My! What a fun day I was able to share with friends on Saturday this weekend. I had planned to spend the day in Dakar with my friend, Yvette, and this is how the day unfolded.
The week before I had taken my vehicle in for service to Dakar, and was given a substitute truck to drive while it was in the shop. So Saturday I went first thing in the morning to Dakar to trade vehicles. I left a little later than I wanted, about 8 am, and arrived in Dakar just after 11. A 3 hour drive for 75 miles is never fun. Between construction, slow moving tractor trailer trucks, and vehicles breaking down traffic is often slow along this highway. You learn to just be patient while driving, but there's a bit of aggression you also have to use while driving or else you'll never get into Dakar.
Once I arrived I talked briefly with Arnett and Crystal E, missionary friends who work in Mali. They're in town to have a baby! Hopefully for Crystal, butterbean will arrive tomorrow, Monday. I know she's ready to be able to sleep in more than 1 position, and ready to be a new mom!
Then I took my vehicle (which is running pretty well now!) and drove to Yvette's where we spent some time yaking, went out for lunch, went shopping briefly, and back to her house to watch a movie. Yvette's got a video projector she uses in her college ministry, so we got to see the movie Miracle on the wall-much like a movie theater. We even had brownies!! I enjoyed the movie, even though I had seen it several times. I really enjoyed seeing her happiness as it brought back many high school video memories she had of shooting the mid-level professionals that played in her town. She couldn't sit still!
After the movie was over, I said goodbye (sniff sniff). She's leaving to go back to the states in 2 weeks. One of the drawbacks in the life of a missionary is that so many people that are special to you in your life come and go. Missionaries are always on the go and have families in multiple cities, states, and even countries. I've learned that it's always hard for me to leave and have to say goodbye to my friends. But thanks to technology today goodbyes don't have to last so long. Anyone is a phone call away.
So, after leaving Yvette's place (that could be a song), I went to pick up mega voices from my team member, Stan. A mega voice is a solar powered recorder that has Wolof stories on it. So rather than spend time sharing stories with people who sometimes are afraid of what a crowd may say if the individual is interested in hearing more stories about Jesus, the missionary can lend this mega voice to an individual so he/she can hear stories on their own time. It's a good ministry tool. I'm going to ask to use a few as well as I begin to concentrate my work in 2 areas.
I enjoyed my brief chat with Stan. He's a lot like me in that he loves sports. I also like hearing how his ministry is going in Dakar. After leaving his house I started back home. But while going home, I dropped by another missionary friend's house, Jason. Jason has a volunteer team this week and next. I got there just after they finished showing a movie and eating supper, and got to chat briefly with them. It was nice to see them and catch up with Jason, see his family, and have a few more laughs with everyone.
This shows that yes I can have busy days. I enjoy being around people and catching up with their stories. It's interesting to know I can hear people's stories in 2 languages now-however I'll always prefer using English. Yet this is why I've learned Wolof, to be able to share stories about my true love, Jesus, in the heart language of the Wolof people. Continue to pray for me that I can take life stories that are fun and interesting and also share the life stories of Jesus to my Wolof friends. Only 5 months left of ministry here, and I want these months to be as effective as possible so that God's Word may be known to the Wolof people.
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Sports Report
I haven't done a report about sports, so for something a little different, here are some thoughts I have lately while keeping track of the 3 big sports going on in America.
My Chicago Cubs.
I don't care how much you do or don't know about baseball. The simple fact is the team that scores the most runs wins every time. Doesn't matter how you score 'em, long as they cross the plate that's all that matters. Consider these stats by the cubs as of May 20.
They are a respectable 21-17. I had my doubts about this team earlier, but since writing about it to a few of my friends they have since played pretty well. However, in games that they score 3 runs or fewer, they are an astounding 0-14. I'll say that again, they haven't won a single game when scoring 3 runs or fewer. And they've played nearly 40 of em! This isn't an accident folks, the teams need to score runs. In games they do score 4 or more runs, they are a very good 21-3.
Where does run production begin? Why, at the leadoff spot, of course. Mr. Alfonso Soriano, please take the stand. Can you tell us, please, sir, how it is that in games that your team has lost, you have the following stats: 13hits in 64 at bats for a .203 average. You've scored a total of 8 runs in the 16 of those games you've played, you have 2 of your 12 home runs and only 3 rbi's, while striking out a whopping 17 times. I make it my mission, sir, to have you in a spot within the lineup that suits your power production. I'm tired of you babying your fans and your team with this me-first attitude-literally seeing as how you cry to your manager any time he doesn't have you in the leadoff spot. You make $17 million dollars during an economic crisis playing a sport that probably half of America would gladly play for free. Please, sir, for the better good of the team, hit third and protect Derrick Lee-especially while our horse Ramirez is out with a shoulder.
