There and Back Again

Our Burkina Team at the Boa-boa (pronounced bowbow) tree.
First snow welcomes us home! Looking out our balcony door.

I probably shouldn't "borrow" this title because you might think you have before you a piece that is as well written as Tolkien could write...not at all. I simply want to say that we have been to Africa and are back again.

Upon arriving in Burkina Faso the gracious welcome began with a visit to the VIP lounge at the airport while our documents were expedited through customs in the hands of a police officer assigned to us. Pastor Michel met us and led us out into the night where over 100 children from the village formed two double rows and marched in unison along with a brass band playing "Onward Christian Soldiers", cheerleaders leading the way we walked down the streets of Ouagadougou in a parade fashion! What an overwhelming welcome we had. During our stay in Africa we were introduced to many political officials. The first was the King of Burkina Faso. His role is one of tradition and formality but his genuine concern for his people was evident.

He was very grateful and sincere. I felt very privileged to be able to present the necklace I wore on the walk to him with my prayers for his country. He accepted both the soccer ball our whole team had signed and the necklace with grace.

We also were granted audience with the Prime Minister of Burkina Faso. This man is one of the men who will make changes happen in that country. He is a committed Christian man who sees the needs of his country as those of the heart. While we met with him we prayed together for the country and for his leadership. What a blessing to meet this man and to be congratulated by him personally.

We also met the Minister of Territories and the Governor. Both of these men were very kind and grateful for the walk and the work that Pastor Michel is doing there in Burkina for the children.

Paul & I worked at breaking the ground for the new highschool. The school needs to be ready for next year as the first grade 6 class is going to write their government exams at the end of this school year. Their teacher has set the goal for 100% of the class to achieve 100% on their exams. He brought the class back a month early to get a head start on studying. Our sponsored child is in grade 6 and seems to be doing very well. What a blessing to have watched him grow from a little fellow to the young man he is now.

I will post more photos and write more soon.