
minutes away from our home and he met a young boy who is deaf, they connected
immediately. Neither of them needed words to communicate. They could use
gestures and noises and got along great. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We’ve been going to this village often because it’s one of two
sites of the start of the Children of Promise sponsorship program and each time,
Sammy loves playing with Yao. Some other kids find it strange that Yao can’t
speak French or Baoul<span lang="FR" style="mso-ansi-language: FR;">é</span>, an
African language common in this village, but Sammy can’t communicate well in
either of those languages, either, so he finds gesturing and noise-making a
normal means of communication with his new-found friend.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We found out that deaf children can’t attend regular schools
here and there’s only one deaf school in the whole country, meaning education
is inaccessible to most deaf children who live in villages.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
We’ve been praying for Yao during Sammy’s nighttime prayers.
The first night we prayed for him, Sammy stopped the prayer and said, “Yao. He
can’t hear. Mom….he’s my best friend.” Now, Sammy’s 3 years old, so his best
friend changes weekly, if not daily. But his words still touched my heart. More
than that, his gestures touched this mama’s heart.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhoX5PuX2ChjU5v4C7LnhQb4cniur6ZNk52dQu9tw8q12HCGnCEm10E2k0yj05lxXvwXP9JhFjJ5xfOWuFBpU5ccZNsvigxBNjoR-8YgnZKSNGc0v0AjJ_XTbAYiUUoSrqM-dKWwOe4zCZ/s1600/20160501_100331.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhoX5PuX2ChjU5v4C7LnhQb4cniur6ZNk52dQu9tw8q12HCGnCEm10E2k0yj05lxXvwXP9JhFjJ5xfOWuFBpU5ccZNsvigxBNjoR-8YgnZKSNGc0v0AjJ_XTbAYiUUoSrqM-dKWwOe4zCZ/s1600/20160501_100331.jpg" /></a></div>
Mihsillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01607557738541898491noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9207264522867433865.post-81282278988046223722015-06-29T15:15:00.000-07:002015-06-29T15:15:51.843-07:00To Every Thing There is a Season<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Winter. How does one explain this concept to a room full of
Ivorian teenagers who have likely never experienced temperatures below 65
degrees Fahrenheit? And snow? Well, some of them have heard of it, but that’s
as far as it goes.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6TCTm7biIRFAvgAMllYEz3e64FItQUJPP-D5BWVagpMYYyu29CsFwn2PxMhuePkEsxIXSfS4yzFYvbGo5_Lkes00tR_lonBEWuMShYT-b6fH6BCnL139maSGJ0josj4-wo9JXvoq7yPPw/s1600/IMG_1801.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6TCTm7biIRFAvgAMllYEz3e64FItQUJPP-D5BWVagpMYYyu29CsFwn2PxMhuePkEsxIXSfS4yzFYvbGo5_Lkes00tR_lonBEWuMShYT-b6fH6BCnL139maSGJ0josj4-wo9JXvoq7yPPw/s200/IMG_1801.jpg" width="155" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Two students in our<br />English class</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
During one of our English classes, we were faced with
explaining the concept of winter because the word appeared in an article we
were reading as a class. So, armed with my 10 years of teaching English as a
second (or foreign) language, I knew just what to do: I asked what the four
seasons were in preparation to explain the idea of winter and what it entails.
Blank stares. Silence. “Uh, rainy and not rainy?” a student attempted. Well, he
wasn’t wrong. That pretty much sums up the weather throughout the year here in
C<span lang="FR" style="mso-ansi-language: FR;">ô</span>te d’Ivoire: rainy or not
rainy. Oh, and hot. Really hot when it’s not rainy.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We’re in the rainy season now in this part of West Africa,
but the days, weeks and even months are not specifically designated as “rainy”
or “not rainy” – it varies. How does one refer to time, then? Multiple times,
we’ve caught ourselves just before explaining a time period as “autumn” or “spring.”
How can one keep track of the months, elusive time?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In Ecclesiastes chapter three, we read about the seasons of
life. No season of life looks exactly the same for any one person. There are
times of change, and times of consistency. Times of laughter and mourning –
sometimes during the same season. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Various
seasons, so many chapters. When God brings up the next adventure in life, we
sometimes re-evaluate our seasons. Maybe that season we thought was a season to
soar was really preparation for this next season. Are we always in a season of
preparation for the next season?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We are, and hope to always be, still in a season of learning
here in Côte d’Ivoire. But this month has marked a bit of a change in the
season. This month, our teammates, the Sellers, returned to the U.S. for their
home assignment until next year – a different season for them as well. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
One thing transcends these seasons: prayer. We need it in
every season. So in our varying seasons, will you pray for us? Pray for Bobby,
Jenny & Moore as they continue to adapt and learn how to minister in the
Ivorian culture. Pray for Larry and LeAnn as they travel and share throughout
the U.S. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
Oh – and how <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">does</i>
one explain time periods throughout the year in C<span lang="FR" style="mso-ansi-language: FR;">ô</span>te d’Ivoire without using the seasons as a
point of reference? We asked our French tutor and he explained the concept of
trimesters. The first trimester: January through March. The second: April
through June, and so on. So, we learned something new. And the season of
learning continues.<span lang="FR" style="mso-ansi-language: FR;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Mihsillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01607557738541898491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9207264522867433865.post-40141161254223967332015-06-26T14:20:00.002-07:002015-06-26T14:20:30.337-07:00Water of LifeOn June 7th, Bobby and fellow missionary Larry Sellers travelled five hours one-way to visit the village of Sokoura, where a new permanent well had been drilled for this village. Bobby put together a video of the worship dedication service. To view the video, click below:<br />
<a href="https://vimeo.com/131276609">https://vimeo.com/131276609</a>Mihsillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01607557738541898491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9207264522867433865.post-20866814765276032122015-05-22T05:30:00.005-07:002015-06-26T14:48:20.868-07:00The Driving Saga<div class="MsoNormal">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A page from the driver's<br />
manual warning one to watch for animals<br />
and some blobs to represent said animals</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="color: #10131a; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">The saga started seven weeks ago,
at the beginning of April, when we went in to find out the best way to get
Ivorian drivers’ licenses. We signed up, paid a fee and received the “rules of the
road” book to study. The book was informative, although some of the signs in
the book appeared to have blobs representing different things. Would we be able
to recognize the blobs on the signs? We would try.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #10131a; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOSBar1ZuspGMD8vViRsYG1f8AHrajTC7oSCRs2hKFsw6qTkJ1DGrQ_WCUY3t-oazVVUizP_6i0ev3bf9W1FZZ4meGbfzBGrOn1nVxJ5jBMbgnKL3I5Fo6h1rORBv07Q9X4OYZebuzeIqt/s1600/20150429_101255.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOSBar1ZuspGMD8vViRsYG1f8AHrajTC7oSCRs2hKFsw6qTkJ1DGrQ_WCUY3t-oazVVUizP_6i0ev3bf9W1FZZ4meGbfzBGrOn1nVxJ5jBMbgnKL3I5Fo6h1rORBv07Q9X4OYZebuzeIqt/s200/20150429_101255.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Graffiti on the door to the exam room reads "le terrible"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="color: #10131a; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">Four weeks later, at the end of
April, we went to take the oral exam to get the licenses. We arrived at 9 a.m.