My 2 cents on Michael Vick
Michael Vick did an awful thing, as many of you know, by getting into illegal dog fighting and killing the dogs that were not performing well. He was incarcerated for 22 months and served his time. It remains to be seen if he will play another down in the NFL again.
What he did was terrible. While I personally don't think what he did was punishable by a prison sentence--I'm more mad at drivers who drive under the influence. I think they should be locked up, then maybe there'd be less drunk drivers killing innocent people--that can't be taken away from him. It's not like he was killing Benji. The dogs he killed were attack dogs that sat alone in the dark all day long and only got out to chase a squirell tail while running on a treadmill in training to fight other dogs. To me his only crime was running this illegal dog fighting operation. Before you jump over me after I've said that, know that I'm a huge dog lover, as I've had dogs all my life.
Now that he has been freed, he will begin his life afresh (read very big sarcastic asteriks there). IF he gets a chance to sign with an NFL team-John Clayton of ESPN seems to report that just the mention of a team that MIGHT be interested in giving Vick a chance responds to his assumptions with nasty phone calls and hate mail-he'll have to compete for a backup job. Lots of owners I'm afraid already have a preceived notion they will never give this man a second chance. We don't even know what he's learned from these chain of events.
However, none of this probably matters in the first place. I believe that he will never regain the game speed and efficiency needed to run a team on the NFL level. Look at college quarterbacks who begin to learn a new system. It takes them a lot of time to do so. Many learn for the first year before even attempting a pass in a game. And many good college quarterbacks never succeed at the NFL level. Vick has been 2 years removed from a very fast game and will be trying to play arguably the hardest position to play based on speed of the game, timing, and instincts. It's going to be awful hard to get that back.
My 2 cent opinion is this: Michael Vick served a great sentence for a horrendous offense. His time is served and he will never get back those 2 years that he missed with the speed, practice, and timing of the NFL. I personally don't see him ever becoming a legitimate NFL quarterback again, even if he is given a chance. I am sad about this, because I was a fan of his. Vick is a very exciting runner with a cannon for a left arm. Talent like that comes along once in 10 years, and it is a shame we didn't get to see his full potential. Vick, best of luck to you as you start afresh. I hope you're given a second chance on life and that you use it wisely.
Basketball:
LeBron or Kobe?
This is the interesting debate that is going on now. I'm not sure why, there's no question LeBron talent-wise is hands down the best NBA player today-and perhaps the greatest talent we've ever seen. Kobe, on the other hand, is on the down spiral of his career. He's logged over 1100 games plus about 150 post season games. Knees start to wear down once that # games played is greater than 1000. But he is still a very legitimate threat to take over a game at any time.
All players have strengths and weaknesses. Kobe's weakness is that he's a me-first player. Late into his career (and while being surrounded by better talent) he has learned how to be a better team player. However, he still wants to get his. You'll see him quit occasionally (game 3 vs Houston in this year's playoffs) when he is not involved offensively as if to tell everyone, "see, this is what this team is without me." Don't get me wrong, I love to watch Kobe play. He's a relentless defender, and I do like his cocky attitude. I think anyone who is great at sports ought to have a little cockiness to attach to it.
LeBron, on the other hand, is still coming into his own after 5 years in the league. The kid's only 24 years old. He can play any position 2-5 offensively and defensively. He constantly draws double and triple teams. His dunks are often viewed as highlight films, and every teenager imagines being him when on the court. At 24 he's being hyped as the best player to ever play the game. However, he has one glaring weakness that I've never read printed nor ever heard debated how this may affect his career. He is a below average free throw shooter. Granted, he still has years to improve on this part of his game. I read once where Michael Jordan told his college coach Dean Smith that it took him 8 years before he felt he could hit a free throw at any stage of the game. Kobe hits his free throws. LeBron will go 6-10 in a one point game and miss 3 in the 4th quarter of that game. LeBron, you want to be great? Spend a little less time on those 40 foot jump shots and a little more time on that 15 foot set shot. With your potential you should be shooting 20 free throws or more a game.
