Team arrival!!
This is Beth writing! Thanks for all your prayers leading up to this time! Looks like we needed them
Well we felt pretty ready for this team coming in. We'd heard just the day before that there were to be "peaceful demonstrations" in Conakry the day the team was to arrive, so wondered how that always happens??? It turned out in the end that the govt. did not let these take place, so we prayed that no one would be upset over that and start anything. All stayed calm during the day! Tim was still nervous about traffic yesterday to the airport so we left the guesthouse at 4:00 for the 5:30 arrival. The plane ended up being late, arriving at 6, and there were two other flights that came in right on top of that one, so we could only imagine what the line looked like at immigration! We continued to stand and wait outside. Our two church leaders, Fredy and Koffe also came to meet the team. We had two extra taxis on standby as well. Well, we waited, and waited, and waited. The team was carrying a letter explaining why they had over 200 pairs of glasses in their bags, and asking please to allow them to pass without trouble.
At about 7:45 M. Conde the man who was inside to meet them and help them get through, came out and explained that customs had taken the glasses and were going to hold them until Monday. AHH! Monday is our first clinic day! (Debby told us later that this is becoming the norm all over now) So they were asking to see Tim inside. We followed him back in. I waited with the part of the team that had already come through and Tim went inside with Debby (Suchyta, leader from MOST) to figure things out. So we waited and waited, and waited some more. I was tired by then, and I hadn't just flown half way around the world! I finally decided that I could pack up some of the folks and luggage and head home and Tim could come later with the rest. Just as I was going in, Debby came flying out saying, "We may have a compromise. If I can give the director and examination and glasses we can get our things through!" So she headed out to get her equipment and I headed in to let Tim know I was going to go.
I think we were finally all home just before 9 PM! Once finally back at the guesthouse we found out that two men at customs received eye examinations and were given 4 pair of glasses, then let us take all 5 pieces of equipment out! Praise God!! With all the confusion last night we got home and also realized we're still missing one piece of luggage, a rather important one: the one with all the witnessing tools in as well as the equipment for the church here in Conakry to keep so they can continue to do clinics after we leave!! So Tim has been working on that today. It's either still sitting at the airport, or it's coming in on tonight's flight. We'll see.
Praise:
- For the team's safe travel
- That we were able to get all the bags out!
- For the great worship we were able to take part in today: singing, dancing, and praising God!!
Pray:
- That we can find that lost piece of luggage without trouble.
- For our first clinic tomorrow. We will hold it at the main church in Petit Simbaya. There are already over 100 people signed up to get their eyes tested. Pray that we can be a strong witness to the love of Jesus in this place!
- That the rest of the week goes smoothly as well!
This is Beth writing! Thanks for all your prayers leading up to this time! Looks like we needed them
Well we felt pretty ready for this team coming in. We'd heard just the day before that there were to be "peaceful demonstrations" in Conakry the day the team was to arrive, so wondered how that always happens??? It turned out in the end that the govt. did not let these take place, so we prayed that no one would be upset over that and start anything. All stayed calm during the day! Tim was still nervous about traffic yesterday to the airport so we left the guesthouse at 4:00 for the 5:30 arrival. The plane ended up being late, arriving at 6, and there were two other flights that came in right on top of that one, so we could only imagine what the line looked like at immigration! We continued to stand and wait outside. Our two church leaders, Fredy and Koffe also came to meet the team. We had two extra taxis on standby as well. Well, we waited, and waited, and waited. The team was carrying a letter explaining why they had over 200 pairs of glasses in their bags, and asking please to allow them to pass without trouble.
At about 7:45 M. Conde the man who was inside to meet them and help them get through, came out and explained that customs had taken the glasses and were going to hold them until Monday. AHH! Monday is our first clinic day! (Debby told us later that this is becoming the norm all over now) So they were asking to see Tim inside. We followed him back in. I waited with the part of the team that had already come through and Tim went inside with Debby (Suchyta, leader from MOST) to figure things out. So we waited and waited, and waited some more. I was tired by then, and I hadn't just flown half way around the world! I finally decided that I could pack up some of the folks and luggage and head home and Tim could come later with the rest. Just as I was going in, Debby came flying out saying, "We may have a compromise. If I can give the director and examination and glasses we can get our things through!" So she headed out to get her equipment and I headed in to let Tim know I was going to go.
I think we were finally all home just before 9 PM! Once finally back at the guesthouse we found out that two men at customs received eye examinations and were given 4 pair of glasses, then let us take all 5 pieces of equipment out! Praise God!! With all the confusion last night we got home and also realized we're still missing one piece of luggage, a rather important one: the one with all the witnessing tools in as well as the equipment for the church here in Conakry to keep so they can continue to do clinics after we leave!! So Tim has been working on that today. It's either still sitting at the airport, or it's coming in on tonight's flight. We'll see.
Praise:
- For the team's safe travel
- That we were able to get all the bags out!
- For the great worship we were able to take part in today: singing, dancing, and praising God!!
Pray:
- That we can find that lost piece of luggage without trouble.
- For our first clinic tomorrow. We will hold it at the main church in Petit Simbaya. There are already over 100 people signed up to get their eyes tested. Pray that we can be a strong witness to the love of Jesus in this place!
- That the rest of the week goes smoothly as well!
You brought back so many fond memories of Luggage at the Conakry airport. I am glad you all made it there safe, that all your luggage finally arrived, and I imagine you are all busy doing clinic already this morning. My prayers are with you. Greet the Vicars for me. I can't wait to see pictures of the new church.
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