Safe and sound at Hope Clinic

I just arrived in N'Zao at Hope Clinic after a 17 hr drive across the country of Guinea. Rode in a Toyota Land Cruiser with 6 other people, though they insisted I ride shotgun, for which I am grateful. It was a drive like no other, with many near misses with other vehicles, motorcycles, pedestrians, bulls, goats, and potholes larger than our vehicle. I will take more time tomorrow to write, but must be in clinic seeing pts at 7:30am, and it is nearly 11pm here currently. Thank you for all of your thoughts and prayers. Every item I was to bring for everyone arrived safely and unharmed. On my to trying to sleep fast! Thanks to all, Jeff

Have arrived safely

Hello everyone! I just arrived in Guinea safely with no trouble along the way. Did have some interesting things occur while trying to get thru customs, but all the luggage arrived, and nothing was taken. I even got away without having to pay any bribes. We plan to make the two day drive to the Clinic tomorrow in one fell swoop so that I can meet with the surgeon there before he leaves for 3 weeks on holiday. I thank you all for your earnest prayers-- they were recognized all along the journey. My task now is to get a few hours of sleep before arising at 4 am to drive across the country. I don't have any pics to share as yet because the national futball team won today, and the city was rather dangerous tonight, and thus I kept my camera in its case to avoid any altercations. Goodbye for now Jeff

Hey Y'all,
      This is my first attempt at blogging and hope that it will be informative and a blessing to all who read it.  The arrangements for this trip have come about like a whirlwind, and now it is 48 hrs until departure.  I hope some of you have visited the Hope Clinic website in Guinea to experience a taste of what these amazing folks have accomplished in just a few short years in order to provide medical care and spiritual guidance to this region in Guinea.

      Many of you have asked for prayer requests from me.  I would offer the obvious requests: safety while traveling, freedom from illness, peace in our household while dad is gone, and opportunities to be of help both medically and spiritually.  My task is to perform surgery, but I hope to do so while respecting the current system that is in place, and to avoid cultural mishaps.  Also, I have the opportunity to take many valuable medical and plumbing supplies with me, and selfishly, I hope that they arrive to the clinic unharmed.  I covet your thoughts and prayers during this journey.

      Please understand that I will do my best to respond to any of you who wish to follow along on the blog.  If I don't respond efficiently, please remember the internet service may be less than reliable, much like what we experience at times here in the gorge.  Also, remember, that this blog is meant to serve as an introduction to all who read to allow for you to consider your own opportunities to serve abroad in the future.

God Bless, Jeff

This is Jen. I will try to get Jeff to post about his preparations for the trip. He is very busy working lots of call to make up for the month he will be gone. Until you get a good post from him,(he's a much better writer than I am) go to www.hopeguniea.org to check out the clinic he is going to and see their mission. It is clear they love the Lord and want to share His love with all they come in contact with AS they help them medically. It is overwhelming to hear (watch the testimonials) their passion and love for their people. Kudos to them for reaching out and teaching their own people to become medical caregivers and technicians!

So here's another practice entry.  We are trying to figure out how to post pics.  This is Jeff on Santorini Island, Greece during our fall 20th Anniversary trip!

This is an experiment!

This is an experiment!  Jeff is getting ready to travel to Guinea, Africa to help at The Hope Clinic.  We are trying to set up a blog so he can journal his way through the weeks and we can all "be there" with him.