& as we waited, the anxiety mounted...15 minutes...30 minutes...an hour. At
10:10, we were told to wait in front of the exam room, where a single piece of
graffiti had been written on the door: "le terrible." Not
encouraging. Other people keep jumping in line in front of us, then it's
finally our turn. We sit. The man behind the desk asks me twice if I speak French,
but he doesn’t ask </span><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/bobbypariat"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Bobby</span></a>.<span style="color: #10131a;"> Bob gives his info & goes across the room to wait
for the oral questions. I look across the desk to see that the employee has
already signed his signature stating that Bobby has passed the test.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #10131a; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">Another man currently taking his
test (as Bobby waits) is getting questions wrong & his examiner is yelling
"ZERO!" (Again, not encouraging.) The man behind the desk asks me an
incomprehensible question (while yelling at others that there is too much noise
in the room). I attempt an answer that does not satisfy him & he tells me
to go across the room to identify road signs. But Bob is still waiting, so he
orders Bob (who has yet to be asked a single question) out of the room, they
ask me a few questions (including, "Which signs do you know?"), tell
me I'm done & tell both me & Bobby to go home. Good news: We passed
this portion! Bad news: At this point, I'm a bit concerned about the
thoroughness of this process...<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV7fRzAZ27RkBPJyuXSkU2bB7yBONv2AXEw6ksyuLEekDrDHoedrvWhAbftfeRAx5FRvXU0CYBks8qjEc0nmGRCToYUZTUKoV5r24IwKrtbII2DrvqCLMsWhFAkq6EQsAjq0gRnopdsXOn/s1600/20150513_112759.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV7fRzAZ27RkBPJyuXSkU2bB7yBONv2AXEw6ksyuLEekDrDHoedrvWhAbftfeRAx5FRvXU0CYBks8qjEc0nmGRCToYUZTUKoV5r24IwKrtbII2DrvqCLMsWhFAkq6EQsAjq0gRnopdsXOn/s200/20150513_112759.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bobby's view from the back of the truck during the exam</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #10131a; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">Fast forward two weeks later.
Since I have never driven a manual transmission car, I decide to practice and
Bobby goes in for the driving portion of the test. When he arrives, he is
discreetly shown a stamped piece of paper, but doesn’t know what it means. He
sits down and waits. And waits. And waits. Finally, an employee tells him that
he will accompany Bobby to the site where the driving portion will take place.
Apparently, the others taking the exam are already there. Bobby drives the employee,
who questions how Bobby can be driving without a license (he answers that he
has an international license), and they arrive at the testing site. Although
Bobby is getting a license to drive a car or a moto, the testing vehicle is a
truck…with about 20 people piled into the back. Bob piles in the back, too, and
with the examiner in the passenger’s seat in the cab, each examinee jumps out
of the bed of the truck to take turns driving…for half a block each! There’s
jolting and lurching and finally, as each examinee finishes, he leaves to walk
home and the number of men in the back of the truck gets less and less until no
one is left in the back except Bobby. It’s his turn. He gets in the driver’s
seat and drives the examiner back to the motor vehicles building. He has passed
part two!</span><br />
<br />
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #10131a; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">Time to get his license, right?
Wrong. He retrieves his paper with the stamp on it, goes to the office to get
the license and finds that the state where he was born in India, the state of Meghalaya,
does not exist in the computer system. One’s place of birth must be stated on
the license and since his state is not in the system, no license. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #10131a; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">But the employee assures him that
they will call their main office in Abidjan and have the state of Meghalaya
added to their database in order for it to be printed on his license. They will
call him next week when the system has been updated.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #10131a; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">He receives a call on Monday
afternoon: Meghalaya now exists in their system. He has all he needs for his
license. He goes to the motor vehicles office and when he arrives, he is asked
for a copy of his passport, which he had produced six weeks ago at the start of
the saga but he does not have with him now. Another trip back home. He finds
his passport and, voila! He finally gets his Ivorian driver’s license…which
never expires.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<span style="color: #10131a; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">We were thankful to finally have
the saga come to a positive conclusion and now we ask you to join us in praying
for safety on the road!<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="color: #10131a; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #10131a; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">UPDATE: Two weeks after Bobby received his license, Jenny took her driving test. She may or may not have attempted to drive with the emergency break on, killed the car twice and heard "Doucement!" (French for "Gently!") from passengers in the backseat, but she passed and also received her license! </span></div>
Mihsillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01607557738541898491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9207264522867433865.post-42935064980128998342015-03-24T02:53:00.004-07:002015-03-24T02:53:43.497-07:00Welcome to Weevil-Land<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sifting through the pasta for weevils</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Friday night was my turn to cook. I boiled and de-boned the
chicken, added the spices and vegetables and now I was ready to add the packaged
noodles to complete our meal of chicken and noodles, one of my comfort-food
favorites. Opening the package and dumping in the noodles would be the easiest
part of the process…or so I thought. As I opened the box, I saw something small
and black moving around: weevils. They had burrowed inside each and every
noodle and were eating their way through. I was faced with a dilemma: Do I
throw away the whole box? Would I have time to go get another box at the store
in order to salvage dinner?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I sought LeAnn’s advice. She was the one who had taught me
how to shop for pasta and be sure they didn’t have weevils by looking through
the clear packaging to see if there were any white spots on the noodles. (White
spots would indicate that weevils had burrowed inside.) But this particular
package of noodles was the only type available at the store the day we went
shopping and it was not in clear packaging, so I wasn’t able to check the
weevil population before my purchase.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
An old anecdote I had heard popped into my head: When a new
missionary finds a bug in her cereal, she throws away the whole box. After
being on the field for a short time, she picks the bug out and continues eating
the cereal. The experienced missionary finds the bugs, mixes it in the cereal
and exclaims, “More protein!”</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zooming in on the evil weevils</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I wasn’t quite ready to raise my protein level in this
manner, so I had to decide between throwing the whole box away or picking out
the weevils. Would it be worth it to go through each piece just to pick out the
good parts of the pasta? LeAnn suggested we pick out the weevils. So, there we
stood, scrutinizing every millimeter of every piece of pasta to see if it had
been weevil-ized. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
LeAnn mentioned that it reminded her of a Bible verse about
searching and sifting in our own lives. In 2 Corinthians 13:5, it says, “<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">Examine
yourselves to see whether you are living in the faith. Test yourselves.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">Standing at the counter, examining each of tiny bit of pasta to
exterminate the unwanted guests took a while. Longer than I’d hoped. Longer
than I’d planned. But it made me think: How much time am I spending examining
myself to see if there is something unwanted that needs to be sifted out in my
life of faith? I’m glad that the Lord finds it worth it to spend time helping
me sift through what needs to be exterminated from my life. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">As we stood at the counter, two repairmen arrived at the
house to work on an appliance. As they entered, I wondered what might be going
through their minds as they saw the two of us picking through the pasta. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We should say, ‘Welcome to Weevil-Land,’”
I whispered to LeAnn as they entered.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
Mihsillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01607557738541898491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9207264522867433865.post-42818942557051921432015-02-08T10:43:00.001-08:002015-02-08T10:43:55.938-08:00Cow Dung Slip ‘n Slide (and Some Chicken Calling)<div class="MsoNormal">
This morning, we visited a church in the village of
Kononfla, about 30 minutes from our home in Yamoussoukro. The worship was
dynamic and the kids worshipped alongside the adults during the praise time. Then,
the kids went outside for Sunday School. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
While the other kids sat under a tree outside the church
building and learned all about King David, my kid was playing cow dung slip ‘n
slide. A small herd of cows were going down the road by the church, and Moore
pointed and yelled, “Cows!” as they went by. Well, to be a little more accurate,
my one-and-a-half-year-old refuses to say anything just once. So it went more
like this: “Cows. Cows. Vaches! Cows. Cows. Cows. Vaches. Cows!”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A little chicken calling after the cow dung slip 'n slide</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After the herd
passed behind some bushes and he couldn’t see them anymore, he wiggled out of
my grasp, running to the road to watch them as they disappeared out of sight.
