Today was our last day in Ougadougou. With much, much less team baggage left to pack, Dave the luggage man retained more sanity than our first flight here. Now, with the luggage ready and lunch (or dinner as our Canadian missionary friends call it) completely cleaned up, we wait until we board the vehicles that will take us to the airport. Currently, we are scheduled for take off somewhere around 9 pm Burkina time, landing somewhere around 6 am in Paris. After a 10 hour layover adventure in Paris, we take off around 4 pm Paris time to arrive in D.C. around 7 pm. We as a team thank you very much for your thoughts and prayers throughout our trip. Your support has been much appreciated, especially throughout the rougher parts of our day. We ask you for your continued prayer as we fly home today and tomorrow. And, we would love to tell you our hours-worth of stories when we get back home!
See you then and thanks for everything,
Jeff
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Monday, January 26, 2009
A day to relax
Hello Everyone,
Last night we enjoyed a delicious buffet at a Moroccan restaurant with the Dartnells, one of the missionary families that has been very helpful to us here in Ouaga.
This morning we got a tour of the International School of Ouagadougou, which is right across the street from the SIM guesthouse. Later we took taxis to the artisan market to do some shopping. This afternoon some of us worked on finishing up project reports and class journals. We also had a lot of free time for reading and relaxing. Tonight we plan on enjoying some ice-cream that we found at a corner store and playing games together.
We look forward to seeing you soon!
-Julie
Last night we enjoyed a delicious buffet at a Moroccan restaurant with the Dartnells, one of the missionary families that has been very helpful to us here in Ouaga.
This morning we got a tour of the International School of Ouagadougou, which is right across the street from the SIM guesthouse. Later we took taxis to the artisan market to do some shopping. This afternoon some of us worked on finishing up project reports and class journals. We also had a lot of free time for reading and relaxing. Tonight we plan on enjoying some ice-cream that we found at a corner store and playing games together.
We look forward to seeing you soon!
-Julie
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Back in Ouaga!
Friends & Family,
After 3 weeks in Burkina Faso we are almost done! We arrived back in Ouaga safely after only 3 ½ hours of travel. This was about half of the time we anticipated for our drive so that was a pleasant surprise. Dave arrived safely as well from Mahadaga with a local Burkinabe (Daniel) who accompanied him for the 9 hours of travel. Dave said it was a great experience!
Our week in Nindangou was a ton of fun and very productive. Not only did the pastors and their wives learn adding, subtracting, multiplication, and division but they also learned to record the tithes their churches received and the expenses they had to pay out. The pastors also came to us during the afternoon on Friday and thanked us again and told us that they really appreciated what we had taught and that it cleared up a lot of issues in the church as far as using the tithe money was concerned. They asked us if they built a house for us if we would stay. Bill Stragger told them our parents might miss us a bit so probably not.
Many of the members on our team also enjoyed playing soccer, driving a motorcycle, and riding a donkey. Some also participated in “choir practice” which involved singing, lots of clapping, and a little bit of dancing. The Burkinabe women enjoyed our efforts as we tried to keep up with them.
Everyone enjoyed taking a nice long warm shower once arriving back in Ouaga – for many the first warm one in 2 ½ weeks. We also appreciate that we no longer need a big bucket of water to flush the toilet, wash dishes, and take a shower.
This morning there were many different options for church – an international church, a catholic mass, and a SIM church so everyone headed in different directions. This afternoon we will be having our last lecture and we will also be writing some reports about our projects here.
Hope everyone is staying warm at home! We will be seeing you soon.
-Rebekah
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Joy-Filled Servants
January 22, 2009
Our days are dwindling. The team's work in Nindangou went very well. Various team members presented or assisted at the finance workshop today. Bekah introduced the concept of keeping a ledger for incoming money. The pastors appreciated the practical advice and organization. Joy Stregger, our missionary hostess, and her son Martin drove to Paella because Martin had to take an exam. Jackie went with them. They will spend the night at the SIM compound in Piela to talk to the nutritionists about the moranga project. The Stregger's led the team on a trip to the cliffs and looked for pieces of old pottery. Julie will lead our devotions tonight as we finish the remaining chapters of Hebrews. Nindangou provides a wonderful location for star gazing and sharing God's will. Today, David was able to join Alfonz, one of the physical therapists, as he conducted home visits. We are beginning to talk about the trip back to Ouagadougou on Saturday. Throughout our trip the students have been joy-filled servants. As an advisor I have appreciated their spirits and their sense of adventure.
~Anita
Our days are dwindling. The team's work in Nindangou went very well. Various team members presented or assisted at the finance workshop today. Bekah introduced the concept of keeping a ledger for incoming money. The pastors appreciated the practical advice and organization. Joy Stregger, our missionary hostess, and her son Martin drove to Paella because Martin had to take an exam. Jackie went with them. They will spend the night at the SIM compound in Piela to talk to the nutritionists about the moranga project. The Stregger's led the team on a trip to the cliffs and looked for pieces of old pottery. Julie will lead our devotions tonight as we finish the remaining chapters of Hebrews. Nindangou provides a wonderful location for star gazing and sharing God's will. Today, David was able to join Alfonz, one of the physical therapists, as he conducted home visits. We are beginning to talk about the trip back to Ouagadougou on Saturday. Throughout our trip the students have been joy-filled servants. As an advisor I have appreciated their spirits and their sense of adventure.
~Anita
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Finance Workshop in Nindangou
January 21, 2009
Dear Blog Followers,
Today we woke up from yet another cool night in Nindangou. Jeff seems to be feeling better today and joined us at the workshop. After our breakfast of oatmeal we headed over to the school. We taught the pastor's multiplication and division. They seemed to be much more comfortable with the calculators. We abandoned the multiplication and division tables that we had brought with us and used a more direct method that utilized the calculator. After our delicious lunch of vegetable soup, homemade rolls and cinnamon buns we had our lecture. For dinner we will have roasted potatoes and three bean salad. We continue to be blessed by our work and the people around us. Please continue to pray for us and stay tuned for more updates.
