I have been back for a week now, and I am trying to organize all of my photos. I created a short video with all of my pictures and some videos. Thank you for all of your support! I hope you enjoy watching this!
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Saturday, July 25, 2009
The Best Worship is in Mali
Yesterday I had the privilege to worship at the Rahab Center in Bamako. It is run by a C&MA missionary who specifically works with prostitutes and female prisoners. Meghan and I were able to go for their weekly worship time on Friday. I sat down in the small room (which is all that the center is, but is soon to be expanded) and we started to sing. The Holy Spirit blessed us by being there. You do not know worship until you can worship with others who have experienced God's grace as much as you have, and that God is all. After a message was given, we transitioned into a prayer time, that was filled with passion and honesty. These women were so broken, but healing through the grace of God and through his provision for them. Once the service was over, we went out to the front where the women worked on their crafts for a while, making dolls and crocheting rugs. They were so kind and we had many laughs and smiles. Rahab Center is an amazing ministry reaching out to people society does not care about.
This week we have been doing an English workshop for university students, averaging about 30-50 a night. The majority of them are men and speak very good English. The way the workshop is set up, there is a 20 minute presentation of an American cultural item, and then an hour and a half discussion times. I have been fortunate to have different people each time and I have learned so much about life. Here are our topics:
Obama: The majority of people only like him because he is African American. Malians believe that it is American law that a man must be Christian to be president (the majority of this workshop are Muslim).
Music: I presented a song by the Malian group Mariam and Amadou but it also had K'Naan in it singing in English. The song was "Africa" and spoke about Solidarity. They believed that there was more solidarity in Africa than there was in the U.S. I would agree that there is more of an aspect of brotherhood here, but it is very different. Africans in general believe that friendship should be a material thing. If you give me food, you are my brother. We also had an interesting conversation concerning changes in culture and why there is so much American music played on the radio. They said that they are losing the cultural aspect and that the children do not want to listen to the songs that are cultural.
Holidays: Meghan presented Christmas and Independence Day to show the difference between religious and secular holidays. Suprisingly, a lot of Malians celebrate Christmas and their Muslim holidays. Holidays are coming very commercial here as well, which really suprised me.
Economy: Last night, our other teacher Matt presented the American economy to the group. The discussion afterward revolved around corruption in Mali and solutions to how the Malian economy could become independent. Less focus on receiving aid and more focus on factories. It made me very sad to hear the poverty in Mali, and I have a hard time thinking about the opportunities that have been given to me, that these people who are my age do not have. Even when students graduate, many of them do not have a job. The statistic for unemployment is about 70%, which is HUGE! There is so much corruption that must be stopped before Mali can function, but it will take a lot of time.
Tonight we are watching "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe" and then discussing. Please pray that we can share the gospel after watching this film. I am very sad to think that this could be the last time for me to see these people, so please pray for them so that I can see them again one day!
Last night after class, the students asked Meghan and I for our addresses, which made me think that I will truly miss these relationships that have been formed. I can honestly say that Malians are some of the nicest people in the world.
On our last week here, we are going to teach a little English at the university, and do a lot of sightseeing, such as taking a boat ride down the Niger, and visiting the Artisan. Please pray for a good week. It will be very difficult to leave the people here, and I have had one of the best experiences of my life.
This week we have been doing an English workshop for university students, averaging about 30-50 a night. The majority of them are men and speak very good English. The way the workshop is set up, there is a 20 minute presentation of an American cultural item, and then an hour and a half discussion times. I have been fortunate to have different people each time and I have learned so much about life. Here are our topics:
Obama: The majority of people only like him because he is African American. Malians believe that it is American law that a man must be Christian to be president (the majority of this workshop are Muslim).
Music: I presented a song by the Malian group Mariam and Amadou but it also had K'Naan in it singing in English. The song was "Africa" and spoke about Solidarity. They believed that there was more solidarity in Africa than there was in the U.S. I would agree that there is more of an aspect of brotherhood here, but it is very different. Africans in general believe that friendship should be a material thing. If you give me food, you are my brother. We also had an interesting conversation concerning changes in culture and why there is so much American music played on the radio. They said that they are losing the cultural aspect and that the children do not want to listen to the songs that are cultural.
