The Copeland Ramblings

Today we arrived back on the mission base after three days of travelling and visiting a few tribal villages. On Saturday we drove to a Tanda tribal village, the ride out there was a lot of fun! We piled into Jim Sheffield’s big Landcruiser and he slowly navigated his way down the tiny, pitted dirt road. The road is one lane of course and we came to a stopped vehicle. The Guineans driving that vehicle were loading up some firewood which was piled on top of the vehicle double its height. After they piled the firewood 12 of them jumped in and on they went! It’s amazing how much Guineans can fit into their vehicles.

We spent the weekend with the Yearwood family, missionaries to the Tanda people. Ron showed me the brand new medical clinic they are setting up for the village and took us around to meet some of the villagers. We had a lot of fun meeting many people and on Sunday went to a church service. It was so encouraging to listen to them pray and teach and though it was in a completely unknown language to me I knew that they were praying to and worshiping God! After church we had what you could call a Tanda ‘potluck’. The ladies had cooked a meal earlier and we all ate together African style.

We left Monday and visited the Rogers family in a Landuma village. We had a great time visiting with the Rogers and asking all sorts of questions about Guinean culture and life. We are learning so much and feel much more prepared to share with all of you about Guinea and also for when we get ready to move here full time. It has already been a great trip and we’re only half way done. For the rest of this week I’ll be working with a missionary here (Pete Olver) on his house. He’s fixing up an older building in hopes to move in sometime in the next few weeks. I am excited about the opportunity to help during our short visit here.

Our June album is full of Guinea pictures, check it out!

On this day..

• Michigan - 2008