Tuesday
January 31
This will probably be a short post. But I wanted to get our prayer requests through.
First and foremost, please pray for Jeff who is suffering from an upset stomach. After some rest he seems to be doing better, but pray for quick healing so he can feel his best in this adventure. Pray that we all stay well.
Pray for our safety while there seems to be some unrest in the area, there has been some protests that we are staying far away from. May the protests resolve peacefully and not effect our travels or our work.
as for our day, we started in Diagle. Babacar did a Kids Club, and I took the opportunity to snap some pictures while most of the kids were occupied. Of course word got around and I got lots of requests for photos. We were able to give Fatu, Rama and Adji their cards. I gave Fatu a small album of photos of the village from my first trip, and Lynn gave out extra pictures she had while writing names on the back of copies. I gave Adji the medical supplies that we brought, but there seems to be some problems with sharing. pray that these supplies are used as they are supposed to be with no complications. I would hate to stop bringing these things because they are causing problems.
Todd, Lynn and Sisi got a chance to talk to the headmaster of the village school. I don't know many of those details because I got the opportunity, with Charlotte's help did a Bible story with prolly 25 kids. I did the story of Noah's Ark, emphasizing God's promises, and how important it is they get a good education so they can read the Bible for themselves and read God's promises. The amazing this is that Fatu sat on the other side of the pallet listening in the whole time. Pray for Fatu's thirst for God's word.
around 4 we headed back to pick up Jeff from the Garret's house where he was recouping and went back to the mission foursome rest. Then we headed to our home away from home these days, the Bonthuys', for prayer meeting and a feast of DB (roasted goat, my favorite Senegalese foods) and to fellowship with everyone. We were able to deliver the lasts of our suitcases full of treasures to the Smiths. I've been trying to get some mini interviews done with the local missionaries between chitchat and food. I'm afraid I may have to finish some of them via Facebook once I get home.
Wow, I got through more of this than I thought I would. Our days seem so short when I type it out here, but despite the short lengths, the conversations have been amazing. It's hard to convey how sweet the children are when you get out of the car and they pool around or shake their hands, and the comrade ride of teasing between the Wolof and the tubabs.
Well I'm going to get back to chatting and stop bending over my iPad. Pray for good conversations as our time draws closer to the end. Pray for good health, good rest and opportunities to share the Gospel when we can.
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Monday, January 30, 2012
Monday January 30
Monday
January 30
I'm sitting in the van with Babacar and Modou. Lynn, Charlotte and Fatu are shopping for lunch supplies and Todd, Jeff and Sidi are at the pharmacy picking up eye drops to help Modou's son Abdu with an eye infection. Modou and Fatu joined us in Kaffrine at Pastor Camille's invitation to our presentation of sponsor gifts to the children at the Assemblies of God School. The street boys are knocking on the windows, waving and smiling at me, hoping for some change. It breaks my heart. Even if I had some change to give, the money would go to the Emams, not the children. That's why Pastor Camille and Pastor Gilbert's ministries are so important. They are trying to get these children off the streets, give them food, a safe place to stay, an education and the Good News of Jesus Christ.
The presentation of gifts today was amazing. The children, 2 classes, sat on the steps in front of their classrooms respectfully waiting their turns. We handed out the packets for the sponsored children, then posed for a photo. We also had a gift for the other children who are not sponsored. So everyone would have something to take home. They were all so cute! I believe the teachers are working on having the children draw pictures as a thank you and we'll try our best to get them matched with the pictures for all of you at home who are sponsors.
This afternoon Babacar is going to drive Modou and Fatu out to Diagle while the team gets a chance to visit the tailor. When Babacar gets back we are going to head out to Diagle for lunch. Later Lynn and I have been invited to a meeting of women having to do with the school I believe. And the men are going to try to connect with David.
7:15pm
A trip into the market is always entertaining! We found the tailor and he took us to the same stall I bought fabric at 4 years ago with Bev Vaughn! I told the stall owner I wanted a good deal for coming back! The tailor measured us all and we were on our way. That makes it sound like a fast trip, but nothing in Senegal is fast. We were in the market for at least an hour.
Babacar picked us up and headed back out to the village for lunch in Modou's compound. We finally saw Adji, and of course she asked after Kris. I would be offended, but I know I'm asked after when I'm not here. I was pleased so many people remembered me. We visited Salu in his compound (where Jeff got his Wolof name, Baba). We got a chamce to pray for Salu and the village, then invited him back for tea at Modou's. I "helped" she'll peanuts with Modou's sister, Aram. Todd sharpened a knife and did an object lesson for Modou with Chief Salu listening on. pastor Camille was there to take the subject further. I think we have made a great ally in him!
