Laughter

Living in laughter can be an act of faith. When life is smooth and easy, laugh. When you are driving for hours on the most textured dirt road you have ever experienced and you have no water to drink, definitely laugh – and sing – and laugh some more. Here, in the midst of political uncertainty, social unrest, a frequent lack of city electricity, a university where students live awaiting the return of professors who desire higher salaries . . . laughter is essential to living well. I find that many of the believers I am among know this secret.

On Saturday we attended a village wedding. Leaving at 6 am to attend the ceremony that followed an all-night party, we arrived by the fastest route, about a 2 hour drive. Upon arrival, I was swept into the world of African women, escorted by Abi and Madame Clana, with whom we traveled. Madame and her family live on the Bouake campus – her husband is the campus director. Abi works here during the week and is quickly becoming a dear friend. Both are beautiful Ivorian believers. I donned a colorful outfit that Abi lent me for the day and Madame easily made the necessary adjustments for the top to fit. (A quick side note: here, the colorfully dressed women, about half of which are carrying babies on their backs, make the landscape beautiful – quite the contrast to city streets covered with garbage).

After visiting our Bouake church pastor’s mother-in-law, who lives in the village, we made our way back to sit down for the ceremony around 10 am. A worship band was singing in one corner of the outdoor semi-enclosure set up for the ceremony. The first couple arrived about 11:45 and processed to designated chairs covered with bright pagners (cloths). Then, three more couples arrived about 12, walking in accompanied by a youth choir. More music and introductions followed, including a welcome to Ba Souleyman (Son of Solomon, Rod’s Jula title) and the only other white guest at the wedding (me!).

About three hours later, after a ceremony conducted in two languages I did not understand - and during which I never quite succeeded at napping as some of the other attendees did - everyone got up to congratulate the couples with cheek to cheek kisses. We ate a meal of Attieke (made from maniocs and quite tasty) accompanied by a small amount of meat and vegetables as well as sweet red Bisap and tangy ginger juice served in plastic bags (you drink by piercing a corner of the bag with your teeth and sucking the juice out).

Leaving a little after 4, we piled 7 adults, one toddler and a live chicken (feet tied) into the Land Rover and headed back on the shorter route - a dirt road unlike any I have ever experienced. Almost 5 hours later after one flat tire, almost constant bouncing, multiple road blocks (as is typical in rebel territory), frequent traversal of puddles and unforgettable songs and laughter, we made it home to Bouake parched and exhausted but happy.

In choosing to thank God in the midst of the realities of heat and thirst, I experienced a joy in community – fed by and expressed in laughter - that went far beyond being physically comfortable. What a gift indeed!

Cockroach Kill Count: 4

Bonne Arrivee!

Frequently, these words echo as a warm welcome. On my first Sunday in church, I introduced myself during the announcements as is customary for newcomers and after the service stood in a receiving line to shake hands with everyone as they walked out! Soon after, members of the church English club crowded around as well as a darling 9 year old who stood silently by my side until I stooped down to speak with her. She hardly left my side till she had to leave and brought her 5 year old sister and young brother to meet me as well. The 5 year old traced the blue veins on my hand - I have clear skin here.
This past week has been a swirl of new experiences, sights, smells and tastes. Life is hands on - handshakes for greeting and parting, carrying or embracing orphans who crave attention, carefully selecting fruits, vegetables and meat at the market, preparing food from scratch . . .
The rebel soldiers who control entry into these northern towns let members of the mission baptiste pass by without paying fees, but buses and taxis and other profitable transportation must pay at each spiked road block that is then slid out of the way for them to pass by. Driving is simple: if you are faster, you pass!
Roadsides in town or near a village are brilliant with colorful paniers worn by the woman, frequently seen with both babies on their back and large bowls of items such as food or fabric on their heads. The Ivorians are experts in transportation without fuel, though they also love motocycles. In the churchyard Sunday were parked at least 15!!!
In the Ragsdale household, French predominates but English and German come second, especially as this is the primary language of my brother Eric (16 but very tall) from Luxembourg.
I can sense your prayers - a sense of peace covers my heart as I delight in life here. I can hardly believe it has only been a week. Please keep praying as soon I will be spending more time in the Bouake orphanage assisting with basic care as well as coming alongside to learn from the nurse and Angelika (whose background is pediatrics).
Prayer times here are wonderful - often everyone prays at once.
Je suis tres reconnaissant pour vous. (I am very grateful for you all).

Called to Be With Him

Last week, a dear friend gave me this passage: Mark 3:13-15. As she spoke it to me, I pictured Jesus in Cote d'Ivoire calling me to come and join Him. The first call is simply to be with Him.

This past week has been precious in so many ways: an evening of worship and prayer, a hike up Multnomah Falls with my family, finishing a series of wood-shop classes given by a dear friend (who at 77 is soon to be married!), a day with my mom, recording music with my sister, and last night's swing dancing with dear friends . . . I am so very blessed!

Tomorrow we go - yes, we. My Father and I will be traveling together (even though He's already there, too) and I so look forward to that time. And "we" are going in another sense as well. I go together with all of you who are praying and sending me. I might be the feet this time, but there is no way I can make it without the rest of the body!

Over the Top!!!

I am almost $900 over-the-top in funds!!! Praise God for His hilarious provision over and above . . . and pray for Spirit-direction in use of the funds as needs arise. I might be able to bless ministry over there in an unexpected way!

My plane ticket is set for February 9 - next Tuesday. Preparations are underway. The visa has yet to arrive, but the embassy did call me last week regarding the correct envelope. They are sending it express mail.

Pray for a week full of the Spirit's peace, joy and wisdom as I prepare to leave and for sweet connections with those I hold dear.

A new favorite verse from Psalm 119:74 "May those who fear You rejoice when they see me, for I have put my hope in Your word."