Turning around, he ran down the other way and when I followed him to get him to
come back and join the others for the Sunday School lesson<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>-- SPLAT! He fell straight into a cow
patty. Thankfully, one of the Sunday School workers saw us and brought over
some water to clean off his hand, which was covered in cow dung, half an inch
thick. I stood up after having cleaned his hands, and then <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
Moore stumbled backwards
– this time landing with his bottom in another cow patty a few feet away! <br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Welp, I guess it was good I put an extra pair of clothes in
his bag before we left. I was thinking I should just in case he had an
accident. I hadn’t imagined the “accident” might be the result of cow dung slip
‘n slide.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
After he got cleaned up and the service ended, Bobby joined
us outside and Moore was pretty enamored by the chickens. He’s pictured here,
squatting and calling some chickens.</div>
Mihsillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01607557738541898491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9207264522867433865.post-32060181575251853362014-11-12T14:26:00.003-08:002014-11-12T14:39:15.976-08:00Une Blague (="A Joke")<div>
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<div>
We didn't have French class on Tuesday (Nov. 11), so we took the opportunity to go to a Food Festival here in town. There were various booths, including a booth for coffee. The small dry erase board in the photo was hanging near where customers order their coffee. We thought that it was a cute way of ordering different sizes of coffee: "Cafe" for large (5 euros), "Cafe SVP" for medium (SVP= "please") (2.50 euros) and "Bonjour 1 Cafe SVP" for small (1 euro). When Bob approached, he ordered "Cafe SVP." He received a small coffee and was charged 1 euro. He pointed to the board and asked the employee selling coffee that he wanted the "Cafe SVP". He then told Bob that the board was just a joke ("une blague")! If one ordered by just saying "Cafe", it would be rude and that customer would have to pay 5 euros. If one ordered a "Cafe SVP" ("Coffee, Please"), it would be not so rude and the customer would only have to pay 2.50 euros. If the customer said "Bonjour 1 Cafe SVP" ("Good day, one coffee please"), the customer would only be charged 1 euro. In actuality, there was only one size...always 1 euro! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We laughed at ourselves rather than at the joke! :) </div>
Mihsillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01607557738541898491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9207264522867433865.post-49200055765716747922014-08-31T14:29:00.000-07:002014-08-31T14:36:46.575-07:00À Bientôt: Our Fourth and Final (for now) Week in Côte d’Ivoire<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrtAbUWNdciOq24owCQTALpa6FcUvIr0j4UvZl2XlkffqU6rno7vJIiOlNFLD60Vf75n8wkzmTLV6ddc21NIso8kT026ffWd5YzWqp13PN76ILBoFed2OUxfzcRXFGS8xomwjFLF_cy7eW/s1600/DSC_1905.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrtAbUWNdciOq24owCQTALpa6FcUvIr0j4UvZl2XlkffqU6rno7vJIiOlNFLD60Vf75n8wkzmTLV6ddc21NIso8kT026ffWd5YzWqp13PN76ILBoFed2OUxfzcRXFGS8xomwjFLF_cy7eW/s1600/DSC_1905.jpg" height="200" width="132" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Basilica of Our Lady of Peace</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Our final week (for this trip) in CI was full of visits. We
started the week by visiting the Basilica of Our Lady of Peace, the largest
basilica in the world (bigger than the one at the Vatican, even). It’s located
just 10 minutes from where our new home will be in Yamoussoukro. Moore enjoyed
running all around although he was scared of the cracks in the stone on the
terrace and the reflecting light through the stained-glass windows! </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr-WccfF_Tpgc3T95MVHmYbbXmpHNDEayy8Nn3pKQFWJ5FYTAOciv5rv5mn26S69_tPp5b9ExhNbpVQ8nGpJzbxcoDJQXYFwXZj6qHjuibujxguUKVISJJe1miBVYJm12qw6OXWwM92lCg/s1600/DSC_1930.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr-WccfF_Tpgc3T95MVHmYbbXmpHNDEayy8Nn3pKQFWJ5FYTAOciv5rv5mn26S69_tPp5b9ExhNbpVQ8nGpJzbxcoDJQXYFwXZj6qHjuibujxguUKVISJJe1miBVYJm12qw6OXWwM92lCg/s1600/DSC_1930.JPG" height="211" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stained glass window at the top center of the inside of the Basilica </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Jenny was also able to go with LeAnn to visit the home of a
woman from the church who had a newborn baby. We all had the opportunity to also visit an older woman from the church who had lost her husband. We appreciated
being able to see some of the ministry of visitation that is a common part of
the culture.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMrUW9AlQMYTKZLRqsQkDkn11uaajYH-ovIPpLUNVF3h550nDtSVt-LqHMDmk3ld803UMnFEsmqNOQ8t4mUbi9kiJr7Da8OGOKn1MjTShOATx8xiuvHTiDKigCiPzwR3pcU6p43bi0ag-V/s1600/IMG_0633.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMrUW9AlQMYTKZLRqsQkDkn11uaajYH-ovIPpLUNVF3h550nDtSVt-LqHMDmk3ld803UMnFEsmqNOQ8t4mUbi9kiJr7Da8OGOKn1MjTShOATx8xiuvHTiDKigCiPzwR3pcU6p43bi0ag-V/s1600/IMG_0633.JPG" height="149" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jackie making foutou</td></tr>
