Just the Beginning

I have no idea how to summarize my trip to Ch*d. For those of you who know me, you know the story started months, even years, before we (the "Bath Team" as Kirk liked to refer to us) left Cleveland. That story I will share again, hopefully, throughout the blog.

My purpose now is to use this forum as a way to "upload" my thoughts to you a little at a time.

Who knew that two and a half weeks could change me and my thinking in so many ways.

You will notice that some words have been edited. I think you will understand. Ch*d is one of the worlds poorest and most corrupt countries in the world. You almost can't understand the depth of it until you experience it.

I hope to share some of my journal entries throughout the blog. They will give you a glimpse of how G*d used this experience to use me, but more than that, to change me.

So, even though this trip is over, it's really just the beginning. I can't wait to go back.

Here we go....

Here we are - Sean, Shane, me, and Darrin. Ready to leave Cleveland for our 9000+ mile adventure that would change our lives and our hearts for ever. In my journal that day I wrote " We left Cleveland today - we left our families, the comforts of home with suitcases burdened more with supplies for others than for ourselves. It is the hardest, yet one of the most exciting things I've ever dared to do. It was hard because I was leaving behind the comforts of the known in exchange for the discomforts of the unknown. Yet the calm in my inner being was like being confortable in an iceburg. Joshua 1:8 came to mind many times today, "Have I not commanded you? Be trong and courageious. Do not be terrified. Do not be discouraged. For the L*rd your G*d will be with you where ever you go." The same G*d that loves me also loves the people of Ch*d. They just don't all know it yet. I pr*y that G*d will bless each of our hands and hearts as we touch each person we care for so that they will feel G*d's love just because I (we) stood with them in that moment."

The Saturday before we left, our families gathered for the afternoon and had a chance to talk with Dave Guiles. He said many things that afternoon, but one of the most profound and the words that came back to me many times in the next few weeks were these, " When you are in the center of G*d's will, you have nothing to fear." Isn't that what Joshua was saying? I was about to learn how very true those words could be.

More pictures

While we were in Paris for a layover, we had a chance to meet with Rob and Nicole who are m*ss*onaries working in Paris. They are working under some very difficult conditions because most of the people in France are atheists. Rob and Nicole use discussion groups as a means of connecting with people and answering their questions about G*d. They really appreciated our visit. They would love to have some other believers in their lives who could build them up and help them in there work. This was the last time I saw myself in pants until we came home!

The following pictures depict how we spend our time until we met with Rob and Nicole.

This is what you do when you've been on an airplane for over 12 hours and it's 10am in Paris, but your body feels like its 4am and you haven't slept yet.

The first full day we were in Moundou we were invited to lunch at Kou Bethany with Christine, Dadje's widow. Here, we had a chance to relax under the shade of the mango trees Dadje had planted and get to know his lovely wife, Christine.

Before we gathered for the meal, Christine asked for us to share a few moments at Dadje's grave. We quietly followed her to the site. Without regard to culture, while Christine stood staring at the grave, my instinct pulled me beside her and I put my arm on her shoulder. No matter the cultural norm, she turned and laid her head on my shoulder and wept. From that moment on, when ever we met, we always shook hands first (as is the cultural norm), but we always hugged each other too. Henri Nouwen once said, " Simply being with someone is difficult because it asks of us that we share in the others vulnerability, enter with him or her into the experience of weakness and powerlessness, become part of the uncertainty and give up control and self determination. And still, whenever this happens, new strength and new hope is born. Those who offer comfort and consolations by being and staying in moments of mental anguish or sp*ritual darkness often grow as close to us as those with whom we have biological ties." I feel like Christine is my sister in more ways than one.

This is Mattias in the vocational facility where he teaches Ch*dian men a trade, mainly welding. The school sits on a prime piece of property in Moundou. There is plenty of room for expansion.



The pump below is an example of one of the many very usable items he and his students create.





Jeremy - in the blue outfit- has been one of Mattias' students for the past several years. He traveled with us when we went to Gadjibian. The room where everone seems to be headed is a classroom, complete with a chalkboard.








Another dream for the vocational school is to teach computer skills. This computer classroom needs updated. Everything from the ceiling that is falling down to new computers and printers. Unfortunately the heat, humidity and dirt take their toll on the equiptment. The room really needs some temperature controls also... not an easy task in a country where electricity is a luxury and isn't even consistant. Things we take for granted are almost impossibilities here.

