Africa Journal Day 16

Sunday, May 8, 2005
Day 16
Bert & Wilma Visser’s Guestroom, Yaounde, Cameroon

Last night was definitely my poorest night from a sleep perspective, except the overnight flights. There must be a local group playing at the bar just a half block away, and they are still whooping it up at 6:15 am. The drum has a penetrating quality with an irregular beat, spurred on I suppose by a night of drinking, that goes on and on. I don’t blame Bert and Wilma hunting for a new house when them come back after their summer leave.
The Everything that Hinders Workshop went very well, at least from my perspective, and from the feedback on the evaluation forms. Responsive chords were struck in the area of living our values, boundaries, and maintaining what we call margin, a reserve of time, energy and finances to prevent a crisis and undue stress. Some of the missionaries, a few pastors, and all the pastor’s wives, recognized that they have been placing ministry before family. One MK (missionary kid) who is now back on the field as an adult, shared from her perspective. Many realized how much healing they already experienced. The group really opened up, shared their struggles, and we had a wonderful time together. I pray that the time invested will yield Kingdom dividends.
Some of the participants have booked for individual consultations with me, for Monday and Tuesday morning. From there, the plan is to head for Mt. Cameroon.
The best part of yesterday was hearing Cathy’s voice. She called on Wilma’s cell phone, and that really made my day. Overall, the infrastructure here is further than Nigeria (no power failure yet, cellular network is crystal clear, garbage pickup, and a city water system with a steady water supply).
I look forward to a more relaxing day today—Bert is preaching in church (in English), so it won’t be a struggle to hear. And we have plans for a swim in the pool at he French Club, and maybe some tennis.
Today is Mother’s Day in North America, and Andrew and I, wish Cathy, my mom, and all mom’s a happy Mother’s Day.