Guests of Honor

Friday morning we went to the Project Hope & Charity (Grace Brethren's) orphan center for their last day of school celebration. Along with teachers and relatives being in the crowd, many of the government officials were there, including the Minister of National Education. At this celebration, all of the students are presented their grade cards, and their final exam scores are announced. The students who receive the highest exam grades receive a special present. Proud relatives came sometimes running out of the crowd to hug and kiss their children.

During part of the “last day of school” ceremony, a few children gave speeches- thanking God, their teachers, their friends, Madame Zokoe (the founder of the school), their sponsors, and numerous other people. These children boldly expressed their thanks. Each one of them practically yelled into the microphone. The first child who spoke was our favorite. He was probably 5 years old, and very animated and expressive. Thankfulness seemed to spill out of him. We think he’s going to make a great preacher some day!

(Heidi) While at the Project Hope & Charity orphan center, I spotted a four14 t-shirt! I couldn’t believe it! Instantly, I knew I had to take a picture of the boy wearing it, so I asked a translator to go with me so I could talk to him. I found out he was at the orphan center supporting one of his friend’s, a student at the orphan center. He also told me that he was Andre’s son (Andre is the chef for the ICDI guesthouse. We eat his delicious meals daily!) This means that someone from Wooster Grace left a four14 shirt on a previous trip to the C.A.R. All I can say is, it’s about time four14 went global! Thank you for giving us worldwide recognition! :)

(Jeana) After the ceremony, honored guests, including us, were served a wonderful African meal. Then we set out to find the children for whom we had gifts from their sponsors. The first two children, Juvenal and Edvidge are sponsored by the 1st-4th graders at Grace. Our church’s children have been sponsoring them for at least three years now.

Our family has had the opportunity to visit with them each year as we are in the C.A.R. It was been quite fun to watch how these two children have grown and are learning so much in school. They are not the shy children they were when we first met them three years ago. They came right up to us. They are truly delightful children. I would be so proud to be their mother.

As we were getting ready to leave, a little girl waved at me and came over holding a beaded bracelet she had just removed from her wrist. She tried to get it to fit on my wrist, but no matter how hard she tried, it just wasn’t going on. I asked her if we could give it to Zac. So he came over and tried it on. It fit! She wanted him to keep it. It always amazes when I see people who have next to nothing so happily give a gift out of their little. I quickly reached into my bag hoping to find a mint to offer her since I couldn’t think of anything else, but off she went not expecting anything in return.

I remember on my first trip here back in 1988 when I spent six weeks in the C.A.R. and the Chad, how many times I witnessed this. Sometimes it was very difficult because families would bring us the meals they had intended for themselves and offer it to us when we arrived in their villages. One of the most difficult things for me to do was to eat that meal as they watched with smiles on their faces knowing that for many of them, this was going to be their only meal for 3days. They truly are grateful and generous people.

(Heidi) Friday afternoon we all took a ride down the Oubangui River in a dugout canoe. At first, Zac was scared to go, because there are crocodiles in the river, but after he saw the boat, he felt safe. During the ride, we were able to see a different view of Bangui and also the Democratic Republic of Congo.

To us, this canoe ride was relaxing because the water was very calm and quiet. I know we all spent time reflecting on stories in the Bible about Jesus and water/boats, and God’s power in creating the earth.

Please keep the prayers up, we can feel them!