When we arrived, we walked to the Secretary’s office to ask permission to be in the village. We met the village chief, and they gave us their blessing to minister in Mahapleu.
Then life began in this village. These people have very little, but they give their all to us. Cote d’Ivoire is known as the “country of hospitality”, and it shows.
We were given bowls, forks and spoons for meals, while the villagers use their hands to eat.
They installed a toilet in our room for us to use, while the villagers continue to use the squatty potty.
They gave us mattresses to sleep on, while the villagers sleep on fabric on the hard, cement floor.
They cover the wooden chairs with fabric so we have a comfortable place to sit, while the villagers sit in the dirt or stand.
They refuse to allow us to help (although they have opened up a little with us). They are quick to give us whatever we want or need, although they have very little. We mention something small, like “I like your dress” and they quickly change their clothes and give you the dress!!! They see a picture of a coconut on our phones, and they send someone to the next village to get us coconuts.
Let’s face it—we are royal here!
It was hard to allow them to do so much for us, but I truly believe they care for us and want the best for us, just like the Lord does.