~ Dan
Dear Blog Followers,
Today we woke up from yet another cool night in Nindangou. Jeff seems to be feeling better today and joined us at the workshop. After our breakfast of oatmeal we headed over to the school. We taught the pastor's multiplication and division. They seemed to be much more comfortable with the calculators. We abandoned the multiplication and division tables that we had brought with us and used a more direct method that utilized the calculator. After our delicious lunch of vegetable soup, homemade rolls and cinnamon buns we had our lecture. For dinner we will have roasted potatoes and three bean salad. We continue to be blessed by our work and the people around us. Please continue to pray for us and stay tuned for more updates.
~ Dan
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
We made it!
January 19, 2009
We made it! We left the house at 7 am and arrived in Nindangou at 4 pm. We got wicked dirty in the process but arrived safe and sound. We have all taken showers in the great outdoors with a bucket of refreshing water. It's so wonderful to feel clean! Mrs. Stregger has so kindly been preparing dinner for us as we have been setting up our cots with bug nets in their courtyard. We are excited to the max to sleep under the stars. Tomorrow we will begin Day 1 of our pastors' math/finance workshop. Today, David installed motor protectors on the two remaining electric tricycles. Tomorrow he will finish the motor protector project by testing the performance and functionality of the protectors just installed. We are so thankful for each one of you and your prayers. Hope you are all well and staying warm.
-Katie O.
We made it! We left the house at 7 am and arrived in Nindangou at 4 pm. We got wicked dirty in the process but arrived safe and sound. We have all taken showers in the great outdoors with a bucket of refreshing water. It's so wonderful to feel clean! Mrs. Stregger has so kindly been preparing dinner for us as we have been setting up our cots with bug nets in their courtyard. We are excited to the max to sleep under the stars. Tomorrow we will begin Day 1 of our pastors' math/finance workshop. Today, David installed motor protectors on the two remaining electric tricycles. Tomorrow he will finish the motor protector project by testing the performance and functionality of the protectors just installed. We are so thankful for each one of you and your prayers. Hope you are all well and staying warm.
-Katie O.
Church in Many Languages
January 18th, 2009
This morning we attended the church service held at the Christian School adjacent to the SIM station. The service was a mix of Gourma, French, English, and Sign Language. Even though we did not know what all of the words meant, many of the melodies were familiar. We shared "Lord I Lift Your Name on High" (with motions) in English and French. The service included prayers, about an hour of lively singing, and a sermon about self control. After lunch we began packing for our trip to Nindangou tomorrow, shelled peanuts, and made peanut brittle as a snack for tomorrow. The students helped our Burkinabe friend and helper Daniel with a church program for children this afternoon. They played African versions of tag and kick the can, as well as frisbee and badminton. Later, several local pastors came over to visit and pray for our health and for the rest of our trip. We are now waiting for the missionaries to return from the spiritual life conference in Fada, and will be sharing dinner prepared by a local women with them. The dinner includes three chickens which were given to us during the course of our stay here, as well as rice and a delicious African sauce. Most of the team leaves for Nindangou early tomorrow morning. David will remain In Maadaga a bit longer and rejoin us on Saturday in Ouaga. We will not have electricity in Nindangou, so the blog will most likely be updated only 1 - 2 times during the next week. We are grateful to God for our safety thus far, and for the many friendships we have made here.
-Kay Witt
This morning we attended the church service held at the Christian School adjacent to the SIM station. The service was a mix of Gourma, French, English, and Sign Language. Even though we did not know what all of the words meant, many of the melodies were familiar. We shared "Lord I Lift Your Name on High" (with motions) in English and French. The service included prayers, about an hour of lively singing, and a sermon about self control. After lunch we began packing for our trip to Nindangou tomorrow, shelled peanuts, and made peanut brittle as a snack for tomorrow. The students helped our Burkinabe friend and helper Daniel with a church program for children this afternoon. They played African versions of tag and kick the can, as well as frisbee and badminton. Later, several local pastors came over to visit and pray for our health and for the rest of our trip. We are now waiting for the missionaries to return from the spiritual life conference in Fada, and will be sharing dinner prepared by a local women with them. The dinner includes three chickens which were given to us during the course of our stay here, as well as rice and a delicious African sauce. Most of the team leaves for Nindangou early tomorrow morning. David will remain In Maadaga a bit longer and rejoin us on Saturday in Ouaga. We will not have electricity in Nindangou, so the blog will most likely be updated only 1 - 2 times during the next week. We are grateful to God for our safety thus far, and for the many friendships we have made here.
-Kay Witt
A Typical Saturday in Mahadaga
January 17, 2009
Today was a typical Saturday in Mahadaga. Kids went to school until noon, then played soccer all afternoon. Some of the boys are also enjoying the frisbee and badminton we taught them, which they had only seen on the Olympics. The badminton birdie has no ball anymore but still works, and they discovered that small green mangos work really well too.
It was also a typical day here for our team. When we woke up this morning, the refrigerator wasn't working, which has happened before. We have several great cooks (plus two nutritionists!) and have become adept at cooking great (at least good) meals for 13 with flexible ingredients and last minute changes. Tonight we're having chili (sort of) with homemade tortilla chips (sort of). Frozen bananas with nutella spread has become a popular dessert.
This afternoon, our lecture was up on the nearby cliffs, overlooking the village. A young boy joined us and promptly fell asleep in the middle of our circle. The students were not allowed to follow suit. The child doesn't know it, but he became an object lesson in the lecture, as well as a cute photo-op.
One of the Burkinabe teachers at the Handicap Center, Adjima, stopped by this evening to give beautiful gifts of African fabric to four of the team members who have been working with him all week in his classroom. Those of us who received them were touched and flattered, and we'll be wearing the fabric to church tomorrow. Our group will sing 'Lord I lift your name on High' for the Gourma congregation, in both French and English.
