Things have deteriorated horribly here in Guinea. People do not even talk about the strike anymore as people are taking to the streets on their own now. After the naming of Eugene Camara for Prime Minister, a man NOT one of those listed on the approved list, violence began erupting from different parts of the country. Yesterday was a nightmare, not so much because of our own situation but because of our team that we had sent out the day before.

I mentioned in the last letter that Tim and Heidi, their kids, and Andrea had left Mamou, 5 hours from us, and headed to Siguiri. On going through the town of Dabola they were met by a small crowd of angry people swinging machetes. They began throwing rocks at the vehicles. Tim and Heidi had a window busted out on their truck. Blessedly it was the one window that had no one sitting by it, the children were on the other side of the truck. Once out of town the two trucks stopped to do some damage control and remove the glass. Come to find out, Andrea had TWO windows broken out of her truck. They tried to clean up and get back on the road right away. Just outside Kouroussa, a town closer to home, some motorists stopped and told them that things were very hot in that town, so they decided to get off the main road. The going was slower but they were finally home by about 6:00 that evening. Meanwhile we had heard nothing since 10:00 that morning, and that was after the incident in Dabola!! Talk about urgent prayers going up!! We were so thankful to hear that they were home and safe.

Gangs of people have been robbing and looting government agencies, buildings, and businesses, even the homes of government officials, to show their disapproval of what is going on. Some blockades have been put up. Even in the town of Siguiri where the Nortons live, the hotel was vandalized and looted. They called this morning and we decided it would be best for them to pack up and head to Bamako until things calm down a bit. We are keeping our ears to the radio and have our bags ready in case the word comes to move. We pray it does not come to that but just want to be ready. All are staying indoors now. Still, I have to say, we have not seen anything here in our neighborhood and are happy for that. We’re still praying that the military will be able to get things under control until this is all worked out. Thanks for your prayers for us in this!!

I’m going to try and attach a photo we took of our team while we were all together. Andrea is all the way to the left. Tim Norton is in the left chair and Heidi is just above him. Donna Meyer, Andrea’s teacher, is between my Andrea and myself. The Norton’s children, Philip and Leslie, are on the laps of the two Tims.

Our internet is already down, so if you don’t hear from us that’s why. Tim is going to try and make it over to the mission later to see if he can send this out. Phones are still working for which we are thankful.

May God be with Guinea!!

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