Monday

We were on the bus at 7:30 am and rolled thru traffic for the now familiar breakfast of juices, croissants,  jams, coffee and today's addition: eggs.  We were on the bus to the Rufisque women's prison. Picture taking was prohibited in the prison so we had to turn in our cameras/phones  to Pastor Armstrong for safe keeping.
There are two women's prison in Senegal.  The maximum security prison is in Dakar.  Rufisque is the minimum security prison.  The women are here for a variety of reasons including drugs, theft, domestic violence and unlicensed prostitution. Some women have been in the facility for 5 years without being before a judge. The United Methodist mission provides an advocate for the women's prisons, Ndeye Fatou Diouf. She works with the prisoners and prison staff to create a caring community,  assists in reconciling prisoners with their families especially near release (many families disown them), helps as a judicial advocate,  and assists in food and health matters.  Mother's can bring infants and toddlers up thru 3 yrs of age so they  can be nursed. The cost of milk substitutes is too high so nursing is encouraged. We saw several children in the prison and a total of 78 prisoners, guards and staff. Lunch didn't come until 3:15 so we were running low of energy by then.
Lunch was a traditional Senegalese lunch of rice with some vegetables and beef added in the middle.  It was served on large steel plates about 25 inches with 5 to 6 people eating off the same plate.  We were given spoons to carve out one's territory on the plate.  We also had some cold soda which helped break the heat.
Some went on the prison balcony to watch the children letting out of school and to see the ocean a couple of blocks away.  We finished our work around 5:30, packed, and had a farewell moment with the prison director who thanked us profusely along with an inmate's representative. We were told that we are the only medical group being allowed to come this year because of the integrity, reputation of past United Methodist medical teams, fair treatment of all, and professional care.  All other groups are being denied.  This reflects the work of Ndeye along with Dr Strong' wisdom and care over the years and the amazing teams we are able to bring.  This year's team is one of the strongest we have ever had here.  Give praise to God.
We journeyed back to the mission and had supper at 8:00.  The meal featured grilled chicken, a bowtie pasta mix, vegetable mix, bread and a mix of juices.  We were so glad to get back to our motel for rest.  Dr & Sue Strong did data recording tonight relieving Pastor Armstrong and assistants  Kat and Paul M. for one night.
One last comment regarding building construction. Buildings are not built like in America.  There are staircases with varying heights to steps along with some real headbanging overhangs.  We have to help each other with reminders every time we encounter one and they are all over.  Even then one is still surprised, especially at the end of the day.  Dr. Strong, our beloved and gracious doctor, now has a Rufisque bump from a low beam.  He is quite fine and in good humor.
Keep us in your prayers. Off to the village of Sebakatone tomorrow for a little different experience.
We are thinking of all of our loved ones and dear friends as we move to sleep.
Till tomorrow.
Pastor Paul with a little help from Paul and Jeff.