Holidays: Meghan presented Christmas and Independence Day to show the difference between religious and secular holidays. Suprisingly, a lot of Malians celebrate Christmas and their Muslim holidays. Holidays are coming very commercial here as well, which really suprised me.
Economy: Last night, our other teacher Matt presented the American economy to the group. The discussion afterward revolved around corruption in Mali and solutions to how the Malian economy could become independent. Less focus on receiving aid and more focus on factories. It made me very sad to hear the poverty in Mali, and I have a hard time thinking about the opportunities that have been given to me, that these people who are my age do not have. Even when students graduate, many of them do not have a job. The statistic for unemployment is about 70%, which is HUGE! There is so much corruption that must be stopped before Mali can function, but it will take a lot of time.
Tonight we are watching "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe" and then discussing. Please pray that we can share the gospel after watching this film. I am very sad to think that this could be the last time for me to see these people, so please pray for them so that I can see them again one day!
Last night after class, the students asked Meghan and I for our addresses, which made me think that I will truly miss these relationships that have been formed. I can honestly say that Malians are some of the nicest people in the world.
On our last week here, we are going to teach a little English at the university, and do a lot of sightseeing, such as taking a boat ride down the Niger, and visiting the Artisan. Please pray for a good week. It will be very difficult to leave the people here, and I have had one of the best experiences of my life.
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Culture Shock strikes you like a lightening bolt
Nothing creates culture shock more than being dropped in the middle of a Malian family not knowing more than a few greetings. Well, I survived the immense jolt.
Last Saturday we drove up from Niena to Bamako and Sunday Meghan and I parted ways to go to our different Malian families. I was staying with the Fane family. The head of the household, Tiedo Fane, works for Campus Crusade for Christ specifically working with business professionals and the wife, Bintou, was the housegirl for the Fetherlins when they were serving in Mali. They had 2 sons, Obed and Assael, and 2 daughters, Jacqelin and Priscilla. They also had a lot of other relatives staying with them, and the head of Bethel Bible School here in Mali, Daniel Diallo was also staying.
Monday was spent acclimating myself with the family. The family spent most of the day out in the courtyard, but also spent a lot of time indoors watching television and kung fu movies. Everyday at 2 o'clock we had to tune in to the saga of Ana, the heroin of some Spanish soap opera. The night was spent talking with the family members and watching a film.
Tuesday I went to visit the headquarters of the Jesus film and Campus Crusade for Christ. They have materials in French and the Malian language of Bambara. I happened to snag a Bambara 4 spiritual laws booklet. Tuesday afternoon I introduced the family to one of the most beloved games of all time, Uno. Everyday after that we played Uno, and it was hilarious how difficult it was for the family to pronounce. They would say "weeno" or "ono."
Every day I had to listen to the calls to prayer from the mosque nearby, which got very old very quickly, but was a blatant cry for the Malian need for pastors and missionaries here. 1.7 % of Mali is Christian, but the President is a very good ruler and shows no favoritism to religion.
I often made my Malian family laugh. They complained I did not eat enough, but when you are served a fish head sauce, suddenly your appetite goes away from you. I had to practically run away from the bowl when I was finished so that they would not feed me again and again. I also named all of the pigeons that the youngest son Assael raised. They were good names, of course, Michael Jackson, Phil Collins, and who could forget Barack Obama. Oh and speaking of which, Obama received a lot of press last week when he was visiting Ghana. Malians love Obama.
Thursday, I got my feet henna'd, Malian style. It took 2 hours to put medical tape on my foot for designs and 3 hours for it to stick. Then they rubbed ash on them to turn them black. Wait until you see the pictures I took. That night, my family suprised me by giving me a beautiful Malian outfit made by their tailor.
I love the Fane family, and their work in Mali is so crucial and important. Campus Crusade and the Fane's really need your prayers for their work here.
