Two in a row!

Hey everyone!

Two good updates in a row! This time the strike is officially over. We're still holding our breath a bit until we see what this new government is like, but we are relieved to know that people are back in school and back to work.

Pastor returned from a great trip to the U.S. the day before the strike officially ended. He waited in line for gas for 3 hours in Conakry before he could return. Most gas stations were completely looted and stripped of everything, including their doors. But he was able to get all of our passports so we praise God for that answered prayer. Now that the strike is over we finally have the documents we need to flee:)

We moved back to our village this week just in time to wish one of our villagers goodbye. Hawa, a young woman who has been getting our water for us was getting married the same night we moved back. The wedding was late at night in Sambouya so we only got to see the pre-wedding stuff but it was still interesting. We all sat around while some of the elder men and women gave their advice to her. Then when the drummers showed up the girls all went to her hut to get her things and put on some perfume. Some of the villagers then left in a procession following the drummers to Sambouya for the actual ceremony. We were sorry to see her go, but glad that we got to see her before she went.

They also started building a house in Bilingkoro. It will be the first non-hut in the village and it's actually a little bit bigger than our own house. It's been interesting to see them make bricks, mix mortar and do construction.

Over the weekend we had a campfire with the kids. We made a huge fire and they tasted marshmallows for the first time that my family sent in a package. We attached some pics so you could see how much they enjoyed them.

This past week was also Carol's birthday. It was the day after Pastor returned so we had a nice time of celebrating and fellowship. Carol got some nice things and many cards. Some of the students even gave her their own lollipops that they had earned and saved. Lollipops, or bong-bongs, are about the only candy you can get here so they're as good as gold to a kid. It was touching to see our kids being so generous even though they have so little. Sarah also baked a delicious cake! Mmmm...

On a final note, we have decided to return here again next year. God led us to this place and is working in this place, but there's still so much to do and we want to remain a part of it. That makes 4 teachers for next year so far since two men from the LA team have also committed to come. We're still hoping and praying for more teachers as we welcome TMICA's second class of students in the fall! If you're interested, check out teachusmission.org.

Thanks again for all of your prayers. No doubt they have sustained us throughout our time here in Guinea.

Love you and miss you!
Shannon and Carol




Artsy wrapping



Carol's cake



Big fire



Carol's group



Shannon's group



Enoch eating



Rachel eating