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On Friday, we had a visit from Jackie, one of LeAnn’s
friends, who came to the house to show us how to make foutou, a local staple
made of yams and bananas. Jenny enjoyed chatting with Jackie and watching how
the foutou was made. We all enjoyed eating it afterward!</div>
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On Saturday, we traveled back to Abidjan in preparation for
our flight back to France early Monday morning. Over the weekend, we visited a maquis
(local food restaurant), a local market and a few shops. We were able to try
out our bargaining skills – quite a challenge! </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Enjoying Ivorian food at the maquis</td></tr>
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Sunday morning found us visiting the Deux Plateau Church of
God in Abidjan where we met some very joyful people who warmly welcomed us. The
congregation is made up of people from various countries and we enjoyed
worshipping with them. Also…Moore may or may not have had a marriage proposal
at this church! </div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3urKJHrdnyKMyhnvizTxDYEdupluCSNxsDAL_P1D755rTWbdQMjDg41HX-0F3aYhVh6RuhIDt3bwYIV4Yx4ZYfihuMQ8c39zyMeB47NmqaxlZeD8-zuY9fj0H6YXyoHHAk3lYgsHooVgb/s1600/IMG_0675.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3urKJHrdnyKMyhnvizTxDYEdupluCSNxsDAL_P1D755rTWbdQMjDg41HX-0F3aYhVh6RuhIDt3bwYIV4Yx4ZYfihuMQ8c39zyMeB47NmqaxlZeD8-zuY9fj0H6YXyoHHAk3lYgsHooVgb/s1600/IMG_0675.JPG" height="149" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Moore makes friends at the Deux Plateau CHOG</td></tr>
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Several people have emailed or messaged us over the past few weeks and asked about the risk of ebola in CI. Although there have been outbreaks in nearby countries, there have not been any reports of ebola in CI. Please pray that the ebola virus is contained and does not spread any further. Pray for those who have been affected by this disease.<br />
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At the end of this fourth week, we said "À bientôt" (see you soon) to Côte d'Ivoire until January. Despite a bit of concern about possible hold-ups at the
airport (predicted ash from a volcano eruption in Iceland, possible health checks at the
airport due to ebola concerns, etc.), we had a smooth trip back to France and landed safely on
Monday, August 25<sup>th</sup>. Thanks for your prayers!</div>
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Language classes resume for us on September 2<sup>nd</sup>. In
the meantime, we are enjoying our long weekend here in France while those at
home celebrate a long weekend, too. Happy Labor Day to our American friends!</div>
Mihsillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01607557738541898491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9207264522867433865.post-21101624323199050862014-08-22T10:34:00.000-07:002014-08-22T10:34:26.880-07:00New Roads: Our Third Week in Côte d'Ivoire<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Our third week brought us down some new roads to new places
and allowed us have some new experiences. Bobby had two opportunities to share
from the pulpit. On Thursday, he spoke at the Bible Study in Yamoussoukro and
this was his first time doing so in French (outside of the practice he had in
France in front of our classmates). </div>
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On Friday, we headed to the north part of the country for
the weekend to a city named Korhogo, which is about a four-hour drive from Yamoussoukro
(where we’ve been staying). On this road that was new to us, we encountered
goats, a boy chasing his cow that had gotten loose, many potholes and some
beautiful scenery.</div>
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Korhogo is where Pastor Yeo, the head of the Church of God
in CI, is pastor of the local church. We had first met Pastor Yeo when he was
in the U.S. for the Global Gathering in 2012. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYQ57IKG2p6ZbIXeA4lqQjZSi3Rd3-zKcSAjAn5k-v1XDMxo6nJscA1WwAdhk0DuGSnvibjeIeWpCRCbMnXBGckP6Hj_IJYSyr6MZeZik-VhX_MvK91Az48bdGSBchBSykQHO42xNyzDBi/s1600/DSC_1867.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYQ57IKG2p6ZbIXeA4lqQjZSi3Rd3-zKcSAjAn5k-v1XDMxo6nJscA1WwAdhk0DuGSnvibjeIeWpCRCbMnXBGckP6Hj_IJYSyr6MZeZik-VhX_MvK91Az48bdGSBchBSykQHO42xNyzDBi/s1600/DSC_1867.JPG" height="131" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Under Construction: The new CHOG in Kolevogo</td></tr>
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We had a busy day on Saturday traveling to Kolevogo, a
village where a new Church of God is being built. We went with the Sellers,
Pastor Yeo, and his wife, Ann. We met and prayed with the church leaders there.
Then, we drove on to another recently built church in a nearby village before
going to visit Pastor Josu<span lang="FR" style="mso-ansi-language: FR;">é</span>.