We headed back around 5:30, which means closer to 6, so Lynn and I could attend the women's group from the AG church. There were 5 women, the pastor's wife, the school teacher, a World Vision worker's wife from the Congo, and two other women, one who is a widow and has now moved out of her village so she can live as a Christian, she's currently living in a shack in Kaffrine. These women want to possibly apply for a micro loan and make something to be sold through the women's programs in St Louis (up north). Lynn and I mad sure go get their pictures and names so our women's bible studies can pray for them. We are now at the Bonthuy's house enjoying cold water and the facilities.
The heat definitely caught up with me today. It hasn't been too hot, but that almost makes you forget to drink enough water. I didn't get sick or anything, but I definitely realized I needed to increase my fluid intake. Babacar fixed our air conditioning with a precision whack and that with some Chrystal Lite (plain water is getting rather old) definitely brightened my mood.
Not sure yet what tomorrow holds. Definitely some time in Diagle. Adji asked about medical supplies, so I'll take those to her tomorrow. The afternoon should be fun with a joint birthday party for Katie and a goodbye party for one of their inters with their weekly team meeting and prayer time. So barring fickle wifi or electricity, I should be able to update tomorrow.
January 30
I'm sitting in the van with Babacar and Modou. Lynn, Charlotte and Fatu are shopping for lunch supplies and Todd, Jeff and Sidi are at the pharmacy picking up eye drops to help Modou's son Abdu with an eye infection. Modou and Fatu joined us in Kaffrine at Pastor Camille's invitation to our presentation of sponsor gifts to the children at the Assemblies of God School. The street boys are knocking on the windows, waving and smiling at me, hoping for some change. It breaks my heart. Even if I had some change to give, the money would go to the Emams, not the children. That's why Pastor Camille and Pastor Gilbert's ministries are so important. They are trying to get these children off the streets, give them food, a safe place to stay, an education and the Good News of Jesus Christ.
The presentation of gifts today was amazing. The children, 2 classes, sat on the steps in front of their classrooms respectfully waiting their turns. We handed out the packets for the sponsored children, then posed for a photo. We also had a gift for the other children who are not sponsored. So everyone would have something to take home. They were all so cute! I believe the teachers are working on having the children draw pictures as a thank you and we'll try our best to get them matched with the pictures for all of you at home who are sponsors.
This afternoon Babacar is going to drive Modou and Fatu out to Diagle while the team gets a chance to visit the tailor. When Babacar gets back we are going to head out to Diagle for lunch. Later Lynn and I have been invited to a meeting of women having to do with the school I believe. And the men are going to try to connect with David.
7:15pm
A trip into the market is always entertaining! We found the tailor and he took us to the same stall I bought fabric at 4 years ago with Bev Vaughn! I told the stall owner I wanted a good deal for coming back! The tailor measured us all and we were on our way. That makes it sound like a fast trip, but nothing in Senegal is fast. We were in the market for at least an hour.
Babacar picked us up and headed back out to the village for lunch in Modou's compound. We finally saw Adji, and of course she asked after Kris. I would be offended, but I know I'm asked after when I'm not here. I was pleased so many people remembered me. We visited Salu in his compound (where Jeff got his Wolof name, Baba). We got a chamce to pray for Salu and the village, then invited him back for tea at Modou's. I "helped" she'll peanuts with Modou's sister, Aram. Todd sharpened a knife and did an object lesson for Modou with Chief Salu listening on. pastor Camille was there to take the subject further. I think we have made a great ally in him!
We headed back around 5:30, which means closer to 6, so Lynn and I could attend the women's group from the AG church. There were 5 women, the pastor's wife, the school teacher, a World Vision worker's wife from the Congo, and two other women, one who is a widow and has now moved out of her village so she can live as a Christian, she's currently living in a shack in Kaffrine. These women want to possibly apply for a micro loan and make something to be sold through the women's programs in St Louis (up north). Lynn and I mad sure go get their pictures and names so our women's bible studies can pray for them. We are now at the Bonthuy's house enjoying cold water and the facilities.
The heat definitely caught up with me today. It hasn't been too hot, but that almost makes you forget to drink enough water. I didn't get sick or anything, but I definitely realized I needed to increase my fluid intake. Babacar fixed our air conditioning with a precision whack and that with some Chrystal Lite (plain water is getting rather old) definitely brightened my mood.
Not sure yet what tomorrow holds. Definitely some time in Diagle. Adji asked about medical supplies, so I'll take those to her tomorrow. The afternoon should be fun with a joint birthday party for Katie and a goodbye party for one of their inters with their weekly team meeting and prayer time. So barring fickle wifi or electricity, I should be able to update tomorrow.
