Steve and Casey Cretsinger Experiencing Tribal Missions in Guinea, W. Africa 
Enjoying a few relaxing days in the capital.
It came and went so fast that it seems like a blur. One minute we were anxiously waiting to see if they could get into the country and the next minute we were saying goodbye. My parents trip was what we had been waiting 16 months for and then like the blink of an eye – it was already over. I’ve been wanting to write about their trip and give all the details of the fastest week we’ve ever had. But, it sometimes I honestly think “were they ever really here?”.  It just went too fast! How did I write about all their new experiences without writing a book? I’ll try to keep this somewhat short, but you might want to sit down and take minute to read all this!
Just as we were preparing for them to get here, a massive fight broke out in the capital city, which resulted in the deaths of many. Then there was a problem with the landing gear on their first international flight which meant that they got stranded in Chicago for a day. Then they were stuck in Paris for another day waiting for a connecting flight. Our leadership recommended that they cancel their trip all together. We talked with them and they said that they wanted to try and come anyways despite the challenges and the possibility of them not being able to enter the country at all. Steve headed down to pick them up a day early so that in case of problems he was already in the city. We waited on pins and needles to see if the plane would touch down. I was beyond excited when Steve handed the phone over and I heard my mom’s voice.
They headed up here together the following morning where the boys and I were checking the clock with great frequency. Finally they arrived – looking pretty hot and tired after five hours in the car. The boys were so excited to show them our house and all around the center. Even though they were overwhelmed by the heat they were great sports about walking around and seeing everything we’re involved with.
We spent the next few days trying -unsuccessfully! – to keep them cool and show them all about our lives here. We took them to the village and introduced them to all our friends. My mom had printed off a bunch of pictures that I sent to her, brought them with her and we passed them out to everyone in the village. It was really fun giving them out – people could point out each other in the photos but couldn’t pick out themselves.
If you read our newsletter – you read about our dinner in the village with our adopted African family. After I had told my parents that they would be sitting around eating out of the same bowl with everyone and using just their hands – we get there and our friends had rounded up furniture from several houses, there was a tablecloth on the big table and plates with silverware for everyone – I don’t even know where they came up with all those things. It is a special memory for me.
We visited our friends and our old host family who live in another town and visited the market where we do our shopping. Just trying to give them a glimpse of our life here – needless to say, they were a little overwhelmed.
Then we all headed back to the capital city for a few days of relaxing before they left. It was a wonderful few days of staying at a hotel, sleeping in airconditioning, a pool right outside our door, restaurants…just what we needed. It was great to have a few days just as a family to see my parents be able to play with the kids at the pool. We went to eat a few times, did some souvenir shopping and visited the park, but mostly we just enjoyed the pool!
Then, it was time to say goodbye. The week just went so fast. We hugged quickly as they headed inside the gate and took three crying kids back to the hotel. It was a very sad ride home.
But, I am thankful that they were able to see first hand what we’re doing here, why it’s important that we’re here – even when it’s difficult. I’m thankful that the kids have some new memories to keep them going until we see them again.
Check out the “photos” page to see all the other photos from their trip.
