Posts Tagged ‘Africa’

A walk in the fields

Sunday, October 25th, 2009
Walking behind Fatou to see her peanut fields

Walking behind Fatou to see her peanut fields

When I asked if it was a long walk to her peanut field, Fatou said “no, it’s nearby”.  About halfway up the mountain I realized that our versions of “nearby” are two totally different things!  But, these are the opportunities I have prayed for; opportunities to see more of her world and be a part of it.  For my friend, her life very much involves the fields.  She is there everyday working so hard in the blazing sun to weed and harvest.  She proudly showed me her area of land and explained what was next for her to do.  I was secretly pretty thankful she didn’t want to do any work that day we were there.  She said she just wanted to show me her land.  I was really thankful for the extra time that I had with her just to talk and learn more about her family.  It’s not often that it’s just the two of us since when I visit at her house there is usually the whole family around.  So, I was able to ask more questions about her marriage and her kids.  I’m thankful for the chance to learn about her culture and continue strengthening our friendship at the same time.  Keep praying that these opportunities will continue and I will be able to share more about my faith with her.

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Family Day

Wednesday, September 30th, 2009
Cretsinger and Bryant kids

Cretsinger and Bryant kids

Sun, sand and french fries – sounds like a good day to me!  We, along with our friends, the Bryants, headed off to the beach for a day this past weekend.  I know if you look at our pictures it could seem like we go to the beach all the time.  But, it’s the only place we have to go for some family time.  There is literally nowhere else for us to spend the day.  We really needed to just relax, enjoy time with our friends, and give our kids some time with both their parents.  Even though we’re still in the middle of rainy season, we had a beautiful day.  Some day I will learn to put sunscreen on as soon as I get to the beach, but after just a 1/2 hour, I was totally burnt and have suffered for the last two days!  The hotel is barely functioning these days with no patrons, no water and no electricity, but somehow their kitchen was still open.  We had a great lunch – anytime I don’t have to cook is a great meal!  We spent the day watching the kids play football, explore the rocks, wash up on shore, and dig in the sand.  It was a great day as a family – we need those every once in a while.

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Projects on Center

Tuesday, September 29th, 2009
Steve and all helpers building the new playground

Steve and all his helpers building the new playground

I put some pictures on my facebook page the other day with some of the projects that we have been working on around the mission center.  Most of my posts on here are of things that are happening in the village and our time there.  But, we do work very hard here on the mission center and we are excited about the things that we’ve been able to be a part of since we moved here.  One of our ministries is running the Guest Home and we’ve been enjoying making some landscaping changes and creating a seating area off the back.  We’ve been installing solar panels, ceiling fans, additional lighting – all things to make everyone’s stay more comfortable.  We’re working on giving the entire Guest Home a makeover before our annual field meeting.  There’s still a lot more to be done, but we’re excited to see progress already.  Steve has also been working very hard on building a new playground here on the center.  It will be a great place for kids to play.  Our kids have loved rushing there after school to “help” Dad with the project.  There have been a few other construction projects on Steve’s plate and if you know Steve at all – you know that he is happiest with a tool in his hand. (more…)

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Ready with a camera

Tuesday, September 29th, 2009

IMG_3730I am quickly becoming the village photographer.  I love carrying my camera around when I’m in the village trying to capture life that is so different from our life in the States.  I have taken lots of pictures of different families and I’m excited to have my mom bringing them all with her.  I know that everyone in the village will love having those photos of themselves to keep.  The other night one of the teens who hangs out at our house came over over with his little sister.  He said his mom wanted us to take her picture all dressed up in her new outfit.  This is one of the pictures I took.  Isn’t she such a cutie?  I love that taking pictures is another door that God is using to make friendships with those around us.

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…Less than two months to go.

Monday, May 12th, 2008

The tickets are purchased, we’re getting ready to build the crates, our calendar is filling up…things are getting crazy. Less than two months to go! (more…)

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