A note from Kaolack

Hello families, friends and prayer warriors. Greetings from Kaolack, our resting point for tonight. We are hopeful that this post finds you all doing well this Monday. Our travels began Sunday morning (some of us Saturday night) from Springfield Branson National Airport. Our team of now 11 members joined forces and boarded for Atlanta with 28 checked bags and 22 personal carry ons. Travel was uneventful, praise God, and we arrived in Dakar Monday morning at 5:15 am local time. After waiting to deboard the plane, waiting on the shuttle to take us to the terminal, and waiting for the luggage, we once again praised Him for bringing all of our bags safely. (As you can see, waiting is an African custom-- no scurrying here :) We met Moosa and our drivers at the airport, and loaded the cars for our empending travel to Sedhiou (so we thought.) After some last minute business transactions at the Quakam house we set out, soon to find out that He had another plan for our day. One of our vehicles developed tire trouble, and we were forced to stop at a local garage in Dakar for some last minute repairs. For those of you who have travelled the roads between Dakar and Sedhiou, we were very, very thankful that we encountered these troubles before we left! The delays caused by the breakdowns encouraged us to make a swift change in plans, for concern that we would miss the last ferry across river, and be travelling after dark, thus the point of origin for this post. Our spirits, albeit tired, are good. We are calm and trusting in the providence of God's plan for our travels. Tomorrow we will embark before the rooster crows to complete the approximately 6-7 hour drive ahead of us to the guest house in Sedhiou, where we will once again unload and sort the belongings for dispersement to the clinic site.

Dr. Ray is up to his normal joke telling already, somehow they still seem funny although we have heard them before; Dr. Mike is braving the front seat of the van with Momado (momma-do) driving- Bless Him; Gwen is becoming an expert at keeping us all informed of the ever changing plans, and telling wonderful stories of her most recent travels; Larry is being the calm, patient, man that he is...will get there when we get there (although he may be out of snacks by then); Jeania's keeping us all alert by exclaiming every time there is a near miss in the van (which is often...AH! OH! WHOA!); Ryan is taking it all in- he posted his blog too, if you are interested; Gary is roughing it in the third row seat with 3 other people, and keeping a good sense of humor- although I have reason to believe that he should be scared of Dr. Ray's plans for him during this trip; Sara is a real trooper- except the time that she has been asleep (which all of us envy), her beautiful smile and good nature have remained with her; Rose is calm and collected, also absorbing the scenery and trying not to be squashed in the very back corner of the van; Queen Cindy is running around making sure everything happens- what else did you expect? As for me, I am enjoying this time talking to you!

We ask for continued prayer for the health and safety of the team; for the care and keeping of the drivers, interpreters, and vehicles; that God's plan will be carried out through each of our words and actions; that the seeds of His grace and mercy are being planted and prepared for harvest; for the wellbeing of all those we have left behind to follow His calling- we love you and miss you all. Thank you for helping us through your understanding, love and support.

As a reminder, the Kelly's are not in Sedhiou at this time, as they are home on furlow. Thus, internet access remains at the mercy of our Lord and the Cyber Cafe. We will do our best to keep you updated. Until next time...remain steadfast in prayer and remember that His ways are our ways.

Jeremiah 29:11 reminds us: " For I know the plans I have for you," says the Lord. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me. I will be found by you," says the Lord.