Tchad

Africa.
Tchad, Africa.
It it hot, dirty, and smells like smoke.
It is full of creatures both great and small.
It is full of people from all over the continent and all over the world.

My time in Tchad was short but full. I met beautiful Africans and even a few Germans and this lovely woman from North Ireland.   I learned customs and words in two foreign languages.  I learned that nose rings are an Arab thing (Talk about a wonderful connecting point!) and resourcefulness needs to be learned by us Americans.  I worked in conditions that would cause any U.S. clinic to be closed permanently.  And it was good.

I ate as an honored guest among Chadian Believers.  Discovered that although "meat" may have good flavor I still don't do strange parts.  Sweet tea in Dixie has nothing on Hot Chadian Tea. There is a bean that makes a "tea" that tastes like a cross between coffee and tea. And toilets can eat shoes.

I learned that tender love is almost a foreign concept among Chadians. Chadian women are not valued and treasured.  Children are yelled at but not instructed. They also die of simple treatable conditions such as diarrhea because people are ignorant and when informed don't listen out of superstition and fear.  I learned that the Chadian church needs strong humble Biblically sound national leaders.  They need to grow deep in their faith and reach out to their neighbors.   They need our prayers.

I learned that dental treatment and well digging can pave the way for the Gospel.  Head coverings, Lafai, and respectful behavior speak volumes as to your relationship with Christ. I learned that God is working in the hearts of M people.  Missionaries are awesome.  The Gospel unifies people of all stations and backgrounds.  Being in a foreign countries make people almost instant bffs. Laughter is good for the soul.

I found coming back was much more of an adjustment than I expected. I prayed that God would move in my heart so that I would be closer to Him when I returned than when I left.  He answered my prayers even though I didn't instantly notice the change.

Hell is real. Time is Short. Jesus says, "Go".