This segment is a little out of order. I got excited about introducing you to some of the "Ch*d Team" members. So pardon me while we back track a couple of days....

Our flight from Paris to NDjamena was uneventful. The airport experience in NDjemena was ..... eventful. It was dark when we arrived, so I couldn't really see or take in all the surroundings. When we got off the airplane, we were bussed to the terminal. There we stood in line waiting for our passports to be processed. I have to admit to being more than just a little nervous about the process. These people did not look friendly. Baggage claim was interesting also. It was chaotic and all I remember is that 2 boys were fighting over my bag and I quite frankly was happy to carry it myself. I realized later that they were just fighting over who was going to get the tip from the m*ssionary that "hired" them to get our luggage. The whole airport experience was overwhelming. It was my first "real" test of relying on G*d and giving my fear of the unknown to him.

Despite how overwhelming it seemed at the time, a little quiet time, and a good night's sleep put it all into perspective. As I was falling asleep that night at the guest house, I was reminded of Dave's words - "when you are in the will of G*d, you have nothing to fear." I also recalled some words of another friend from along time ago - "sometimes G*d lets you and me struggle until we recognize our dependence on Him. In so doing, He give our faith an opportunity to grow and mature." No sooner had I finished pr*ying that night and I realized with excitement and anticipation that I was finally in Ch*d!
With all those thoughts running through my head it was no surprise I slept well.


The next morning, we had to "register" with the police. So we filled out forms, complete with a picture for them to keep on file. We had donuts for breakfast - I decided I liked it here. It turned out that this would not be the last time we had donuts for breakfast.



On the drive from NDjamena to Moundou we began to realize we were no longer in our comfort zone. Did I mention that the temperature was hovering over 100 degrees?



It was interesting to see the different "architectural" techniques used in each of the villages as we traveled the 6 hours through the dessert.


I learned that in some village the houses are round because they believe that the sp*rits live in the corners.








As we travelled farther south, things started to look more green. Go ahead, compare the two pictures. There really is more green in this picture than in the first one! Really, I mean it! Sometime pictures just don't tell the whole story....


Thankfully as we saw more bushes, they were also bigger, making it easier for our "rest area" breaks.











The Carvers home, the m*isson office, and the guest house are located in a very nice "consession" that allows for privacy. We enjoyed the comforts of home in the guest house seen below. The courtyard area in the middle separates the 4 guest house rooms on the right from the Classroom and kitchenette on the left.












The courtyard area in the middle separates the 4 guest house rooms on the right from the classroom and kitchenette building located on the left of this picture.






Later that evening we gathered in Kirk and Kay's living room and met the rest of the "Team." Beate, Karina, Mattias and his family including Susan the home school teacher for their daughter. They are all awesome. Their passion is contagious.
We heard the stories of how G*d called them to Ch*d, we heard about the work they were doing and their "dreams" for what they would like to see happen in their work there.
If there was one thing we (the Bath team) were able to do that night it was show them that our ch*rch was ready to stand behind them. We were here to support them by sending help, providing financial support and pr*ying.
In my journal that night I wrote - "I know that I have a new sense of what J*sus was refering to in Matt 9:32. "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few." How do we fulfill the Great Commission if no one is willing to go into the world - especially a world where people have little or no access to the Good News of J*sus unless WE tell them and show them!

Pancake Day!

Although we had donuts 2 mornings in a row, on our 3rd morning in Ch*d we had.... Pancakes! yes pancakes. Alfonse is a great cook. He actually took lessons on how to make American food. He even made sliders , potato salad and coleslaw for lunch that day! I was getting spoiled.

Kay and Beate took us to the market to do some shopping. Unfortunately we couldn't take pictures, but it was an eye opening experience. Much of the marketplace is outside in the open. Bartering is the norm. It was fun, but the massive amount of people in this place was overwhelming.

I was realizing more and more how difficult life is for the people who live here. As we walked through the market and looked into peoples faces it was becoming more obvious that many of these people have no hope. They have trouble meeting their own basic human needs, let alone their sp*ritual needs. I wondered how in the few days I was going to be here, could I possibly make any kind of impact.

We also visited an artist that afternoon. Some of you have become the recipients of some of his artwork. We had a lovely visit with him and his family.











We had a hard time keeping Darrin focused when there were children around. Darrin managed to make a fun game out of a flat soccer ball. He also taught some of the children the fist bump explosion!Shane brought soccer balls with him. When we came back just before we left Ch*d, we brought the children a soccer ball, candy and jump ropes!