Tomorrow after church, we'll be busy packing up, saying goodbye, and getting ready to go to Nindangou, the second half of our adventure. We'll update the blog tomorrow; after that, don't be surprised if you don't hear from us until next Saturday. (We'll try sending things out by phone.)
As an advisor for this trip, let me assure you that other than colds, all of the team members are healthy, eating well, and in good spirits. We have a great team: to all of you who are parents of our students, I applaud you for raising such kind and responsible men and women. They are each taking steps of faith here and seeing daily the spiritual rewards of their work.
-Angela Hare
Friday, January 16, 2009
Winding Down in Mahadaga
January 16, 2009
Hey everyone!
Things are slowly winding down here in Mahadaga. Most of the people on our team have finished up their projects here so a lot has been accomplished as you have probably been reading.
Today Aimee, Katie O., and Anita presented the picture books for the final time to a class at the Handicap Center. The children enjoyed it immensely and were sure to point out pictures of themselves or others they knew when they came up. Children from outside of the classroom were coming in too to see what all of the excitement was about. The description of the picture book was read by Bethany in French and the teacher of the class signed it for those children who were deaf. After this, about half of the people on our team went to various Braille classes to observe. The children in these classes were very assiduous and the teachers were great with the children. We also spent some time playing with children.
Kay and Jackie went to see baby weighing at the dispensary this morning as well. They saw many babies being weighed and enjoyed the experience. It was a check for the babies to see if they were malnourished. Babies who are identified as malnourished will then stay a couple days to get nutrition supplements.
This afternoon a small game of Frisbee was started with the children. This game was followed by some children accompanying some of us to the cliffs for a couple hours to explore. Later on our math team brought some supplies to the handicap center such as games and a BeeBot (educational technology for the classroom).
I hope all is going well back at home!
God bless,
Rebekah
Hey everyone!
Things are slowly winding down here in Mahadaga. Most of the people on our team have finished up their projects here so a lot has been accomplished as you have probably been reading.
Today Aimee, Katie O., and Anita presented the picture books for the final time to a class at the Handicap Center. The children enjoyed it immensely and were sure to point out pictures of themselves or others they knew when they came up. Children from outside of the classroom were coming in too to see what all of the excitement was about. The description of the picture book was read by Bethany in French and the teacher of the class signed it for those children who were deaf. After this, about half of the people on our team went to various Braille classes to observe. The children in these classes were very assiduous and the teachers were great with the children. We also spent some time playing with children.
Kay and Jackie went to see baby weighing at the dispensary this morning as well. They saw many babies being weighed and enjoyed the experience. It was a check for the babies to see if they were malnourished. Babies who are identified as malnourished will then stay a couple days to get nutrition supplements.
This afternoon a small game of Frisbee was started with the children. This game was followed by some children accompanying some of us to the cliffs for a couple hours to explore. Later on our math team brought some supplies to the handicap center such as games and a BeeBot (educational technology for the classroom).
I hope all is going well back at home!
God bless,
Rebekah
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Quiet Compound
January 15, 2009
Greetings everyone! Today begins our time in the compound alone because the missionaries and their families went to a conference in Fada.
All of us students begun our day leaving at 5:45am for the sunrise. We walked briskly across the field and climbed up the rocky slope of the cliffs and perched on rocks. We looked out to the horizon and the sky was pretty bright, with a little faint pink. I was a little worried that we'd missed sunrise, but 10 minutes later the sun popped up. It changed from light orange, to bright orange, to bright pink. The sunrise was quite nice, as was the starry sky last night.
The rest of the morning was pretty relaxing for some of us because school wasn't in session. It was market day (more on that later) so the Handicapped Center had apprenticeship (ie. the students working on sewing, weaving, wood cutting, etc.) but no real classes to visit. Dave, Jeff and Dan worked on the electric trike and I learned a little bit about the trikes by translating for Moussa and Dave. Several others went along with Katie Patton and Daniel to complete the last of the surveys.
Katie O and Aimee had a really good time (and some adventures) going on home visits with the physical therapists. They enjoyed riding mopeds, attempting to pound millet, trying an interesting powdery "fruit" (baobob), and holding young children. And what do you know...they BOTH got peed on! "Not just a little dribble....it took 15 minutes to dry," they say! Also they brought home a rooster who we named Herbert, to join our collection of a hen named Ricky (we didn't know it was a hen at the time) and a rooster named Franz. Sunday's dinner will be delicous!
The rest of us spent the afternoon outdoors as well. The boys tried playing hackey sack with some kids that were hanging around near our house, but we decided to switch to Frisbee. It went over quite well. A few children knew how to throw a Frisbee and we taught some more. We had a blast trying to dodge the clotheslines and trees, play in skirts/dresses (some of us), and encourage sharing.
We were then accompanied by Daniel again (our very helpful and knowledgeable guide and friend) to the market. Not only does traffic pick up on the road, with people of all ages riding on mopeds, bicycles, an occasional truck, or a donkey cart, but there are lots of people walking (usually with things on their head). We were 11 in total and were often getting in the way, especially in the market because we tried to stick together. Daniel led us through the market which can best be described as a crowded flea market and garage sale. They had heaps of clothes, buckets, various types of food, piles of flip flops and sandals, pottery, jewelry, bike parts, cloth for skirts, and much more. It was organized by what people were selling, but that didn't help us much. People were going everywhere, and it was quite interesting (for us to be there and for them to watch us).
Now we are settling down to a hopefully quiet evening in the compound. Keep us in your prayers as we reach the end of our time in Mahadaga, and for the teachers, students and people who work at the Center, as they have touched a special place in our hearts even in the relatively short time that we have been here.
Blessings!
-Bethany
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Toh and Other Updates
January 14, 2009
Last night we got to taste, toh, the staple food of Mahadaga. One of the local women, who has prepared a couple of our other meals, made it. It looked almost like purple playdough. We ate it along with a vegetable sauce. It was good to try, but it wasn't our favorite.
