Riding a Bike

{Preface: Okay – this may be a really bad idea. Forgive me, all of you writers out there reading this. I’ve decided to post this little, um, poem (if that’s what you call it), that I scratched down yesterday. There are no rules to writing, right? I will probably look back (maybe even tomorrow) and laugh (or crinkle my nose) at this. But hey, the words are true.}

Riding a bike

clears my mind

though my legs work

harder than on my bike back

home. where things feel simpler

but actually aren’t

most of the time.

is it strange how heavy breathing and

honking horns,

a sweating forehead and

squinting eyes

are all together restful? no,

it’s the mind that needs

a break from the trying

and toiling and tinkering

so that it can finally

think

about the things that matter.

like the fact that

God is real;

He is Creator;

Savior;

the Name above names.

colors are bright on

people but dull on the

ground.

the sky is blue at times, and at others

clothed in gray,

carrying water

for the thirsty plants under

its sinking weight.

people look and stare, or smile

or question or laugh

at the toubabou

riding a bike

past their home where they

cook rice and sauce.

or past their field

where they bend from the waist

and pick, pull, pile, and plant

as they have done for

generations past.

or past the little ones,

walking home from school

with happiness or sadness

displayed without a veil.

so much to look at,

so much to ponder but not

without prayer.

because the One who is

with me

knows not only me and

speaks not only my language.

He knows those i see and

He speaks

their language too

and hears their prayers if they

pray in Jesus’ name,

but most of them don’t

because they haven’t been told

of this One who

died for them and seeks to

cover them in a

righteous gown

that’s more beautiful

than the loveliest cloth

they can find.

it is simple, this Gift.

and free.

all that is needed is faith

because Jesus

finished the work and seeks to

save

the lost.

there is a need

for messengers who will

love and live and labor

for and with and among

the people of

Cote d’Ivoire.

there is a need

for relationships to form

and transformation to happen

in Jesus’ name.

i pray for God’s glory

to come. Be present

in the hearts of those

i pass while

riding a bike.

            

"Benkadi" -- Together

My first week in Bouake was a bundle of paradoxes. My senses have come alive!

Exhausting and invigorating. Foreign, yet familiar. Vivid emotions, but also uncertain at times.

Since I’ve had so many new experiences this week, I’ve tried to break down the categories below to summarize just a few of them and give you a taste of life in Cote d’Ivoire up to this point…

New Home—

Many of you may know that I’m living on a beautiful campus in Bouake. It used to be an international school for missionary kids. Basically, it’s about 20 acres of green grass, blooming flowers, big trees, and many small houses, dormitories, and classroom-like buildings. In some ways it reminds me of my college campus – Northwestern College – which is a beautiful haven. Yet this place is definitely African in nature and style. The campus here was evacuated over 10 years ago when a civil war started in Cote d’Ivoire. French soldiers lived here during the war, but since then it was given to Journey Corps (aka “Benkadi” – a local word meaning “community” or “together”). Journey Corps rents out some of the houses and dorms to Ivorian families and Ivorian medical students, but a few of the buildings are for our use. I have been delighted to have a safe place to run and play sports. There’s a grassy field with a “track” and even run down tennis and basketball courts. Getting outside to be active and move a bit has helped energize me and clear my mind after hours of French practice!

New Friends—

Two missionary couples (Rod and Angelika – been in Cote d’Ivoire for years. Phil and Mimi – missionaries in Rwanda for 13 years; came here in April). Five Germans arrived when we did (two guys and three girls – all just finished high school). Four new Americans (including myself). One French man (Benjamin—who is doing a project with an unreached people group in a village north of Bouake). Six American Journeyers who have been here for over a year already; a few of them helping with our integration.

It’s a great group of people. Truly. They are a ton of fun! I’ve heard more French and German this past week than ever before in my life. We’re learning how to work together, communicate together, eat together, and live together.

God's Creation—

There are also so many incredible flowers and tropical plants and trees. Acacia has become my favorite, especially the giant ones. I love sitting under them. It’s the end of rainy season here. There’s been a downpour of rain nearly every afternoon, and I don’t think I’ve ever seen storm clouds as beautiful as the ones that blow in here.  The rain is powerful. There are fruit-bearing trees everywhere; grapefruit and lemon trees grow right outside my bedroom window. The avocados and mangos aren’t quite in season, but apparently come February or March, there are too many to eat! I don’t think I’ll mind a bit J

New Transportation—

Of all the new modes for getting around, my favorite is the moto taxi. It costs less than a dollar to ride on the back of a motorcycle from the market place to campus—about 4 miles. The tricky part of the moto is getting on in a skirt. Or maybe it’s straddling the cycle without gripping the driver (hands off!). Or, maybe it’s not falling off the back seat when three people are on it. I got plenty of laughs and smiles from Ivorians watching the white girl try to ride a moto for the first time.

All in all, I give thanks and praise to God for this past week! It has been a magnificent start to this new journey, this new year. May He receive all glory for that is happening here -- in my life, in the team, in the local churches, in the country of Cote d'Ivoire as a whole. 

Please continue to pray. Pray for French learning so that relationships can be built. And the relationships are all about Jesus -- seeing him transforms lives by what he has done for us on the cross. 

Thank you for partnering with me!

