Safe and sound

I just arrived this afternoon safe and sound in Toronto. The flights were very usual, no great
turbulence or anything. I am just so thankful for the opportunity I have to back here to visit my family and friends. I met a guy at Paris who was heading home from another West African county. We talked about culture shock and he confirmed, what many say, that sometimes coming back to the West is worse than leaving. Well it has only been a few hours for me, so I do not sense much yet, other than that the internet is super fast and I am overloaded by all that I can do at once, but that really is a good thing! Well I will try to give a few entries on my home leave, but as it seems I may be busier here than out in the field!

Fly Away Home

I hope I haven't infringed any copyright laws with using that title but it is fitting! On Tuesday night I'll be inone the big metal birds flying my way (well God's laws of physics will cause the plane to fly and I'll simply ride along)to the north country of Canada. After 11 months in Africa, I expect great shock and wonder and cold to come. Eventhough it will be August, but who knows. These last few days of packing and running around have been tiring, butsoon I will have a chance to chill, figuratively and maybe literally as well! I have seen from the three times ofmoving from house to house in Benin that I can know just how deeply rooted by relationship with Jesus is on moving days!All the stress and unknown at times, without putting my life in the hand of my Creator, I am really in deep water!(well that goes for any day really) I am not too excited about flying. But I know that stastically its saferthan driving (especially compared to driving in AFrica!). Anywho, I have been also saying good-bye to many friends.Though it is a parting we hope to see each other again when I return after some weeks at home. I really want to sharewith you about Fidard. He is doing so much better. He is never drunk and he says there is peace at home more and more.He tells me that he just can't describe the change that has come over him! I am so glad and humbled. All I'vedone is prayed and shared a little of God's love and counsel, and look at the wonderful results. With the crammedschedule of this last month we did not start the Bible studies but he is looking forward to doing so uponmy return. Well thanks again for you prayers and God bless.

Investiture Fun

We had out investiture on July 25. Pastor Simon, our mission director for Pathfinderscame up from Savalou, and did some training with the youth, and on Sabbath for churchwe did an investiture program. It was real swell, although stressful. Since I was the onethat taught all the pathfinders for the year, it was hard to see them be tested and suchbut they came out great, and all eleven were invested plus three adventurers. Theywere pretty nervous at first, well actually most of the time. But what they didn't knowfor investiture they studied during the few days and came out great. It was a greatprivilege to know that despite frustrations, failings, and hardship, God used meto help the church establish its youth program. Already other adults are looking at taking up the reigns of the youth work. Please pray as I work to hand over the club to the local leaders.