Back in The Gambia

After 33 hrs of travel, I made it to our guesthouse in The Gambia last evening. A quick bite to eat, a long and very needed shower, and some major rehydration were enjoyed before a great night’s sleep.

This morning I awoke feeling refreshed and happy to be back. It will still be about a week until I am “home home” in the village as I have lots of supplies to purchase after being gone 6 months.The first thing I unpacked was my bible to enjoy with my coffee this morning. I was swiftly reminded that God does not change and His promises are a strong, firm and unshakeable foundation on which His followers can stand. The ministry is changing, my role is changing and my days here will look different, but my call to share the good news of this amazing God does not change.

While I was gone for 6 months a lot changed here in the city, including all of the roads near our guesthouse. I am very thankful for my teammates who picked me up at the airport. I would have gotten lost trying to find our guesthouse as all the landmarks and signs are gone. Our turnoff was known for the restaurant that was there for years and it is no longer there! We do have major improvements to the highway including a well paved, 4 lane road divided in the middle. Glad my teammates warned me because all these road changes are not well delineated and since they are not completely done yet they keep changing daily. Taxis and other drivers here are definitely struggling with the changes, I have seen many cars and motorcycles just driving on the “wrong” side of the divided road as it is easier. Of course that means they are coming head on at me and we are both going 40-50 mph. Driving here you always have to be very defensive, but I am being very cautious and even more aware and so far I have not gotten totally lost (I am positive I will). Making my way around will be an adjustment and it is not easy, but it is exciting to see better infrastructure and I just follow the car in front of me, hoping he knows where the “road” is and praying he does not try to go the wrong way. (Sorry, no exciting road pics. All my focus is on driving)