Sonia's encouraging visit and a time of relaxation

As mentioned a few blogs ago, Sarah had travelled to Conakry to welcome Sonia from TAB Baptist in Wolverhampton, to Guinea. Sonia, responsible for mission liaison at TAB, had seen us during our home assignment visit and was particularly touched by what Eric had to say on the value of rest. She felt touched to come and visit us here, to see at first-hand the reality of life on the mission field. She has been a huge encouragement and support for us, praying with and for us, following us in our various ministries and cooking delicious food for us! And it’s clear to see that despite the language barriers, she herself had made an impression on the hearts of Guineans close to us. By God’s grace, we’ll look forward to seeing you again next year Sonia!

Trip to the islands

Eric and I profited from dropping off Sonia in Conakry to travel to the islands off Conakry, known as the Iles de Los (Islands of Idols, as the Portuguese had named them hundreds of years ago). It was a wedding present from the Mission Philafricaine Conakry team two years ago that we had not yet used. There are six islands in the group; we stayed on Kassa, the one nearest to Conakry, after a ride in a motorised pirogue that lasts for 30mins. The people who live here, mainly of the Susu group, are predominately fishermen. The British had control of the islands but handed them over to France in 1904. Hopefully the next time, we’ll take a visit to the island of Fortoba, where slaves were kept in apparently excellent climatic conditions, which enabled the authorities to better prepare them for the market. Descendants on Fotoba hold British names such as Wright. Kassa is a beautiful island rich in bauxite that the French exploited for many years. One can still see the remains of the mines, the rich reddy-brown earth dotted around. 

We had an enormously relaxing time and enjoyed the cuisine (barbequed fish and calamari with chips and fried plantains and salad!) and gained two bodyguards, Leon and Leanne, the dogs belonging to the resort, Le Bamana where we stayed, who followed us to the beach and back. Well worth a visit! We thank God for his protection during all these long journeys.