Today we continued working on our projects. Dave repaired an electric trike. Jackie and Dr. Witt went on a home visit. At one home, they saw two girls walking, who, just weeks ago, were unable to. Katie P, Dr. Hare, and Daniel completed 3 more family surveys; they have now talked to families from the two main ethnic groups here. Bethany helped Katie P. with her project by asking some children at the Handicap Center about their experiences at school.
Bethany also helped Anita, Katie O., and I at the library at the Handicap Center by translating what the librarian, Louise, said. We learned how the library is used and organized. Anita, Katie O., and I also filmed Adjima, one of the teachers at the school, doing the sign language for our book. He was great - so enthusiastic!
We had devotions at the top of the cliffs today. Bekah played guitar for us while we sang, and we practiced a song we'll be singing at church on Sunday.
Aimee
Last night we got to taste, toh, the staple food of Mahadaga. One of the local women, who has prepared a couple of our other meals, made it. It looked almost like purple playdough. We ate it along with a vegetable sauce. It was good to try, but it wasn't our favorite.
Today we continued working on our projects. Dave repaired an electric trike. Jackie and Dr. Witt went on a home visit. At one home, they saw two girls walking, who, just weeks ago, were unable to. Katie P, Dr. Hare, and Daniel completed 3 more family surveys; they have now talked to families from the two main ethnic groups here. Bethany helped Katie P. with her project by asking some children at the Handicap Center about their experiences at school.
Bethany also helped Anita, Katie O., and I at the library at the Handicap Center by translating what the librarian, Louise, said. We learned how the library is used and organized. Anita, Katie O., and I also filmed Adjima, one of the teachers at the school, doing the sign language for our book. He was great - so enthusiastic!
We had devotions at the top of the cliffs today. Bekah played guitar for us while we sang, and we practiced a song we'll be singing at church on Sunday.
Aimee
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Our Eleventh Day
January 13, 2009
Hi everyone -
Today is our eleventh day in Burkina Faso and we are really enjoying our time here! Julie, Bethany and Jeff went with some physical therapists to make home visits for families who cannot bring their children to the medical center. They saw children learn sign language and others practice standing and stretching their legs. Dave continued to work on the tricycles and he and Jeff got to play a game with some of the boys who live near the compound. Bekah and Dan continued to help Matt with the financial work, and they have created a program to develop financial statements in a short amount of time. Aimee, Katie O and Anita worked on their picture book for the library and talked with one of the teachers about video taping him talk in sign language. Dr. Witt and Jackie watched local women cook today, and they cooked an excellent stir-fry lunch. Dr. Hare and I talked with two more families with the help of our translator, Daniel, and we got to see a baby that was born yesterday. I was so neat to see people cook and work in their compounds. They were very hospitable to us, and we even got to talk with some children about their school. We have a prayer meeting tonight with the missionaries, and then it will probably be an early night so that we can be up bright and early tomorrow :)
Katie P
Hi everyone -
Today is our eleventh day in Burkina Faso and we are really enjoying our time here! Julie, Bethany and Jeff went with some physical therapists to make home visits for families who cannot bring their children to the medical center. They saw children learn sign language and others practice standing and stretching their legs. Dave continued to work on the tricycles and he and Jeff got to play a game with some of the boys who live near the compound. Bekah and Dan continued to help Matt with the financial work, and they have created a program to develop financial statements in a short amount of time. Aimee, Katie O and Anita worked on their picture book for the library and talked with one of the teachers about video taping him talk in sign language. Dr. Witt and Jackie watched local women cook today, and they cooked an excellent stir-fry lunch. Dr. Hare and I talked with two more families with the help of our translator, Daniel, and we got to see a baby that was born yesterday. I was so neat to see people cook and work in their compounds. They were very hospitable to us, and we even got to talk with some children about their school. We have a prayer meeting tonight with the missionaries, and then it will probably be an early night so that we can be up bright and early tomorrow :)
Katie P
Monday, January 12, 2009
A Productive Day
January 12, 2009
We had a productive day today. We began our day with a worship service with the teachers from the Handicapped School. Afterwards, Aimee, Katie O and Anita inventoried the library and set up the space for our literacy project. Later Bethany and Julie joined the group and assisted with the language experience process. It went exceedingly well! The students were engaged and interested in participating in the shared reading and text creation. The time ended with playful dancing. Kay and Jackie shadowed a young mother and videotaped her cooking routines. They are building their data day by day. Julie visited some of the wells her brother established in the past. Dan and Bekah made home visits to seven homes with the therapist from the clinic. Bekah got to hold a baby and pound millets (not at the same time - she is talented but that is a bit much!) It was a long day for them (8-3). Others are hoping to do the same in coming days. Katie P, Angela, and Jeff began home surveys today. They realized that this was time intensive but very rewarding work. As a way of thanking the people, Katie took pictures with a Polaroid camera to give the participants a picture of themselves. This gift was a warmly received. Dave continued to work on his trike project by putting on a parking brake on the trike. He also helped Matt and Dale with the water pump. After lunch (stuffing, bean salad, and fruit), most of the team participated in the Teachers' Workshop. As we walked to the school with the materials, we were joined by a number of children returning to school after Siesta. They insisted on taking our materials and carrying them for us. How kind the children are! The workshoop was a most rewarding time. The teachers were engaged and interested in the presentations. Despite some language barriers, we found ourselves laughing together and participating in conversations about teaching.
Now we are preparing for dinner. It smells wonderful so I am off to enjoy the meal. We thank all of our supporters for loving and praying for us. We are truly feeling God's hand in our work and His joy continues to sustain us. Be blessed and know that all is well with our team!
