Cotonou, despised and appreciated

Back in Cotonou again. At times as I ride on the back of motorcycle taxi or walk down the city streets, I feel intrigued by
the city, almost liking it. But most of the time, it scares me. Not from lack of security for myself, but just that whole big city
thing. Cotonou especially is a trap, on the south is ocean and the north a huge marshy lack, the other ways west and east, quickly
end at Togo or Nigeria! But we only do little getaways, and when there is room at the Baptist guesthouse, it can be a pleasant break.
By the grace of God I was finally able to get my year visa. Although I do not have the visa in hand yet, the application has been put in and
signed by the chief, so that's great. I thought this was the end all. Last time the chief told Manny and I that we could get our year visa
with or without the actual resident card, if it was three months after applying for the card. It was four months now and the card was
not done, so we ask for the year anyway, the clerk lady denied it! She said it was our first card and thus a no go. I asked to speak
with the big cheese (I get tired of calling him chief, he actually should be director, but anyway) but he was leaving for a meeting, so we
came back today (June 23) and presto he approved it. I was going to help him correct the apperently flawed perspective of the clerk,
but felt that might be tempting Murphy's law. In other words if I mention that it is my first card, then he might deny too, despite
his promises to grant a year the last visit. However the workings, it did work, and by Thursday it should be ready, I have great faith that it
will! Other than that, there are just alot of errands to run, up to the mission for this or that, and to the market for pathfinder uniform
completions (socks and belts, very cheap on the market). It is a sobering experience to remember all the accidents that happen in
Cotonou and that we amazingly have never even be near one.