You can call me Boba gator "Ismael ". Many observations can be made so far from the mission trip. First of all, people are people all over the world. There are really no differences except for cultural. Also everyone needs God and either searches and finds God, continues to search for God or intends to fill the God sized hole in their spirit with earthly things. I am glad I have found God.
I have really grasped the concept of social evangelism as David Makobo explained at the onion farm which is supported by the church. We can't as Christians continue to tell people what they are "doing wrong " but we need to go out and do what Christ wants us to do, and that is to serve people.
I have seen on this trip nothing more beautiful than people serving people. Not only ones from our team, but all involved from the church and even those from the community.
Today was a relaxing fun day spent visiting the new church at Mbour. Visiting a few village's, David Makobo's farm project and finally Bandai reserve with a lengthy safari ride. I now end my blog entry.
Robert Rockwood.
Addendum : Going back a couple of days I feel that I must return to the story of the multiple interpreters. As stated earlier interpreting usually involves 2 languages. For example, patient speaks only French, interpreter interprets French to English for the RN. then interpreter - interpreters English to French for the patient. EASY button. Well it got a little more complicated here in Senegal. Our patient sat down, we asked if she spoke French, No, Woolof-no, she then says Portuguese. Ok, no one here spoke Portuguese. What to do? Lo and behold, another patient appears says that she speaks Portuguese and creole. OK we're cooking now. Interpreters gather and this is how we communicated to find out what were the medical concerns of our Portuguese patient. Portuguese to Portuguese, Portuguese to Creole, Creole to Woolof, Woolof to French, French to English for the RN. Oh this little language line was not a one time deal. We repeated this process over and over until her history was complete. So six people with 5 languages to take care of the one. Strong work everyone! ! Language in all its diversity is one more thing that we, humanity, have in common. May we give thanks to the Creator.
Ah I forgot. While eating our lunch at the Bandai Reserve (tables outside with a view of the water. And not just any ordinary view. We saw Egrets, herons, kingfishers, alligators, lizards, more birds and lots of monkeys. There is a sign that says "do not feed the monkeys" (in French of course". So cute these monkeys, in the trees, on the ground, on the tables, on the patio just waiting for yummy human food. Well while helping one of the team with her order, I turn my back and one of those cute little critters snagged the lime off of my glass. Sneaky. He then sat in the tree in front of me thoroughly enjoying his lime. Bonus Appétit mon singe!
Morley.
On our travels we stopped at Pointe Sarene, a village of 2,000, where we were greeted by swarms of children. We also had the opportunity to visit the first United Methodist Church built in Senegal. The build was arranged by the first missionary to Senegal, Al Streyffler.
We also visited the newest church in Senegal at Mbour. The church structure is functional with a sand floor. Funds are being sought to complete the church and a women's skill center, five to ten thousand U.S. dollars.
Mary with Sue scribing.
One final note about our visit to Bandia. The 1500 acre game reserve is guarded by soldiers because of the rare wide mouthed white Rhino. It's horns value as an aphrodisiac to Asian countries led to near extermination. We were able to get to within 30 feet of the female who snorted softly as we left. Warthogs were running around as we broke into Memories of Pumba in the Lion King.
Have a great night. Every one here is doing fine.
We're off to Theis in the morning. It will be our longest day. Two hours to get there. Keep us in your prayers.
Paul
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