Anita
We had a productive day today. We began our day with a worship service with the teachers from the Handicapped School. Afterwards, Aimee, Katie O and Anita inventoried the library and set up the space for our literacy project. Later Bethany and Julie joined the group and assisted with the language experience process. It went exceedingly well! The students were engaged and interested in participating in the shared reading and text creation. The time ended with playful dancing. Kay and Jackie shadowed a young mother and videotaped her cooking routines. They are building their data day by day. Julie visited some of the wells her brother established in the past. Dan and Bekah made home visits to seven homes with the therapist from the clinic. Bekah got to hold a baby and pound millets (not at the same time - she is talented but that is a bit much!) It was a long day for them (8-3). Others are hoping to do the same in coming days. Katie P, Angela, and Jeff began home surveys today. They realized that this was time intensive but very rewarding work. As a way of thanking the people, Katie took pictures with a Polaroid camera to give the participants a picture of themselves. This gift was a warmly received. Dave continued to work on his trike project by putting on a parking brake on the trike. He also helped Matt and Dale with the water pump. After lunch (stuffing, bean salad, and fruit), most of the team participated in the Teachers' Workshop. As we walked to the school with the materials, we were joined by a number of children returning to school after Siesta. They insisted on taking our materials and carrying them for us. How kind the children are! The workshoop was a most rewarding time. The teachers were engaged and interested in the presentations. Despite some language barriers, we found ourselves laughing together and participating in conversations about teaching.
Now we are preparing for dinner. It smells wonderful so I am off to enjoy the meal. We thank all of our supporters for loving and praying for us. We are truly feeling God's hand in our work and His joy continues to sustain us. Be blessed and know that all is well with our team!
Anita
Sunday
January 11, 2009
Well today is Sunday and we went to church today. We had the option to go to a Fulani Church or a Gorma church. Half the group went with Betty to the Fulani Church, the pastor talked about building your house on solid ground. The other half of the team went to the Gorma church, one of the members talked about having friends and interacting with non-Christians. I attended the Gorma Church and even though I don't speak the language I hold a deep respect for these people and how well they can interpret the scriptures. After church we came back and had lunch. We had bread for PB&J sandwiches, sliced tomato with tuna in the middle, and lots of fruit. After lunch some of us went back up to the cliffs and did some more exploring while the others found a quite place to read and write. We also had our third lecture today in which we talked about the theology of poverty. For dinner we ate goat and couscous along with other staple foods like bread and fruit. Continue to pray for us and for the people we are serving. ~Dan
Well today is Sunday and we went to church today. We had the option to go to a Fulani Church or a Gorma church. Half the group went with Betty to the Fulani Church, the pastor talked about building your house on solid ground. The other half of the team went to the Gorma church, one of the members talked about having friends and interacting with non-Christians. I attended the Gorma Church and even though I don't speak the language I hold a deep respect for these people and how well they can interpret the scriptures. After church we came back and had lunch. We had bread for PB&J sandwiches, sliced tomato with tuna in the middle, and lots of fruit. After lunch some of us went back up to the cliffs and did some more exploring while the others found a quite place to read and write. We also had our third lecture today in which we talked about the theology of poverty. For dinner we ate goat and couscous along with other staple foods like bread and fruit. Continue to pray for us and for the people we are serving. ~Dan
A Wicked Awesome Day
January 10, 2009
Wow! What a wicked awesome day today!
We started out the morning a little later today. Bethany and Dr. Hare sat in on a teacher workshop at the Handicap Center with others went to explore a near-by cave in the cliffs right in our backyard here in Mahadaga. We were escorted by a Burkinabe native, Daniel, who is learning English while many of us are learning French. :)
For lunch today we went to the Hunting Lodge with the missionaries here and our team. The lodge was made with a thatched roof and traditional African fabric above our heads attached to the thatched roof. There were antelope skulls hanging on the walls, as a foreshadowing of our meal. We had salad, French bread, french fries, antelope, and an orange for desert. Some of us described the meal as "very tasty game" and others said they loved the fries. :) A team of hunters arrived back from their hunting expedition (uniform and all) while we were eating, with a treat roped in the bed of the truck. a HUGE dead water buffalo! I wanna know who had the pleasure of sitting right next to the soon-to-be-meal. It made our rare meat seem even more authentic.
After our meal we headed over to the cliffs with one of the missionary families, Shannon Jayson, and our new local Burkinabe friend, Daniel. What a gorgeous hike through the African terrain! God's creation is most definitely so breathtaking. We saw monkeys scampering in cliffs ahead, enjoyed climbing the rocks up to the waterfalls, and photographing the scenery along the way. It was a great time to spend together as a team and with the missionaries and local Burkinabe children.
Tonight we will be celebrating Bekah's 21st birthday (Happy Happy Birthday, Bekah!!) with confetti cake, chocolate frosting (ordered ahead of time by the birthday girl herself), topped with candles. Yum, yum!
After dinner we have been invited to participate in the missionaries' game night. It was so great interacting with them during lunch today, and we are looking forward to spend some more time with them tonight. They have graciously shared their stories with us (even the ones about their spider, snake, and scorpion experiences. so thankful for bug nets!!).
We are all looking forward to attending church tomorrow morning and the weeks ahead! We appreciate all your prayers so much!
Love and prayers from the other side of the world.
Katie O for the Burkina team
Wow! What a wicked awesome day today!
We started out the morning a little later today. Bethany and Dr. Hare sat in on a teacher workshop at the Handicap Center with others went to explore a near-by cave in the cliffs right in our backyard here in Mahadaga. We were escorted by a Burkinabe native, Daniel, who is learning English while many of us are learning French. :)
For lunch today we went to the Hunting Lodge with the missionaries here and our team. The lodge was made with a thatched roof and traditional African fabric above our heads attached to the thatched roof. There were antelope skulls hanging on the walls, as a foreshadowing of our meal. We had salad, French bread, french fries, antelope, and an orange for desert. Some of us described the meal as "very tasty game" and others said they loved the fries. :) A team of hunters arrived back from their hunting expedition (uniform and all) while we were eating, with a treat roped in the bed of the truck. a HUGE dead water buffalo! I wanna know who had the pleasure of sitting right next to the soon-to-be-meal. It made our rare meat seem even more authentic.
