Visit to Abidjan

We recently returned from a trip to the place we lived before moving to Johannesburg -- Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire. It was great to be back in our old home, although we definitely don't miss the humid weather! We were able to visit lots of friends, both missionaries and Africans. It was wonderful to see everyone again, and they all really enjoyed meeting Kylie.

This trip was a combination of Member Care and media. We enjoyed hanging out with missionary colleagues and also collected videos, photos and interviews for some materials about the challenges of urban work in Africa.


Kylie was an amazing little traveler -- she did well in airports and airplanes (even during long delays), was friendly to everyone she met, and adjusted well to the new environment (although she did take longer naps than usual, because of the heat). She even did well at church, when she was passed from person to person throughout the worship service. We are so blessed to have such a great daughter!



When we left Abidjan last year, we really didn't know if we'd ever be back. On the mission field, change is inevitable and it seems we are always moving on to something new and different. Although we try to be optimistic in thinking we'll eventually return to a place or see dear friends again, we just never know if it will actually happen.

What a blessing to return to our old home and spend time with missionary friends who've become family to us! It was also wonderful to reconnect with Africans we had built relationships with during our three years there. On this continent, relationships are incredibly important. Many people watch missionaries leave their city (because a term ends or they transfer somewhere else) and never see them again. We feel so blessed that we were able to go back and greet them, let them meet our daughter, and continue to build relationships, even if just a little bit.