Hello everyone, all is well in West Africa. I just finished boiling some peanuts in salt water and may end up roasting them to give them more flavor. I had roasted peanuts and tea last night with a few of the men in our neighborhood which lasted until about 1:00am. The typical scene of friends and fellowship in West Africa are often formed in outside courtyards or under a shade tree around a small pot of tea. You may wonder what people talk about until 1:00am in the morning and I wish I could tell you but I didn't understand most of what was being said. However, I do know West Africans are like everyone else in that they have lives of joy, hardships, pain, and love. It is around a pot of tea that many of these issues are discussed, I do not know the language very well yet but I was able to communicate and recieve friendship in a language that is common to us all.
I have made friends with one man in particular who is from the Bobo people here in Mali. He has been very patient with me in my learning of French and he is eager to teach me the culture also. I included a picture of us from our study the other night. I have also included a picture of Mali and where we are located in the city of Bamako. Mali is landlocked and we are just entering what they call the Harmatten season. The Harmatten happens when the winds sweep over the Sahara desert and brings in waves of dust over the country of Mali. It leaves dust on everything and at times limits visibility to just a couple of blocks when it gets really bad. On the bright side, it blocks the suns rays and could get "cold." When this happens, everyone starts building fires so the smoke mixes with the dust and gives us a different atmosphere than what we are used too.
Being here is so different from America but I have such a peace and contentment knowing we are serving the Lord. I cannot wait to communicate the gospel where they can understand! Life is good wherever we are so long as God is leading us. I have sensed his watchful eye and protecting hand every day, that is why He is the great Shepherd.
Our main prayer concern is still that we will learn the French language and be saturated with God's presence and grace as we go. Thank you so much for your praying on our behalf.
Blessings,
Jon
1 comment:
When is see this picture, I can’t help but think of all the pictures I have seen of Dr. Hadaway’s over the years. It doesn’t surprise me that you are already making friends. God has blessed you with a personality that will draw people to you.
God bless
Marty
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