Road protests, wedding and reflection.

Start to a new week.

The road remains quiet. Thankfully the folks attending the wedding Saturday in Cap made it through both ways. Cory needed to wait a while for the group to decide if they would let him back home but thankfully they did.

The hospital and clinic remain empty in part because of a new, cheap clinic in Port Margot but mostly because people fear driving on the road.

Protesting the road condition equals: rocks across the road, burning tires and unfortunately throwing rocks at folks attempting to pass by the blockade.

Hearing distant gun fire more as well but don't know if it's connected to the protests.

Hear that some folks received physical injuries during fights over the protest.

Only the Lord knows how many people suffer because they cannot travel for medical care, cannot get their wares to market, cannot go to work or jobs in other locations.

In thinking how a few folks can mess up other's lives I realized that I too often focus on my wants and needs ahead of others.

 How many times do I throw verbal rocks when attacked or treated in what I perceive as a disrespectful manner?

I know that a soft answer turns away wrath and I'm to turn the other cheek but often forget in the heat of 'defending myself and my rights'.

I too have been shortsighted focusing selfishly on myself and not seeing the damage I'm afflicting on others.

Lord, forgive me. Help me to see situations from your point of view. To keep my eyes on the cross and reflect Your love and care to those around me. I know that only Your love, patience, joy and peace can change this situation and the world we live in.

Praying things resolve quickly.

Praying that others including myself remember to be fast to listen, slow to speak and even slower to anger.

Praying for wisdom for the clinic leadership and ministry.

Praying for the book translation.

Events of the week: School [three more weeks till the end of the 'year'. Painting the roof of the house. Blood pressure checks for the adult literacy class. Taylor, a niece has knee surgery tomorrow on my birthday. Celebration of our 5th year here in Fauche. Working on the agricultural book. And what ever other opportunities to serve the Lord sends our way.

Rare photo of Cory with a tie. His new one, a gift from the women's conference.