Love,

Emily

Abijan, Cote d'Ivoire

Speed Scrabble

Pretty Chair

Our arrival into Cote d'Ivoire was smooth. Immigration and customs were unusually easy to navigate, and our luggage all arrived on time. I'm so thankful to be here and already sense that I'm going to love this place. Today was a day of rest. My team--Rebecca, Haylie, Eric & myself--along with Rod (long time missionary; Ivorian at heart),  Devin & Tricia (Journeyer's who are helping us integrate), enjoyed chatting, eating, resting, napping, game-playing, and more chatting. I think we've already tasted a bit of the Ivorian view of time and relationships. Relationships first, schedules second. Lunch lasted three hours but felt like one. And, I took not just one, but two naps today.  :)

Guest House

Garage Treasures

Jehovah Jireh

My visa has arrived -- I'm officially welcome in the country of Cote d'Ivoire. God has been gracious to bring me to this point... closing in on a week or so left in the States. He is Jehovah Jireh -- Provider. Here are just a few things I'm thankful to Him for...

• A wonderful partnership team -- so many people who have decided to join me in prayer and finances, partnering in God's ministry in Cote d'Ivoire for the sake of the Gospel. 
• My financial needs are nearly met. Just a few % away from being fully supported.
• Many, many sweet and some tearful good-byes last week in Minneapolis, my home for the past 3 years.
• Walks with the Lord, reflecting on His faithfulness day by day. 
• Great time with the family in creation this past weekend -- a day in Door County and a day at Point Beach State Park.
• Chocolate ice cream. 

Final Preparations

Preparing for a year away is an exciting adventure, but wow, it's also a challenge! The "to-do" and "to-buy" lists seem unending, but I believe everything will get done in time. (The hardest part might be packing a year's supply of everything in 1-2 suitcases. I guess the key word is "simplicity," right?!) Little by little, I'm feeling more ready for take-off.

I thank God for a wonderful summer. He allowed me to see many dear friends and most of my extended family in Texas and Michigan. I am blessed to have so many loving, supportive, prayerful, and caring individuals in my life. Thank you for spending time to learn about the calling God has placed on my heart to go to Cote d'Ivoire. Sharing this journey and partnering with you in this ministry is a gift from God. 

If you would like to partner with me financially and haven't yet, please do! You're giving to God's work in Cote d'Ivoire by helping me get there. 75% of my financial needs are in... so just 25% to go. Click here to give online with a credit or debit card. If you'd prefer to write a check, reply to this email and I'll send you info about how to do that.

Once I'm over in Cote d'Ivoire -- which will be September 13th, Lord-willing -- I'll be updating my blog on a regular basis with stories and photos. Be sure to follow along!

Au revoir for now!

image here

Take-Off: September 12th

The flights have been purchased and time is ticking. My team (April, Eric, Haylei, Shasta, Rebecca) and I are prayerfully and faithfully moving forward with this launch date of September 12th. And I couldn't be more excited about it!

Would you please pray about joining me in seeing God glorified in Cote d'Ivoire? I would love your partnership. In order to actually take off on September 12th, I need more financial support from others...about $8,000.

Every gift of $20, $50, $100, or $1000 is significant. In other words, no amount is too small. Click here to learn more and find the place to give online.

God is faithful. He is faithful to Himself and the glory of His name. His mission in the world is to glorify Himself among the nations. {And, that is the most loving Mission He could have--because His glory is our joy!}

Psalm 66

66 bShout for joy to God, all the earth;

2 sing the glory of his name;

cgive to him glorious praise!

3 Say to God, d“How awesome are your deeds!

So great is your power that your enemies ecome cringing to you.

4 fAll the earth worships you

and sings praises to you;

they sing praises to your name.” Selah

5 gCome and see what God has done:

dhe is awesome in his deeds toward the children of man.

6 He hturned the sea into dry land;

they ipassed through the river on foot.

There did we rejoice in him,

7 who rules by his might forever,

whose jeyes keep watch on the nations—

let not the rebellious exalt themselves. Selah

8 Bless our God, O peoples;

let the sound of his praise be heard,

9 who has kept our soul among the living

and khas not let our feet slip.

10 For you, O God, have ltested us;

you have tried us as silver is tried.

11 You brought us into mthe net;

you laid a crushing burden on our backs;

12 you let men nride over our heads;

we went through fire and through owater;

yet you have brought us out to a place of abundance.

13 I will come into your house with burnt offerings;

I will pperform my vows to you,

14 that which my lips uttered

and my mouth promised qwhen I was in trouble.

15 I will offer to you burnt offerings of fattened animals,

with the smoke of the sacrifice of rams;

I will make an offering of bulls and goats. Selah

16 rCome and hear, all you who fear God,

and I will tell what he has done for my soul.

17 I cried to him with my mouth,

and high praise was on1 my tongue.2

18 If I had scherished iniquity in my heart,

tthe Lord would not have listened.

19 But truly uGod has listened;

he has attended to the voice of my prayer.

20 Blessed be God,

because he has not rejected my prayer

or removed his steadfast love from me!

Update: Support & Partnerships

Preparations for Cote d'Ivoire are coming along. September 15th is under two months away! I am still in the process of developing partnerships for my upcoming year. It has been fun to connect with so many of my friends and family throughout the summer, sharing my vision and future ministry with those who I care so much about. God has graciously provided for all of my one-time support needs and about 30% of my monthly needs. It feels like I have a long way to go, but I know it's nothing to God! If you are interested in learning more about what I'll be doing in Cote d'Ivoire, please don't hesitate to contact me. I'd love to hear from you. We could meet up for coffee or simply chat on the phone.

Also, you can give to this ministry by clicking here or the "give" button on the right hand side. I am praying for monthly partners who can give $25, $50, or $100, but any amount--including a one-time gift--would be a blessing!