Today I would rank Kobe ahead of LeBron. Kobe has 3 rings, although he was the 2nd best player on those teams. When/if he gets a ring while being the star of his team, he'll climb even further up the ladder. LeBron's not quite there yet. He's never won a conference final, let alone an NBA championship. Let's see where the dominoes fall, but as of today this sports fan puts Kobe on top of this debate. I hope we get to see these 2 warriors compete against each other in the NBA finals this year.
And with that, the sports report rests. Comments?
My Chicago Cubs.
I don't care how much you do or don't know about baseball. The simple fact is the team that scores the most runs wins every time. Doesn't matter how you score 'em, long as they cross the plate that's all that matters. Consider these stats by the cubs as of May 20.
They are a respectable 21-17. I had my doubts about this team earlier, but since writing about it to a few of my friends they have since played pretty well. However, in games that they score 3 runs or fewer, they are an astounding 0-14. I'll say that again, they haven't won a single game when scoring 3 runs or fewer. And they've played nearly 40 of em! This isn't an accident folks, the teams need to score runs. In games they do score 4 or more runs, they are a very good 21-3.
Where does run production begin? Why, at the leadoff spot, of course. Mr. Alfonso Soriano, please take the stand. Can you tell us, please, sir, how it is that in games that your team has lost, you have the following stats: 13hits in 64 at bats for a .203 average. You've scored a total of 8 runs in the 16 of those games you've played, you have 2 of your 12 home runs and only 3 rbi's, while striking out a whopping 17 times. I make it my mission, sir, to have you in a spot within the lineup that suits your power production. I'm tired of you babying your fans and your team with this me-first attitude-literally seeing as how you cry to your manager any time he doesn't have you in the leadoff spot. You make $17 million dollars during an economic crisis playing a sport that probably half of America would gladly play for free. Please, sir, for the better good of the team, hit third and protect Derrick Lee-especially while our horse Ramirez is out with a shoulder.
My 2 cents on Michael Vick
Michael Vick did an awful thing, as many of you know, by getting into illegal dog fighting and killing the dogs that were not performing well. He was incarcerated for 22 months and served his time. It remains to be seen if he will play another down in the NFL again.
What he did was terrible. While I personally don't think what he did was punishable by a prison sentence--I'm more mad at drivers who drive under the influence. I think they should be locked up, then maybe there'd be less drunk drivers killing innocent people--that can't be taken away from him. It's not like he was killing Benji. The dogs he killed were attack dogs that sat alone in the dark all day long and only got out to chase a squirell tail while running on a treadmill in training to fight other dogs. To me his only crime was running this illegal dog fighting operation. Before you jump over me after I've said that, know that I'm a huge dog lover, as I've had dogs all my life.
Now that he has been freed, he will begin his life afresh (read very big sarcastic asteriks there). IF he gets a chance to sign with an NFL team-John Clayton of ESPN seems to report that just the mention of a team that MIGHT be interested in giving Vick a chance responds to his assumptions with nasty phone calls and hate mail-he'll have to compete for a backup job. Lots of owners I'm afraid already have a preceived notion they will never give this man a second chance. We don't even know what he's learned from these chain of events.
However, none of this probably matters in the first place. I believe that he will never regain the game speed and efficiency needed to run a team on the NFL level. Look at college quarterbacks who begin to learn a new system. It takes them a lot of time to do so. Many learn for the first year before even attempting a pass in a game. And many good college quarterbacks never succeed at the NFL level. Vick has been 2 years removed from a very fast game and will be trying to play arguably the hardest position to play based on speed of the game, timing, and instincts. It's going to be awful hard to get that back.
My 2 cent opinion is this: Michael Vick served a great sentence for a horrendous offense. His time is served and he will never get back those 2 years that he missed with the speed, practice, and timing of the NFL. I personally don't see him ever becoming a legitimate NFL quarterback again, even if he is given a chance. I am sad about this, because I was a fan of his. Vick is a very exciting runner with a cannon for a left arm. Talent like that comes along once in 10 years, and it is a shame we didn't get to see his full potential. Vick, best of luck to you as you start afresh. I hope you're given a second chance on life and that you use it wisely.
Basketball:
LeBron or Kobe?
This is the interesting debate that is going on now. I'm not sure why, there's no question LeBron talent-wise is hands down the best NBA player today-and perhaps the greatest talent we've ever seen. Kobe, on the other hand, is on the down spiral of his career. He's logged over 1100 games plus about 150 post season games. Knees start to wear down once that # games played is greater than 1000. But he is still a very legitimate threat to take over a game at any time.
