Chapter 2 A NEW HOME IN IVORY COAST

When Jean-Luc was six years old, his father was offered a job in Ivory Coast. The move was a big change for the young boy, but it was also an adventure. The vibrant colors, the exotic smells, and the friendly faces of the locals quickly captivated him. It was here, in this new and exciting land that he met the woman who became his second mother.

The journey to Ivory Coast was long and tiring, but Jean-Luc was filled with a sense of anticipation. As the plane descended into Abidjan, the capital city of Ivory Coast, he pressed his face against the window, marveling at the lush greenery and the bustling city below. The heat hit him like a wave as they stepped off the plane, and a stark contrast to the cold winters he was used to in France.

Their new home was a modest house in a quiet neighborhood, surrounded by tall palm trees and colorful flowers. Jean-Luc's father had arranged for a local nanny to help take care of him while he would be at work.

The first time Jean-Luc met Ama, he was struck by her warm smile and gentle demeanor. She knelt down to his level, looked him in the eyes, and said, "Bonjour, Jean-Luc. Je m'appelle Ama. Je vais m'occuper de toi." (Meaning, Hello, Jean-Luc. My name is Ama. I will be taking care of you).

From that moment Ama became a constant presence in Jean-Luc's life. She would there whenever he woke up in the morning, preparing his breakfast with a smile. She was there when he came home from school, ready to listen to his stories about the day. She was there when he went to bed, singing him lullabies in her soft, melodic voice. Ama's love was like a warm blanket, wrapping around Jean-Luc and making him feel safe and cherished.