Ivory

Côte d’Ivoire has headlined African news for the better part of a month. Consequently it has been on my mind frequently. 

It is a situation that is complicated but I’ll explain to the best of my understanding... 


Elections, hoped to reunite the country, were held in November. Since the results were posted they have been widely disputed. The incumbent (Gbagbo), with support in the South, insists he remains the democratically elected leader. The challenger (Ouattera), supported by the North, is recognized by the United Nations and many world powers as being the leader. Both have been sworn in as President, and have appointed cabinets. The challenger has been under UN protection since the election. 

I have never been to the Ivory Coast but it is a country that has deeply affected many people that have had a profound impact on me. It is estimated roughly three million Burkinabe live in the Ivory Coast. (3 million of a country of 15 million!) 

I spoke with a friend in Burkina today. His concerns mirror those portrayed by the media.  

He told me it was a major concern. And then said, “I hope there won’t be a civil war.” 

This is what the world is hoping. 

We read about what is happening, hear about the rising tensions in Cote, anticipate news from the different nations and organizations that have taken an interest in the outcome....

And we wait. And we pray. 

                                                                      

I have been following several journalist's blogs (in addition to keeping up with the BBC) to attempt to keep updated on what is happening in Côte. If you're interested here are some links I have found informative: 

Hotel Ivory

West Africa Wins Always

The Most Wonderful Time

Nee Taabo, Wenna wiligd viinre. Joyeux Noel. Merry Christmas. 

I Spoke to some of my Burkina family today. It made my heart glad. 

Ruth says everyone is well. Therese and Emma have returned home with their adoptive families. The orphanage has received many wonderful visitors and volunteers the past months. 

Some of the kids have returned home to visit their families over christmas. Others will celebrate christmas with the Ghounghin church. 

Wherever you are celebrating... 

Blessings as we celebrate Christ. 

I hope this Christmas you recognize the immense love God has for us. 

(And I hope you get some turkey too!)

____

Give us, O God, the vision which can see Your love in the world in spite of human failure.

Give us the faith to trust Your goodness in spite of our ignorance and weakness.

Give us the knowledge that we may continue to pray with understanding hearts.

And show us what each one of us can do to set forward the coming of the day of universal peace.

[Frank Boreman, Christmas Eve 1968, Apollo 8 Space Mission]

Wordless Wednesday: World Aids Day