Photos from Jay's drive to work. U.N. troops guarding Ouattara's home and workplace (The Golf Hotel).
We just wanted to let everyone know that we are safe. Our family was okayed for an early R&R, so we will be leaving Abidjan on Wednesday (Dec 16th) to spend 3 weeks in the U.S. for the holidays. So far, there have been no major incidents of violence, so the Embassy has not yet issued an evacuation order. However, we have been stuck at home a lot over the past 2 weeks and the situation is tense enough that we would prefer to take the boys elsewhere. Please feel free to pass the news along to anyone who may be asking about us.
An update on the situation in Cote d'Ivoire:
Through various political maneuverings, Laurent Gbagbo (the incumbent) has "authenticated" his own claim to the presidency and is refusing to step down. The president-elect (Alasanne Ouattara) is attempting to run the government from the Golf Hotel (2-3 mile walk from our home). Gbagbo has secured the support of the Ivoirian military and is blockading the hotel to prevent Ouattara from carrying out his office. The UN troops have surrounded the hotel to protect Ouattara. Fortunately, both parties claim to want a peaceful resolution to the crisis. So, the situation has become a staring match between the UN and Ivoirian troops with mediators and international representatives working feverishly to end the stalemate.
An update on the situation in Cote d'Ivoire:
Through various political maneuverings, Laurent Gbagbo (the incumbent) has "authenticated" his own claim to the presidency and is refusing to step down. The president-elect (Alasanne Ouattara) is attempting to run the government from the Golf Hotel (2-3 mile walk from our home). Gbagbo has secured the support of the Ivoirian military and is blockading the hotel to prevent Ouattara from carrying out his office. The UN troops have surrounded the hotel to protect Ouattara. Fortunately, both parties claim to want a peaceful resolution to the crisis. So, the situation has become a staring match between the UN and Ivoirian troops with mediators and international representatives working feverishly to end the stalemate.
Gbagbo's troops hiding in the bushes. See them? This area is a stone's throw from the U.S. Embassy.
The situation is unsettling and lately, the action is happening a bit too close to home. So, we are grateful to be given an opportunity to fly back to the States for a while. Just FYI, the Church has sent all of the non-African elders to Benin and Togo until the conflict is resolved. These countries are still a part of the Abidjan mission, so the missionaries will be able to complete their assignments but it will be in a safer part of the mission. We pray that all of our friends, coworkers, and the Ivoirian people will safe in our absence.
Looking forward to seeing many of you soon!
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