http://www.travelblog.org/Bloggers/LOD215/ Travel adventures in journals and photos from LOD215 en-us Mon, 28 Dec 2009 05:47:49 +0000 Mon, 28 Dec 2009 05:47:49 +0000 I visited Montreux Switzerland from April 19 through the 25th this year. This visit brought back sweet memories. Montreux part of the Vevey region is one of the most beautiful place of Switzerland. It has it all its breathtaking landscape flowers Alps lake jazz music and a particular commitment to enjoying life and people. Located in the flank of the Swiss Alps and an hour from the inter http://www.travelblog.org/Europe/Switzerland/South-West/Montreux/blog-393606.html Dakar located at the extreme point west of the Atlantic ocean is one of the largest cities of Senegal. Dakar like many colonial cities such CapHaitian Jamaica Guadeloupe or Martinique made the glorious days of the TransAtlantic trade and later the slave trade which began in the middle of 16th century. Dakar the capital city of Senegal is today one of the most cosmopolitan city in West http://www.travelblog.org/Africa/Senegal/Cape-Verde-Peninsula/Dakar/blog-364551.html fr http://www.travelblog.org/Africa/blog-311874.html from http://www.travelblog.org/Africa/blog-311869.html Mytch and I felt in love with the lady in red at first site. We offered our friendship but she responded with her big smile and her love. This seems to be a line copied from one of the best sellers but I can assure you it came right from our interview and first encounter with the Rev. Dr. Eva Jensen. Our journey started with one of these great phone calls that Sonya Lindquist only has the recipe http://www.travelblog.org/Africa/blog-311728.html The Republic of Cameroon located in the heart of Africa at the cross points of West and Central Africa is full of mystery tales and stories. Cameroon is one of the oldest countries in Africa. The creation of what is now Cameroon remounts to 8000 BC and was considered as a meeting point of cultures ethnic groups and peoples. The country is blessed with miles of cost line beautiful beaches and http://www.travelblog.org/Africa/Cameroon/blog-279124.html This is the puzzling question that I often get from friends and partners in ministry. My closest friends who know me as a rational individual a passionate development practitioner and an advocate for global justice would put it bluntly this way ldquowe know that you are an ELCA missionary in West Africa so what exactly you dordquo We understood what you did in the past but we are at los http://www.travelblog.org/Africa/Senegal/blog-284470.html Our family celebrated a great week filled of blessings grace and hope. Stephane our eldest son concluded one mile stone on June 3rd this year when he received his high school diploma from the board chair of Dakar Academy. Dakar Academy is a mission school sponsored by the Assemblies of God the International Mission Board the United World Mission and the World Venture. The school is open to ot http://www.travelblog.org/Africa/Senegal/blog-284332.html Sobobade is among these places which leave a mark indelibile on you. Each visit provoques its new encounter and each time brings it own discovery. http://www.travelblog.org/Africa/Senegal/Thies-Region/Toubab-Dialao/blog-273281.html I returned from my trip to Liberia where I visited Bong and Lofa Counties and attended the 13th biannual convention of the Lutheran Church in Liberia. Each time I visit Liberia I am amazed by the vitality and ingenuity of the Liberian people. The country is recovering slowly but a lot remains untoched. It was quite an experience celebrating the 13th biannual convention of the Lutheran Church in http://www.travelblog.org/Africa/Liberia/blog-270786.html Loumpoul the spirit of the desertIn route to St. Louis north of Senegal on Easter vacation with my family we stopped at the desert of Loumpoul which is located in the Thies Region of Senegal about 15 kilometers West of Kebemer city. The visit to Loumpoul desert may well be a one time experience for our family but the memories will last for a long time. The life spirit simplicity and spir http://www.travelblog.org/Africa/Senegal/Saint-Louis-Region/Lompoul-Desert/blog-263736.html Visit of Zebrabar on Easter Vacations with Family MembersWe visited Zebrabar a charming place which invites to excursion and discoveries. Located about 20 kilometers off Saint Louis Zebrabar is an oasis of peace and kids friendly vacation spot in Senegal. Its proximity to the Langue de Barbarie National Park and Isles aux Oiseaux makes it an attractive campground for parents with children an http://www.travelblog.org/Africa/Senegal/Saint-Louis-Region/Saint-Louis/blog-263602.html From February 1526 2008 I embarked in the challenging enterprise of facilitating a leadership travel for three companion synods. Six faithful but season travelers from Texas Louisiana Golf Cost Western North Dakota and EasternNorth Dakota synods of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America responded to the ldquoCAR 2000 Challengerdquo. The challenge consisted in crossing 2000 kms 10 http://www.travelblog.org/Africa/Central-African-Republic/West/Bouar/blog-262785.html Dakar is a place of wonders. With relative stability peace and security the city has become one of the safest places in West Africa for the last decade. Gifted with coastal line and beautiful white sand beaches great French restaurants a booming social life opportunities for surfing and a tolerant Islam have made of Dakar one of the most hospitable destinations in the region. Dakar is cult http://www.travelblog.org/Africa/Senegal/blog-258664.html From January 1527 2008 I visited Liberia with my friends and colleagues The Rev. Twila Schock and The Rev. Rodger Prois of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. I am grateful for their leadership and commitment to Godrsquos mission in the world. I am equally thankful for the opportunity that I had to meet share and walk with the Lutheran Church in Liberia. Through the LCL ministries of http://www.travelblog.org/Africa/Liberia/blog-258573.html ELCSL A Beacon Light In The CommunityFrom September 19 to 28 2007 I visited Sierra Leone and met with the leadership of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Sierra Leone to review the mission and priorities of the church and learn the best way to accompany the ELCSL in mission. During this visit I stopped at Calvary Evangelical Lutheran Church CELC which is one of the 16 congregations of ELC http://www.travelblog.org/Africa/Sierra-Leone/Freetown/blog-258315.html I frequently visit the Central African Republic CAR to foster the companion relationship between the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America ELCA and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in the CAR ELCCAR. Despite the political turmoil civil conflict and political instability I cannot find a good excuse for not visiting my companions friends brothers and sisters in the faith. CAR is rich in http://www.travelblog.org/Africa/Central-African-Republic/West/Bouar/blog-258288.html