I knew I would be saying a lot of goodbyes this year. I think I am pretty good at saying goodbyes. I graduated from school recently and moved from my college town. I said goodbye to so many people that I love. My token phrase for my last semester was “See you in Heaven!” Even though I would see my friends in just a few weeks when I visit.
“See you in Heaven” has a new meaning now. In reality, I probably won’t have the opportunity to see my Ivorian family again. Unless I travel to Africa or they come to the US, my goodbye to them was kind of final. The next time I will see them, we will be worshipping together in the Kingdom of Heaven. Praise God for that, but it does make goodbyes so much harder.
In Côte d’Ivoire, I got to spend time with really phenomenal people. Saying goodbye to them made my heart ache, so I know that they were meaningful in my life. I would love to share them with you, too.
Sherri, or Meme, is an Iowan native and Ivorian citizen. She moved to Ivory Coast as a nurse and served as a missionary for many years before meeting Gozie. She is the most patient person with the kindest, servant heart. Whenever she sees something she loves she says “WOWEE” and shows so much appreciation. She taught me how to meet people where they are and love them, no questions asked.
Gozie is one of the strongest men I have ever met. He was the first Christian in his village. People look to him with such honor and respect. He is truly a man of peace. He introduced us as his daughters, which melted my heart. When I painted scripture in his office, he sat in there for hours just looking around. He cared for our safety and wanted his home to be our haven. He succeeded in abundance.
Joy* is my 3 year old ray of sunshine. While I love singing and playing with her, I love how much of a helper she is more. When we walked an inch, she wanted to be with us the whole mile. She shoveled rocks, organized the storage unit, mixed paint. She worked it. I’m using her as an example for all of my future children/students for sure.
Chamoco is joy. She speaks Chabata and very little French. We speak English and very little French. Communication was tough, but you could sense in her spirit that she loved us. Her smile radiates the joy of the Lord. She serves selflessly and loves fully. I will so miss that sister of mine.
Mama is a 12 year old girl from Gozie’s village. She lived with them to take care of Emma and keep the house while we were there. At the beginning of the month, Sherri said not to expect her to interact. She had barely spoken to even them. By our last day, she was choosing to spend time with us and talk to us as much as possible. She loves Emma fiercely, just like our God loves her.
It is a true honor to know and love these humans. I can’t believe I am lucky enough to say, “See you in Heaven.”