This weekend I am in Koutiala. We came for a wedding, and spent the night in Segu on Friday on our way down from Bamako. The wedding had to have been the most embarassing experience in my life. We arrived Malian style...late. And we followed the ushers. Where did they place Meghan and I? Well right in front FACING the congregation behind the bride and groom. They placed the chairs down and I just cringed that I had to be in the eye of the hundreds of people here for the wedding. God is funny like that.
Tomorrow we are going to visit the hospital and then travel to Bamako. Tuesday we start our English classes with the University students. My topic is music, and I can't wait to get to talk with the students about different styles of music and present them a song with lyrics.
Please pray for continued strength and that these last 2 weeks will finish well!
Last Saturday we drove up from Niena to Bamako and Sunday Meghan and I parted ways to go to our different Malian families. I was staying with the Fane family. The head of the household, Tiedo Fane, works for Campus Crusade for Christ specifically working with business professionals and the wife, Bintou, was the housegirl for the Fetherlins when they were serving in Mali. They had 2 sons, Obed and Assael, and 2 daughters, Jacqelin and Priscilla. They also had a lot of other relatives staying with them, and the head of Bethel Bible School here in Mali, Daniel Diallo was also staying.
Monday was spent acclimating myself with the family. The family spent most of the day out in the courtyard, but also spent a lot of time indoors watching television and kung fu movies. Everyday at 2 o'clock we had to tune in to the saga of Ana, the heroin of some Spanish soap opera. The night was spent talking with the family members and watching a film.
Tuesday I went to visit the headquarters of the Jesus film and Campus Crusade for Christ. They have materials in French and the Malian language of Bambara. I happened to snag a Bambara 4 spiritual laws booklet. Tuesday afternoon I introduced the family to one of the most beloved games of all time, Uno. Everyday after that we played Uno, and it was hilarious how difficult it was for the family to pronounce. They would say "weeno" or "ono."
Every day I had to listen to the calls to prayer from the mosque nearby, which got very old very quickly, but was a blatant cry for the Malian need for pastors and missionaries here. 1.7 % of Mali is Christian, but the President is a very good ruler and shows no favoritism to religion.
I often made my Malian family laugh. They complained I did not eat enough, but when you are served a fish head sauce, suddenly your appetite goes away from you. I had to practically run away from the bowl when I was finished so that they would not feed me again and again. I also named all of the pigeons that the youngest son Assael raised. They were good names, of course, Michael Jackson, Phil Collins, and who could forget Barack Obama. Oh and speaking of which, Obama received a lot of press last week when he was visiting Ghana. Malians love Obama.
Thursday, I got my feet henna'd, Malian style. It took 2 hours to put medical tape on my foot for designs and 3 hours for it to stick. Then they rubbed ash on them to turn them black. Wait until you see the pictures I took. That night, my family suprised me by giving me a beautiful Malian outfit made by their tailor.
I love the Fane family, and their work in Mali is so crucial and important. Campus Crusade and the Fane's really need your prayers for their work here.
This weekend I am in Koutiala. We came for a wedding, and spent the night in Segu on Friday on our way down from Bamako. The wedding had to have been the most embarassing experience in my life. We arrived Malian style...late. And we followed the ushers. Where did they place Meghan and I? Well right in front FACING the congregation behind the bride and groom. They placed the chairs down and I just cringed that I had to be in the eye of the hundreds of people here for the wedding. God is funny like that.
Tomorrow we are going to visit the hospital and then travel to Bamako. Tuesday we start our English classes with the University students. My topic is music, and I can't wait to get to talk with the students about different styles of music and present them a song with lyrics.
Please pray for continued strength and that these last 2 weeks will finish well!
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Life in the bush is not easy
We finished up the kids camp in Niena yesterday, which went extremely well. Monday we talked about Daniel and the Lion's Den, Tuesday Joshua and Jericho, and Wednesday David and Goliath. Some of my favorite little kiddos had a bad case of malaria, and I was holding one while she was shaking through her chills. It is so rampant out here, and it breaks my heart to see all these little kids sick. Other than that, the camp ran well. We had another team come here to help so there are a lot of people here!