After our meal we headed over to the cliffs with one of the missionary families, Shannon Jayson, and our new local Burkinabe friend, Daniel. What a gorgeous hike through the African terrain! God's creation is most definitely so breathtaking. We saw monkeys scampering in cliffs ahead, enjoyed climbing the rocks up to the waterfalls, and photographing the scenery along the way. It was a great time to spend together as a team and with the missionaries and local Burkinabe children.
Tonight we will be celebrating Bekah's 21st birthday (Happy Happy Birthday, Bekah!!) with confetti cake, chocolate frosting (ordered ahead of time by the birthday girl herself), topped with candles. Yum, yum!
After dinner we have been invited to participate in the missionaries' game night. It was so great interacting with them during lunch today, and we are looking forward to spend some more time with them tonight. They have graciously shared their stories with us (even the ones about their spider, snake, and scorpion experiences. so thankful for bug nets!!).
We are all looking forward to attending church tomorrow morning and the weeks ahead! We appreciate all your prayers so much!
Love and prayers from the other side of the world.
Katie O for the Burkina team
The First Big Work Day in Mahadaga
January 9, 2009
Hello all, sorry you're going to be receiving two blogs today (probably) instead of one yesterday and one today. I had hoped to get this out yesterday, but once the time to send out e-mails passes, it has to wait until the next day. Anyways, today (Friday) was a great day for getting work done. This morning 9 of us went to observe some classes at the Handicap Center - two groups went to classes for deaf children while my group (Julie, Dan, and I) went to a class for the blind. The kids for the most part were very well behaved. As far as I could tell with my horrible understanding of French, our teacher read a short story about a person or two people, asked them questions about the story, and had them repeat certain phrases from the story to help them learn French. They also worked on writing Braille with special boards. Finally, before the break, they worked on their math, which they seemed to struggle with a bit. The kids had to take four objects (rocks, cardboard blocks, etc.) and make four a few different ways (two and two, one and three, three and one). Other groups learned a little bit of international/French sign language in their classes. Dave worked in the shop all day on the trike project, playing with the chain tensioner and testing it out on the road (all the while gaining a group of 50ish children behind him). Dan and Bekah have also begun to help with some organization of the accounting system to make data more easily available when needed.
Later, some of us went exploring random small paths that go off the main road. Along the way, we were charting out the locations of various family complexes. Katie P will then take a random sample from our random paths to begin her survey for her project. Much later, and after a slight battle between Dave, some Raid (insect poison),and I and some termites/ants outside the main house, we met with a missionary named Betty (for worried parents - it wasn't really a battle). She has been here for over 50 years, coming to Burkina Faso when she was only 26ish years old! Also tonight (Friday night) Angela, Bethany, and I met with the Handicap Center teachers. We presented the various items such as a Braille printer, a book for the blind, and such that we had packed away for them. Also at that time, we showed them the little educational robots (Beebot, Probot) and talked about how they could be precursors to something our engineers could make in the future. Tomorrow (today) we will have a more extensive meeting with (I think) even more teachers from the area to present our ideas. Finally, at the end of the day, we had a wonderful meal of chicken, rice (with a Cabbage/Peanut oil based sauce on top), garlic bread, and pineapple. Also with us for our meal were Betty, her friend Mary, and a Burkinabe young adult named Daniel. And.that about brings you up to speed for Friday. I hope that you didn't mind my lateness or the length of my post! Thanks for reading and please continue to keep us in your prayers.
-Jeff
P.S. - If you need/want to contact the team while we are here, we get/receive email once a day. The email address here is mcj09@simbf.uuplus.com. Make sure, though, that you put the name of the person you are sending it to in the title of the email so that we can sort them easily. Thanks!
Hello all, sorry you're going to be receiving two blogs today (probably) instead of one yesterday and one today. I had hoped to get this out yesterday, but once the time to send out e-mails passes, it has to wait until the next day. Anyways, today (Friday) was a great day for getting work done. This morning 9 of us went to observe some classes at the Handicap Center - two groups went to classes for deaf children while my group (Julie, Dan, and I) went to a class for the blind. The kids for the most part were very well behaved. As far as I could tell with my horrible understanding of French, our teacher read a short story about a person or two people, asked them questions about the story, and had them repeat certain phrases from the story to help them learn French. They also worked on writing Braille with special boards. Finally, before the break, they worked on their math, which they seemed to struggle with a bit. The kids had to take four objects (rocks, cardboard blocks, etc.) and make four a few different ways (two and two, one and three, three and one). Other groups learned a little bit of international/French sign language in their classes. Dave worked in the shop all day on the trike project, playing with the chain tensioner and testing it out on the road (all the while gaining a group of 50ish children behind him). Dan and Bekah have also begun to help with some organization of the accounting system to make data more easily available when needed.
Later, some of us went exploring random small paths that go off the main road. Along the way, we were charting out the locations of various family complexes. Katie P will then take a random sample from our random paths to begin her survey for her project. Much later, and after a slight battle between Dave, some Raid (insect poison),and I and some termites/ants outside the main house, we met with a missionary named Betty (for worried parents - it wasn't really a battle). She has been here for over 50 years, coming to Burkina Faso when she was only 26ish years old! Also tonight (Friday night) Angela, Bethany, and I met with the Handicap Center teachers. We presented the various items such as a Braille printer, a book for the blind, and such that we had packed away for them. Also at that time, we showed them the little educational robots (Beebot, Probot) and talked about how they could be precursors to something our engineers could make in the future. Tomorrow (today) we will have a more extensive meeting with (I think) even more teachers from the area to present our ideas. Finally, at the end of the day, we had a wonderful meal of chicken, rice (with a Cabbage/Peanut oil based sauce on top), garlic bread, and pineapple. Also with us for our meal were Betty, her friend Mary, and a Burkinabe young adult named Daniel. And.that about brings you up to speed for Friday. I hope that you didn't mind my lateness or the length of my post! Thanks for reading and please continue to keep us in your prayers.
-Jeff
P.S. - If you need/want to contact the team while we are here, we get/receive email once a day. The email address here is mcj09@simbf.uuplus.com. Make sure, though, that you put the name of the person you are sending it to in the title of the email so that we can sort them easily. Thanks!
