And the journey begins…

It was good to have Traci with us again if even for a short time this summer. She is safely back on the ICA campus and tomorrow we will see if the airlines find everyone's luggage. If so, it will be taken to ICA in a couple of days.

There is still considerable unrest in Cote d'Ivoire, but thankfully little violence. The elections are still planned and now the candidates for the presidency are lining up and trying to flex political muscle. This is not an issue that is going to go away anytime soon and I'll continue to pray for continued peace and safety. This is not a wealthy country but the people there deserve a chance to live a happy and productive life.

I know Traci asks you to pray for the political situation in CI. I would like to ask that you join us in praying for the safety of the citizens of Cote d'Ivoire in addition to the students and staff that make up the entire ICA family.

Prayers and warm wishes.
charley.

Issue #64
August 13, 2000

Dear Friends and Family,
I have enjoyed being at home. I was able to visit many friends and much of my family. I also shopped a lot for things to take back to Africa. Several people always send shopping lists with me.

The big news that I have is that I got engaged to Charley Morris. He is the one who takes care of getting this e-newsletter sent for me, and maintains the web page for me. The wedding won't be until December 2001. I still have one more year in Africa to complete my term. I love what I am doing in Africa, but I am looking forward to coming back to America and starting a life with Charley as well.

On Wednesday, August 9, I returned to Africa. In Memphis, I met up with Shane Davison, another FWB coming to ICA. In Amsterdam, we met up with Randy and Carolyn Fudge also coming to ICA. We all had a good trip and arrived in Abidjan with no problems. Our plane was even an hour early. I have never had that happen. We arrived at 6:00 p.m. At 9:00 p.m. we were still there. Out of the four of us, we received zero pieces of luggage so we all had to make claims. There were a lot of people who didn't get their bags. Hopefully, they will get here soon. There are at least two other people at ICA who haven't received their luggage in the last week or so. Please pray that it will arrive here soon.

Pray for the rest of the staff as the travel here in the next few days. Also, pray for the parents and students as they spend the next few days together and as the pack up and travel here. Continue to remember the political situation. Also, Elmer Baxter, the interim director of ICA, has been diagnosed with prostate cancer. He is in the States and will be having surgery next week. The doctors think they can get it all. Pray that the surgery will go well and that the Baxters will be able to join us in Africa soon. Also, pray for those who are carrying Elmer's responsibilities while he is gone.

In Christ,
Traci Epps