January 4 in summary

We didn't go to Edea. The hotel owner who would host us had had to leave town. We had a very relaxing day while Ruth handled many errands. In the afternoon, Joe and Barb and I decided to take a walk around the area. We had not done this yet. About five blocks from here we found a ready-to-wear dress shop. Inside, it became evident that we wouldn't buy anything.There were western clothes which didn't appeal to us. There were also some attractive blouses that interested me but I felt the price was more than I wanted to pay. The exchange rate is not very good just now. I started up a conversation with the young clerk. She knew a little English, but my French was better so we did fairly well. I told her what we were doing here, emphasizing that we are not tourists. She said, “I am a Christian. I would like to do that someday.” It was so good to hear such a clear declaration of her motive. It was as natural in her conversation as saying, “It's raining.” And she would like to come to the U.S. Someday. I told her not to give up the dream. She was a good salesperson. She showed me a black blouse and I said, “The sleeves are too puffy,” partly with gesturing. “Oh no, she said. “This is you. I can see what you are wearing and so I know this is you.” Delightful. I wish I had favored something enough to buy it from her!

Later some of WEH's colleagues came and so there was much discussion with them.

Now we have been here a full week. In the evening the Linfield students arrived. Only one of their 30-odd suitcases could not be found. They reported it missing. Otherwise, their trip was relatively uneventful.

Half of their luggage is full of medical supplies which the Friends of WEH paid for. We purchased them from an American missionary organization that collects and sells meds at very low prices. Then we had them mailed to Linfield so all the students could bring a second suitcase full.