Sunday January 29
10:13pm
Wow this has been an eventful day! We started the day at the AG church where we had a full house Katie says there are usually 5 regular members but today there were 4 youth that don't usually attend, Smiths, Bonthuys and the 7 of us including driver and 2 translators and a number of children! We worshiped for nearly an hour, and the sermon was in French and Wolof. Charlotte translated for me and Sidi translated for Jeff and Todd.
After service we got a tour of the school and planned out a little ceremony for distributing the packages from the sponsors. We had help picking up some pencils and small toys for the non sponsored children so that everyone will get something tomorrow. There are 69 students attending the AG school.
Then we headed to the Bonthuys's house for lunch and social time. Todd, Jeff and I all tried using our wifi enabled devices with varying success. I think there's a plan to do some drive-by-wifi at the Garret's tomorrow! Before lunch we got a chance to sit down with Mags and Pastor Camille to discuss some details that don't need to be discussed here. He is so grateful for our prayer and support. I got a great interview with him and Lynn to share when we return. Pastor Camille actually took time out of a conference he's supposed to be at in Dakar, just to be here with us. He even accompanied us to Diagle this afternoon!
And that brings us to our afternoon in Diagle. We pulled into Modou's compound with our team, Charlotte, Sidi, Babacar, Pastor Camille and Maggs. After greetings, the men went to sit under the tree and the women went to sit on some pallets and were immediately surrounded by a couple of dozen kids. Now I remember why it has always felt so hot in the village, the number of hot bodies pressed in around you at all times. Maggs got a chance to talk seriously with Fatu, and Lynn and I each got a chance to speak about Jesus. The men also got to talk seriously with Modou, but I don't have those details. Fatu asked where Kris was, of course and we assured her that we are all praying for her. We are hoping that introducing Modou and Fatu to Pastor Camille will help them move farther on their walk to salvation. I'll be interested to see how our conversations go this week. We did not get a chance yet to see chief Salu or Adji, but hopefully tomorrow.
Speaking of tomorrow, I'm ready to sleep, I didn't really settle down until long after 2 last night, so i'm ready for a good night's sleep!
Wow this has been an eventful day! We started the day at the AG church where we had a full house Katie says there are usually 5 regular members but today there were 4 youth that don't usually attend, Smiths, Bonthuys and the 7 of us including driver and 2 translators and a number of children! We worshiped for nearly an hour, and the sermon was in French and Wolof. Charlotte translated for me and Sidi translated for Jeff and Todd.
After service we got a tour of the school and planned out a little ceremony for distributing the packages from the sponsors. We had help picking up some pencils and small toys for the non sponsored children so that everyone will get something tomorrow. There are 69 students attending the AG school.
Then we headed to the Bonthuys's house for lunch and social time. Todd, Jeff and I all tried using our wifi enabled devices with varying success. I think there's a plan to do some drive-by-wifi at the Garret's tomorrow! Before lunch we got a chance to sit down with Mags and Pastor Camille to discuss some details that don't need to be discussed here. He is so grateful for our prayer and support. I got a great interview with him and Lynn to share when we return. Pastor Camille actually took time out of a conference he's supposed to be at in Dakar, just to be here with us. He even accompanied us to Diagle this afternoon!
And that brings us to our afternoon in Diagle. We pulled into Modou's compound with our team, Charlotte, Sidi, Babacar, Pastor Camille and Maggs. After greetings, the men went to sit under the tree and the women went to sit on some pallets and were immediately surrounded by a couple of dozen kids. Now I remember why it has always felt so hot in the village, the number of hot bodies pressed in around you at all times. Maggs got a chance to talk seriously with Fatu, and Lynn and I each got a chance to speak about Jesus. The men also got to talk seriously with Modou, but I don't have those details. Fatu asked where Kris was, of course and we assured her that we are all praying for her. We are hoping that introducing Modou and Fatu to Pastor Camille will help them move farther on their walk to salvation. I'll be interested to see how our conversations go this week. We did not get a chance yet to see chief Salu or Adji, but hopefully tomorrow.
Speaking of tomorrow, I'm ready to sleep, I didn't really settle down until long after 2 last night, so i'm ready for a good night's sleep!
Saturday January 28
Saturday
January 28
It is midnight and I'm attempting to type this in the car on our way back to Kaffrine from the Garret's village. So obviously we made it to Kaffrine today. We finished off our time at the conference with worship (Lynn and I were even persuaded to dance) and Todd lead a great devotion. The funny part was that he talked about faith and community, and then left right after! But we had a 5 hour car ride ahead of us.