Thursday, January 8, 2009
First Day in Mahadaga
January 8, 2009
This morning we got a tour of the missionary compound and the handicap center. It was market day, so classes weren't in session at the handicap center school, but we got to look into the classrooms and see the students' apprenticeship activities, such as leatherwork, weaving, tie-dying, and wood-working. We also saw the mango-drying facility and the physical therapy.
During the afternoon "sieste" some of us decided to explore the cliffs that are behind the compound. We climbed up to the top of the cliffs (a fairly easy climb) and got a great view of the countryside, as well as a nice breeze that cooled us off. --Julie
This morning we got a tour of the missionary compound and the handicap center. It was market day, so classes weren't in session at the handicap center school, but we got to look into the classrooms and see the students' apprenticeship activities, such as leatherwork, weaving, tie-dying, and wood-working. We also saw the mango-drying facility and the physical therapy.
During the afternoon "sieste" some of us decided to explore the cliffs that are behind the compound. We climbed up to the top of the cliffs (a fairly easy climb) and got a great view of the countryside, as well as a nice breeze that cooled us off. --Julie
Trip To Mahadaga
January 7, 2009
Our trip to Mahadaga was quite an adventure. We planned to get an early start, but ended up leaving Ouaga an hour and a half later, due to our van drivers being on "Africa time." The van was very loaded down, with all of our luggage, plus the thirteen of us and the two drivers. We drove for about three hours and arrived in Fada, which is halfway to Mahadaga, at lunchtime. We ate the sandwiches and apples that we had packed ahead of time. Then we got back into the van for the second, and significantly longer, leg of our journey.
Along the way, we got a good feel for the landscape in Burkina. It is composed of dry grasses, scrubby bushes, and a variety of trees, all of which are growing in dry red soil. We saw lots of small huts, and we drove through small towns from time to time. We saw many interesting sights: women effortlessly carrying baskets on their heads; little boys herding cattle, which are all scrawny and have humps on their backs; children selling food along the road; a man riding a bike with chickens hanging upside down from the handlebars; trucks hauling large numbers of animals, with people riding on top; donkeys and goats walking across the road in front of us; piles of cotton that had just been harvested. A couple of us were even lucky enough to see a lion!
After we left Fada, we drove for about two more hours, and then we left the paved road and began to bump along the dusty dirt road that would complete our journey to Mahadaga. The road was not too bad at first, but it became more and more full of potholes as we continued, which caused us to have to go slower and slower. Considering the weight that the van was carrying, it was amazing that we didn't blow out a tire. Despite our slow pace, the jolting was not terribly comfortable, so we decided to sing to pass the time. We sang through all of the Bible school songs that we could think of and then started on hymns and other songs.
After ten hours of driving, we finally arrived in Mahadaga. We were covered in red dust and rather tired and sore from the long bumpy ride. We were greeted by missionaries Matt and Julie, Dale and Florence, Jason and Shannon, and Betty. Dale had prepared a wonderful dinner of chili, rice, and tortillas, with chocolate cake and homemade ice-cream (thanks to Betty) for dessert. We got settled into our houses (we are staying in four different houses) and were able to take a refreshing shower, after which we felt much better and looked several shades lighter! --Julie
Our trip to Mahadaga was quite an adventure. We planned to get an early start, but ended up leaving Ouaga an hour and a half later, due to our van drivers being on "Africa time." The van was very loaded down, with all of our luggage, plus the thirteen of us and the two drivers. We drove for about three hours and arrived in Fada, which is halfway to Mahadaga, at lunchtime. We ate the sandwiches and apples that we had packed ahead of time. Then we got back into the van for the second, and significantly longer, leg of our journey.
Along the way, we got a good feel for the landscape in Burkina. It is composed of dry grasses, scrubby bushes, and a variety of trees, all of which are growing in dry red soil. We saw lots of small huts, and we drove through small towns from time to time. We saw many interesting sights: women effortlessly carrying baskets on their heads; little boys herding cattle, which are all scrawny and have humps on their backs; children selling food along the road; a man riding a bike with chickens hanging upside down from the handlebars; trucks hauling large numbers of animals, with people riding on top; donkeys and goats walking across the road in front of us; piles of cotton that had just been harvested. A couple of us were even lucky enough to see a lion!
After we left Fada, we drove for about two more hours, and then we left the paved road and began to bump along the dusty dirt road that would complete our journey to Mahadaga. The road was not too bad at first, but it became more and more full of potholes as we continued, which caused us to have to go slower and slower. Considering the weight that the van was carrying, it was amazing that we didn't blow out a tire. Despite our slow pace, the jolting was not terribly comfortable, so we decided to sing to pass the time. We sang through all of the Bible school songs that we could think of and then started on hymns and other songs.
After ten hours of driving, we finally arrived in Mahadaga. We were covered in red dust and rather tired and sore from the long bumpy ride. We were greeted by missionaries Matt and Julie, Dale and Florence, Jason and Shannon, and Betty. Dale had prepared a wonderful dinner of chili, rice, and tortillas, with chocolate cake and homemade ice-cream (thanks to Betty) for dessert. We got settled into our houses (we are staying in four different houses) and were able to take a refreshing shower, after which we felt much better and looked several shades lighter! --Julie
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Third Day in Ouagadougou
January 6, 2009
Our second day was quite busy as we had to make last minute preparations before we head to the village of Mahadaga tomorrow morning. This morning started with a bountiful breakfast of oatmeal, eggs and fresh bread.
After breakfast we had our daily devotional time, continuing to work through the book of Hebrews. As soon as our devotion time ended everyone was out and about getting things done. Julie, Katie P. and Jackie went on a large grocery shopping trip at the local grocery store to gather all the food our team will need for the remainder of the trip. Dr.Hare and Dan took a trip to the bank to exchange the remainder of our team’s money and then to to the store to pick up slates for the workshop in Nindangou. K.Witt and Jackie were able to communicate with SIM staff about local culture and child nutrition. Jeff and I went to the market to buy the remainder of the bicycle parts needed for the tricycle projects that I will be working on in Mahadaga.