Today we started the kids camp in Finkola, we were expecting about 15 kids and 160 showed up! There is only one Christian family in this village so please pray that there will be a great revival in this town. I know God will do great things! We are expecting more kids to show up tomorrow, so we are looking at about 200 kids meeting in a small courtyard.
Last Sunday we went to a party for a baby dedication within the church. It was AMAZING! I danced with the Africans for about an hour and I think that they were suprised that a tubabou (white person) had rythym. I had so much fun and it was so uplifting and encouraging.
We head back up to Bamako on Saturday to stay with the Roeddings before we stay with a Malian family. Please pray for me, because I am feeling very discouraged. There is a lot of competition out here, which I don't want to be prevalent. And I also feel discouraged because apparently missionaries must vote Republican. I'm normally pretty easy going when it comes to this, but for some reason it's really making me feel ostracized. Please pray that God will take away the competition and these oppressive feelings.
Thank you all for your support and prayers! They are GREATLY appreciated!
Today we started the kids camp in Finkola, we were expecting about 15 kids and 160 showed up! There is only one Christian family in this village so please pray that there will be a great revival in this town. I know God will do great things! We are expecting more kids to show up tomorrow, so we are looking at about 200 kids meeting in a small courtyard.
Last Sunday we went to a party for a baby dedication within the church. It was AMAZING! I danced with the Africans for about an hour and I think that they were suprised that a tubabou (white person) had rythym. I had so much fun and it was so uplifting and encouraging.
We head back up to Bamako on Saturday to stay with the Roeddings before we stay with a Malian family. Please pray for me, because I am feeling very discouraged. There is a lot of competition out here, which I don't want to be prevalent. And I also feel discouraged because apparently missionaries must vote Republican. I'm normally pretty easy going when it comes to this, but for some reason it's really making me feel ostracized. Please pray that God will take away the competition and these oppressive feelings.
Thank you all for your support and prayers! They are GREATLY appreciated!
Sunday, July 5, 2009
A Short Update
Thank you all so much for your prayers for rain. That evening after I had posted it was as if the heavens had opened and the rain poured for several hours. It was definitely a testament to God’s glory.
The first week of English camps went really well. I’m really enjoying getting to know all of the students. I also really enjoy playing with all of the little kids as well. We went to a village the other day and by the time we had walked around it we had a whole group of children following us, mainly because I would try and chase them. It’s funny how scared they are of us, but the love to be chased and having faces made at them. One girl got her little brother and when I turned around he was so shocked by me that he peed right on her. All of the Malians had a great laugh over that. We were also all walking as a group when two girls were walking down toward us on a trail. One of the Malians yelled out “Be careful of the tubabu (white person). They are going to get you.” And the kind of looked at him with a “Yeah right” face, when I suddenly stood up on my tippy toes and raised my arms to chase after them. I have never seen anyone run so fast, and the Malians got a GREAT laugh out of that.
On Thursday we took a break and went to the neighboring village of Sikasso to swim and go to market. I was very depressed after seeing all of the poverty, beggars, and disabled beggars at the market. Being here has put a great pain in my heart for the people of the world. I am so blessed for everything that I have, but I have taken it for granted in the past. I will never complain about plumbing, traffic, or food ever again.
This week we will be doing kids camps in Niena and also in the neighboring town of Finkolo. Please pray that we will be given strength to communicate the message of the gospel and please pray that many children will impact their families into knowing Christ.
I will hopefully update again soon, but this week will be pretty busy, and then next week we go back into Bamako to stay with a Malian family. Please pray that that will go well too.
Thank you so much for your support and prayers!
The first week of English camps went really well. I’m really enjoying getting to know all of the students. I also really enjoy playing with all of the little kids as well. We went to a village the other day and by the time we had walked around it we had a whole group of children following us, mainly because I would try and chase them. It’s funny how scared they are of us, but the love to be chased and having faces made at them. One girl got her little brother and when I turned around he was so shocked by me that he peed right on her. All of the Malians had a great laugh over that. We were also all walking as a group when two girls were walking down toward us on a trail. One of the Malians yelled out “Be careful of the tubabu (white person). They are going to get you.” And the kind of looked at him with a “Yeah right” face, when I suddenly stood up on my tippy toes and raised my arms to chase after them. I have never seen anyone run so fast, and the Malians got a GREAT laugh out of that.
