In Africa- by Wilma

We’ve made it to Africa!

After 24 hours of travel, we have touched down in Central Republic of Africa.  After a much needed good night’s rest here we are anticipating 14 more hours of travel tomorrow!  We’re a long way from home and are on an adventure beyond description. 

We met in Liberty Bible Church parking lot at 2AM on Thursday, September 15.  Ken and Anna Willard saw the team off with hugs and prayers while Pastor Greg drove us to O’Hare.  Since then we have been on three jets; to Dulles Airport in Washington DC, to Addis Ababa in Ethiopia (a 13 hour marathon ride), and finally to Bangui in Central Republic of Africa (which tried our patience since we were exhausted by then and tried to sleep to the screech of two crying babies at least half the trip – this is not an exaggeration)  But covered in prayer, we are thankful that not only did we arrive here with grace but also with all 12 checked bags and innumerable carry-on bags.  Of interest is that our first clerk at O-Hare let us pass with too heavy luggage.  His name was Jesus.  Seriously. 

At the Ethiopia airport and at the Bangui airport we looked around the tarmac and buildings and spotted guards with big guns standing ready for action if needed.   Wilma put her camera away as to not incite any difficulties! 

The WHO of our team is:  Jeannie Pesut (owner of this blog) who is a lab tech and Ms Short Term Missionary Anywhere in the World.  Jeannie brought lots of lab supplies and will be doing training for Tandala Hospital lab workers.  Wendy Parker, DDS also brought lots of supplies and will be training the nurse who is currently doing dental care there.  Wilma Willard who is a health educator will be understanding the current HIV/AIDS ministry with Pastor Deolo who oversees this for the 900 Evangelical Free Churches and their surrounding communities .  She anticipates a return trip next year for follow-up support that this trip’s analysis will determine.   Joining us from Iowa  is missionary Rachel Martin who lived in this mission field at Tandala for 12 years and is directing some Reach Global projects.  She knows the languages and customs and ropes so if invaluable help along with or fearless leader Jeannie who has been here twice.  With humor and humility and with God’s help, we hope to be His Fantastic Four.

Only minor discomforts thus far:  Wilma’s cut finger that keeps opening back up and bleeding,  Wendy’s swollen feet that won’t fit in her shoes anymore, Jeannie’s sore back and Rachel’s bad knees resulting from all the walking and sitting.  Other than that (and only having erratic sleeping in a hard plane seat) we are just pooped troopers!!!

 So, tomorrow (we are now 6 hours ahead of Chicago time so I believe that will officially be September 17 here) we leave at 7AM to cross the river via dugout canoe, pass customs at “the shack”, and survive our  Land Rover ride to Gemena where the Evangelical Free Church of Congo (CECU) has its headquarters and mission compound.  We anticipate a late evening arrival with more stories and praises and exhaustion to share with you.

God is good – we have arrived in Africa!  Please keep praying for our service here in His name. 

Wilma, for the team