Top Ten List of This Whole Sledge Hammer Incident

As many of you know, Jed has invested much into extending the deck on the house. Being the plumber's helper I was growing up, it was like second nature for me to just offer help on the building as needed. And as many of you also know, a few Saturdays ago, while helping, Johnny had a sledge hammer slip from his hand and land on my head. Needless to say it hurt and led to a trip to the ER and 3 staples to close up the wound.













Because of this injury, I enjoyed the attention from everyone and showing off my battle scars. During this time, I've given many one-liners to my injury. So, I've compiled a list of my favorite that were either off the top of my head or ones that I gave much thought to.

And heeeeeere they are....

10. "I'm not sure if it knocked something loose or knocked it back into place."
9. "Well, there's already so many holes in my head, I didn't think anyone would notice another."
8. "I haven't had anything to blog about recently, so here's another topic."
7. "This is what I get for not going into the family business."
6. "This is what I get for not letting my mama cut my hair anymore."
5. "Mama was right, I do have a hard head."
4. "Daddy was right, I am a knot head."
3. "I don't think Jed is going to like that you're saying it should have been him."
2. "Johnny was mad that I skipped out on work the day before."
1. "Considering I've been to the beach 3 weeks this summer along with sleeping past 11, being a teacher is still worth the summer break."

Cinder Block Mystery Story

Continuing the Senegal blog series, albeit 3 months later, here's the explanation to why 2 concrete cinder blocks appeared on the porch of Jed's and my house last week with a note that said "hey guys, wait a minute and I'll get you a towel" - signed Hawa:

As anyone who has a 2nd grade education, knows that Africa's climate is HOT. Not only is it hot, but dry and with very little places to go for cooling, especially during the dry season which we were there 8 years ago. Also having spent 2 years in Africa and experienced many of the same and so much more was a 2 year missionary named Anna Vaughn whose blog you will find in my blogroll. Two weeks ago we had the privilege of meeting Anna in person rather than communicating through Facebook and reading each other's blogs. While we were there at her aunt's house, we shared the interesting story of how Jed and I....how can I say this in PC terms?... responded to nature's call. Outside the hut where we were staying was a 6-foot hole with a concrete lid and tiny hole called a pit used for "responding." (Okay, I'm just gonna have to come out and say it rather than worry about offending anyone) When doing #2, it was difficult to squat down to the hole, so Jed and I set up 2 concrete cinder blocks to use for sitting on. Well, remember how I said Africa is HOT? Well, 120 degrees is how hot and in the middle of the day, one does not want to sit on concrete blocks. Well, Jed forgot that it was hot and went and sat down on the blocks and the corners of the blocks burnt Jed's hind end. So we decided to put a towel on the blocks for sitting to prevent such "rump roasts."

Anna liked this story so much she secretly put these blocks on our porch with the note and signed it with her African name, Hawa and today, we received a towel in the mail.

Thanks Anna for your thoughtfulness and remember, we'll get you back! :)

March 23, 2001, Senegal Missions

Last night, we crossed the border over into The Gambia. Jed and I stayed at "The Hilton" that is located at the home of the Austin's. This morning we left at about 8:00 to take the ferry across the Gambia river. We waited about 5 hours in line for the ferry to take us and Jim's truck across. While waiting, we went shopping at the little stores that were along the road to the ferry. Both Jed and I bought a Senegalese soccer uniform for 7500 CFA in which the seller was asking 12000 CFA in his first offer. Because we've been learning how to bargain, we dropped the price about $5.

On the way to Banjul, Gambia which is where the resort is, we had a ride worth writing about. First of all, the roads were horrible. The potholes were so many that everytime we hit one, we were tossed around like rag dolls in the truck. When we got out of the truck, I was sore from bouncing in the seats. But not only were the roads rough, but the ride was very long considering that we also got lost. When we stopped to ask directions, the people just told us to stay on the road we're on. They didn't tell us about the many forks in the road. There was not a defined main road. Somehow we made it there in one day and in one piece. On the way, we looked over to the side of the road off in the bust and saw many baboons. We stopped to see if we could get a picture but the closer we got, the more they ran away. There must have been at least 100 of them suckers.

The people here in the Gambia and at this resort, Kololi Beach, speak English. That is such a huge difference than back in Senegal. Of course, The Gambia is a former English colony and the resort is run by Englanders.

Operation Christmas Child- Letter Received

Ever since college days at North Greenville, I've filled a shoe box for Operation Christmas Child. As most of you know, I was able to actually deliver the boxes 2 years ago. But not until now have I had a response from the child that my box was delivered to. The boy's name is Boly and he is from Burkina Faso in Africa. Below the pic is the translation of the letter from French to English, thanks to my buddy Ryan and his coworker.








































Hi
How are you? I am doing well in Toma (Burkina Paso). Initially, I want to introduce myself.
My name is Boly Hamadou son of Boly Issa and Barry Adjacotou. I am a boy with black color and I am small to the size.My father is a farmer and my mother is a housewife/housekeeper and myself, I am a student secteur 3. I am in class CM1 (middle class first year). I am very happy corresponding with you because by reading the different notes I am starting to know/learn about American reality.(Had a hard time to figure out exactly what he wrote here, but something like this)
I live in a little province (Toma) of Barbina-Pase. In Bardina we have three main languages (Moore, Descula, Fafoudalle) and one official language that we learn in school which is French but my native language is Fafoudalle. In this presentation I would also like to talk you about our climate. At the present the sun is shining and the air is hot which keeps us warm. Is the sun shining where you are?
I would appreciate to get an answer to my letter, please.