In the video below you will hear a child crying in the background. Sadly and toddler who was standing in the middle of the "game" was knocked over by another eager player and face planted. No long term injuries were incurred :)

We had been away from home for 3 days now. I couldn't believe how much we had experienced and learned already. Kirk and Kay had been great at teaching us about the culture and the politics of Ch*d. We were all beginning to get the big picture about the "Ch*d Team" - their hopes and dreams and vision to further the Kingdom of G*d. We learned about the history of the m*ssions in Ch*d. There is so much work to be done. The M*slims have a very strong influence in Ch*d. Spreading the hope of the g*spel is not going to be an easy task.

I had tried to contact Scott several times by email, but they had not gone through. I was becoming frustrated and I knew that he was probably just as frustrated and worried. I just kept praying that G*d would speak to him and let him know I was ok. Late that night Scott sent an email to Kirk and then I was able to reply. It had been a very hard, but good day. G*d obviously teaches us more in our weakness than when we feel strong.

I guess it's ok to admit that I was not feeling very strong emotionally that day. We had experienced many exciting things I just wasn't sure how to process it all
In my quiet time that night my B*ble opened up to IIChron 16:9 -"For the eyes of the L*rd range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose heats are fully committed to Him." I realized again and again during the trip that G*d doesn't expect us to be strong - just obedient. We just need to follow up on the nudges and big messages He sends us in our quiet times. Then, we need to step forward, trusting that the L*rd who gave the orders will also provide the strength to carry them out. It's too easy sometimes to just sit and "wait" for G*d to give us strength to do His work. But it's clear that once we are given the "order" it's our job to carry it out. His strength to do the job and deal with things is already in us.

Ch*rch, Ch*d Style

We started our first Sunday off right... with donuts of course... with chocolate on top!



This, after a celebration the night before for Sean and Mattias who would be celebrating birthdays while we were in the bush.



Although it's hard to believe anything is better than donuts with chocolate on top, going to ch_rch in Baikoro was awesome. The p=stor there was one of Dadje's disciples.

We were treated as honored guests and seated up in the front facing everyone. We sat on nice chairs with backs and arm rests while the rest of the congregation sat on simple benches or the floor. It was a small brick building with a thatched roof. The message was about sacrificing for others and we were the example of how much we had sacrificed to be there. This was the first of many, many times I felt totally humbled and unworthy.



These pictures are taken as we sat in front of the ch_rch. I tried not to be obvious about taking the pictures so the quality isn't the best. But you get the feel for how it looked inside.


At the end of the service we all filed out the back "door," formed and circle and sang and danced some more. I honestly don't know how we all were packed into that small building. I'm not sure if you would consider this traditional or contemporary w*rship music.....



After we sang and danced some more, they fed us rice, chicken and sauce. It was all very good, but again very humbling to be served so much food when there were women and children standing around us who needed this food much more than we did. Every Ch*dian meal we were served felt like this, I felt more and more uncomfortable. It's hard to be "in the culture" and do the "right" thing culturally, when my heart was saying I need to feed the hungry. This continued to be one of the hardest things I had to do.

We were getting ready to leave for the "bush" the next day. I was beginning to get used to the paradoxical feelings and thoughts I was having... like being nervous and excited, apprehensive and calm, etc all at the same time. I had, however, realized that I felt hot all the time - there was no paradox to this.

After we ate the meal following the ch_rch service, and met with all the important people from the village, including the "chief", we were given gifts. I was given a bowl used to serve boulle. (boulle is the starchy portion of all of our meals, usually made with millet or corn) And we were given a live chicken! Sean was kind enough to hold it all the way back to Moundou while riding in the back of the Land Rover!

He looks like a natural! FYI as of the time we left Moundou to come home, the chicken was still running around Kirk and Kay's concession.

The rest of the day on Sunday was spent resting, planning, and packing our trunks, making sure we had all the supplies we were going to want/need during the coming week while we were in the "bush."

So far my experiences had not been that far out of my comfort zone. I was realizing all that was about to change. As I pr=yed that night I knew that G+d was going to have to give me strength and peace. The whole concept of being in the bush was very much outside of my comfort zone. The scr*ptures I read did little to calm my nerves. I decided to pr+y for a good night's sleep - I slept soundly and woke up refreshed. Although I was still a bit apprehensive, I found myself very excited and anticipating all the new experiences ahead of me.

