One of the best Bible passages reads, “…and it came to pass.”

Before we moved to Burkina Faso, God kept showing me the importance of understanding that emotions are fleeting. They are not reality, but just the immediate perception of the circumstances. After attending a meditation class a few summers ago, I began to understand the need to mentally pull myself out of the emotional picture and turn inward…to resume my place in the Father’s lap because there I find my peace.

Although I wrote my blog last Sunday, I did not mention the emotional struggles I was going through. Most of it can be attributed to culture shock: The home we have rented in Ouaga for these 4 weeks has 4-6 men running a yogurt business out of the garage, taking over the yard 6 days/week, all day long. So, the fishbowl we live in has included our own home, a home with large windows that must stay open because of the heat. I grow weary of all the eyes of those whom would judge my character by the clothes I wear; so I must not wear shorts, not even at home. Because there is a guard who also stays inside the yard, when I wake up at 5 am, I am still observed. I want American food, American roads, phones that work, English, church services I can understand and take part in, television, anonymity at times, and ever so much to see and hug my family. Mark held me; Ruth cried with me. But ultimately it was your prayers that got me through…again. My emotions are back in subject to my desire to follow the call God has on my life right now. Not that I am less homesick, but I am not giving into its ability to paralyze me.

During this time, I have read a book entitled, What’s so Amazing about Grace? By Philip Yancey. I am moved by its reality. Yancey is able to challenge our complete acceptance of grace. He questions our desire to love others whom we subconsciously deem not worthy, i.e, prostitutes, homosexuals, etc,---often a co-worker or family member who has hurt us. I encourage you to read, or reread, this book. It has caused me to be more patient and tenderhearted toward others as well as myself.

This is our last week of French school. Much like life itself, the more I know, the more I realize I need to learn. UGH! However, Mark and I are both looking forward to our Yako home and being with our “family” there again. Hopefully, they will see a difference in our language skills!

Grace upon grace,

Connie