We made it safely to our destination this last weekend. We
have spent the last few days getting acclimated to the time change, culture and
environment. We must admit the environment has been the easiest to adjust to.
Where the US is beginning its colder months, the warm spring sun is ever
present here. Surrounded by beautifully green trees and melodious calls from
countless birds all day long, the environment is certainly one we can settle
into.
We are currently staying in a guest room at the home of our
friends Louis and Erika of BEAM Africa. We are quite comfortable here. It is
temporary housing until we can move into another property used to house
missionary teams that come to work with BEAM. It is possible that we may get our
own place, but that will be down the road a ways.
We have a new friend here that visits every morning. Around
5 am everyday, a large beaked bird whom we have named Earl, perches himself on
the frame of a window to our room and has an argument with his reflection in
the glass. The conflict concludes with him violently beating the glass with his
beak, making a sound not unlike a hammer banging against the window glass. Earl
is very punctual thus we do not need an alarm clock.
We are slowly stepping into our role, cautious to be
considerate of the culture here and not bring too much of the fast-paced
American way. Although we have only been here for a few days, we find ourselves
anxious to start working and get things going. We have made a few contacts with
fellow believers and are starting to get familiar with some of the ministries
here. We have also done some work with BEAM Africa assisting in some big
changes in their organization. Things here wind down significantly for
Christmas so we are hoping to get a good start in our work after the holidays.
Our friends here have completely embraced us and welcomed us
into their lives. God has done much work ahead of time to prepare us, and our
friends, for our arrival here. We are both truly amazed at the blessings that
come when completely submitting ourselves to His will for our lives. Although
we miss our friends and family in the US, we are excited about His plans for us
here. We will be praying for you
and thanking our Lord for all that each of you have done to get us this far.
May the Lord bless each of you!
God bless,
Mike & Jeanine
