Arrived Safely in Burkina Faso

Even though we left Indianapolis a couple hours later than we expected due to 12.4 inches of snow and an accident on I70 that delayed him a couple hours, we arrived safely on time. Jared Odle, my traveling companion who is doing BAM in Burkina Faso, and his French partner Etienne and his Burkinan partner Sarafin, have been excellent hosts. We have an apartment next to their flat that is clean and nice. We have now had three meals, all excellent. Last night we had a salad of fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, and onions with homemade mayonaise with couscous and a meat sauce. This morning was french bread, hot drinks, mango nectar, fresh pineapple and apples, yogurt and jam. For lunch we had spaghetti and meat sauce with a chef salad, fresh bread and bananas.

I know you guys don't necessarily want to know about what we are eating, but this has been exceptional. I slept well last night. We have had time to catch up on emails even though the new Blackberry has no signal here. They have an internet connection that allows all of us to be on our computers.

Pops thinks it is funny how we were all on our separate computers during the holiday. This is even funnier with Terry, Amy, Jared, and myself all tping away at the same time with better speed than I have ever had in Ghana. By the way, Burkina Faso is listed in the top ten poorest countries in the world, 6th is what I heard yesterday.

Later this afternoon, we will be going to the "gold foundry" and see them take about 10 or 11 grams of rough cold and turn out a nugget. I am excited. Tomorrow we are to head out to the mining operation that is in the southeastern portion of the country which is about a three hour drive each direction. Please pray that we get some excellent video and pictures.

Ethnic Investments, their business is a "Kingdom" business through and through. Everything they do has the 4 elements incorporated of "economy, environment, social, and spiritua." They are thinking big and see all kinds of ways to utilize Ethnic Investments to help transform everyone associated with them for Jesus Christ. They will utilize 15 percent of their profits in Christ-centered community development projects.

It appears Mission Resource may get to become a significant partner in their endeavors as they begin to grow and develop. That is the prayer.

Well, enough for now. Hopefully I will be able to make another post later today or tomorrow that includes pictures.