July 9

Akpe, akpe, akpe Jesus, akpe July 9th
Nusiwo ne wonam madakpe nawu
Akpe, akpe, akpe Jesus, akpe

Thank you Jesus for all your good gifts to us! A new Ewe song that we learned from the only female surgical technician here, Patricia. There’s something fairly incredible about being able to thank the Lord in a different language – to know that his children thank him from almost every space on Earth. And to think of what it would mean to know “thank yous” come from every language spoken…a prayer for the many unreached peoples of this world.

Life continues to go well for us here in Togo. As I write, Andy is at the hospital dealing with “accident” victims. At this time of night, that is never a good thing. I am sure he will write about the details in one of his emails. Suffice it to say that God is certainly using him and his skills here. And I have enjoyed seeing how excited Andy has gotten about sharing his faith with the patients – and seeing God answer prayers for these people.

Drew has been enjoying spending time with one of the boys of another short-term mission family – Robert is 11 and from South Africa. The two of them have played the longest Settler games every afternoon all week! (Settlers is a strategy board game) They like to play to 30 or so points (instead of the normal 12). It’s been fun to see Drew mature as he hangs around with these older youth.

Tony has made many friends – everywhere we go someone is calling his name. He has learned to say “akpe”, “ca va” and “evivi” (thank you, how are you, yum yum) which always gets great reactions from the Togolese. His biggest thrill is still the time he spends feeding the chickens.

Both boys will accompany me tomorrow to the hospital to spend some time with the kids –giving small gifts, singing songs, reading stories. They seem excited to do it. I have taken on the visits as Melody Ebersole (the other pediatrician’s wife) has now left for the states and has transferred all her small gifts to me to pass out. It was hard to see her go – she has been an inspiration to me. And Andy has pointed out many times how similar we are – from misplacing things to spending all night packing before a trip (she had to fit in a couple parties and ministry – so much more important than packing!)

Many of the people who were here when we first came are now leaving or getting ready to leave. It will be a time of transition for us and for the compound. Please pray for Andy, especially for stamina, and for Drew who will really miss some of the kids he’s gotten to know. We are glad our friends Jeremie and Elise are still here as Drew has enjoyed being with their son and nephew.

Thank you for your continued prayers. We have definitely seen it in the hospital – I am sure Andy will share more about how God has been working there to save souls and not just lives. God is good! Akpe Mawu!
Cari