We reached the Catholic Mission just after 4, did some luggage rearranging, and taking off for a late lunch at the new restaurant in town. Then we headed out to visit with the Garret family in their village. We were greeted on the road by Corey and Wheaton, by the time we pulled into the compound we had a full welcome party of children. Wheaton, 6, gave me a tour of their huts. One the girls share and one for Corey and Katie. I was introduced to their cats and pigeons and soon had my lap occupied! I shared my photos of our snow last week with Molly, 8, and Emma, 10, looking over my shoulders. We sat around the bowl, some of us with spoons and some with our hands (Todd). Once the children were all carted off to bed, we got an amazing opportunity to have a nice long talk with Corey and Katie. Maybe too much so, since we didn't leave until midnight!
Tomorrow we are looking forward to church, time with Pastor Camille, possibly time with Maggs and Benny (you'll be reading this if we do , as we don't have wifi here at the mission) and hopefully our first visit out to Diagle!
It is now 1:25 am and I'm ready to crash...
January 28
It is midnight and I'm attempting to type this in the car on our way back to Kaffrine from the Garret's village. So obviously we made it to Kaffrine today. We finished off our time at the conference with worship (Lynn and I were even persuaded to dance) and Todd lead a great devotion. The funny part was that he talked about faith and community, and then left right after! But we had a 5 hour car ride ahead of us.
We reached the Catholic Mission just after 4, did some luggage rearranging, and taking off for a late lunch at the new restaurant in town. Then we headed out to visit with the Garret family in their village. We were greeted on the road by Corey and Wheaton, by the time we pulled into the compound we had a full welcome party of children. Wheaton, 6, gave me a tour of their huts. One the girls share and one for Corey and Katie. I was introduced to their cats and pigeons and soon had my lap occupied! I shared my photos of our snow last week with Molly, 8, and Emma, 10, looking over my shoulders. We sat around the bowl, some of us with spoons and some with our hands (Todd). Once the children were all carted off to bed, we got an amazing opportunity to have a nice long talk with Corey and Katie. Maybe too much so, since we didn't leave until midnight!
Tomorrow we are looking forward to church, time with Pastor Camille, possibly time with Maggs and Benny (you'll be reading this if we do , as we don't have wifi here at the mission) and hopefully our first visit out to Diagle!
It is now 1:25 am and I'm ready to crash...
Musings
Musings/Corrections/General information
•One of the hardest things here for me is brushing my teeth. Unlike camping, you stand in front of a sink, look in the mirror, but not use the faucet. It is so tempting to just reach out and turn the handle, the water works, but rinsing your toothbrush could have consequences! So far I've been good at remembering to use my bottled water, but one of these mornings I'm going to be extra tired...
•The name of the school is John Huffman, I was misspelling it before, I'm blaming it on the jet lag
•The name of the church is the EEBT. I was forgetting the second E, which stands for the word "church" in French. Ask Lynn.
•I forget how DIRTY my feet get here. But quickly learn to ignore them
•I love being on radio silence, I don't need emails about the sales on at audible or ticketmaster while sitting in the village, but I miss being able to post my blogs and reading your comments, encouragements and assurances of prayer. We pull a lot of strength from them
•toilet seats are both laughable and a luxury
•One of the hardest things here for me is brushing my teeth. Unlike camping, you stand in front of a sink, look in the mirror, but not use the faucet. It is so tempting to just reach out and turn the handle, the water works, but rinsing your toothbrush could have consequences! So far I've been good at remembering to use my bottled water, but one of these mornings I'm going to be extra tired...
•The name of the school is John Huffman, I was misspelling it before, I'm blaming it on the jet lag
•The name of the church is the EEBT. I was forgetting the second E, which stands for the word "church" in French. Ask Lynn.
•I forget how DIRTY my feet get here. But quickly learn to ignore them
•I love being on radio silence, I don't need emails about the sales on at audible or ticketmaster while sitting in the village, but I miss being able to post my blogs and reading your comments, encouragements and assurances of prayer. We pull a lot of strength from them
•toilet seats are both laughable and a luxury
Friday, January 27, 2012
Friday January 27
Friday
January 27
Time seems to just be flying here! Today was another full day at the conference and tomorrow morning we are planning on driving to Kaffrine, 3 hours away and 15 degrees hotter! We've been very lucky here, the power has stayed on, the internet was only down for one evening, and the temperature has been very nice, warm but not sweltering.
This morning started with a rather long devotion and prayer session. Todd is on the docket for tomorrow morning, and I believe he used the word "concise" to describe his plan for his devotion, especially since he didn't know about it until this evening! And then Mt View's team disappeared for most of the day! We got an opportunity to meet with Angeline, the sponsorship coordinator here at John Huffman. She was kind enough to interrupt all of the classes so we could come meet the teachers and take photos of the classes. The class numbers ranged from 25 to 55, preschool to middle school. Some of the older classes spoke to us in English, and laughed at our French (well, not Lynn's). Lynn tried to address all of the classes we visited by telling them we are here from America and that we pray for them. Angeline had a 1st grade class dancing and answering questions, now I know who's been waking us up!