You may have seen our prayer requests for him in the past. He is a pastor who
has become blind due to meningitis. Continue to pray with us for his complete
healing.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-RouR0XNssis-9yAWFRmKj_P5Ro72hrS_XUk0hX85exJf-GXuRsHDa0khVokdVhzAK7X0X9gudot1xiHovwuI2UEN7n0QGoJGIhBdffduYBHZs_qCrln1tnxmJmmiLx0psOLazod1pPYa/s1600/DSC_1871.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-RouR0XNssis-9yAWFRmKj_P5Ro72hrS_XUk0hX85exJf-GXuRsHDa0khVokdVhzAK7X0X9gudot1xiHovwuI2UEN7n0QGoJGIhBdffduYBHZs_qCrln1tnxmJmmiLx0psOLazod1pPYa/s1600/DSC_1871.JPG" height="260" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Praying with the church leaders in Kolevogo<br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A message in three languages<br />(Korhogo CHOG)</td></tr>
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On Sunday, Bobby preached in the service at the Korhogo CHOG in English, Larry (Sellers) translated into French and a congregant from the
church then translated the French into Senoufo (local language). Jenny and
Moore joined the kids in children’s church. All three of us were given Senoufo
names during the service, which was an honor. (Bobby: SILUE Kolotiologafolo,
Jenny: SORO Tamagagnon, Moore: SILUE Zi<span lang="FR">é</span>) Moore’s name, “Zi<span lang="FR">é</span>”, means “first-born.” After the service, we greeted many people before heading
back to Yamoussoukro.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmY_Z-I2wOBq806xKaDWazzTy_5zGcg_MS8A1q5VJAgXwEDMvM26jndEqaJFMkW5V1yxLKzndRg4lyrNj7vWtClyJEBZq2QQvWmTPFJXN2kLs3IaBVjnW06hAarj5pCwcqpL-U-VH7t9nU/s1600/IMG_0615.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmY_Z-I2wOBq806xKaDWazzTy_5zGcg_MS8A1q5VJAgXwEDMvM26jndEqaJFMkW5V1yxLKzndRg4lyrNj7vWtClyJEBZq2QQvWmTPFJXN2kLs3IaBVjnW06hAarj5pCwcqpL-U-VH7t9nU/s1600/IMG_0615.JPG" height="116" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Greeting people after the service at Korhogo CHOG</td></tr>
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We’ve added a few more pictures this week to give you a
glimpse of some of the “new roads” we’ve traveled.</div>
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Mihsillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01607557738541898491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9207264522867433865.post-41028305380650893042014-08-18T16:23:00.000-07:002014-08-18T16:23:26.978-07:00Many Firsts: Our Second Week in Côte d'Ivoire<div class="MsoNormal">
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From our first time attending prayer meeting to our first
time seeing the Atlantic Ocean from a new continent, we had an eventful second
week here in C<span lang="FR" style="mso-ansi-language: FR;">ô</span>te d’Ivoire. </div>
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Tuesday’s prayer meetings at church are a wonderful reminder
of how God hears the prayers of his children all over the world at the same
time. During the prayer meeting, the “dirigant” (director/leader of the
meeting) will give different topics and needs and then everyone in the
congregation prays aloud at once. This is similar to how congregations pray in
Bobby’s home church in India. The prayer time is then followed by a meditation
and ends with a time of greeting one another.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6QcEwev8yG680sg_xn-LORVbKg2oP_KfMxSmqMaMYkjeHHXCRKjH5aUp35_fzQ780qlucJMRKN4FxPAxmHmXVMw-Kr6gneYORhD6cBKmSevrTVDPATjv4CZSDIvhB6TeH3rd9-AO1vC7h/s1600/DSC_1809.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6QcEwev8yG680sg_xn-LORVbKg2oP_KfMxSmqMaMYkjeHHXCRKjH5aUp35_fzQ780qlucJMRKN4FxPAxmHmXVMw-Kr6gneYORhD6cBKmSevrTVDPATjv4CZSDIvhB6TeH3rd9-AO1vC7h/s1600/DSC_1809.JPG" height="180" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Moore sitting on a curb waiting for the parade</td></tr>
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<span lang="FR" style="mso-ansi-language: FR;">Thursday, August
7th, was Independence Day in Cô</span>te d’Ivoire and LeAnn took me (Jenny) and
Moore down to the parade on one of the main streets in town. Moore enjoyed
exploring the area and saying “hi” to many of the people gathered along the
street. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A woman walking by while we<br />waited for the parade</td></tr>
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Over the weekend, we had the opportunity to travel back to
Abidjan (the largest city in C<span lang="FR" style="mso-ansi-language: FR;">ôte
d’Ivoire) to visit one of the Church of God congregations there and take Tyler
(who completed a six-week internship here) to the airport so he could return to
the U.S. We were able to go to one of the craft markets and visit the beach
during our trip. On Sunday, we worshipped with the Yopougon Church of God,
where Moore found some friends who helped him play an African drum for the
first time (see video). Please pray for this church congregation who is waiting
for the papers to go through on their purchase for land to build <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>a permanent church building, as you may
have read about in our former newsletters. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="FR" style="mso-ansi-language: FR;">To see a video of some highlights from our second week, click on this link: </span><a href="http://vimeo.com/103750141">http://vimeo.com/103750141</a></div>
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<span lang="FR" style="mso-ansi-language: FR;">We’re a bit
behind in keeping you updated as we have already completed our third week here.
It was a busy one. Stay tuned for another update soon !<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Mihsillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01607557738541898491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9207264522867433865.post-29474004585878527432014-08-06T15:42:00.002-07:002014-08-06T15:42:35.390-07:00Bon Arrivée: Our First Week in Côte d'Ivoire<div class="MsoNormal">
After three train rides and two flights, we arrived late
Monday night (or actually very early Tuesday morning, July 29th) into Abidjan,
C<span lang="FR">ô</span>te d’Ivoire. Missionary Larry
(Sellers) met us at the airport and we spent the first day and a half in
Abidjan resting and getting oriented to the city. In our first hours in our soon-to-be
new home country, we were struck by several observations: the diversity in
dress (from long-sleeved, angle-length traditional African dresses to
mini-skirts and stilettos), the pleasant weather (as this is the cool season in
C<span lang="FR">ô</span>te d’Ivoire) and the
friendly nature of all the people, even in this large city.</div>
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On Wednesday, Larry drove us to Yamoussoukro (the capital
city where we will live when we move here in January) on the new toll road, which
made the trip only two hours as opposed to the two-and-a-half to four-hour trip
it previously took travelers to make the journey on the old roads.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were greeted in Yamoussoukro by
LeAnn (Sellers) and Tyler Martin (an intern with Spread the Word) who were
unable to make the trip to pick us up from Abidjan because they were in the
middle of VBS at the Yamoussoukro Church of God. On Thursday morning, we
visited the VBS and were warmly welcomed by many people who said “Bon Arriv<span lang="FR" style="mso-ansi-language: FR;">é</span>e” (meaning “welcome”) to us and
took turns holding Moore, waving to him and even some children who enjoyed
touching his light, fine hair.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7L1NAAKHuF5tMt21f8Z6HcfoynnxcotthHTm2JrZdr8U5Ejy4zqi0KQDImHRetg6-RTHENzvJkPeB6rsl2bf1n3CK3i0loobBHxAl3E49fttP8V-LE10N738vfE-s5VC7sPQsStfMAiBt/s1600/DSC_1724.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7L1NAAKHuF5tMt21f8Z6HcfoynnxcotthHTm2JrZdr8U5Ejy4zqi0KQDImHRetg6-RTHENzvJkPeB6rsl2bf1n3CK3i0loobBHxAl3E49fttP8V-LE10N738vfE-s5VC7sPQsStfMAiBt/s1600/DSC_1724.JPG" height="211" width="320" /></a>On Friday, I was asked to help with one of the activities at
VBS – the limbo! I enjoyed being able to play with the children a bit and I
found that there were some very tall yet flexible kids in the group! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was fascinating to see the various
facets of leadership development taking place within this one event. This VBS
served as a training for teachers/VBS leaders from other CHOG congregations in
the country. Several churches sent those who would be trained throughout the
week as they watched and participated in carrying out the daily VBS activities
in Yamoussoukro and then they returned to their churches at the end of the week
and will hold VBS programs at their own churches throughout summer. These
trainees taught the children, but the trainees themselves were then guided by
experienced VBS leaders who gave them suggestions and encouragement during a
daily meeting after the kids left each day. Tyler and I were both learning and
contrasting our experiences with VBS in the U.S. while LeAnn, a veteran at VBS,
offered words of advice and encouragement to all. (The photo here is of students at VBS coloring their color sheet after hearing the story of David and Goliath.)</div>
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Sunday brought our first experience in an African worship
service. There was joyous singing, many more greetings of “Bon Arriv<span lang="FR" style="mso-ansi-language: FR;">é</span>e” and an opportunity for us to
greet the congregation in French and share the song “Blessed Be Your Name” –
both the English and French versions – with Tyler on the keyboard, Bobby on
guitar and me singing and trying to balance a squirmy one-year-old in one arm
while holding up the sheet music in the other! Thankfully, Uncle Larry and Aunt
LeAnn were there to help out. Larry brought the message and we also had a
chance to hear the church chorale sing. Beginning their song outside the church
doors and singing all the way in, they brought a dynamic element to the
service. Bobby found their entrance particularly interesting as he first
thought that the signing outside was coming from the Mormon church next door.
