Sunday, March 18, 2012

      Am sitting in front of the “patio” door, hoping  to get some fresh, cooler air as I type this.  It has just rained a little bit, which is most “wel-e-come” because this is supposed to be the beginning of the rainy season, and like us, they have experienced some unusual weather..and the farmers are waiting to plant their crops, the soil  being too hard to do so.

      This morning we left around 8’ish (“African time” is similar to “Mexican” and “Guatemalan time”..which is usually fine with me!  I fit right in!  (I can hear you who know me well, totally agreeing with this statement!)  My concern is, what happens when I return home?!

      We went to the village of Sony, which was a hot, dusty hour’s drive.  I have to close my eyes often…we come so close to cars,vans, big trucks(in the bigger town) people walking (“footing”) and riding bikes(bodaboda) and motercycles(boda)and, of course, cows and goats! Half the time I believe it takes twice as long to get someplace because we don’t go in a straight line!  We(driving on the “wrong side” of the street) cross over into the other side to pass as something is coming toward us on that side…or we dodge HUGE potholes(Spokane’s are minute in comparison!)This is all part of my African adventure…and would not mind skipping  this part!  We arrive HOT and covered in red dust.

      We arrive, greeted most warmly by various women(uttering their “cry” that I cannot describe but is often heard in church as they joyfully sing and dance),who “kiss” and hug us on both sides..as well as the men who shake our hands, African style.(I’d forgotten this at first arrival at the airport..then quickly remembered, feeling “Ah, yes!  This is Africa!”J)

      We went into the mud building (after wiping off our faces , hands and arms!) and the Pastor welecomed  us and had us speak to everyone , a short greeting.  They were so pleased tp see Pastor Peter and his wife, Sarah, because I believe he had started out as a Pastor nearby and had a long history with them,

There was much traditional singing and dancing..my favorite that I can  understand is “They are singing today in the house of the Lord”.they are dancing today in the house of the Lord, they are praying today in the house of the Lord”.etc.I’ve got some video of this..and love the children, sown the the very smalles little girl in pink, about 8 months old, who was clapping and “shaking”..just like my little Grandaughter,Macie!

The Pastor  told us their dream of building a new church that does not fall apart when it rains (he showed us some holes in the wall) and how they would so like to have a school for their children, because it is so very far for the children to walk now.  Peter responded that since we akk are teachers from America, they might pray that we come to their village to teach!!!  Then he  gave the sermon..on loving the Lord and serving.           

About 2 hours later( a couple of hours shorter than most) the children lined up, boys on one side and girls on the other, shortest to talles, and we passed out  t-shirts for the boys(put their names on them and :Jesus Loves Me”..and  dresses (some pillowcases and t-shirt and the regular ones with ties).  As I felt covered with red dust, I couldn’t help wonder how the white dresses would look in a minute, if I were wearing one!

The Mothers and children were so excited!We always take tons of pictures of everyone, as some may never have seen themselves

  I also got a picture of a sweet little sleeping baby (one of my favorite subjects!)on a mat in the church. 

Then they served us roasted bits of pork, very tasty as  have had little meat since coming here.  Also had a mound of what looked like bread dough…one of Peter’s favorites.  I tasted, but it is NOT one of mine!  Made from cassava.

Said our goodbyes..more pictures of some very old women who were so kind to us…and then off we went into the dust again.

Stopped at some tiny stand that Peter knew..friends..and bought little baggies of popped corn. JThat’s what I had for lunch when I got home with a cold beverage!..and then I stretched out on my bed and fell asleep.  (Washed up first.  You should have seen the wash cloth!!!!)It was so very hot that it exhausted me.  I never do that at home.  Slept a couple of hours.

Okay…lights just went out again.  Good night!!!!