All players have strengths and weaknesses. Kobe's weakness is that he's a me-first player. Late into his career (and while being surrounded by better talent) he has learned how to be a better team player. However, he still wants to get his. You'll see him quit occasionally (game 3 vs Houston in this year's playoffs) when he is not involved offensively as if to tell everyone, "see, this is what this team is without me." Don't get me wrong, I love to watch Kobe play. He's a relentless defender, and I do like his cocky attitude. I think anyone who is great at sports ought to have a little cockiness to attach to it.
LeBron, on the other hand, is still coming into his own after 5 years in the league. The kid's only 24 years old. He can play any position 2-5 offensively and defensively. He constantly draws double and triple teams. His dunks are often viewed as highlight films, and every teenager imagines being him when on the court. At 24 he's being hyped as the best player to ever play the game. However, he has one glaring weakness that I've never read printed nor ever heard debated how this may affect his career. He is a below average free throw shooter. Granted, he still has years to improve on this part of his game. I read once where Michael Jordan told his college coach Dean Smith that it took him 8 years before he felt he could hit a free throw at any stage of the game. Kobe hits his free throws. LeBron will go 6-10 in a one point game and miss 3 in the 4th quarter of that game. LeBron, you want to be great? Spend a little less time on those 40 foot jump shots and a little more time on that 15 foot set shot. With your potential you should be shooting 20 free throws or more a game.
Today I would rank Kobe ahead of LeBron. Kobe has 3 rings, although he was the 2nd best player on those teams. When/if he gets a ring while being the star of his team, he'll climb even further up the ladder. LeBron's not quite there yet. He's never won a conference final, let alone an NBA championship. Let's see where the dominoes fall, but as of today this sports fan puts Kobe on top of this debate. I hope we get to see these 2 warriors compete against each other in the NBA finals this year.
And with that, the sports report rests. Comments?
Sunday, May 17, 2009
light week
Hi all! This last week was one to sorta forget. I don't know why I was down. Perhaps everyone has a rough week no matter what they're doing. I did stay up several nights listening to ball games, so lack of sleep may have made for the tough week, too.
Anyway, I did have a really good weekend. I visited my neighbors on Saturday. One neighbor was having a gamu celebration. I stopped by briefly to listen to some of the music they were playing, and I had tea with everyone. And I visited 2 other neighbors as well briefly.
Today I had a good time visiting 2 families on the other side of town. It had been awhile since I had seen these families so I told some brief stories about my family and about things I have done lately around town and in the villages I work in. It was a good Wolof speaking day for me, and I enjoy the extra confidence that gives me to communicate with others.
Tonight I am again listening to a basketball game before going to bed. It's awful late and I have a big day tomorrow, so I hope that I'll have energy to get through it. Thanks again for your prayers. I'm encouraged that this is going to be a good week, and I'm looking forward to its beginning.
Anyway, I did have a really good weekend. I visited my neighbors on Saturday. One neighbor was having a gamu celebration. I stopped by briefly to listen to some of the music they were playing, and I had tea with everyone. And I visited 2 other neighbors as well briefly.
Today I had a good time visiting 2 families on the other side of town. It had been awhile since I had seen these families so I told some brief stories about my family and about things I have done lately around town and in the villages I work in. It was a good Wolof speaking day for me, and I enjoy the extra confidence that gives me to communicate with others.
Tonight I am again listening to a basketball game before going to bed. It's awful late and I have a big day tomorrow, so I hope that I'll have energy to get through it. Thanks again for your prayers. I'm encouraged that this is going to be a good week, and I'm looking forward to its beginning.
Monday, May 11, 2009
random list
there's a popular 'top 5' lists going on now on facebook. I'm for some reason not big on those lists, but for some reason feel like making some myself. What makes this interesting is that I will end up posting this under 'notes' on facebook so more people can read it. Please comment if you'd like me to post more top 5 subjects. I'm going from the top of my head on this, and creativity isn't my strong suit!
