Rue 39: Les Enfants

Village Church Women



Church Neighborhood Outreach: Literacy Party

It's been a long time...

It's been way too long since I last updated you on my life in West Africa, and I could tell you all of my excuses but I'll just leave it at this, moving into my apartment took far more work and time than I had imagined and still could use some touches to make it a little more like home. I've been in it for almost two weeks and have enjoyed getting to know all my neighbors. I try to write down all their names so I can remember them when I see them the next time, but still have a ways to go in calling them the right ones... I started my Wolof classes two days ago and enjoy trying out my new words with anyone I meet. It's a great time of year to learn the language because all the kids are out on vacation. Last Saturday, they invited me to go to the beach with them and I spent most of the time chasing after a frisbee. It was great, except later in the day I was stung by a sea urchin. I had no idea they are poisonous, but after having a swollen foot for a few days I would advise to stay away from black prickly objects in the sea.

I've been wrestling alot about what it means to live in a developing country and effectively serve the people. I haven't discovered any profound answers, but I am learning it is in loving your neighbor. Please continue to pray for wisdom and direction.

Yes, I do miss home. I miss blending in when I walk down the street, being near to friends and family, and breathing in clean air; at the same time, each day God's grace and love for me has been sufficient and His Word has been my resting place.

Another Week Flys By

I can't believe it's Friday again and another week has quickly passed. This week has been packed with visitors, walking through flooded streets, meetings, French classes, getting my apartment ready, and trying to get enough rest. I left the missionary guesthouse on Tuesday and was sad to say goodbye to what has been my home for the past month. It was such a gift for me to be there and meet many different missionaries from all over the world. I'm continuing to learn and be amazed in how God uses fallen people in bringing forth His kingdom. I'm staying at a teammates' house until I make my official move.

This week my landlord told me that I could move in on Wednesday because our contract started at midnight Tuesday. Due to a few minor details, like the kitchen still under construction, I've decided to wait a few more days. I going to start moving some things this weekend, but will settle in next week. I'm going out to the villages this weekend and don't mind waiting a little longer.

Last night I stopped by to talk to the group of ladies I met last week. A guy was walking by and stopped to help one of the ladies talk to me, since I do not speak Wolof. He was kind enough to talk with me and these ladies for a while, and interestingly enough he is studying microfinance at the university. He is willing to work with me some in helping these women. I'm encouraged to see the people God is bringing into my life. Please pray for wisdom as I continue to develop relationships with these women and learn how I can best serve them. Pray that they would see more than just aid, but that they would understand the Gospel and be transformed by it. Please pray for the guy who wants to help me out that God would work in his life and that I would have an opportunity to share my faith with him.

Other areas I would appreciate prayer...

My relationships with my landlord and my neighbors

Relationships with the churches I'll be working with, particularly for unity among the missionaries and church leaders

Focus and discipline in my language studies; ability to be able to communicate well with others

My relationship with God; for rest and refreshment in His Word,so that I will know Him more and be able to share His truth with others

Protection against Satan and his schemes

If you've read all of this, thanks. Your partnership in this work is immensely felt and appreciated.

Ciao