We turned up again in time for lunch, and then disappeared again. Angeline arranged for us to meet with Pastor Gilbert who runs a boarding home for kids here in Thies. What an amazing man! He does not have any regular support, I mean, he receives support, but not on any kind of regular schedule, and yet he is living on faith! He and his wife are from Costa Rica, but they heard God calling them to Senegal, and this is where they plan to stay. They have now bought a piece of property that they are planning on building 5 homes on, each housing 25 students. They have already begun construction on the first and plan to have it open by December. He is very happy to help us with our goal of sending our village students to John Huffman. I think I can speak for the team when I say how honored I felt that he was eager to meet us and make this ministry work. He is a firm believer that the children of Senegal are not only the future pastors, engineers, doctors and leaders of the nation, but the gateway to bringing their parents to Christ.
Again, we reappeared in time for some food! and spent the rest of the afternoon listening to the reports from the other churches working with the pastors in their villages on priorities and goals for their villages. Since we do not have a pastor or missionary in our area from Thies, we didn't have a report to make, but it was good to hear what other people were experiencing.
I'm now sitting at a table in the Cafe, listening to the women in the kitchen and the men watching the football game. Lynn and I have been trying to rearrange our packing so we can be ready to go in the morning. I got a chance to snap a picture of David and Christine. It is still unsure of Awa is going to be able to join us after all. If she is able, it sounds like she will ride with David on Monday to join us in Kaffrine.
Tomorrow will be a travel day and those are always hard. But there's a good chance we will get to have a meal with the Garrets. I don't know how frequently I'll be able to update the blog from here on out. Internet and electricity for that matter are often hard to come by. But I'll keep journaling and update when I can.
Thank you for all of your prayers. My cold is virtually gone, I really only cough when the dust gets in my throat. Please continue to pray for our health, especially as our food will become a bit more questionable... Pray for safe travel. I am so excited to be in Diagle soon!
Good Night!
Amanda
January 27
Time seems to just be flying here! Today was another full day at the conference and tomorrow morning we are planning on driving to Kaffrine, 3 hours away and 15 degrees hotter! We've been very lucky here, the power has stayed on, the internet was only down for one evening, and the temperature has been very nice, warm but not sweltering.
This morning started with a rather long devotion and prayer session. Todd is on the docket for tomorrow morning, and I believe he used the word "concise" to describe his plan for his devotion, especially since he didn't know about it until this evening! And then Mt View's team disappeared for most of the day! We got an opportunity to meet with Angeline, the sponsorship coordinator here at John Huffman. She was kind enough to interrupt all of the classes so we could come meet the teachers and take photos of the classes. The class numbers ranged from 25 to 55, preschool to middle school. Some of the older classes spoke to us in English, and laughed at our French (well, not Lynn's). Lynn tried to address all of the classes we visited by telling them we are here from America and that we pray for them. Angeline had a 1st grade class dancing and answering questions, now I know who's been waking us up!
We turned up again in time for lunch, and then disappeared again. Angeline arranged for us to meet with Pastor Gilbert who runs a boarding home for kids here in Thies. What an amazing man! He does not have any regular support, I mean, he receives support, but not on any kind of regular schedule, and yet he is living on faith! He and his wife are from Costa Rica, but they heard God calling them to Senegal, and this is where they plan to stay. They have now bought a piece of property that they are planning on building 5 homes on, each housing 25 students. They have already begun construction on the first and plan to have it open by December. He is very happy to help us with our goal of sending our village students to John Huffman. I think I can speak for the team when I say how honored I felt that he was eager to meet us and make this ministry work. He is a firm believer that the children of Senegal are not only the future pastors, engineers, doctors and leaders of the nation, but the gateway to bringing their parents to Christ.
Again, we reappeared in time for some food! and spent the rest of the afternoon listening to the reports from the other churches working with the pastors in their villages on priorities and goals for their villages. Since we do not have a pastor or missionary in our area from Thies, we didn't have a report to make, but it was good to hear what other people were experiencing.
I'm now sitting at a table in the Cafe, listening to the women in the kitchen and the men watching the football game. Lynn and I have been trying to rearrange our packing so we can be ready to go in the morning. I got a chance to snap a picture of David and Christine. It is still unsure of Awa is going to be able to join us after all. If she is able, it sounds like she will ride with David on Monday to join us in Kaffrine.
Tomorrow will be a travel day and those are always hard. But there's a good chance we will get to have a meal with the Garrets. I don't know how frequently I'll be able to update the blog from here on out. Internet and electricity for that matter are often hard to come by. But I'll keep journaling and update when I can.
