We made it to Mango!

We left Idaho on August 30th and arrived safely in Lome on the 31st. We traveled from Washington DC with the Wreesman family, who helped us navigate customs upon arrival, and then spent the first two days in the capital city purchasing supplies to bring up to Mango. Our drive up north took about 10 hours and it was fun to get to know other short-term medical missionaries who were sharing our van.

We were greeted at the hospital compound by a wonderful team of missionaries whom we have already grown to love and admire.  The first week in Mango was spent touring the hospital, Hope Radio, the local market and our neighborhood.  We also spent many hours in meetings as we prepared for the start of the school year.  School started on September 13^th.  Due to the fact that most of our curriculum is still on a ship, we have had to be very creative in lesson planning.  Marc will be teaching 5^th through 8^th grade Bible, General Science, Chemistry and helping Serena in her classroom in between.  Serena is teaching 2^nd through 4^th grade, with a couple of 1^st graders for half of the day.  We are doing this so that the moms and dads of our students can carry the weight of their tremendous responsibilities at the hospital, radio station and among the surrounding villages.

Life in Mango is hard.  We have been overwhelmed by the poverty, the lack of resources, the climate, and the spiritual needs of the people.  But, at the same time, we have been overwhelmed by the amazing work that is being done by the missionary team here.  There is a genuine love for the lost and compassion for the hurting.  There is a deep interdependence among teammates in north Togo.  We have been blessed over and over by their generosity.  Thank you for making it possible for us to be here!  Please keep praying for our ministry among the MKs and for our transition into life in Mango.