Later in the afternoon Dr. Voelker led our first lecture on the assigned reading book, Walking with the Poor by Bryant Myers. During the lecture we shared our journal entries for the first day in Ouagadougou and had a reflection time on the topic of “repairing the world.” The evening concluded with a discussion of our 7-9 hour, cramped, dusty…..VERY dusty road trip to the village of Mahadaga and a wonderful dinner of meatloaf, potatoes and green beans.
~David
Our second day was quite busy as we had to make last minute preparations before we head to the village of Mahadaga tomorrow morning. This morning started with a bountiful breakfast of oatmeal, eggs and fresh bread.
After breakfast we had our daily devotional time, continuing to work through the book of Hebrews. As soon as our devotion time ended everyone was out and about getting things done. Julie, Katie P. and Jackie went on a large grocery shopping trip at the local grocery store to gather all the food our team will need for the remainder of the trip. Dr.Hare and Dan took a trip to the bank to exchange the remainder of our team’s money and then to to the store to pick up slates for the workshop in Nindangou. K.Witt and Jackie were able to communicate with SIM staff about local culture and child nutrition. Jeff and I went to the market to buy the remainder of the bicycle parts needed for the tricycle projects that I will be working on in Mahadaga.
Later in the afternoon Dr. Voelker led our first lecture on the assigned reading book, Walking with the Poor by Bryant Myers. During the lecture we shared our journal entries for the first day in Ouagadougou and had a reflection time on the topic of “repairing the world.” The evening concluded with a discussion of our 7-9 hour, cramped, dusty…..VERY dusty road trip to the village of Mahadaga and a wonderful dinner of meatloaf, potatoes and green beans.
~David
Photo Album Link
Photo Album Link for some of the pictures taken so far:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2055036&l=86762&id=55303267
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2055036&l=86762&id=55303267
Monday, January 5, 2009
Second Day in Ouagadougou
Our first full day in Ouagadougou was incredible! We spent the day going on several outings to gather supplies for our projects and the rest of our time in the country. I started the day by going to get bread from a bakery down the street. Just walking down the street here is truly an experience for all the senses! I saw men chopping raw chickens at a roadside stand while other chickens strutted unsuspectingly at their feet, smelled baking bread and smoke, heard the voices of children playing in the sidewalk amidst the drone of moped engines, and felt the dust from the roadside on my sandaled feet. I was also struck by the many vibrant colors, especially of the women's clothing and the beautiful plants peeping out over compound walls. Burkina Faso is incredibly beautiful and very alive. Other outings included going to the bank, finding bicycle parts for the handicap tricycle project, visiting a local church, and purchasing groceries. Upon leaving the compound at one point, we encountered a man atop a very large camel, which is unusual even in Burkina. People here are very friendly and willing to help. The lady who sells us vegetables offered to find us all the vegetables we need for Mahadaga and Nindangou, and other vendors have offered to have items not in stock available for us the next morning. They are also very patient as we practice using French! Three of us also had the opportunity to see a Moringa tree in a nearby missionary's compound. The leaves of this plant are the focus of the study we are hoping to help set up.
For lunch today, we ate at the International School of Ouagadougou, which is directly across the street from the SIM compound, and had a great selection of American and French items. For dinner we made a stir fry of vegetables sold to us from a lady who sets up shop right inside our compound.
Tomorrow we will continue to collect supplies for our trip to Mahadaga and Nindangou and make preparations.
-Jackie V.
For lunch today, we ate at the International School of Ouagadougou, which is directly across the street from the SIM compound, and had a great selection of American and French items. For dinner we made a stir fry of vegetables sold to us from a lady who sets up shop right inside our compound.
Tomorrow we will continue to collect supplies for our trip to Mahadaga and Nindangou and make preparations.
-Jackie V.
Sunday, January 4, 2009
We are here! We arrived in Ouagadougou today at 5:15 with all of our luggage and without a problem. God answered our prayers for a safe trip. We are now at the SIM Missionary Compound and have the rest of the evening free. After some difficulty with starting the ovens we managed to cook our dinner of pizza and were also blessed with soup, bread, and cake the missionaries made for us. We were able to enjoy our first meal in Burkina Faso. After 25 hours of traveling everyone here is looking pretty tired and ready to hit the sack. Tomorrow Jackie will be updating the blog to tell about our first day of adventures in Ouagadougou.
-Rebekah
-Rebekah
Friday, January 2, 2009
Packing Pictures and Itinerary
Families and Friends,
We have spent the whole day preparing for our departure tomorrow. Our team has been packing the supplies, running to the grocery store, making copies for the finance workshop as well as many other things. Needless to say we have been very busy.
Thanks to everyone for your prayers and support throughout our preparation process!
Please continue to keep us in your prayers throughout the next month.
Talk to you in
-Rebekah
Also, here is the itinerary for our trip:
January 3: (Saturday) Fly out of
January 4: (Sunday) Arrive in Ouaga in the evening. Housing at the SIM Ouaga compound
January 5-6: Food-shopping, money-changing, first course lecture
January 7: Van travel to Mahadaga, arrive by dinner
January 7-18: Live and work in Mahadaga
· Professional development workshop for primary school teachers
· Community survey of educational practices and levels
· Literacy & Library development
· Trike work
· Preliminary work on an ECHO nutritional study
· Cross-cultural course lecturers & community involvement
January 19: Van travel north to Nindangou
January 20-23: Live and work in Nindangou (primitive, sleep outdoors, cold nights) – No blogs will be posted by the team due to lack of internet!
· Finance & arithmetic workshop for pastors; 4 half-days
January 24: Travel (probably public bus) to Ouagadogou
January 25-26 Sabbath, report-writing, tourist shopping
January 27 Fly out of Ouaga (evening)
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