onward and outward

Due to the craziness of the coup and the looming embargo, we are evacuating! We leave tomorrow morning bright and early and will drive to Dakar- about an 18 hour drive. We will be going with two other missionaries and will be well taken care of.

Our next steps are very unclear at this point. We will be waiting a week or two to see how this embargo effects Mali and whether it is a good idea to return. It will depend on the status of the school. We are packing with the assumption we cannot return- and we packed more than we thought we could! The luxury of driving means no weight limits on luggage!

Our hope is to use the time in Dakar well. First, we need to unwind and reflect- days at the beach, wandering the city, and conversing with fellow missionaries. Second we hope to connect with an MK school and offer our services at the school.

Please continue to pray for us- safety, endurance and peace. Also, pray for Mali. I have the privilege to leave when times are rough, but most do not. Pray that peace will be re-established without any more harm. God has this in his hands and knows what he is doing!

Bags are packed and ready to go!

 

It’s been a crazy few days!

 

But somehow we can still make ourselves laugh

Thoughts on the coup

Ed made the above picture as a little humor in the midst of uncertainty.

First off, I want to say we are safe, content and still waiting to see what happens.

Today I came across this verse in the Bible:

They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers Acts 1:14

Since it’s not in context, let me fill you in. This is from the first chapter of Acts- right after Jesus descended into heaven and before Pentecost. They had just selected a 12th disciple to replace Judas. It was a time of complete uncertainty. For most of the followers at that time they had set aside everything and followed Jesus for 3 years. They heard his teachings, ate with him, followed him where ever he went. Some of them knew he was God and all of them knew he was special. Then, he was taken away from them- violently! I am sure most of the followers at that time were in shock confusion and definitely not sure what to think. Jesus them came back for a short time, then disappeared. I can only imagine the confusion, dismay, and anger. This person they put their trust in was no longer there. What were they to do?

Well they gathered together and prayed. They knew that God was still at work- but not how. They knew Jesus was who he said he was- just not how that made a difference. Worldviews were shaken and lifestyles questioned- was it really worth following Jesus if he was just going to abandon them?

I think for the first time in a while, I understand this type of anxiety. Mali was considered a stable country. I knew traveling here there would be a moderate sense of danger- but no more than other countries I have visited. I knew there was a democratic system of government where one person could not try to control the nation. I had faith that Mali was a good place to live.

A week ago, that all changed. No longer is Mali ruled by a president, but a military leader who took control. Mali is no longer politically stable, but a group of people supposedly formed a new constitution in less than a week. No longer is Mali looked at as a place in need of foreign aide, rather people do not trust it. Everything I thought I lived in has been shaken.

There is a light at the end of the tunnel. For the disciples, Pentecost came and no longer did they need God in human form, rather the Holy Spirit can live in each of us. God gave the disciples what they needed as well as what He had planned.

For us living in Mali- there will be an end. We pray it is peaceful, but we prepare for violence. God has this country worked into His plans and although we are living in very uncertain and confusing time, I know that God is right here with me and in control. I pray for peace like I never have before. Innocent people are at risk of dying- either from violence or starvation- and that shouldn’t happen. This situation can go in many directions- good thing God has got it all worked out!

Bucket List

I have taken to the habit of writing my bucket list once I have completed the item. Climb to the top of the Eiffel tower? done! Speak another language? check! But as I imagine what else could I put on this list, living in a country as it goes through a coup d'etat was something I never really wanted.

God's certainly has a sense of humor, since two nights ago, Mali went through such a thing.

In the north of Mali, rebellious Tuareg (a people group) have been taking over cities, forcing people to evacuate. The Malian military has not taken much action and military personnel are not happy about it. Wednesday this week they said so quite publicly- taking over local broadcasting stations and surrounding the presidential palace. Early Thursday morning a coup was declared- leaving all citizens shocked, and some rejoicing.

For the following hours military spread into the city- firing shots into the air. Coup leaders announced over TV of their intentions: to put a stop to Tuareg forces in the north, maintain peace for civilians, and hand the government back over to the elected president once they have finished their mission.

Now we are more than 24 hours into this. We have had a curfew of 6pm to 6am declared, and warned not to go out in vehicles. Gas prices have more than doubled and many shops still have yet to open. The airport is closed and all land borders are also closed. It has been stated that by this coming Tuesday all government business will resume (under the new leadership?) and life will return to "normal".


What happens next is still up in the air. There are so many complicated issues involved:
1. Famine is ravaging the country and because of the coup foreign aide is not going to deliver supplies
2. Presidential elections are scheduled in 6 weeks. Will they still happen? How will the new leader be received? Will he even be given power?
3. Who really is leading the country and military now? There has been a designated captain who has become the face of the coup, but does he have the knowledge and resources to oust the Tuareg rebels?

This is so disappointing for a country who was considered one of the most stable democratic countries in Africa. Now they have leaped back politically and many can be harmed because of this take over.

Although it is fascinating living through history, I am concerned to see what is happening around me. I am blessed to serve a God who has already figured this all out and at peace with handing it over to Him.

Know this: we are safe. We are protected. And most of all we are enjoying a few extra days off of school! And I have another bucket list item to cross off! An unexpected blessing amidst the chaos!

100 days

Two weeks ago we celebrated 100 days of school! It’s rather disappointing for the students who thought we only had 100 days- but for everyone else it was a celebration! In art we had the students create pictures of themselves as 100 year old people. It was quite amusing to see what they created. (Thank you Pinterest for the inspiration!)

 

 

I also had my students

-Do 100 seconds of jumping jacks

-Estimate how far 100 steps was and then walk

-List 100 things they are thankful for

-Write what they would like if they could have 100 of anything

-Find how many words they could make from the letters “one hundred”

It is crazy that the year is going so quickly. Even though hot season just hit, which means a lack of energy for everyone, I am so grateful for my fun-loving students and their antics!