Anyways, here we are, at the end of our time in the USA, having worked 6 months and accomplished our goal thanks to Jehovah's blessing. As we wait to board a plane going halfway around the world, thought we would share a little bit of our experience.
Our feelings are largely summed up by the title "Is this a dream?" After so long back in the USA, working secularly, being in a congregation with ones we have known for years, it almost seems like our life back in Burkina was really just a dream. But, then we stop and wonder "is life here really the dream?" We are living 2 different lives, one where we follow the basic American mold, working full time, eating out, buying stuff, doing our best in service on the weekends. In our other life, though, field service is everything, eating out is a luxury, we actually free time. At times, it feels like we are living a sci-fi movie, where we can't tell dream from reality. This switching of realities, moving from one life to another, is probably the hardest thing for us. Not that there aren't other difficulties... Making a life for 6 months anywhere takes work. Then, we have to condense that life into a few suitcases that can go on a plane with us.... It's a miracle that we don't both have ulcers!
Overall, though, it is becoming easier each time that we perform this inter-continental shuffle. What makes it all bearable is thinking about the reason that we are doing it. The ministry back in Burkina is, of course, a big motivation for us. Even bigger, though, is the desire to be back with our congregation. This is not to say that we haven't enjoyed being with Lake Merrit French, it has been a joy spending 6 months with them. But we have worked hard to maintain the feeling that Burkina is home, and this has just been an extended visit. Although it may seem like a small thing, or even quite bizarre to anyone who doesn't like animals, knowing that we have a dog and a cat waiting for us at home in Burkina really helps us keep that feeling that it's home. Something else that we are really looking forward to is seeing all the young ones in the congregation again. There are about 20 who are under 25 years old, many who are already publishers, some baptized. A few of these young ones are already pursuing (or planning for) full time service. Seeing them make goals and pursue Jehovah's service is a great highlight of life in Burkina.
Another reason we are anxious to get back is to get caught up. It feels like we have missed so much since we left Burkina back in February. The congregation itself has changed.... There are 2 new elders since we left, 1 from the USA, one from Côte d'Ivoire. Additionally, there have been 2 appointments of local brothers, 1 as an elder, 1 as a MS. In reality, it seems like the numbers may allow the Jula group to become a full congregation soon. While exciting, it's also sad to think about the congregation we know being split in half. Not all changes have been in our congregation, though. Some missionaries and special pioneers were moved around in neighboring congregations to allow the creation of a new Jula group. As far as the Jula language in general, the RTO in Bobo has been expanded, with the addition of translators from Côte d'Ivoire. We are, of course, very excited to see firsthand what Jehovah is doing to expand the service in this field! In reality, when we try to decide what is dream and what is real, it turns out that Jehovah's service (no matter where in the world) is really both!
We can't possibly write anything about our time spent in the USA without also mentioning the loving support of our family. We know that with Jehovah anything is possible.... But we really don't know how it would be possible for us to live 2 separate lives like this without the help and support of family. Jehovah truly is good for providing just what we need to make this dream our reality!
1 comment:
Hey guys, it's good to hear about your heading back to BF. Great post. Looking forward to seeing what your up to. Best wishes on your time in Bobo.
-Antoine
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