Early Monday morning we began packing 7 trunks, backpacks, and supplies into the land rover.

Then off to the vocational school to help Mattias, Jeremy, Shane and Darrin load up Mattias truck with all the construction supplies they were going to need for the week.

As we loaded up the vehicles, something P*stor Jeff said years ago and something I had read that morning came into my head. I found them comforting, because I knew what we were about to do in the coming days was going to fulfill this.

"G=d's expectation for Christians has always been to effect culture by the individual believer living out the love of J=sus in a tangible manner." (Bogue 2003)

My theme song for the week was going to be "Be My Everything." I love the words - "G*d in my living, there in my breathing , in my waking, in my sleeping, in my resting, in my working in my thinking, in my speaking - Be my everything."

Whatever apprehension I was having was quickly being replaced by anticipation of all the work G+d was going to be able to accomplish through us in the coming week. Way Cool!

We arrived in Gadjibian mid morning and started seeing patient right away. We didn't even unpack.
As we walked into the dispensary, pregnant women lined the porch, sat under trees and stood near the building. All were waiting to see the "white" midwife.




Sean headed to the hospital to work with Paul, the surgeon with Kirk helping to see patients and translating for Sean. I caught a glimpse of the lineup of people waiting to be seen by the "white" doctor.



Kay and I settled in at the dispensary. I felt very comfortable taking care of pregnant women, but it didn't take long for me to understand what Kay had warned me about the Ch+dians lack of forward thinking. This plays itself out in the fact that almost none of these women had ever been seen for their pregnancy before and yet most of them were in the last 4-6 weeks of their pregnancy.





The room was small with no lighting other than the window. The light issue was a problem at times. I found myself adapting very quickly. We had a lot of patients to see so I learned to make do with what we had.
The smile on women's faces when they heard their baby's heart beating with the doppler make my day.




Etienne was great with all the patients we saw. He has a wonderful "bedside" manner. He seemed to know how to relate to everyone. He was a great teacher. I think I learned more that first day than I taught.





Pusharie is the midwife in Gadjibian. She works with Etienne. She seemed very shy, but was delighted to have a chance to use the doppler and learn the difference sounds it produces when listening to the placenta sounds or the baby's heart.

















The first picture is the hospital. The next picture is the left side of the hospital (at the far right portion of the picture) The building at the left is the storage building where extra supplies and medications are stored. The left end of the hospital houses the men's ward and the women's ward. A door on that side of the building allows the patients' families access to care for their loved one. There is no food or care for a post operative patient other than what the family provides.
The third is the right end of the hospital where the Operating rooms are located.
At the far right of this picture, nestled on the other side of the path is Etienne's concession (where his family lives). Etienne has a wife and one son who he brags is his Beau Garcon (most handsome son).




This picture is the back of the dispensary. I was standing in the same place where I took the pictures of the hospital, I just made a 180 degree turn.

The land where the hospital, dispensary, and guest house are located was donated by the town of Gadjibian for the purpose of building the hospital and dispensary. It's a great space with a lot of potential.

By the time we finished seeing patients on the first day, I was exhausted and overwhelmed. Some of the patients we saw had some pretty serious illnesses. I learned more about parasites, worms and malaria than I really wanted to know.

Several of the patients we saw were children, with swollen bellies and malnourished bodies, probably near death. I had to fight back tears. It was so hard to see the pain in their parents eyes. They had come for a miracle. All I could do was pr+y and maybe make the child comfortable. We started an IV and gave them some medication. They stayed with their family in the nearby hut. I continued to pray and hope I'd see them in the morning when we made rounds on them.

We had to stop seeing patients at dusk because of lack of lighting and we still had not unpacked our belongings. Although we were staying in the guest house, I realized while I was laying on my cot that night trying to journal, that bugs were crawling all over the place, it was very hot with no air movement. It wasn't exactly the conditions I liked to sleep in, but my mind was occupied with the thoughts of all the patients I'd seen. I couldn't help wonder about the children.

Before we had come to bed, we sat outside watching the night sky blossom with stars. It was an unbelievable sight. I had never seen stars like this before. In the absolute dark and quiet of the night I knew I was right where G+d wanted me to be, but my heart was broken for the women and children who are not valued in this culture. I fell asleep pr*ying that night and woke up feeling rested and eager to start a new day.