Steve and Casey Cretsinger Experiencing Tribal Missions in Guinea, W. Africa 
Moustapha and I sitting outside his house
I have a new name these days. In the village, I’m trying to get used to hearing my new African name being called out. I usually have to hear it a few times before I remember “oh, wait, that’s me!” It’s a normal custom for the missionaries here to take on an African name – believe me, Cretsinger is not a name easily pronounced around here. Along with a new first name, usually a family will bestow their last name on the missionary as well. I have been praying for strong friendships in the village, despite the language and culture barriers. I know that there are obstacles, but I have been praying that God would give me ladies that I would be able to just go to their house anytime and visit without needing a reason to come. I’m not normally an outgoing person – it takes me a long time to come out of my shell with new people, so this is a big prayer request for me. I have been trying to leave my comfort zone more and more to try and bring out these new relationships. I am thankful to see God answering this prayer. I have seen little things happening that give me the confidence to keep going in this. The other day I was in the village visiting with my friend, Fatou, when her family started talking amongst themselves that I didn’t have an African name and they wanted to give me their family name so that I would be a part of them. One of them even gave me her first name so that now I’m her namesake. It’s their way of saying “welcome, be a part of us, spend time with our family”…this is what I’ve been wanting to see happen and so I’m thankful. Thankful that God knows the desires of my heart and He encourages me in small ways.
Tags: relationships