Then it grew louder and louder and the chorale entered the sanctuary to lead
the congregation! </div>
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We all took some time to rest on Sunday afternoon, which
turned out to be very important because the “soir<span lang="FR" style="mso-ansi-language: FR;">é</span>e” with the singles group on Sunday
evening went into the wee hours of Monday morning! But it was so worth it! This
event was the highlight of our first week here. After a traditional Ivoirian
meal of rice and peanut sauce with beef (delicious!) and fried bananas (yum!), Tyler
shared an encouraging testimony with the group and Bobby and I shared the
testimony of how the Lord brought us together. This led to a rousing discussion
about dating and marriage. This group is SO much fun! Just being a part of the
evening gave us a new boost of motivation to continue learning French so we can
fully understand everything that they say!</div>
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We’re looking forward to this second week here and are so
thankful for all that the Sellers are teaching us!<br />
</div>
Mihsillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01607557738541898491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9207264522867433865.post-83340004936072265072014-06-01T12:52:00.000-07:002014-06-01T13:20:28.438-07:00Moore's birthday videoClick on the link below to see Moore's video<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10152001100220855&l=9017013442149604217">https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10152001100220855&l=9017013442149604217</a>Mihsillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01607557738541898491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9207264522867433865.post-53951813683546543212014-03-10T13:02:00.000-07:002014-03-10T13:02:44.423-07:00Motor Mouth<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Moore's new trick!</div>
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<br />Mihsillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01607557738541898491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9207264522867433865.post-41547091984233926862014-03-01T04:10:00.000-08:002014-03-01T04:10:07.509-08:00Oh, Baby! A Glimpse Inside the Home of a Young Missionary Family<h1 class="entry-title" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, 'Nimbus Sans L', sans-serif; font-size: 20px; line-height: 24px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 8px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility; vertical-align: baseline;">
Oh, Baby! A Glimpse Inside the Home of a Young Missionary Family</h1>
<div class="entry-meta" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #888888; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, 'Nimbus Sans L', sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="meta-prep meta-prep-author" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Posted on</span> <a href="http://chognews.org/2014/02/03/oh-baby-a-glimpse-inside-the-home-of-a-young-missionary-family/" rel="bookmark" style="border: 0px; color: #888888; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" title="9:40 am"><span class="entry-date" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">February 3, 2014</span></a> <span class="by-author" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="sep" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">by</span> <span class="author vcard" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><a class="url fn n" href="http://chognews.org/author/sgustintest/" rel="author" style="border: 0px; color: #888888; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" title="View all posts by chogministries">chogministries</a></span> </span><span class="comments-link" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="meta-sep" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">|</span> <span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Comments Off</span></span></div>
<div class="entry-content" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 23px; margin: 0.85em 0px 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
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<a href="http://chogupdate.files.wordpress.com/2014/02/moore_mihsill_forweb.jpg" style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><img alt="Moore_Mihsill_FORWEB" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2545" src="http://chogupdate.files.wordpress.com/2014/02/moore_mihsill_forweb.jpg?w=500" style="border: 0px; clear: both; display: block; height: auto; margin-bottom: 2px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; max-width: 100%; width: auto;" title="Photo: Moore Mihsill. Used by permission of Jenny Spires, photographer." /></a></div>
<div style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin-bottom: 1.7em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
By Bryan Hughes</div>
<div style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin-bottom: 1.7em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
“No one told us that babies are hilarious!” exclaimed Jenny Mihsill. “The odd facial expressions, the loud bodily functions, the discovery of themselves and the things around them…”</div>
<div style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin-bottom: 1.7em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
Bobby and Jenny Mihsill are missionaries with Church of God Ministries and are the parents of infant son Moore. They will be serving in Côte d’Ivoire after attending language school in France, where they are currently enrolled.<span id="more-2544" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"></span></div>
<div style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin-bottom: 1.7em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
Bobby is from India. This is his first missionary assignment, and Jenny is now serving for the second time. Navigating ministry and parenthood is something they admit to learning about as they go. “We may lean toward seeing ‘ministry’ and ‘family’ as two elements, but they are—and should be—integrated rather than mutually exclusive.”</div>
<div style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin-bottom: 1.7em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
However, being a missionary family is not always easy. There are many things to think about when it comes to bringing a child to the mission field. “There’s a whole other person to think about now!” they say. “His adjustments, his jet lag, and the new food and culture are things we need to be attentive to for him, in addition to our own adjustments.”<a href="http://chogupdate.files.wordpress.com/2014/02/mihsills_family_photo_permission_granted_forweb.jpg" style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><img alt="Mihsills_Family_Photo_Permission_Granted_FORWEB" class="size-full wp-image-2546 alignright" src="http://chogupdate.files.wordpress.com/2014/02/mihsills_family_photo_permission_granted_forweb.jpg?w=500" style="border: 0px; display: inline; float: right; height: auto; margin-bottom: 2px; margin-left: 11px; max-width: 100%; width: auto;" title="Photo: Missionaries Jenny and Bobby Mihsill with their son Moore. Used by permission of Jenny Spires, photographer." /></a></div>
<div style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin-bottom: 1.7em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
Often when missionaries begin serving, it can be difficult for the extended families who have to say goodbye. Bobby and Jenny have a unique and positive outlook about this. “We’re actually closer now to one set of grandparents, since they live in India.” Jenny estimates that they are now the same distance from each. “My family in the U.S. misses us, of course, but they have been preparing for some time for our move overseas and they are very supportive.”</div>
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Even with the challenges, Bobby and Jenny are excited about the opportunities for ministry, and for Moore, that come with being a missionary family. They are happy that Moore will be raised speaking three languages (French, English, and Khasi, the tribal language of Bobby’s home in India). “We also hope Moore will have a broad worldview because of his exposure to different cultures.”</div>
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These new parents know that God has provided their child as a blessing to their lives as a family. However, they also believe that God can use Moore as a way to help deliver the good news of Christ. “Children help open doors to connect with people on a different level,” Jenny shares. “I really want Moore to know that he is a missionary too, and an important part of who we as a family are called to be.”</div>
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Bobby and Jenny know that God has a plan for their son that is already being revealed in the softening of their own hearts. “The love we have for him gives us a glimpse of the love God has for us. Moore is a reminder of the trust that God has placed in us to be faithful to Him.”</div>
<div style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin-bottom: 1.7em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<em style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Learn more about the Mihsills and the work of Global Missions missionaries at<a href="http://www.chogmissions.org/" style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">www.chogmissions.org</a>.</em></div>
</div>
Mihsillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01607557738541898491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9207264522867433865.post-58918479198570813952013-10-08T19:58:00.001-07:002013-10-08T19:58:46.548-07:00The Punch
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Moore is often complimented on his good behavior. People say
he’s a good baby. And he is. But little innocent Moore has a slightly
rebellious side. This happened to show itself during his dedication service on
June 30<sup>th</sup>. He was so well-behaved as Pastor Ed gave the charge to
us, the parents, and to the congregation. Then, it was prayer time and, with
all eyes closed (but the video camera still rolling), little Moore decided to stretch and POW!
