Reunions

(back: Carrie from Senegal, Jesse, MB, Emily;

front: Danielle from Niger, Deron, Aaron from Senegal)

Sorry for the longer-than-normal wait for a new post. Since last Friday we have been attending the annual regional meeting for missionaries in West Africa. The best part is getting to hang out with the friends we've made from different countriest in the region. We also had a joyful reunion with Emily and Jesse! Even though we *supposedly* live across the street from each other in Abidjan, for the last two months they've been covering stories in Senegal, so we haven't seen each other in awhile.

So, what do missionaries do at their annual meetings? In the mornings we worship, hear testimonies, and celebrate how God is at work in West Africa. Then we attend sessions on everything from financial management to effective use of volunteers to regional goals and strategies.

In the evenings we do fun stuff -- play games, talk to friends, watch movies, get pedicures, etc. One night we had a talent show, which was tons of fun! We also had an auction to raise money for the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering (the primary method of raising support for IMB missionaries). Missionaries donated unique artwork from their countries, and volunteers from the U.S. brought goodies like Rotel, Oreos, Dr. Pepper, and root beer.

Between the auction and an offering, we collected over $66,000! Isn't that awesome?! We encourage you to be setting aside money for the Lottie Moon offering, which is typically collected in Baptist churches around Christmas and provides salaries, housing, transportation and other support for over 5,000 missionaries around the world.

The meetings are over on Friday, but we'll still be in Togo for a few more days before we drive home. Hopefully we'll be home by the middle of next week!