March 20, 2001- Senegal

I can't remember if I mentioned that I'm thinking about typing this journal and giving it to people when I get back. (HERE IT IS!) I certainly don't want to bore anyone that reads this including myself.

Last night, we read stories 28 and 29. The stories told of how each of the prophets prophesied the coming of Christ. We told them last night the next few stories will tell of the Perfect Sacrifice and the Promised Son in the person of Jesus. I can't wait till we get to them so they can truly see why why we are here and that the reason people are not believing because they have not heard and they don't know. Their reaction last night was disappointing for me because they seemed unimpressed that Jesus in the Promised Son. To the Jews, "He's not what we expected." To me, He's a whole lot more! As I live with these people, I see some of the nicest, friendliest people anyone will ever meet and they won't hesitate to do anything for you. It hurts me to know for a fact that if they die before accepting Jesus they will spend eternity separated from God.

It's gotten even hotter as the days have gone by. Yesterday, I believe was hotter than the 122 F day 2 weeks ago. Yesterday, I believe, was very humid b/c I've never sweated so much before in my life. The flies are very pesty especially when I'm trying to sleep and when I'm doing my quiet time in the mornings and even as I write these words.

Tomorrow, the prayer walkers from California are supposed to come with Jim and Bev. It will be exciting to see some more Americans!

Lately I've been having dreams that I've been going home. But I haven't been really homesick while I've been here. I do miss Mom and Dad and Alana. I've never missed them as much before because I've always known I can get in a car and go see them. I look forward to talking to them on the phone and hearing their voices.

I'm learning so much about myself and how spiritually filthy I am. Satan even attempts to make me believe that because I have certain sins in my life means that I'm not saved. But immediately the Lord reassures me that I am His and that the prayers that I pray to Him, he hears because I am His child.

March 18, 2001- Senegal Missions

Today was Jed and my first Sunday not only in the village but the first Sunday we haven't had church in Senegal. Most of the day we played the praise tapes out in our "backyard" and sang along to the Lord. Our neighbor, the teacher, is becoming very curious about our being here and about our religion. He knows so much but maybe not the important details of who Christ is. Today, we told him the difference between us and Catholics whom the Muslims despise. Ousman also helped explain what Catholics believe versus what we believe.

Samba has been very curious as well about what the Bible says and he has been asking Ousman many questions. Samba is the 17 year old cripple and is very interested in becoming a Christian. However, because of his disability he may and will experience rejection from his family if he converts which will lead to further pain because of his need for support.

Tonight, during our storying group in our compound, a large scorpion came within a foot of Jed and my feet. We literally jumped out of our sandals while Fatoo came to the rescue and killed the sucker flat with her sandal.

In our storying group this week, we've encountered many distractions that have caused low attendance in our groups. The stories at Mbacke's are 5 behind the ones at Musa's. We just finished story #20 about Elijah and Elisha. The next one is on Jonah. Soon it will get into the New Testament.

I'm excited that we're getting into the bulk of the New Testament and in the life of Jesus. Gjibi will be back with us. The people here like to listen to him tell the stories better than Ousman because he speaks more clearly. We like him because he speaks better English than Ousman and is more fun to talk to. Tonight we really got to talk with Ousman about he and his wife who is not a Christian. When she first heard that he became a Christian, she divorced him for 2 years. Ousman tells of how Jim and Bev took him in and helped him out. She is back with him but still not a believer. He reads her the Bible and I know he prays for her. It would be great for Jim and Bev if not better for both of them financially if she becomes a believer and they both become home missionaries.

March 17, 2001- Senegal Missions

Today is Saturday, which is the 1st Saturday we've stayed in the village. The storying groups have gone slow this week because Mbacke has been to and from Kaffrine all week and has been too tired to attend. I pray that when we leave on Wednesday that they will remember where we left off when we return the next time. Our next story is 24 and the New Testament starts on number 31. The life of Jesus is very important to sharing the Gospel but also very controversial to Muslims.

Rats continue to make homes in our hut or at least use it as a visiting site. We make sure every night that no food is lying around but they seem to stay up in the roof and outside in our trash bin.

Jim and Bev are in Dakar this weekend picking up prayerwalkers that will be coming to our village and Mike's village. At nights, we've tried to pickup some English stations on the short wave radio. At around 8PM, there are several but they don't come in very clear. Of course, there are French stations but also Wolof and German, we think. I'm interested to hear about the world news but we haven't been able to listen to any reports, not even a BBC station.

Cooking has been very fun for me and Jed at nights. Last night, we cooked weenies and put them in the little buns called "tenks" that we buy in the village. They were very good and filling. We have to be cautious with the cans bcause it can be mistaken for pork which is against Muslim beliefs and we don't want to offend them. Yesterday, we had to throw away many of our carrots that we have cooked for lunch because they were rotten. But the kids just ate them all up. Right beside our compound is two baby goats that have been recently born. When we saw them, we told them to name them Babacar, after Jed, and Mataar, after me. They got a good laugh out of that. There were also 2 chicks that were born and we named them the same thing. But both of them died soon after and they laughed at that even more.