Thank you for all of your prayers. My cold is virtually gone, I really only cough when the dust gets in my throat. Please continue to pray for our health, especially as our food will become a bit more questionable... Pray for safe travel. I am so excited to be in Diagle soon!
Good Night!
Amanda
Thursday January 26
Thursday
January 26
My alarm woke me from a dead sleep at 7:15 this morning, I would complain, but I did sleep nearly 9 hours and didn't get woken by a mosque! Lynn and I are sharing a bedroom in the Cafe at John Huffman. This was originally built as housing for the school, but gets used for the various housing needs through FIDES, John Huffman and the EBT (Evangelical Baptist Church of Thies).
After breakfast we went upstairs to start the day with worship. The conference began with a presentation of all the villages the EBT currently work with. Each village profile told us the population, how many believers (men, women and children), how many children attend Kids Club when Awa visits and other various pieces of information. Although fascinating I'll admit I was having difficulties keeping my eyes open! Charlotte had fun teasing me about my nodding head. I must not have been the only American fighting the warm dark room, because they asked Awa to lead us in some Kids Club activities to wake us up.
She is a very talented young woman, and after hearing her report and experiencing her energy, we have invited her to join us in our trip to Kaffrine to run a Kids Club in Diagle! We are so excited to have her join us! Kids Club consists of song and dance, a games and a story, whenever she can make it out to a village. One of her challenges is that transportation problems prevents her from visiting regularly. Please pray that she can expand her ministry so she can serve the children in the area more regularly.
It was easier to stay awake this afternoon, first because it was beginning to be "normal" awake hours at home and because we broke up into small groups to discuss some questions on how to better communicate with FIDES and EBT.
After dinner was most exciting, we got a chance to meet with EBT representatives about sending missionaries to Kaffrine! Sitting around the table was Robert (Director at John Huffman), David Yanon, Todd, Patrice (a director from EBT), Jeff, Pastor Salu Diouf, Adama Djouf, Pastor Francious (EBT), Sidi (our translator), Lynn and me. We are all in agreement that although Kaffrine is far from Thies, and that creates several challenges, the villages around Kaffrine are ready for the right people. Some names have been proposed for the position of Missionary, but EBT wants to be very prayerful and intentional about the decision. So it does not look like we will be meeting our future mission workers, which is a disappointment, but we all agree, they need to select the right person/persons for the job.
"The water is freshest inside the crocodile's mouth," is a phrase we've heard many times today, basically, to get the best stuff, you have to face adversity. If winning people for Christ was easy, we wouldn't be here. Things easy to obtain are often easily forgotten and lost. This is difficult work, but it's worthy.
Today we praise God for our new friend Awa, for a comfortable place to sleep, excellent food and strengthening relationships with the people here in Thies. Please pray that our bodies adjust to the timezone quickly, that we stay healthy, and the right doors to the right conversations are opened.
January 26
My alarm woke me from a dead sleep at 7:15 this morning, I would complain, but I did sleep nearly 9 hours and didn't get woken by a mosque! Lynn and I are sharing a bedroom in the Cafe at John Huffman. This was originally built as housing for the school, but gets used for the various housing needs through FIDES, John Huffman and the EBT (Evangelical Baptist Church of Thies).
After breakfast we went upstairs to start the day with worship. The conference began with a presentation of all the villages the EBT currently work with. Each village profile told us the population, how many believers (men, women and children), how many children attend Kids Club when Awa visits and other various pieces of information. Although fascinating I'll admit I was having difficulties keeping my eyes open! Charlotte had fun teasing me about my nodding head. I must not have been the only American fighting the warm dark room, because they asked Awa to lead us in some Kids Club activities to wake us up.
She is a very talented young woman, and after hearing her report and experiencing her energy, we have invited her to join us in our trip to Kaffrine to run a Kids Club in Diagle! We are so excited to have her join us! Kids Club consists of song and dance, a games and a story, whenever she can make it out to a village. One of her challenges is that transportation problems prevents her from visiting regularly. Please pray that she can expand her ministry so she can serve the children in the area more regularly.
It was easier to stay awake this afternoon, first because it was beginning to be "normal" awake hours at home and because we broke up into small groups to discuss some questions on how to better communicate with FIDES and EBT.
After dinner was most exciting, we got a chance to meet with EBT representatives about sending missionaries to Kaffrine! Sitting around the table was Robert (Director at John Huffman), David Yanon, Todd, Patrice (a director from EBT), Jeff, Pastor Salu Diouf, Adama Djouf, Pastor Francious (EBT), Sidi (our translator), Lynn and me. We are all in agreement that although Kaffrine is far from Thies, and that creates several challenges, the villages around Kaffrine are ready for the right people. Some names have been proposed for the position of Missionary, but EBT wants to be very prayerful and intentional about the decision. So it does not look like we will be meeting our future mission workers, which is a disappointment, but we all agree, they need to select the right person/persons for the job.
