One of the Kids

I can't believe how the time is flying by. The past few weeks have been very packed, and I was thankful for a little break this last weekend. After a very busy week, which included French and Wolof lessons, working after school at a community center, parent teacher conferences, and Harvest Fest, I was very grateful for some time to relax.

I spent Saturday with my Senegalese family, just sitting around. It was great. Sometimes I really feel like a little kid when I go to visit them, and this week was no exception. After lunch, they "put me down for a nap." They told me to lie down for awhile. Then, one of them asked another woman in the house a few minutes later if I was asleep. When she told her I wasn't, she told me to go to sleep. I felt like a four year old who gets caught trying to skip nap time. I almost felt like my mom or dad was going to show up and give the sign for me to shut my eyes.

I really don't mind it, though. In fact, the slow pace is one of the things I love the most about going to visit them. I'm very thankful I can go and hang out there without even calling to let them know I'm coming.

Ndeye is one of the most amazing women in the world. She could get away with doing hardly any work, but she continues to keep going and doing even more than the younger women. She's taking care of the baby in this picture while his mom gets cleaned up.

Pop got a new bucket to sit in. They use the bucket a lot like we use baby chairs in America. They prop pillows and towels around the baby so that he can't fall over and let him sit there while they work.

Muhammed was trying out his dad's sunglasses. They're a little big, but he was playing it cool, munching on his apple.

Muhammed really wanted to put the baby on his back. I don't know why because that's not something men do, but the women let him do it for a second. What you can't see in this picture is the baby's mother ready to grab the baby as soon as the picture was taken. Look at Pop's face; he's not so sure about this, either.

Visiting with Family

I've had the opportunity to visit with my Senegalese family several times since I've been back. They are so much fun to be around. Their hospitality is unmatched by any I've ever known. They really make me feel like I'm part of their family, and I can barely speak the language. I love them and look forward to many more visits. I also look forward to being able to speak to them more and share the story that has changed my life.

If pictures say a thousand words, then I better stop writing and let you read these pictures.

Here's a picture of me and the baby in the house. His name is Pop ______. I don't have a clue how to spell it, and I mumble it when I say it. So, we'll just call him Pop for now. This was taken by one of the girls in the house. That's why my head is cut off.

This is the picture taken by the girl's mother. As you can see, my head is still attached, which I'm thankful for. I do a lot of holding the baby when I'm over there.

This is right after shower time when they all look fresh and clean. The hottest part of the day was over, so they all take showers and dress up. This is Maita, one of the craziest people I know. (And that's saying something!) She's great! I love her. She can always make me laugh or feel incredibly awkward.

When I told them I needed to leave, they made me wait for the peanuts to get done so that I could take some with me. Ida was cooking them over a gas fire in a pan of sand. I'm not sure how clean they are, but I ate some anyway. I figure I'm not eating the outside. They were very soft in the middle. They have the consistency of green peas.

Another picture of the baby and Anta. He's so cute! And, she's so pretty! She's grown so much since last summer. She's a bit of a rebel at times, but she's a lot of fun.

The Start of a Journey

I love stories about great men and women who go on heroic adventures and fight for what's right. Those are the stories that inspire and encourage me to press on. Those are the stories that make me want to take on the world. Those are the stories that show me life is not all easy, but it's worth fighting for. Those are the stories that make me understand sacrifice. Those are the stories that draw me in and make me feel a part. Those are the stories that are worth reading.

As I begin my own journey, I think about those with stories like this who have gone on before me. Many whom I have never met. I think about Abraham and Moses, Esther and Ruth, Gideon and Daniel, Paul and the disciples. I also think about those who have been part of my life, my granddad and papa. And, Jesus! What a difference the journey of another can make in a life!

In all of these stories, there was someone else there to help carry the load. They never had to go it alone. This, to me, is a story of God's faithfulness.

It is so perfectly described in Hebrews 12:1-2, "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us run with endurance the race set before us, looking to Jesus, the author and perfector of our faith." This is my desire as I set out on this adventure that God has placed before me.

While I won't claim to have as grand a story as those I've mentioned, it is the story that God has given me. It will be an exciting journey, and I would love to have you join me as I go. Who knows what adventures lie ahead?