Africa
Hey everyone!
I know it’s been a minute since an update, so here’s a “quick” rap up of Africa.
For the first three months (January/February/March) my squad had the opportunity to travel through west Africa. We lived in Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, and Togo- each for one month.
Overview
The people
West Africans are very friendly people. There are not many tourist, and they were all excited to get to know us as foreigners.
Food
Living in Africa, we tried many typical dishes from each area. While many were delicious, there were a few “interesting“ meals.
The “fun” foods
Chicken foot
Mystery meat
Fish innards/eye
Boiled whole frog
My favorite meals
Fried plantains with beans
Chicken
Fried rice
Côte d’Ivoire
Living
We lived in a small village about one square mile in size. Because it was so small, we knew and built relationships with practically the whole village. We were blessed with a large front porch, so we used it to play music and play with the local children. Our house was great, with two bathrooms and two bedrooms. We didn’t have running water, so we took bucket showers and hand washed our clothes.
Climate
The average temperature was mind to upper 90s, so we were very thankful to have a fan at night! It was very dry, but it did rain a few times, and one of my favorite days was when we danced in the rain and I saved a new born baby goat from the storm!
Language
The main language is French, but there are several local languages, such as Baoule and Bete.
Our translator, Joel, was so amazing, and it was great to see him open up to us throughout the month! it was hard to say goodbye to him, and I bawled like a baby!
Ministry
Our main ministries included working with the church, leading small groups for women and young adults, and playing with and teaching children.
Fun facts
Côte d’Ivoire is the worlds largest producer of coco, which is used to make chocolate.
Many people in our village were very generous, giving us gifts of fruit and the chief even gave us two chickens!
What I learned from my month in Côte d’Ivoire
Community- building a culture of love and family with the team
Vulnerability- we decided to start off the race all in, sharing our testimonies with each other. This created trust between us all.
Trust in the Lords plan— this is a pretty straight forward concept, but it is easier to trust myself. However, His plans are so much greater than my own!
Ghana
Living
We lived in one of the larger cities- Sunyani- with a population of over 200,000. Our hostel was very fancy compared to the previous month. With AC and running water we felt very pampered.
Climate
Ghana was similar it heat, but having air conditioning (and running water to wash off the layer of sweat) was a game changer!
Language
The official language is English, which made things a lot easier for our team; however, Twi is a popular local language where we were staying.
Ministry
We partnered with a church in Ghana, a variety of opportunities to do evangelism.
Fun facts
Freedom of worship is a constitutional right, and children are taught in school to tolerate others from different religions. The people of Ghana are very peaceful, gaining the country the title of most peaceful African country.
What I learned from Ghana
Even though we had set ministry hours, I learned that I always have the opportunity to reach out to others in the community. It is important to build relationships with the people in our lives. Multiple times a week we visited a restaurant called Ethy’s. We became great friends with the staff and got the chance to have great conversations.
We give of ourselves through the strength and love of Jesus and then find time to worship and recharge.
Togo
Living
We lived in the capital city-Lomé. We stayed in rooms that would usually fit one or two twin beds; however we had three beds real close together with our big packs—it’s a good thing we are all great friends! we were blessed with running water and a western toilet.
Climate
The temperature was around mid 90s-100s. Although that ceiling fan worked hard (Always at top speed when we were there) we were very thankful the nights it stormed and the rain brought the temperature down some nights.
Language
The language used in Togo is French, so it was great to have another month of practicing as I am minoring in French at university.
Ministry
My team and I loved ministry this month, and we always had a packed schedule. We worked with churches by preaching and singing, as well as teaching Sunday school. Also, we went to many schools teaching classes independently, did evangelism in the markets, traveled to far villages to share the love of Jesus with the people there who had never heard the gospel. We also went to prisons and had the chance to spend time with them and encourage them.
World Race Fun facts
Each team (our team is comprised of 6) is made up of different jobs such as treasurer, story leader, team leader, and some logistic coordinators (for the whole squad=our Squad is comprised of 33 racers). These positions will usually rotate throughout the 11 months. With that said, not everyone has a “job position,” but everyone has such important value on the team, as there is so much more to “team” than these designated roles.
Initially our Team Leader was Sara, assigned to our team as she had already completed the race before, and as Team Leader she came to help us the first two months.
Togo was the first month without her. Leading up to her departure she and the leadership prayed for the new team leader, and they received my name. I am humbled and determined to meet Gods calling. My job as Team Leader is to communicate with hosts, maintain the health of my team (physically and emotionally), and other things- still figuring it out! Please join me to pray for the wisdom and leadership I will need to best serve my team, our hosts and my Squad.
What I learned in Togo
This month taught me patience and grace for others and myself.
As I continue my journey and serve as the hands and feet of Jesus, I am eternally grateful for all of you who have poured into me throughout my life. Living with this level of understanding and experiencing the diversities of the world, I know that no matter where or how you live, Jesus is present… He speaks all languages and lives in all cultures. Sometimes it just takes a breath delivered from a new perspective to hear the WORD.
I am super close to being fulling funded.
Thank you for your prayers, encouragement and financial support.
-DJ
*title credit to Christine