Watch closely!</div>
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<!--EndFragment-->Mihsillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01607557738541898491noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9207264522867433865.post-67348386853173889902013-06-18T19:05:00.000-07:002013-06-19T11:55:15.414-07:00What's in a Name?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivc9rXNKEc2edwAIAmF4lmTS2xmku8aXQk2bP28WdXoTFXnu9EXk9-kKEG_EzamI-5KjIpyuYpLrYllXpEleFNJAmLWbatgmOnXzQkoe6dKGApzJ4rQu9dwiTfWItAKqYw10ChyphenhyphencB0Mpw8/s1600/Moore+in+hat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="259" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivc9rXNKEc2edwAIAmF4lmTS2xmku8aXQk2bP28WdXoTFXnu9EXk9-kKEG_EzamI-5KjIpyuYpLrYllXpEleFNJAmLWbatgmOnXzQkoe6dKGApzJ4rQu9dwiTfWItAKqYw10ChyphenhyphencB0Mpw8/s320/Moore+in+hat.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Some friends and family have asked, "How did you choose the name 'Moore Samuel'?" We've had some wild guesses about the name "Moore." Since "Moore" is a well-known surname in the U.S., some have guessed that we named our son after a surname. Most people would not guess that it is a family name from Bob's side of the family. Bob's maternal grandfather's <u>first</u> name was Moore. Moore Wellson Laloo was a Church of God pastor for over 50 years in Meghalaya, India. He was an incredible man of God who loved God and his family. Grandpa Moore had a big influence in Bob's life, telling Bob the first Bible stories he ever heard and always showing love.<br />
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For those who knew Jenny's dad, you probably guessed that our son's middle name comes from Sam (Dunbar). Jenny's father's full name was George Samuel Dunbar, so "Samuel" was actually his middle name as well, but he went by "Sam." He was also a Church of God pastor for over three decades.<br />
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What do we call our son? We call him Moore; however, we will use the nickname "Sam" when we speak in French.<br />
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We thank God for two incredible men who profoundly influenced our lives and we pray our son will also be a strong man who takes after his grandfather, Sam, and his great grandfather, Moore.Mihsillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01607557738541898491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9207264522867433865.post-50406665666673711342013-04-04T19:31:00.000-07:002013-04-04T19:36:53.067-07:00March-April 2013 Newsletter<div style="-x-system-font: none; display: block; font-family: Helvetica,Arial,Sans-serif; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 12px auto 6px auto;">
<a href="http://www.scribd.com/doc/134132601" style="text-decoration: underline;" title="View Mar-Apr 2013 Mihsill Newsletter on Scribd">Mar-Apr 2013 Mihsill Newsletter</a></div>
<iframe class="scribd_iframe_embed" data-aspect-ratio="undefined" data-auto-height="false" frameborder="0" height="600" id="doc_57717" scrolling="no" src="http://www.scribd.com/embeds/134132601/content?start_page=1&view_mode=scroll" width="100%"></iframe>Mihsillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01607557738541898491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9207264522867433865.post-35133277637358259842013-03-05T18:06:00.002-08:002013-03-05T18:06:23.197-08:00In the Kitchen with Bob<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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Here is a short, time-lapsed video of Bob cooking Indian food: curry, dal and alu chop...cooking, listening to music and dancing with a spoon!</div>
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ILHgd16dI0E">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ILHgd16dI0E</a>Mihsillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01607557738541898491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9207264522867433865.post-44343253570780599192013-03-02T19:23:00.000-08:002013-03-02T19:48:44.161-08:00Along the Oregon Trail<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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Oregon, just the name of it sounds organic. Jenny grew up in Oregon and her immediate family lives in Woodburn.</div>
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Oregon also reminds Bobby of his city Shillong and the state
of Meghalaya (in India) with beautiful pine trees, waterfalls and the constant rain. We flew into the Northwest at 11p.m. on January 24th, which
was 2 a.m. Indiana time.</div>
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Our first day, we went to set up our display at the Oak Park
Church of God (GHOG) and met with the Missions Commission. We set up our
display and made sure that the technical stuff was all ready to go for the “How-To" Convention. If you are wondering what that is, it is a regional convention that the Oregon/SW Washington CHOG congregations put on annually to inform and train pastors and church lay leaders.</div>
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On Friday evening, Hoodview Church of God hosted a missions dessert for us and we shared our passion over coffee, key lime pie and
cheesecake. The pastor, staff and the congregation at Hoodview were amazing.