On Thursday we took a break and went to the neighboring village of Sikasso to swim and go to market. I was very depressed after seeing all of the poverty, beggars, and disabled beggars at the market. Being here has put a great pain in my heart for the people of the world. I am so blessed for everything that I have, but I have taken it for granted in the past. I will never complain about plumbing, traffic, or food ever again.
This week we will be doing kids camps in Niena and also in the neighboring town of Finkolo. Please pray that we will be given strength to communicate the message of the gospel and please pray that many children will impact their families into knowing Christ.
I will hopefully update again soon, but this week will be pretty busy, and then next week we go back into Bamako to stay with a Malian family. Please pray that that will go well too.
Thank you so much for your support and prayers!
Monday, June 29, 2009
As the heavens flood, so then will men seek the Lord
We arrived safely in Niena on Thursday and for the rest of the day met the people surrounding the Barnwell's house. There is a new Malian pastor who has recently come to work in the church here, and he is currently living in the Sunday school house. Thursday night I had the chance to walk through the bush and experience a very calm and peaceful look at Africa, much different than my experience in Bamako.
Thursday night was very eventful. I had woken up in the middle of the night to an odd noise that sounded like a fluttering. I was trying to figure out if it was a bird or lizard and thought that I should just go back to sleep. The noises really kept bothering me, so I asked Meghan if she heard them too. She sleepily replied yes and I told her that I was going to turn on the flashlight and see what it was. As quickly as I turned on the flashlight, a HUGE bat swooped down over the bed. 2 seconds later I had jumped into the bed with Meghan. We decided to wait until the next day to get it and then went to sleep.
The next night we were watching The Cosby Show with Randy and Marsha Barnwell (via power from a generator), when our little buddy (who by then I had appropriately nick-named RJ, short for Randy Jr.) came out to join us. He had us ducking all over the place, when Randy finally ended RJ's short life with a cookie sheet. Ever since then, the night's have been awful lonesome. :)
On Friday, the town's Moslem leader came to talk to Randy about praying for rain. The people here have been in a nasty drought and have not been able to even plant their crops yet. At the time of his request, we were all painting the new pastor's house which was in a horrible state. We then prayed immediately as a group for rain. God answered our prayers that night and sent a rain that allowed the farmers to plant their crops. Praise God for that! Please pray that He will send more rain and bring glory to His name through this blessing.
The end of last week was spent finishing up the Pastor's house and now Meghan and I are starting an informal English class for the students here who are entering grades 7-9. If no one shows up then we will teach the adults. Please pray that we will be able to help these people with their English.
Life here is amazing. The people are beautiful, and on Sunday I was able to attend my first African church service. It was so inspiring to worship with the people in Bambara. The testimonies here are amazing. The Barnwell's houseguy has a deep history of Christianity in his family, with his dad being imprisoned for his faith. The children and I click very well. In the market the children yell "Tubabu" which is Bambara for white person, and it is funny to see their reactions to silly faces as well as Godzilla like chasing.
My internet will probably cut out soon, but thank you all for your support and prayers. Please pray for rain! God will use that in amazing ways for his Kingdom!
K'an Ben Sooni! (That is Bambara for talk to you soon!)
Thursday night was very eventful. I had woken up in the middle of the night to an odd noise that sounded like a fluttering. I was trying to figure out if it was a bird or lizard and thought that I should just go back to sleep. The noises really kept bothering me, so I asked Meghan if she heard them too. She sleepily replied yes and I told her that I was going to turn on the flashlight and see what it was. As quickly as I turned on the flashlight, a HUGE bat swooped down over the bed. 2 seconds later I had jumped into the bed with Meghan. We decided to wait until the next day to get it and then went to sleep.
