The Torch is Passed. The Cooks Arrive

 On July 29, 2013 Bryce and Karol Cook arrived in Kinshasa.  Despite jet lag and culture shock, they were ready to go to work and eager to get started on their new adventure.  We were so grateful to put the mission in the hands of these wonderful, competent and devoted folks. We had a great visit, the mantle was shifted, the pressure was lifted and we were happy to have them come and help the mission to move forward. They're great people and we're sure that the Lord will do wonderful things in the DR Congo Kinshasa mission under their direction.  We can't wait to see what happens in the next two years.





Sunday we had a little time spent talking, and then went to church where all four of us spoke. It was a good time to say goodbye to special people.  We prepared the last of all the meals we've prepared in the mission home and enjoyed a quiet time with the Cooks .

As always, Aimé was waiting in the office to aid us one last time and we were off to the airport.

  

 Antoine was at the airport waiting to help us through the "formalities" of travel in the DRC.  What a great aid he's been to us and everybody who comes to Kinshasa.
It was independence day, July 30th and the airport was more crowded and crazy than ever. Cars were parked in the parking, on the streets, on the grass and every other imaginable inch of the property.


But  despite more than usual craziness and with a last minute fright that we might miss our plane because of the backup of people trying to get processed, we raced on.  Finally we dropped into our seats on the plane and watched as we saw Kinshasa fade in the distance. It was with a mixture of relief, immediate longing for those we know and love in Africa, and excitement to greet others we love at home that we said goodbye. We've finished our work. We've done our best and it was so worth any effort or sacrifice that we made! We have been changed and forever improved by this unique and life-changing chapter of our lives.