"The water is freshest inside the crocodile's mouth," is a phrase we've heard many times today, basically, to get the best stuff, you have to face adversity. If winning people for Christ was easy, we wouldn't be here. Things easy to obtain are often easily forgotten and lost. This is difficult work, but it's worthy.
Today we praise God for our new friend Awa, for a comfortable place to sleep, excellent food and strengthening relationships with the people here in Thies. Please pray that our bodies adjust to the timezone quickly, that we stay healthy, and the right doors to the right conversations are opened.
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Longest day of the century
Travel Journal
Senegal
January 24- February 5, 2012
January 24
Jeff picked me up at 3:45am, long before the sun rose. I can't say I slept much, my mind kept reeling about what I might be missing in my suitcase and remembering to grab those last few items. Paul Thompson drove Lynn Lockwood, Jeff Adams, Todd Leighton and me to the airport where we checked 10 suitcases to our final destination: Dakar.
Our flights were relatively uneventful, a noisy kid here, a sleepless night there, but we made our connection and landed on time!
January 25
This is officially the longest day of the century, apart from a slight cat nap on the plane and nodding off in the car, I'm still awake from my 3am alarm yesterday's time zone. I can't count that many hours right now, but my body is telling me it's a lot. Sidi and Babacar picked us up at the airport and we drove straight to Thies, about an hour's drive. Traffic was practically nonexistent, something new in Dakar for me. Usually it takes an hour just to leave the city!
We arrived at the John Hoffman school, waited longer for our room keys than the wifi password, and took turns shooting off emails to our families back home to let them know we arrived safely over breakfast of french bread, tea/coffee and oranges.. We needed to deliver some items to Irma Bode at Malika Monkeys, So we piled back into the car after some luggage sorting. We could have dropped the stuff off on our way, but Sidi agreed it was too early in the morning for house calls before 7 am! Traffic was heavier this time but we made it with only a little head nodding in the car. Irma gave us a tour of her animals and the projects her boys are working on. Two djembes, many hand crafted cards, headbands, necklaces, auction purchases and a raw chunk of ebony wood for Lynn's father-in-law later, we were ready for our first meal around the bowl! They tried tricking this blind tubab into eating a very spicy pepper, but she wasn't born yesterday. After a delicious meal and another warm car ride, we were all finding it harder to keep our eyes open on our way back to John Hoffman.
Due to a later lunch and the travel time, we got back for the tail end of the introductions to the conference. We were led in a couple of worship songs, including I Will Lift Your Name on High in English, French and Wolof. We spent time talking to some of the other conference attenders, several from 2 places in New York, and maybe some from California? We'll see if I can remember any of their names tomorrow. Todd and I ended up following a group to a local restaurant being opened by a church member here and we prayed for it's success as a business and as a ministry.
Senegal is playing in the Africa cup tonight. So Lynn and I found a quieter table with 2 other women from the states, Cathy and Allison, and a local woman named Awa. Through Lynn's translating in her beautiful French, she told us her testimony; a story of growing up in poverty, a house fire she blamed herself for, an uncle who tried kidnapping her and setting her up to be raped more than once, she literally heard a voice telling her to trust in Jesus. Her only Christian relatives, an aunt and uncle lead her to Christ and now she is working at the John Hoffman school teaching kids what she didn't know when she was growing up. I can't wait to get to know this young woman more.
Now I am barely keeping my eyes open while I type this all before it slips away. I can't wait to see what tomorrow brings. I wish i had mor energy to reflect on my day, but this is all i've got for now:
Insight of the day: Riding in any car in Senegal could be likened to riding the Knight Bus.
Senegal
January 24- February 5, 2012
January 24
Jeff picked me up at 3:45am, long before the sun rose. I can't say I slept much, my mind kept reeling about what I might be missing in my suitcase and remembering to grab those last few items. Paul Thompson drove Lynn Lockwood, Jeff Adams, Todd Leighton and me to the airport where we checked 10 suitcases to our final destination: Dakar.
Our flights were relatively uneventful, a noisy kid here, a sleepless night there, but we made our connection and landed on time!
January 25
This is officially the longest day of the century, apart from a slight cat nap on the plane and nodding off in the car, I'm still awake from my 3am alarm yesterday's time zone. I can't count that many hours right now, but my body is telling me it's a lot. Sidi and Babacar picked us up at the airport and we drove straight to Thies, about an hour's drive. Traffic was practically nonexistent, something new in Dakar for me. Usually it takes an hour just to leave the city!