The next night we were watching The Cosby Show with Randy and Marsha Barnwell (via power from a generator), when our little buddy (who by then I had appropriately nick-named RJ, short for Randy Jr.) came out to join us. He had us ducking all over the place, when Randy finally ended RJ's short life with a cookie sheet. Ever since then, the night's have been awful lonesome. :)
On Friday, the town's Moslem leader came to talk to Randy about praying for rain. The people here have been in a nasty drought and have not been able to even plant their crops yet. At the time of his request, we were all painting the new pastor's house which was in a horrible state. We then prayed immediately as a group for rain. God answered our prayers that night and sent a rain that allowed the farmers to plant their crops. Praise God for that! Please pray that He will send more rain and bring glory to His name through this blessing.
The end of last week was spent finishing up the Pastor's house and now Meghan and I are starting an informal English class for the students here who are entering grades 7-9. If no one shows up then we will teach the adults. Please pray that we will be able to help these people with their English.
Life here is amazing. The people are beautiful, and on Sunday I was able to attend my first African church service. It was so inspiring to worship with the people in Bambara. The testimonies here are amazing. The Barnwell's houseguy has a deep history of Christianity in his family, with his dad being imprisoned for his faith. The children and I click very well. In the market the children yell "Tubabu" which is Bambara for white person, and it is funny to see their reactions to silly faces as well as Godzilla like chasing.
My internet will probably cut out soon, but thank you all for your support and prayers. Please pray for rain! God will use that in amazing ways for his Kingdom!
K'an Ben Sooni! (That is Bambara for talk to you soon!)
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Bamako
I have officially been in the beautiful city of Bamako, Mali for 2 days now, and have already had quite the experience.
My team-mate Meghan and I stepped off of the plane and were loaded onto a bus into a very crowded airport. Luggage was strewn all over the floor and it felt like chaos. We thankfully found all of our luggage and made it outside to meet our missionaries, the Barnwells and Gordon Reodding (his wife Cheryl is currently in lieu to Mali after a knee surgery). We drove back to their home, while witnessing groups of motorcyclists and people wandering all over the streets. We arrived to their home which is in the "old money" section of Bamako.
The next morning (Tuesday) we began orientation, which joyfully started with fresh French pastries from a bakery down the street. After a morning of studying the Malian culture, we had a very Malian lunch of peanut butter sauce and rice, which was suprisingly delicious (it tasted like a beef stew with more tomato in it).
After lunch, our missionaries decided to take us to the Bamako National Museum. I have never seen so many people in a city before. Gordon drove, which was equal to a fantastic maneuvering operation. The Museum was impressive. We went inside to find many old artifacts resembling old weapons, as well as ritual masks and model buildings around Mali (such as a mosque made completely out of mud, as well as some buildings from Timbuktu). A beautiful treasure of Mali is the dyed cloth, which is so artistically designed and perfectly crafted.
When we were finished with the museum, we drove up to one of the big hills in Bamako, nicknamed the Hill of Power. This is where the President's house resides, as well as several monuments and the military base. We then drove across the hill behind the medical center and hospital to find the most beautiful view in the city overlooking Bamako. The river Niger flowed quietly through Bamako, whereas the noises from the nearby market and the streets permeated the atmosphere. I don't think I have ever seen a sight so beautiful.
Today (Wednesday) was also a day of adventure. This morning we had more orientation, and then some visitors came to discuss what our English workshops would be like and how they would be structured. I decided that I would like to present the topic of music to the Malians and give them lyrics to the songs that we would play. My team mate is discussing holidays, and then another teacher is tackling the ever so easy topics of Obama and the economy. After some great discussion, and another great meal ( a more American style of sandwiches), our guests left, and Meghan, Gordon, Randy, and I went to experience a Malian market.
We walked down a road that was nicknamed two mosque street because of the mosques located at each end of the street. This is typical of Mali culture, which is predominantly Islam. We arrived at the market and bought some beautiful cloth to make a teffe (or a wraparound skirt) as well as a Malian outfit. We then walked through the market, which was a very neat experience, but far from U.S. culture. The market was flooded with flies, especially on the food and meat. The food was still of great quality, but I could only imagine what a reaction would it would get from Americans. The poverty level was so great, and almost hard to witness. I felt very guilty for how I have spent my resources in the past. After going through the market, we then walked home and went swimming at another missionaries house, and came home to more orientation.