They all gathered around us and prayed at the end.</div>
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The second day in the early morning, we headed out to Oak Park
CHOG in Salem and met some old friends and made new ones. The event started with a
morning service and the guest speaker focused
on urban ministry. There were
powerful stories of lives changed in Salem. The attendees then broke in to sessions. We spoke during part of the
first session and during the second session, we had the opportunity
to share in Dr. John Johnson’s session “Call to Missions,” where we shared a
little about our cross cultural experience.</div>
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We also shared at lunch and were introduced during the third
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The convention was a blast and we made some new friends
that day!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jenny and Bobby speaking in the morning session.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">with a representative from Aloha CHOG</td></tr>
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The convention was over at 3 p.m. and on the way home, Bobby
had to stop and get tacos from a local taco truck in Woodburn -- known to be the best taco truck around! Later in the evening, after we had
a family dinner, we made a stop at a well-known donut shop, "Voodoo Donuts." You
may have seen it in some food shows; Bobby saw it in Anthony Bourdain’s "No
Reservations." On Sunday, we visited Mt. Scott CHOG and later in the evening we
had coffee with friends and ate dinner with the Johnsons.</div>
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We had the Monday free and decided to go for a site-seeing,
destination Multnomah Falls. (See video/check link below) Tuesday, we met with Ben Shular and drove up to Centralia, Washington. On the way back, we got to have coffee with a good friend, Randee Doe. Wednesday, we flew back to a much cooler Indiana. We enjoyed our time on the West Coast!<br />
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http://www.flickr.com/photos/31324378@N04/8434406600/in/photostream<br />
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<!--EndFragment-->Mihsillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01607557738541898491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9207264522867433865.post-84061153883138065572013-01-14T19:08:00.000-08:002013-01-14T19:08:18.894-08:00Baby Mihsill<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3b-quvqAStWjzeKdJd9ldDJHrGPjKyb7nI8EydQcAa_AbFSIRTYBzJx1xWYtmnG1JYzIFV0rS-4Y6z7UX3aG9F7NjFK1OKJ4uujr1l062GKefwSdQUGWvRayKBG-ZY8CouUd_jqNICOi8/s1600/Scan+10.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3b-quvqAStWjzeKdJd9ldDJHrGPjKyb7nI8EydQcAa_AbFSIRTYBzJx1xWYtmnG1JYzIFV0rS-4Y6z7UX3aG9F7NjFK1OKJ4uujr1l062GKefwSdQUGWvRayKBG-ZY8CouUd_jqNICOi8/s320/Scan+10.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baby Mihsill waves (see fingertips above nose) on today's ultrasound</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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This morning, we had an appointment with maternal fetal medicine
after being referred by my OB who had concerns about the baby’s kidneys. I was
a little nervous after finding out that there was a forecast of icy conditions
on roads, but the roads on the way were clear and we arrived just fine. </div>
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We went straight in for an ultrasound with the technician
and a pediatric urologist came in to explain what he saw. The ultrasound showed
a small amount of fluid in the kidneys. The urologist explained this as minor
prenatal hydronephrosis. While that was not what we were hoping to hear, we
were encouraged by the following information the urologist gave: prenatal
hydronephrosis is fairly common (about 1/100 in utero babies have it) and it
corrects itself in the majority of cases. Only about 20% of babies have to have
surgery to correct it after birth.</div>
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The pediatric urologist will monitor the condition by having
us come in for an ultrasound once a month. Our next appointment is February 11<sup>th</sup>.
Then, he will put the baby on amoxicillin after delivery and examine the baby to
determine whether surgery is needed or whether the condition with correct
itself on its own.</div>
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Please pray that the next ultrasound does not show
additional liquid in the kidneys and that the condition will correct itself
naturally without surgery.</div>
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After the urologist left, the maternal fetal medicine
specialist came in and went over all of the elements of the ultrasound with us –
from the baby’s head to his toes – and all other development looks normal. He
is growing well! He’s now 1 pound, 8 ounces and in the 75<sup>th</sup> percentile
for weight.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHLwfuutZcGFyMTeMijGez6d-aXXFKYb-MIINozK5j-HyMwbNiRqacHntA6zZL2Aq7toTSIkWltR5ujABNT0n3_v_-tUo-I4tmHoGXa_fG8l8Mao6_IaGf8NUpRQzLKQ-45DZ-6rgxV13K/s1600/Scan+11.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHLwfuutZcGFyMTeMijGez6d-aXXFKYb-MIINozK5j-HyMwbNiRqacHntA6zZL2Aq7toTSIkWltR5ujABNT0n3_v_-tUo-I4tmHoGXa_fG8l8Mao6_IaGf8NUpRQzLKQ-45DZ-6rgxV13K/s320/Scan+11.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A foot! (toes to left, heel in right upper corner)</td></tr>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
We did love seeing pictures of our little boy again today!
He started up by hiccupping when the ultrasound first started and then gave us
a big yawn partway through the exam! He also waved (see picture at top of post)! He moved around the whole time and
this is the second ultrasound technician who has told us we have a very active
little baby boy! </div>
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We’re thankful for God’s continued provisions and blessings.
We praise God for this encouraging news and for all of you who love us, care
for us and have been praying for us! We are humbled and grateful.</div>
<!--EndFragment-->Mihsillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01607557738541898491noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9207264522867433865.post-37420317643703876622013-01-12T17:32:00.001-08:002013-01-12T17:32:22.374-08:00January/February News<br />
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<i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Happy New Year! May you be blessed in 2013!</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Church in Abidjan looks to expand</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The Church of God in Abidjan is growing! They are currently looking for land to purchase. Please pray that the Lord would lead them to the right piece of land. It is exciting to hear about the ways God is working in Cote d'Ivoire!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i>Travels: Midwest to West Coast</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">To meet our goal of being fully funded by September 2013, we've been traveling! Meeting many new friends as we've traveled this fall has been a true blessing! From Michigan to Indiana to Illinois, we've been treated to wonderful conversations and warm hospitality. At the end of January (Jan. 24-30), we'll be heading out to the West Coast.</span><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Baby on the Way in May!</span></i><br />
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<a href="webkit-fake-url://6FBC188B-A340-4A1B-AC2E-1545EE4B8096/image.tiff" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="230" src="webkit-fake-url://6FBC188B-A340-4A1B-AC2E-1545EE4B8096/image.tiff" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Our 20-week ultrasound on Dec. 20th showed that we are having a BOY! We are very excited to welcome the first grandchild on Bob's side and the first grandson on Jenny's side. Our obstetrician had only one concern: the valve from one of the baby's kidneys to his ureter is measuring too long. If the measurement is correct and the valve continues to grow too long, the baby will need surgery after birth. We will be seeing a specialist from Riley Children's Hospital on Jan. 14th so the specialist can take a closer look. Please pray for Baby Mihsill!</span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.2px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i>Upcoming Events</i></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">• Please pray for us as we are scheduled to be the speakers for the South Meridian Youth Ski Retreat in Michigan from Jan. 18-20.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> • We will be in the Northwest (Oregon/Washington) from Jan. 24-30 for the "How To" Convention in Salem, Oregon and to visit churches and individuals. If you would be interested in meeting with us during our visit & discuss partnering together, please contact us at <span style="text-decoration: underline;">jennymdunbar@yahoo.com</span>. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.2px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i>Praises & Prayer Requests</i></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: left;">• We had a blessed Christmas and were both able to relax while taking some time off wor</span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: left; white-space: pre;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">• We are so thankful for and encouraged by the individuals and churches who have committed to partnering with us this year. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">• Please pray that God will lead the church in Abidjan to the right piece of land for purchase.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">• Please pray that our appointment with the maternal fetal medical doctor on Jan. 14th will show that the baby is fine and will not need surgery.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">• Please pray that additional churches and individuals will commit to partnering with us in 2013.</span></div>
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Mihsillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01607557738541898491noreply@blogger.com0