JJ Wilburn: A Letter From Togo

I have now been in Africa for five and a half months! I am so blessed to be a part of God's work here on the beautiful continent of Africa! I am currently on a two-week-long endeavor. I just wrapped up my Togo portion of the trip; it has been tons of fun! My first time in Togo has been such a breath of fresh air since I stepped off the plane. Togo is full beauty. Our hotel is right across the street from the beach! There are multiple UPCI (United Pentecostal Church International) churches here in Togo, and I was able to attend one of them. So much dancing, singing, and worshipping!

Je remercia Dieu parce que' il est toujours là au milieu des choses de la vie avec nous! (I thank God because He is always there in the middle of the things of this life with us.)

While I was here, I was able to visit the Nigerian market and go shopping at probably the largest shoe store in the world! Bargaining is always such fun; there is nothing like getting a good bargain here in Africa! The food here is amazing! I have had so much to eat these past five days, and it has all been amazing! Chicken, fish, shrimp, potato salad, amazing garlic sauce to FuFu- Togolese food is (insert mind-blowing adjective here)!

African Fufu feat. scrumptious peanut sauce.

It was a huge culture shock when I first arrived. Yes, reverse culture shock is very real! It is so much more modern than the country of my current AIM (Associate In Missions) appointment. It has been refreshing to get in a taxi and not feel like it is going to fall apart in a moment. It is also a relief to breathe crisp, clean air as opposed to air full of smog and dirt. It is a getaway that was much needed. Even though having modern comforts and fresh air are pleasant and refreshing, I miss the country that I am currently AIMing in so much! I am so excited to have another ten full days of fun ahead of me; stay tuned for part two of this story!