I really love Bamako since I have been here. It is so different from what I have ever experienced, but I would really like to return eventually. There is such a great need here for ministry and help for the local people.
I have learned a lot the past couple of days.
1.) Malians are very relational people.
2.) Many Malians practice folk Islam, which includes animal sacrifices and fettishes.
3.) Mali witnesses a lot of demonic spiritual warfare in developing the church.
Tomorrow we are headed into the "bush" of Mali, so I will be unable to respond for a while. We are going to be doing some physical labor and then some kids camps, before we return to Bamako.
Please pray that we have protection from spiritual warfare while we are here, and that the Holy Spirit will overflow into the lives of the Malians.
I will surely update later, and I thank you for all of your prayers and support.
My team-mate Meghan and I stepped off of the plane and were loaded onto a bus into a very crowded airport. Luggage was strewn all over the floor and it felt like chaos. We thankfully found all of our luggage and made it outside to meet our missionaries, the Barnwells and Gordon Reodding (his wife Cheryl is currently in lieu to Mali after a knee surgery). We drove back to their home, while witnessing groups of motorcyclists and people wandering all over the streets. We arrived to their home which is in the "old money" section of Bamako.
The next morning (Tuesday) we began orientation, which joyfully started with fresh French pastries from a bakery down the street. After a morning of studying the Malian culture, we had a very Malian lunch of peanut butter sauce and rice, which was suprisingly delicious (it tasted like a beef stew with more tomato in it).
After lunch, our missionaries decided to take us to the Bamako National Museum. I have never seen so many people in a city before. Gordon drove, which was equal to a fantastic maneuvering operation. The Museum was impressive. We went inside to find many old artifacts resembling old weapons, as well as ritual masks and model buildings around Mali (such as a mosque made completely out of mud, as well as some buildings from Timbuktu). A beautiful treasure of Mali is the dyed cloth, which is so artistically designed and perfectly crafted.
When we were finished with the museum, we drove up to one of the big hills in Bamako, nicknamed the Hill of Power. This is where the President's house resides, as well as several monuments and the military base. We then drove across the hill behind the medical center and hospital to find the most beautiful view in the city overlooking Bamako. The river Niger flowed quietly through Bamako, whereas the noises from the nearby market and the streets permeated the atmosphere. I don't think I have ever seen a sight so beautiful.
Today (Wednesday) was also a day of adventure. This morning we had more orientation, and then some visitors came to discuss what our English workshops would be like and how they would be structured. I decided that I would like to present the topic of music to the Malians and give them lyrics to the songs that we would play. My team mate is discussing holidays, and then another teacher is tackling the ever so easy topics of Obama and the economy. After some great discussion, and another great meal ( a more American style of sandwiches), our guests left, and Meghan, Gordon, Randy, and I went to experience a Malian market.
We walked down a road that was nicknamed two mosque street because of the mosques located at each end of the street. This is typical of Mali culture, which is predominantly Islam. We arrived at the market and bought some beautiful cloth to make a teffe (or a wraparound skirt) as well as a Malian outfit. We then walked through the market, which was a very neat experience, but far from U.S. culture. The market was flooded with flies, especially on the food and meat. The food was still of great quality, but I could only imagine what a reaction would it would get from Americans. The poverty level was so great, and almost hard to witness. I felt very guilty for how I have spent my resources in the past. After going through the market, we then walked home and went swimming at another missionaries house, and came home to more orientation.
I really love Bamako since I have been here. It is so different from what I have ever experienced, but I would really like to return eventually. There is such a great need here for ministry and help for the local people.
I have learned a lot the past couple of days.
1.) Malians are very relational people.
2.) Many Malians practice folk Islam, which includes animal sacrifices and fettishes.
3.) Mali witnesses a lot of demonic spiritual warfare in developing the church.
Tomorrow we are headed into the "bush" of Mali, so I will be unable to respond for a while. We are going to be doing some physical labor and then some kids camps, before we return to Bamako.
Please pray that we have protection from spiritual warfare while we are here, and that the Holy Spirit will overflow into the lives of the Malians.
I will surely update later, and I thank you for all of your prayers and support.
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