Ubuntu Journey Cöte d’Ivoire
By Barbara Wheeler
Ubuntu Explorers to Cöte d'Ivoire successfully completed their mission journey as the first group of United Methodist volunteers from the United States to visit the West African country.
Ten women and one man made up the latest group to participate in the Ubuntu Explorers Volunteer in Mission trip. Ubuntu Explorers was created by and for United Methodist Women. The primary focus of Ubuntu journeys is to build relationships with women in other parts of the world, and foster a greater understanding for the context of mission in other countries.
The role of women in the church in Cöte d'Ivoire is similar to the role of United Methodist Women in the United States. The women in Cöte d'Ivoire support projects that empower women and educate children and youth. Ubuntu Explorers visited two United Methodist Schools in Abidjan, Cöte d'Ivoire, and three income generating projects. One project is a micro-credit lending institution called Sarepta. Sarepta is supported by the women in Cöte d'Ivoire and United Methodist women in the United States through Mission Giving.
Women also play a key role in offering hospitality to guests. The Ubuntu team from the United States was warmly welcomed by the leaders of the organization of women in The United Methodist Church in Cöte d'Ivoire. Ivorian women also practice hospitality in the face of civil strife that has forced many women and children to move to safer parts of the country, and specifically its largest city, Abidjan.
Ubuntu Explorers participated in a brief orientation prior to their journey to Cöte d'Ivoire. The team met for the first time in New York City before heading to Africa. The group represented five annual conferences and several generations of United Methodist women. Women raised money in their local units and churches to pay for the costs of the trip.
Ubuntu Cöte d'Ivoire was led by Cara Weiler, 24, Northern Illinois Annual Conference. This fall she begins her third year at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary. Ms. Weiler was drawn to the idea of an Ubuntu journey because of the unique mission experience.
"This trip is about affirming the lives of people in Cöte d'Ivoire and also sharing our stories and experiences," Ms.Weiler said.
"The church is built on relationships," Ms. Weiler said. "This trip gives us faces to identify with the church and the continent of Africa."
The concept Ubuntu comes from a Zulu word meaning: "I am human because you are human."
The Ubuntu Explorers to Cöte d'Ivoire shared the "human" experiences of worship, prayer, Bible study, meals, travel, dance and song with their hosts. The Ivorian women taught the U.S. women songs and dances, which they performed at a choir concert in a local church. The women from Cöte d'Ivoire and the United States shared the responsibility of preparing daily devotions. Local translators were especially helpful in overcoming any language challenges. The exchanges in English and French were opportunities for all of the women to practice a new language.
Karen Prudente, Women's Division executive secretary for international ministries for women and children, supports the concept of Ubuntu Journeys as new mission opportunities for United Methodist Women. Ms. Prudente shared that in addition to getting to know women in other parts of the world, the trips are opportunities for expanded relationships between women in the United States. 
"We need women here in the United States to experience each other," Ms. Prudente said. "Ubuntu Journeys are faith inspired. We express faith in a new way to each other after these journeys."
Ms. Prudente also reflected on the importance of the Ubuntu Journeys in building trust. This is especially important in times of war and conflict. Trust is built as we build relationships.
"These journeys are also about peace," Ms. Prudente said.
The United Methodist Church in Cöte d'Ivoire is a provisional Annual Conference and will have a delegation at the next General Conference in 2008. Five women clergy and one woman district superintendent are part of the 123 clergy in the conference.
There are three other 2006 Ubuntu Explorer Journeys: Zimbabwe, Uruguay and Cambodia. In 2007 there are plans being made for trips to Sierra Leone, Kenya, Cambodia, China/Hong Kong and Chile.