First off….
My squad and I made it safely to Côte d’Ivoire in West Africa.
Atlanta > New York > Dubai > Côte d’Ivoire
I even got to see my good friend from high school, Yasmin, that lives in Dubai now!
My team also got to go see the World’s Tallest Building! What?!?
After 2 days of full travel, we arrived to the most amazing host called the United Methodist Church of Abidjan.
The Pastor brought us to meet the Bishop where I got to try ginger juice.
It.Felt.Like.Burning.
But oh so delicious.
They then took us to lunch/dinner.
We went to a restaurant where we ate BBQ chicken, rice, and french fries.
We then were able to meet the family we are staying with this month.
My heart melted.
Francine and Jean Claude, Berta (15) and Ephraim (12).
I will share a whole blog about them later, but just know they are absolutely amazing and beautiful people.
My team is so blessed.
On August 12 we had our first day of ministry at a local church in Abobo, Abidjan.
My soul turned on.
I felt on fire.
I realized half way across the world,
WE WORSHIP THE SAME FATHER.
WE PRAISE THE SAME LORD.
WE SMILE THE SAME.
WE LOVE THE SAME.
My soul is at peace.
Our God is so good.
The girls on my team were in charge of leading a Women’s Ministry.
I saw women sing to the Lord in their beautiful language.
I saw women empowering one another.
I saw women giving each other joy.
I saw women loving one another.
I had them repeat after me:
I AM BEAUTIFUL
I AM AMAZING
I AM WORTHY
I AM BLESSED
I AM A CHILD OF GOD
I AM A CHILD OF GOD
I AM A CHILD OF GOD!!!!
And at the end, they all yelled AHHHHHHHH-Men!
It was beautiful.
I have never received so many hugs and smiles and love after.
They activated my soul.
They showed me why I was here.
This is only the beginning.
Lord you are so faithful to use a sinner like me to teach these amazing people.
Lord you are a good good father.
I am happy.
I am at peace.
I am filled with joy.
I am home.
From the bottom of my heart,
THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO HAS SUPPORTED ME ON THIS JOURNEY!!!
Because of you,
THESE WOMEN ARE BEING EMPOWERED!
Because of you,
MY SOUL HAS BEEN SET ON FIRE!
Because of you,
I HAVE FOUND A JOY ONLY THE LORD COULD PROVIDE!
Because of you,
SO MANY LIVES ARE BEING TOUCHED!
I can’t wait to share all of this with you!
Until next time……
Bonjour and Bonne Nuit!