We arrived at the John Hoffman school, waited longer for our room keys than the wifi password, and took turns shooting off emails to our families back home to let them know we arrived safely over breakfast of french bread, tea/coffee and oranges.. We needed to deliver some items to Irma Bode at Malika Monkeys, So we piled back into the car after some luggage sorting. We could have dropped the stuff off on our way, but Sidi agreed it was too early in the morning for house calls before 7 am! Traffic was heavier this time but we made it with only a little head nodding in the car. Irma gave us a tour of her animals and the projects her boys are working on. Two djembes, many hand crafted cards, headbands, necklaces, auction purchases and a raw chunk of ebony wood for Lynn's father-in-law later, we were ready for our first meal around the bowl! They tried tricking this blind tubab into eating a very spicy pepper, but she wasn't born yesterday. After a delicious meal and another warm car ride, we were all finding it harder to keep our eyes open on our way back to John Hoffman.
Due to a later lunch and the travel time, we got back for the tail end of the introductions to the conference. We were led in a couple of worship songs, including I Will Lift Your Name on High in English, French and Wolof. We spent time talking to some of the other conference attenders, several from 2 places in New York, and maybe some from California? We'll see if I can remember any of their names tomorrow. Todd and I ended up following a group to a local restaurant being opened by a church member here and we prayed for it's success as a business and as a ministry.
Senegal is playing in the Africa cup tonight. So Lynn and I found a quieter table with 2 other women from the states, Cathy and Allison, and a local woman named Awa. Through Lynn's translating in her beautiful French, she told us her testimony; a story of growing up in poverty, a house fire she blamed herself for, an uncle who tried kidnapping her and setting her up to be raped more than once, she literally heard a voice telling her to trust in Jesus. Her only Christian relatives, an aunt and uncle lead her to Christ and now she is working at the John Hoffman school teaching kids what she didn't know when she was growing up. I can't wait to get to know this young woman more.
Now I am barely keeping my eyes open while I type this all before it slips away. I can't wait to see what tomorrow brings. I wish i had mor energy to reflect on my day, but this is all i've got for now:
Insight of the day: Riding in any car in Senegal could be likened to riding the Knight Bus.
We Made it!
We Landed in Dakar at 6:00am local time (8 hours later than you at home in the Pacific Northwest). So while you are all getting ready for bed, or already sleeping, we are waiting for our breakfast at the John Hoffman School in Thies.
I am so happy to be back! I've already seen people standing on the bumper of moving vans and haggled with the baggage "helpers" at the airport. We are getting to know our translator, Sidi, while we wait for the keys to our rooms and listening to the school children play before school.
More to come later, challenges in staying awake for the next several hours, but you're sleeping for now anyway!
-Amanda
I am so happy to be back! I've already seen people standing on the bumper of moving vans and haggled with the baggage "helpers" at the airport. We are getting to know our translator, Sidi, while we wait for the keys to our rooms and listening to the school children play before school.
More to come later, challenges in staying awake for the next several hours, but you're sleeping for now anyway!
-Amanda
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
On our way...
We are at the airport soaking up a last few minutes of free wifi. We want to thank you all for your prayer and support in preparing for this trip. With God's blessing this will be an amazing trip and I know I can feel that already. I just can't stop smiling when talking about Senegal and our friends and family there, I know this is the Holy Spirit leading us. This trip won't be easy, we will see things that will be uncomfortable and be uncomfortable physically, this is no vacation. But we go knowing we are called and we can do all things through Christ.
Keep us in your prayers! We will update as often as possible!
-Amanda
Keep us in your prayers! We will update as often as possible!
-Amanda
Sunday, January 22, 2012
After service we had our "packing party"! Filling our suitcases with medical supplies, gifts, packets of small toys and letters for sponsored school children, camping equipment so we can spend the night in our village and other various odds and ends for our various friends throughout the country.
I really don't have much else to report at the moment, unless you are really interested in the state of my laundry. Probably not, so until later!
-Amanda
Saturday, January 21, 2012
Prep
In Port Orchard with Lynn today at a meeting with other area churches who are invested in the Wolof people! We're going to be collecting packets of letters and small toys for school children sponsored by our churches.
We leave Tuesday morning, Jeff is picking me up at 4am! I'm so excited, guess i should start packing.
Please be in prayer for our team, for travel mercies (no more snow so we can fly out) and good health, Im fighting a cold already.
Feel free to leave comments or questions, hopefully we will have wifi access often enough to update you as we travel through Senegal!
-Amanda
We leave Tuesday morning, Jeff is picking me up at 4am! I'm so excited, guess i should start packing.
Please be in prayer for our team, for travel mercies (no more snow so we can fly out) and good health, Im fighting a cold already.
Feel free to leave comments or questions, hopefully we will have wifi access often enough to update you as we travel through Senegal!
-Amanda
Monday, January 9, 2012
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