Cote d’Ivoire
Once again, life that is the race has kept me from updating you all. I am so sorry. Here’s a little bit of an overview of what this month looks like for Team Hazaq:
Travel to Cote d’Ivoire: This was the furthest I have ever traveled in my life. We left Lima, Peru, ventured over the width of South America, changed from the Southern to the Northern Hemisphere, crossed the Atlantic Ocean, and entered Europe via Madrid, Spain. There we were met with the incredible hospitality of the Salvation Army. They fed us, gave us shelter, and showers during our 24 hour layover in Spain.We explored as best as we could before curfew, and joined the Army for church the next morning.
Our ‘Travel Day’ didn’t stop there. From Spain we flew to Rome, where we had a 1 hour layover and didn’t even got off the plane (I was so looking forward to practicing my rusty Italian lol) and headed 6 long hours to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. I know what you’re thinking, thats on the complete opposite side of Africa than we needed to be. But we strive to get the cheapest flights possible, and if that means taking Ethiopian Airlines on a 12 hour detour…I will say yes! Every. Time.
We left Lima late on April 7th and didn’t get into Cote d’Ivoire until midday on April 10. Best ‘Travel Day’ yet! We were so blessed.
Location: Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire. I’m not sure if I’ve ever shared this, but before I left, my Auntie Pam gave me the coolest stack of cards to read through. Mainly they’re just mushy and loving and make me cry (In a good way AP :]) but she also sent a bundle that are to be opened at the start of every month. She includes the population, religion statistics, and a sweet little blip of encouragement. It’s been the perfect way for to pray about the upcoming month.
This month’s card – As of January 2, 2017, the estimated population was 23,525,832 people in Cote d’Ivoire. Of these numbers, 40.2% are of the Islam faith, 45.7% are Christian, and 12.8% are either non religious or follow an Ancient Traditional African religion.
Cote d’Ivoire is set on the Southern Atlantic Coast which is why many Americans know the country better through the name ‘The Ivory Coast’.
Language: I was told that this country speaks French, and they do, but really only in the big cities like Abidjan. Our first day at ministry, we met a man that also Speaks Jula which is the trade language that exists from Burkina Faso, Mali, and areas in Cote d’Ivoire. They also have many of their own ancient dialects that exist further out in the bush. Also, you thought Spanish was terrible, wait until you hear me try to speak French.
What Ministry Looks Like This Month: This month, we are working with a missionary couple that was stationed here by the Baptist Organization called International Mission Board. They’re from Tennessee and beyond what I would call a blessing this month. Dan and Rhonda have been spoiling us with things as simple as English Conversation. They’re a dream.
They have a ministry that focuses on evangelizing truckers down at the ports in town. This is where many of the goods and items imported into West Africa come through. The Muslim population is huge in this area. But where better to spread the gospel than giving those tools to truckers to take with them along their trade route. We are planting seeds in these men. Many say the prayer, I just pray they continue to have that hunger for Jesus and aren’t ever afraid to show it.
We also are working with a couple in Koumassi. Giselle, who I can’t wait to tell you more about, is called the Mother Theresa of Abidjan. She has been running a children’s ministry for 15 years in her neighborhood. She’s introduced us to the kids, asked us to share stories, and simply just allowed us to be with them. It’s been my favorite ministry on the race so far. There is a language barrier, but God is bigger than that.
Weather: It is so hot. I’ve never been this consistently hot and sweaty in my life. I’m talking, you’re already sweaty the moment you turn the cold shower off. They keep saying that April is their hottest month, and that this one is actually cooler than usual. I can’t even imagine the temperature being any higher.
We get some rain and the best thunder storms, and it helps us sleep at night because it cools everything down by 20 degrees…or at least thats what it feels like.
Currency: They use West African CFA Franc. One USD is equal to about 620 CFA Francs. Don’t bother trying to do it in your head. We’ve been told to take the price in CFA Francs, knock off the last 3 zeros, and double it to get an approximation. This helps save a little money because if I see something that costs a $1 mil CFA Franc, I know that’s about 2 dollars. But really it’s only $1.61. Still, math is hard, this conversion rate stuff is not fun business. Also, it is more expensive here than we thought. Everything is imported and taxed with a 40% tarif the moment it enters the country.
Interesting Fact…They don’t always give you all of your change. There is something goofy with the way businesses and people can pull out money from the back, they almost never have small bills or coins. This is making coin collecting a bit tough, but I still have A LOT.
So instead of change, a lot of times that give you small cookies or candies as your change. Weird, but kinda like winning a prize every time you shop.
This month is almost over…and team changes come next month. I am going to miss Abidjan so much. Please keep my team, current and future, Dan and Rhonda, and all of our ministry partners in your prayers. We all need them more than you know.
Again, sending my love and prayers,
Kelli
