Oh boy oh boy has it been a crazy past couple of weeks. There's been a lot happening mostly because I was able to actually return to Cote d'Ivoire! There were honestly so many moments and days where I thought I wasn't going back just to hear about something to give me more hope. Such as the day before I was going to leave I was told that I'm not going because I didn't have a Visa and then a day later I had it. I don't even think I could explain everything that went into me getting back so in brief it was a ginormous miracle and how grateful I am for it!
As I left my mission in Arizona, it's weird to say that I'm in a way grateful for COVID for giving me the chance to work in the States as well! I hope I was able to leave a mark on some of the people and missionaries there because I know they left a mark on me!
As the title suggests, the return to my original mission also brings back the iconic "Le Blanc!" that I'll be hearing constantly for the next five months!!! Along with that there's also the constant 32°C with 100% humidity, bucket showers, terrible smells, death defying traffic...the works. And let's not forget about THE FOOD. Definitely a highlight here as there's garba, foutou, bisap, sauce, etc!
I'll be honest the place is basically the exact same as I left it. Like actually because I was assigned to the same area I was in for a week before I had the leave! Andokoi! So in some ways it feels like I'm just picking up where I left off! Which is kind of weird because last time I was here I was just over six months into my mission and then now I have less than six months left of my mission...kinda crazy! My companion is Elder Owuor and he's from Kenya! Super amazing missionary as he knows the people and the language super well as he had to learn French as well. We speak in English sometimes but we're pretty good at keeping it French.
My French is kinda slacking because it's been a year since I've had to actually speak it constantly in about a year but you know my comp and the people are patient with me so I should be too. I can't expect it to be just as good as it was before right away. The same as before I just need to be patient with myself and with others as I readjust!
Also like COVID isn't a thing here...like hardly anyone has to wear masks except at markets and chuch(supposedly). So yeah it's almost like COVID never happened here. Which is relieving but also pretty strange. Hopefully things back home return somewhat to normal before I come back because I'll probably be terrible at wearing masks again haha
It was SOOOOOOO good to see President and Sister Lewis again! I can't believe they have been here the whole time having to lead and care for this mission with so much crazy happening. I missed them and love them so much!
Ahhhhhh there's just so much to talk about but in short, I'm here, im working, im sweating, and I'm ready to give these next 5 months my all for Cote d'Ivoire!
Elder Perkins
PHOTOS
1. Me and my companion chic Elder Owuor!
2. Conseil de Dirigeants! It was a blast!
3. Selfie with the elders
4. I WAS ABLE TO SEE FRÈRE OLIVIER AGAIN. I'm working in the same stake as my old area, Selmer, so I was hoping to see him eventually and I did! Crazy grateful for his faith and perseverance!
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