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.
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I find a lot of wisdom in your simple observation that the "answer" to living and serving in a developing country probably comes somehow through loving your neighbor. In my experience, there are no good, concise answers to how to live in poverty and inequality; there are only opportunities to love and the faith to take those opportunities. From your posts, it sounds like you're taking your opportunities. You're going to have a lot to teach us. I liked your story about meeting the women on the street. And it's been fun to hear Yan and Heidi's stories and to see their pictures. Yan's going to share briefly about her experience in two weeks at church and we're going to direct people towards your blog and her photos. Randall
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