books I'm in the process of reading or are next on the list:
-Arabian Nights (these are really good tales, if anyone's a novel reader)
-Picture of Dorian Grey
-James Bond
-the strange case of dr. jekyll and mr. hyde
-Bible (always on the list)
Places to visit:
-Cairo, Egypt
-Brazil
-India
-Israel
-London
Places I've been but want to go back:
-Washington, DC
-NYC
-Charleston, SC
-Savannah, GA
-(blank)
Things I do on any given day in Senegal:
-walk to the market
-visit my neighbors
-drink hot tea
-text and speak Wolof with my friends
-spend 3+ hours on the computer because there's nothing else to do at nights
CDs I listen to:
-Toby Mac portable sounds
-Aerosmith's greatest hits
-Elton John's greatest hits
-Billy Joel's greatest hits
-Rescue-the difference
websites I visit:
-my 2 email sites
-wral for news from NC
-espn
-facebook
-google or wikipedia to answer burning questions
meals I cook for myself:
-spaghetti
-chili and rice
-hamburgers/hotdogs and fries
-chicken of some sort
-pork chops
sports teams I root for:
-Chicago Cubs
-NC State athletics
-Boston Celtics
-Carolina Panthers
-(blank)
books I'm in the process of reading or are next on the list:
-Arabian Nights (these are really good tales, if anyone's a novel reader)
-Picture of Dorian Grey
-James Bond
-the strange case of dr. jekyll and mr. hyde
-Bible (always on the list)
Places to visit:
-Cairo, Egypt
-Brazil
-India
-Israel
-London
Places I've been but want to go back:
-Washington, DC
-NYC
-Charleston, SC
-Savannah, GA
-(blank)
Things I do on any given day in Senegal:
-walk to the market
-visit my neighbors
-drink hot tea
-text and speak Wolof with my friends
-spend 3+ hours on the computer because there's nothing else to do at nights
CDs I listen to:
-Toby Mac portable sounds
-Aerosmith's greatest hits
-Elton John's greatest hits
-Billy Joel's greatest hits
-Rescue-the difference
websites I visit:
-my 2 email sites
-wral for news from NC
-espn
-google or wikipedia to answer burning questions
meals I cook for myself:
-spaghetti
-chili and rice
-hamburgers/hotdogs and fries
-chicken of some sort
-pork chops
sports teams I root for:
-Chicago Cubs
-NC State athletics
-Boston Celtics
-Carolina Panthers
-(blank)
Saturday, May 9, 2009
cute story
Let me share a cute story that happened last week.
I was going into a village to meet a friend I haven't seen in awhile. He's a farmer, and lately has been 'rooting' his fields. They do this chore by hand with a hoe on a long stick, so it takes a lot of time to plow the field, put the piles together, and burn the piles. I haven't seen my friend in probably 2 months of visits, though I have spoken to others in his compound.
Today as I went I noticed quite a few changes. They have a new sewing boutique and are training some new workers there, including someone from my friend's compound. And interestingly enough, the boutique is there in this compound. So I spent time talking with the new workers and admiring their work so far. Then I talked with others as well.
It was getting time for me to leave, and I told everyone that I needed to go home because darkness was coming. But sure as I said that, those in the compound said, "no, wait, your friend's coming." So I waited, and sure enough, he came 10 minutes later. And while he showered up I waited outside under a tree.
Here's the interesting part. While I was waiting, I had 4 girls about 10 years old come up to me and ask about me being a Christian. So I shared briefly about my faith in Jesus, and that because I believe in him I believe that when I die I will go to heaven and live with him. They were fascinated, and wondered if I would drive my car when I go to heaven! So I laughed and said, no, I believe that when I die, Jesus will take me immediately to heaven. Then they asked about my prayer habits, how many times I pray, what I pray, how I pray. They wondered if I pray ritually like they do. Muslims bow prostrate when they pray, reciting a verse from the Koran as they do. I said, no, I simply close my eyes and say a simple prayer. And I did pray in Wolof how I would normally pray. I said something like, "Thank you, God, for this day, for my family who lives in America, and for my friends who live here in this village. I ask that you give them peace today. Amen."
At that time, my friend called me into his room, so I excused myself and went to meet him. The kids followed me in his room and after introductions were made they went back to asking more about my faith and praying. But my friend interrupted them and said, "we don't talk about that in here." I looked at him and said quietly that it's ok to me if they do, but his look back indicated that he was not ok with the conversation. So quickly the kids filed out of the room and I didn't get to say goodbye to them.
I am disheartened that this story ended this way. But I am very encouraged that the little influence I have had with this village and family has caused these kids to want to know more. I earnestly pray that they will continue to be hungry for truth from God's Word, and that they will find answers to their questions. I hope that I can talk more with them, too.
