The Beginning of Reconciliation and Peace

Monday April 11, 2011 at 12:30pm the streets of Korhogo erupted. I was sitting near the patio of a restaurant with the rest of my team eating lunch. I assumed that there was a fight of some kind of demonstration and was scared. Jason, another team mate, thought that someone was getting proposed to on the street (which doesn’t happen here but whatever). Then a man yells to me that Gbabgo has been captured. At first I didn’t know if I heard correctly but I yelled to my team in English, “THEY GOT GBAGBO!!!!” We all started running out to join the celebration in the street! Women dancing, people shouting, cars honking! It was a joyous moment.

My host father last night really put it into perspective for me last night. He told me that we were going to have a fete (party) tomorrow and he would kill a goat because he hasn’t worked for ten years and now there is hope that he will be able to find work again! So this morning while I was eating breakfast they killed the honored goat for our celebration tonight. I am going to make a cake for the party. I have only experienced the hardship of Gbagbo for five months and I am rejoicing. I watched the news yesterday and the images they show of the brutality and violence were horrifying. I pray that the violence ends and people in Abidjan can move about freely again and the displaced can return home.

I spent last week in Boauké with all of the Journeyers. It was a sweet time of fellowship, games, worship and learning. It was also a time of good byes as Peter and Katrina (two of the Journey Corps leaders) returned to the states last night. It was sooner than expected but I am so thankful for the time that God had them in our lives. Be praying for them as they have to somewhat start over in the States. Our French teacher and my very good friend, Beckie will also be leaving for the States in the beginning of May. Be praying for us as our team dynamics are changing tremendously and we are each seeking God’s guidance for which projects, relationships and organizations here we should get involved with.

Thinking of you often, especially tonight as I eat some yummy goat!

Til He returns,
Heidi