Families wait anxiously at the Bonuoa hospital. They worry that there will not be enough nets.

I cried because never in my life have I worked so swiftly, so eagerly, so gently, so lovingly, so meaningfully. Never.

My heart cried out when a mother saw me leaving and asked with sad, sad eyes, “Madame, es fini? Es fini?” I attempted to reassure her, “No, Madame. Non fini.” It is not finished.

And, although I cried yesterday, my heart and soul rejoiced today! At 6 a.m., I began an all-day adventure with our host communicator Isaac Broune and my colleagues from United Methodist News Service, Tim Tanton, Mike DuBose and Harry Leake. The day was filled with highs and lows. The hauntingly agonizing cries of dying patients at the Methodist Hospital at Dabou. Young and old Ivorians being devoured by HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria and more within 100 yards of where life-saving vaccinations and mosquito nets were being distributed. Highs and lows that were as stark in contrast as the American-owned, hillside restaurant and hotel where we ate lunch overlooking a lush African valley that was dotted with woven huts. People dying. Lives saved. Mountaintop moments. Valley living.

The day ended with a canoe ride down a lagoon along the LaRoue Blage (LaRoue Beach). The 30-passenger boat (more people could fit if there weren’t so many bags and bins from the market and basins of fish…) operated like a bus. We stopped at fishing villages along the coast to let passengers off and on. I learned that the Catholics and the Methodists operate these boat-buses to raise money for ministry.  

Young fishermen work at one of the bus-boat stops.A working mother of Grand LaRoue, Cote d'Ivoire.

After sailing amid coconut trees and passing countless fisherman (as young as age 5), we arrived at the village of Groguida, where the United Methodist church was hosting a Class Leaders meeting. At least 60 Wesley Class Leaders crammed into the church with an exquisite ocean view comparable to any world-class resort. The pastor thanked the people of the Texas Conference for partnering with the people of Cote d’Ivoire. Translated in four languages – it was the most rewarding Methodist “administrative meeting” in which I’ve ever participated.

Ye

sterday, I cried. Today, I rejoiced. Sailing along the calm lagoon waters, within eyesight of where they meet the chaotic Atlantic Ocean, I heard God saying, “Peace, be still.” There’s so much work to be done. There are countless people to serve at home and abroad. Some days we will cry together. Some days we will rejoice together. My prayer is that every day, God’s peace and grace will strengthen and empower us to join together in service that is as powerful and sure as his joining of the lagoon to the sea.

The Grand LaRoue lagoon meets the Atlantic Ocean here.