I was going into a village to meet a friend I haven't seen in awhile. He's a farmer, and lately has been 'rooting' his fields. They do this chore by hand with a hoe on a long stick, so it takes a lot of time to plow the field, put the piles together, and burn the piles. I haven't seen my friend in probably 2 months of visits, though I have spoken to others in his compound.
Today as I went I noticed quite a few changes. They have a new sewing boutique and are training some new workers there, including someone from my friend's compound. And interestingly enough, the boutique is there in this compound. So I spent time talking with the new workers and admiring their work so far. Then I talked with others as well.
It was getting time for me to leave, and I told everyone that I needed to go home because darkness was coming. But sure as I said that, those in the compound said, "no, wait, your friend's coming." So I waited, and sure enough, he came 10 minutes later. And while he showered up I waited outside under a tree.
Here's the interesting part. While I was waiting, I had 4 girls about 10 years old come up to me and ask about me being a Christian. So I shared briefly about my faith in Jesus, and that because I believe in him I believe that when I die I will go to heaven and live with him. They were fascinated, and wondered if I would drive my car when I go to heaven! So I laughed and said, no, I believe that when I die, Jesus will take me immediately to heaven. Then they asked about my prayer habits, how many times I pray, what I pray, how I pray. They wondered if I pray ritually like they do. Muslims bow prostrate when they pray, reciting a verse from the Koran as they do. I said, no, I simply close my eyes and say a simple prayer. And I did pray in Wolof how I would normally pray. I said something like, "Thank you, God, for this day, for my family who lives in America, and for my friends who live here in this village. I ask that you give them peace today. Amen."
At that time, my friend called me into his room, so I excused myself and went to meet him. The kids followed me in his room and after introductions were made they went back to asking more about my faith and praying. But my friend interrupted them and said, "we don't talk about that in here." I looked at him and said quietly that it's ok to me if they do, but his look back indicated that he was not ok with the conversation. So quickly the kids filed out of the room and I didn't get to say goodbye to them.
I am disheartened that this story ended this way. But I am very encouraged that the little influence I have had with this village and family has caused these kids to want to know more. I earnestly pray that they will continue to be hungry for truth from God's Word, and that they will find answers to their questions. I hope that I can talk more with them, too.
may's news
This year is really rolling along! I find it so hard to believe that the time is going so fast. It reminds me that each day is important and that I need to take advantage of each opportunity to share with others. Lately I have simply taken the idea that I’m here to simply be a friend to those that I know. That concept has helped me to understand that I don’t have to share stories about Jesus everywhere I go. I can’t control when others come to know Jesus as their Lord and Savior, but I can be a friend to those that I come in contact with. I enjoy being a friend and find it satisfying to be able to share more when the opportunity presents itself.
With that being said, I’m spending my days and weeks balancing my time with friends in the villages and here in Mekhe. 2-3 days a week I’ll go out to visit in a village. I have 4 that I go to regularly. When I visit, we typically have casual conversation while drinking tea. I’ve also been able to go and greet everyone in these villages when I do go. That takes awhile sometimes! Or when I’m visiting my friends in my neighborhood we simply talk together about the week, about family, and about life in Senegal. So many people want to go to America here that American culture and life constantly comes up in conversation. I share simple stories about my life growing up, and remind my friends that the life they have here is very good.
Pray for me as I continue these conversations with my friends. I enjoy talking with them all. Pray that I will find the energy to speak Wolof and venture out daily, and also pray that these conversations would lead to a time that I can share spiritual truth. Also, please pray for our Wolof team, that God will continue to use our efforts and show himself to our friends here in Senegal.
With that being said, I’m spending my days and weeks balancing my time with friends in the villages and here in Mekhe. 2-3 days a week I’ll go out to visit in a village. I have 4 that I go to regularly. When I visit, we typically have casual conversation while drinking tea. I’ve also been able to go and greet everyone in these villages when I do go. That takes awhile sometimes! Or when I’m visiting my friends in my neighborhood we simply talk together about the week, about family, and about life in Senegal. So many people want to go to America here that American culture and life constantly comes up in conversation. I share simple stories about my life growing up, and remind my friends that the life they have here is very good.
Pray for me as I continue these conversations with my friends. I enjoy talking with them all. Pray that I will find the energy to speak Wolof and venture out daily, and also pray that these conversations would lead to a time that I can share spiritual truth. Also, please pray for our Wolof team, that God will continue to use our efforts and show himself to our friends here in Senegal.
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