Dear Friends in the Ivory Coast

Many people in Ivory Coast are suffering from the current conflict. One of our friend, an Ivorian catholic priest sent me several images (with his comments). These pictures were taken at a large cathedral in the center of Abidjan. This cathedral was such a beautiful building located in a serene site when I visited last year. People in the city are evacuating to this cathedral and this place is completely overwhelmed. As you can see, even the church is not necessary the safe place for them. They are worried about the gun shots and debris from the bombs. Many friends of mine have reached out to me and express their […]

Ibasho Team is back from the Ivory Coast

We had such a wonderful and productive trip to Ivory Coast. Thanks to our team member’s commitment and patient, we have accomplished so much with local community. Throughout this trip, we have met so many people and exchange our ideas to come up with the better approach to create a socially integrated community where elders in Ivory Coast are valued as vital assets for others. Of course, we faced various challenges to overcome but we were able to establish much stronger shared vision among all the people who will be involved in this project through this process. We were originally planning to organize the ground breaking ceremony on the site, […]

Ivory Coast Day 2

We had a productive meetings all day. What amazed me the most was people from the community clearly shared our vision and values for this project. I am feeling more confidence about making this dream a reality. So much to talk about our day, but I am a bit too tired to write my blog with French key board now. More later, Bon nuit….

We have arrived…

After the long flight, Ibasho team has safely arrived in Ivory Coast a very warm airport welcome. Two of Bernard’s brothers and many members of the community we are working with us met us in the very crowded airport. Father Raoul Mambo even made his way past immigration to smooth the way for us. We have already found them incredibly gracious hosts and they prepared a superbly delicious traditional meal (more on food later). We are heading to bed tire and excited about the days to come. Emi is excited to be back in the country and of course Bernard cannot stop smiling in his home country again. Ann, Cheryl, […]

Flying to the Ivory Coast

My colleague, Cheryl George has arrived to DC from Saskatoon, Canada, and we are flying out from DC tonight. Other Ibasho team members are also on the way to the Ivory Coast. We are completely immunized and malaria pills in our hands…. ready to the adventure. Great to have such passionate friends and colleagues who are willing to help this Ivory Coast project moving forward. I cannot wait to have them meet with wonderful and friendly people in Ivory Coast. We have a plenty of tasks that need to be completed, and figure out various issues that need attention in order to create “Ibasho” for villagers and elders during our […]