THIS is the last update from Abidjan, I promise :)
We've had an incredible last few days that I'd really like to share before we leave. Yesterday we met with the youth from six churches in the district and cheered on their soccer teams! Before the tournament started, we passed out tracs to people on the streets and the firemen at the complex where the teams were playing. The games were exciting and fun to watch - Logan & Jordan were even able to join teams! (and Jordan's team won overall!) The rainy season really has cooled down the weather here, so we enjoyed an overcast day in the 70s and finally got a little tan. It was unfortunate that Ghana beat U.S. last night, but I have to admit, it was pretty sweet to sit in my room and hear the cheers, honking, and excitement on the streets at the end of the game!
Today was one of the first days I felt like I finally had a routine down. I know now to expect our hosts after the time they tell us, to plan for 20-50 more children than they estimate, and to hold to plans very, very loosely! I've finally picked up on things like eating a big breakfast so I don't feel sick, but not too big that I can't finish a huge lunch after church! I expect to walk through the slums on the way to church and see children hardly dressed, living conditions that are less than suitable, and trash everywhere. I know that we will be welcomed with incredible hospitality, told that their church is our home, and applauded as if we've done more for them than just attended a service. With all of this in mind, we traveled to Macedonia Church of the Nazarene today. We were met with a warm reception, as always, and took part in their worship and dance! We had so much fun.
After worship we spent time with the children explaining salvation through the colors on the soccer ball sent from the Nazarene Gol 2010 project. Gol also sent hacky sacks in the same colors, which we were able to hand out today! The idea is that the children will share the message of salvation with their friends and families... I was proud that the Nazarene church saw an opportunity to witness through soccer and the World Cup this summer! (Most of our teams this summer were given four soccer balls, one smaller one, and 75 hacky sacks to leave in their country) We had a wonderful meal of rice with onions and sauce, fish, and passion fruit juice for lunch! Today was the first day my plate looked like the Africans' when they are finished with no help! It was a serious accomplishment :) We finished the day by watching the Germany-England game with our new friends back at our house. We teased them about missing us these next two weeks we are away, but truly, I know I'll miss them! Abidjan is really starting to feel like home, believe it or not. I'm reminded that God doesn't call us to be comfortable, and our work in this country isn't finished. So we head to our next adventure, confident in His power.
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