It is hard to believe that we have been here in Senegal for over a week now.
This last week has been nonstop: working with the Talibe boys, interracting with local teenagers at an English club, our reccent weekend trips to children's clubs in several villages, and visiting mosques and churches, all the while putting our (limited) language skills, understanding of local religions, and culture training we've had into practice.
This last weekend provided many unique experiences. We met up with a village pastor whoh works with children, both muslim and christian, teaching them about God and the Jesus from the Bible. We used puppets and skits which he translated and worked into a gospel message at three different villages. The hihglight of the weekend was visiting his church and worshiping with the villagers there who were so excited about thier faith. I have been really challenged by all of the Senegalese christians we've met who live in a country that is 95% muslim and their excitement for missions and evangelism.
This week we are doing a VBS at a local orphage.
I will hopefully be able to post some pictures in another week
thanks for keeping our team in your prayers!
Monday, May 29, 2006
Thursday, May 25, 2006
Asalaa Maalekum (Peace be with you)
Greetings from Dakar, Senegal
Our team has been here for over half a week now.
In the mornings we have language and culture lessons, which have been very helpful and fascinating. The Senegalese people are incredibly friendly and greetings usually last a few minutes. In general things are very laid back here, which is a great change of pace from finals week.
One of the highlights of my week so far has been working with the Talibe children who are students of the Koran and roam the streets begging for money for their local teacher. One of the ladies who works over there has a ministry where she gives them food, first aid, and most importantly, loves them and is a welcome place off of the streets
more of this later
ba beneen yonn (see you next time)
Our team has been here for over half a week now.
In the mornings we have language and culture lessons, which have been very helpful and fascinating. The Senegalese people are incredibly friendly and greetings usually last a few minutes. In general things are very laid back here, which is a great change of pace from finals week.
One of the highlights of my week so far has been working with the Talibe children who are students of the Koran and roam the streets begging for money for their local teacher. One of the ladies who works over there has a ministry where she gives them food, first aid, and most importantly, loves them and is a welcome place off of the streets
more of this later
ba beneen yonn (see you next time)
Thursday, May 11, 2006
Clearing for Takeoff
It's hard to believe that in a week and a half I will be in Senegal with a team from Taylor University.
Three weeks of helping out with orphans and street children, setting up a VBS and teaching English will ensue as we team up with local World Venture missionaries in Dakar. Once there, we will encounter a barrage of new experiences, from coping with culture shock and jet lag, to overcoming language barriers (we will all be grateful for our four French speakers), to grappling with the realities of poverty and issues expressed by those in need.
I look forward to a time where I will be stretched to live beyond my comfort zone, and where God can work through my weaknesses and inadequecies - Rom 12:9. I am eager to be used a vessel of compassion for all of those we will encounter, especialy the little children. I am also excited because I know that in serving, we will also be ministered to as well, another reminder that it is not about us, but whom we serve. Worshiping with fellow believers of another culture and language will be awesome and I look forward to hearing their stories, being challenged and encouraged. Working with so many chidren will bring new meaning to what it means to have faith like a child. Our team verse comes from Habakkak 1:5, and I look forward to being utterly amazed at what God is and will be doing this summer.
I will try to keep you all updated throughout the summer as internet is available during my team's three weeks in Senegal and then as I travel on to Nigeria for an additional two months to work at the Rafiki Children's Center in Jos.
Please keep our team in your prayers. Pray that we will be open to new experiences, that we will have teachable, humble hearts, and that we will be overflowing with energy and joy, all of which comes from above.
Three weeks of helping out with orphans and street children, setting up a VBS and teaching English will ensue as we team up with local World Venture missionaries in Dakar. Once there, we will encounter a barrage of new experiences, from coping with culture shock and jet lag, to overcoming language barriers (we will all be grateful for our four French speakers), to grappling with the realities of poverty and issues expressed by those in need.
I look forward to a time where I will be stretched to live beyond my comfort zone, and where God can work through my weaknesses and inadequecies - Rom 12:9. I am eager to be used a vessel of compassion for all of those we will encounter, especialy the little children. I am also excited because I know that in serving, we will also be ministered to as well, another reminder that it is not about us, but whom we serve. Worshiping with fellow believers of another culture and language will be awesome and I look forward to hearing their stories, being challenged and encouraged. Working with so many chidren will bring new meaning to what it means to have faith like a child. Our team verse comes from Habakkak 1:5, and I look forward to being utterly amazed at what God is and will be doing this summer.
I will try to keep you all updated throughout the summer as internet is available during my team's three weeks in Senegal and then as I travel on to Nigeria for an additional two months to work at the Rafiki Children's Center in Jos.
Please keep our team in your prayers. Pray that we will be open to new experiences, that we will have teachable, humble hearts, and that we will be overflowing with energy and joy, all of which comes from above.
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