I came across this memory on Facebook today:

“Connect Kikongo is 10 likes away from our goal of 125 likes before Monday. By liking you will get to hear and participate in the story of a white suburban husband and wife moving along with their four young children to the heart of Africa. I can safely predict that you will laugh at our mishaps, rejoice with our triumphs, mourn the losses, and I hope be strengthened in your own journey.”

We have already made so many mishaps.  Whether it telling people that “We live in the big orange BOAT,” instead of telling them “We live in the big orange building,” when giving directions for a visit, or showing up at the wrong time for a parent/teacher meeting, or drinking contaminated water because we didn’t take the time to translate the sign on our apartment door.  

One recent and ongoing “mishap” is the shipping of a pallet of goods from the States to Congo.  Normally this wouldn’t be a huge deal but the supplies on the pallet are so we can have lights at night, refrigeration for food, and running water.  This should have been shipped about two months ago in order to have been able to meet us on arrival.  Instead it still sits in the US.  The main problem is that so few companies ship to Congo so it took 6 weeks to get an estimate.  This estimate is expensive so we continue to look for alternatives as we are behind budget.  So, it may be a while before we have working power in Kikongo.  This will be interesting and prepare to laugh along with us as we give up trying by our own strength, and let God take it on.  

God has proved himself faithful recently providing the channels to grant our visas at a time when no one is being given theirs in a timely fashion.  I guess he too may want to laugh at our mishaps, rejoice with our triumphs, and mourn the losses, while He strengthens us in this journey. 

Thank you to each of you who participate in our story with your prayers and finances.  It is because of your faithfulness that we can work in Congo and share light where there may seem to be none.  

Blessings