For the Harral family’s first weeks in Benin, I was privileged to serve as their guide and mentor. As new career missionaries, they had just launched to join the Otammari project in Natitingou, Benin.

Brother Jules Agbodja, the Benin Mission secretary/treasurer, and I were at the airport to welcome them. Once they were situated at the mission guesthouse, my job was to help them make a smooth transition from their Western culture into the West African Beninese culture and to soften the initial culture shock.

I wondered how much they would really need me since they had previously done mission work in Tanzania, East Africa, and Jason spent two weeks in Benin two years ago on an exploration visit. But the Harrals were appreciative and welcomed my mentoring. My first advice for them the day after their arrival was on dietary matters. Next, we talked about dealing nicely but firmly with children who come to play with their kids so that they know when it is time to eat or time to take a nap. I gave them a lot of other cultural orientations about appropriate accommodations, dress, bargaining, transportation, religious activities, language learning and translation.

Over my 13 days with them, I learned a lot about their East African cultural experience and was able to point out many of the differences in West African culture. We thank and praise God for His guidance and leading. Thank you, too, for your prayers and support.

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