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Category Archives:Desert Journal: Life in Chad, Lessons Learned
Come sit with me as we read through my Desert Journal.
For half of my life, I’ve had the opportunity to serve in Chad, Africa.
It was the most wonderful time of my life. I have lots of memories… mostly good, some bad.
I learned a lot there! Although Chadians may not tell you about the latest app or trending YouTube video, they are masters of face-to-face networking and friendship-building. Their mind is clear enough to see a solution when most would give up and move on.
And Chadians fear no one, except God.
So, make a cup of tea, heavy on the sugar. Join me, as we learn some of those lessons together.
February 2, 2021: Travel to Africa during a worldwide pandemic is not easy. Each airport and airline has its regulations and restrictions to maneuver.
Getting on the Plane
These are the early stages of travel to Africa from the United States. So few planes are flying east, and so many travelers are trying to get to Africa. Some of our co-laborers are reporting that they have to cancel and reroute their flights a couple of times. Once they find a flight that works, the planes they are flying on are overcrowded, and the air “soooo thick”.
If ever in your life there is a risk of catching the virus, here it is!
Happy Thanksgiving, everyone! This is the story of the most memorable Thanksgiving we celebrated in Chad, Africa. Hopefully the lessons we learned will encourage you as you gather with your family next week.
First of all, a fun, obscure fact: there ARE actually turkeys in Chad! Once, as we were walking to one of the shops while in N’Djaména the capital city, my daughter and I saw one in front of a family’s house. It was very colorful, just like the turkey on the Bells Seasoning box. It was also very mean and nasty… which probably had something to do with its concern over her brood of poults (baby turkeys).
So, although there are turkeys in Chad, they are very hard to come by, especially on a plate, and definitely on Thanksgiving! So most Americans living in Africa will enjoy roasted chicken in its place.
Our Unforgettable Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving Day in Abéché
In 2006, on that most memorable of all Thanksgivings, we invited some of our friends/fellow workers over for an afternoon celebration.
The roasted chicken was plentiful, tender and delicious! And thanks to care packages from our Church Family in the US, we had turkey gravy and cranberry sauce to remind us of America.
We were so happy together, enjoying the day with close friends.
First Baptist Church, Bar Harbor: God CAN be trusted!
Has your Heavenly Father ever led you down a strange pathway you did not understand? You know He was in it, but it just didn’t make sense. Or the consequences you may face by going down His road shook your trust in Him to the core.
When life is hard, I encourage you to trust Him completely. No matter what. He knows what He is doing. And, in His economy, nothing is ever wasted.
When we face difficulties along the way, it shouldn’t be taken as evidence that you missed His direction. Many times, it’s proof you heard Him well!
Desert Springs Ministries began in 2014. From the time we finished laying the foundation, I had a heart to help the millions of tourists visiting Mount Desert Island as part of our fund raising strategy.
It made no sense. It wasn’t terribly grounded in reality.
And yet, I was convinced that if I could help some wonderful visitors have a better vacation by giving them insider advice that helps, some of them would get to know us, and begin to support our ministry.
When things don’t go as expected, trust Him
Even today, I’m embarrassed as I remember my first attempt to get the attention of tourists.
Come sit with me as we read through my Desert Journal.
