Trying New Things

Here is what Ben thinks of putting on 2 pairs of socks, 2 pairs of pants, shoes, coat and hat to go outside only to get cold! He cried to go outside and then cried because he was cold.

This was the first time the kids could actually play in the snow. We had flurries the week before, but they didn't amount to much.

Here's the gang listening to the Christmas story in French at Christmas in Africa night!

This is Ben's first time to see snow flakes falling.

Pumpkin pie smothered in cool whip is good!!!

We've been able to stay home most of the time for the last couple of weeks. We've been getting reacquainted with those things that we love but miss while we are in Abidjan. For Benjamin it has been a time of trying new things. Some of those things he has loved, like macaroni and cheese and lima beans. There are other American things he has not been so fond of.

We have enjoyed being able to romp around the country and tell our story in churches here, there and everywhere. We've enjoyed hearing their hearts for the nations and talking about how people can join us.

One thing I wanted to ask you to remember in prayer is how our country is still being affected by the problems of the presidential election last month. Both run off candidates felt they had won the election and began to set up their own governments. With neither candidate willing to concede the election chaos quickly ensued. An independent counsel says the opposition candidate had won and that the incumbent needs to step down. The incumbent claims there was fraud in areas help by the opposition and in throwing out those "fraudulent" votes he wins. The world and Africa as a whole are standing behind the opposition guy and calling for the incumbent to step down. Whatever happens there are a few things that continue to bother us. Currently the borders of Cote d'Ivoire are closed and we couldn't get back in if we were to be headed back today. Our teammates evacuated with our "Daisy" dog before the mess started and now cannot get back in. Of greatest concern are those that are daily being hurt in the protestations and scuffles. Many of our friends make very little money and live from one day to the next on the few dollars they make each day. When they must stay in because of violence or when there is no market, they can't make money. Without money coming in, they don't have money for food. Also the surrounding countries are using their influence to try to force the incumbent to relinquish power, but that will make life even more difficult for the common people until a solution is found. All around there is much suffering and a peaceful solution is not forthcoming. Names and faces of those suffering are constant in my thoughts. Those that follow what we do know them too. Please pray for them. Pray that through all of the trouble they will turn to the only source of real peace. Pray that in the midst of their suffering, they'll turn to Jesus.

If I don't post again, I would like to wish you a Merry Christmas. May you celebrate the true gift of Christ.

Love,
Heather