• Aloha!

    Aloha! Hello in Hawaiian!

    So much has happened since we left Liberia in June. We were lucky enough to see many of you during our time in Switzerland, especially at the August 30th celebration! We’d like to tell you once again just how blessed and loved we felt by your presence, your words, your generosity, and your friendship! THANK YOU!

    The Place des Nations on campus.

    Our departure from Liberia seems like a long time ago. Almost like a dream. And at the same time, we continue to feel the longing, the boredom, and sometimes the sadness of having left behind what used to be our life. It’s interesting to see that each of us is going through this process differently. During our debriefing week in August, we realized that every transition—whether moving or changing countries—is like walking on a slackline between two trees. Finding your balance in the middle of the slackline is difficult and takes time, but the closer you get to one of the two trees (your new environment), the more stability you feel. We’re on our way, and it takes patience.

    On September 26, we arrived in Hawaii and were able to settle into our new surroundings. The children are attending school there. It’s a somewhat unique school because its motto is “Everything begins in your heart.” They talk about God, their identity, and how to learn to love themselves, love their neighbor, and respect others. Every week, they have a day set aside to do community service. Théotime is helping out at a coffee plantation, Siméon and Gabriel are working on a farm, and Caleb is staying on campus and helping out in various ways. This week: picking up trash! (see photo below)

    As for us (Nicolas and Melvina), we’re back in school, and we’re VERY grateful for it. As the classes progress, we’re taking the time to revisit our past with fresh eyes, to embrace inner healing, and to let God restore what needs to be restored. We’re learning to rediscover ourselves, to love one another in new ways, and to let our faith guide our journey—together, as a family.

    We are 33 adults from 10 different countries—singles, couples, and families. The oldest among us was born in 1945! It’s a very diverse class, full of kindness and beautiful life stories. It’s truly enriching!

    The Sailboat Analogy

    During one class, an analogy really resonated with us: the sailboat analogy. If we are a sailboat, the sails represent our gifts and skills. The keel represents our character, our personality, and our self-awareness. The wind, for us, is the Holy Spirit who guides us.
    We learned that when the keel is damaged, we need to take the boat out of the water and dock it. We need to lower the sails (which is important so the boat doesn’t capsize!) and take the time to repair the keel. We’ve also seen that the size of the keel must be proportional to the size of the sails. Nicolas and
    We looked at each other and said, “Yes, we’re definitely docked.” Sometimes everything has to come to a halt so we can finally see where we stand. And even though this time at the dock isn’t always easy to get through, we embrace it as a necessary step on our journey, and we truly feel like we’re in the right place at the right time!

    Mercy Ships

    We’ve been accepted onto one of the ships operated by Mercy Ships! This is news that has the whole family thrilled! We have a lot of paperwork to take care of now, but we already know that we’ll be attending a training course in Texas (USA) in late June 2027 before joining the ship, which will also be in West Africa! Nicolas will be in charge of IT systems, and Melvina will wear several hats: dentistry and chaplaincy! But first, she’ll take the time to help the children adjust to their new life on board.

    Just as we’re getting ready for bed, many of you are waking up and starting your day!
    With love, Aloha (which can also mean goodbye!)!

    Melvina, Nicolas, Théotime, Siméon, Gabriel, and Caleb.

    If you’d like to pray with us:

    • Gratitude for this “special” time and because we truly feel we’re in the right place at the right time.
    • Gratitude for how well the children are adjusting
    • For our family dynamic. That we may grow in accepting each other “just as we are”—that is, imperfect. And that we may encourage one another.
    Caleb and his class!
    Our entrance is the one with the laundry hanging out to dry.
    The campus cafeteria.