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Happy New Year 2021

January 12th, 2021

And let endurance have its perfect result and do a thorough work, so that you may be perfect and completely developed [in your faith], lacking in nothing. James 1:4

Hello <<First Name>>

I know that I have been missing in action for a long time unless you have been following me on Facebook. But all is well.

So many different things have transpired in the village over the last several months and some of it is a bit difficult or complicated to talk about. So I will save those chats for the next time you see me during one of my missions’ presentations.

2020 has definitely been a year of testing, stretching and enduring for me. I was constantly pushed beyond my limits mentally and physically but it was good since I did not know my own strength.

One of the biggest lessons I learned was that there is a time and season for everything under the sun. When living in the Western world with so many technological developments and gadgets it is very easy for one to become out of sync with nature and how the world works naturally. Moving to this new village gave me a reset and an awakening to something that my senses had grown dull to. In my village everything is done according to the seasons and times. Ecclesiastes tells us that there is a time and season from everything. A time to plant and a time to harvest. A time to work and a time to rest. A time to build and a time to tear down. A time to draw near and a time to pull apart. A time for war and a time for peace… This very concept was lived out before my eyes and it was a wonder to behold and a reality to reckon with. When one is utterly dependent on nature, devoid of necessities such as electricity or running water, and lacking many other resources, life looks very different. My integration into this new way of life was no small task and I admit at times I was very lost or didn’t fully understand and often made mistakes. I learnt through trial and error- much error. I am sure that my ignorance about their way of life and my inability to communicate was something for the people to reckon with.

My time was filled with long sun burnt days, heat and tiredness, many kilometers of walking, cooking and baking, trying to raise chickens, dealing with snakes, learning a new language, experiencing culture shock, planting corn, peanuts and other fruits, taking care of my garden, helping in my friends’ fields, harvesting, struggling, pondering, growing, failing, enduring, trusting God in the midst of many unknowns, helping, sewing, writing, studying, lots of reading, listening, laughing, enjoying, experimenting, experiencing and just living. Above all else learning to discern the times and seasons. It was not easy and the last few months were very difficult but I survived to do it all over again this year. Hopefully a little better, a little wiser, a little stronger and a little quicker.

I thank God for how he provided for us in our lack and time of need. Presently the land borders are closed and will possibly remain so indefinitely. However, we are all of out of the village by God’s grace. We had to fly out of the capital which takes about two days to get there. Getting our Covid-Tests done was an experience but imagine flying into Senegal for them to refuse the results. Thankfully after and hour of discussion they accepted it…plus our 1 hour flight turned into an all night all morning ordeal since it went somewhere else... But I honestly was not surprised at the turn of events. Enduring through testing and trials is what builds character and since that was practically my whole year I didn’t mind adding on another two or three experiences to end the year. Laugh out loud. Does anything ever go how we expect it?

I will be in Senegal until the end of January trying to recover from a year of overload. I thank God that I haven’t gotten the virus even though I think some of my co-workers had it along with other people in the village. Presently Senegal has a curfew at night and some other restrictions which people are not happy about. There have been some protests against it. Please pray that my health remains intact, that I get sufficient rest and that I am mentally, physically, spiritually and emotionally prepared to go back to the village. My co-workers will not be going back to village the same time as I am but at the end of February. So I will be on my own for a bit. Pray for my co-workers (Nachtigalls) as they hope to transition their two boys into a boarding school in Senegal before returning to Guinea. Also pray for our other co-workers (Parillos) who left since April last year because of health problems. They are still seeking solutions and we do not know if or when they will come back.

Some additional information...

There still remains the need for a Land Cruiser or Pick up and will cost approximately 40,000 USD (brand new). I presently have 28,305USD.

Moreover, I invite you to consider becoming a monthly supporter.
Join me in prayer as we trust God to raise up new supporters.

If in Trinidad, deposits can be made at any Republic bank branch Acct# 180 478 982 501

All other contributions can be mailed to Ethnos360, 312 W. 1st St., Sanford, FL 32771. To give by check or money order, make it payable to Ethnos360 and include a note with my name. Also make an additional note if your gift is specifically for the vehicle.

You can also give electronically by clicking the website link below:

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I posted two videos on my personal FB page about my experience with a Cobra snake in the village. I will also post some shorter updates on my FB missions page Leah’s Latest- In Pursuit of Him.

Thank you so much for your continued prayers and support!