Here's what I don't like.

If you were to ask me something I dislike about Africa, I'm pretty sure I would always give the same answer (besides the occasional "3 inch long cockroaches" ;)): There's always dirt on my feet.

[Yeah, I agree - it's petty, isn't it?]

We came to Ivory Coast during the rainy season, and still there is dust everywhere. If you look closely at the plants lining the main roads, you can see a red-brown coating on the leaves. Gravel-dirt roads release a pretty thick cloud of the stuff when a car drives by, so by the end of a typical day, Danica and I can wipe off a nice dark tan layer from our faces.

The awesome social workers and translators we get to work with!

Danica and I have been making home visits for a couple of weeks now, and it has been such a learning experience. The kids we've visited are enrolled in the CHE school program. Most (if not all) have only one parent. Many drink from untreated wells. Many struggle to provide food for their families. Some fight recurring illnesses like malaria. Some are HIV positive. Most would just like to be able to have something to sell to provide for their families. Some of the kids wear ripped
clothes because they can't afford new ones.

And to top it all off, they're covered in dirt!

But something that has become more evident with each day that passes is that hope is everywhere. Each home is met with questions about the physical needs of the family. Each home is met with concerns for the behavior and educational needs of the child. And each home is prayed over in the hope that along with restoration of the body and strengthening of the mind, souls will find freedom and healing through Jesus Christ.

We have seen joy in the midst of poverty. But we've also looked into the lifeless eyes of broken children and struggling parents and prayed for the kind of healing that will only come through Jesus. There is so much pain, but there is also beauty - a hope that covers these children like the dust that covers their bodies. We are confident that God is able to craft new lives in Abengourou from what looks like nothing to us. It wouldn't be the first time He used dust to create the best kind of life.

Would you join us in praying for this community? Please pray that the kids experience healing and are provided for physically, mentally, relationally, and spiritually. Pray that the Christians in Abengourou would be encouraged to continue serving their community by being the hands and feet of Jesus. God is good and there is so much hope...I'm reminded of that again when I look down at my dirty feet. :)

xoxo

kelsey