The Hat Has Eyes and Other Stories

Hello friends,
Well over a week here in Nati and things are moving along. It's a bit challenging right now, as there is no school, thus my work with the youth is a bit hindered. But once school starts and the students return from farming, there will be some real grand things happening. Well that' s a bit deceiving, there is still are things to do and more importantly relationships to build. I am in a neighbor friendly due tocontact with the missionaries in whose home I am staying and so I am getting to know lots of people. I also made a few friends playing soccer the local high school field. I am going to try to upload pictures, but internet is not exactly picture upload friendly.
I have always thought highly of story books, it's amazing to have an intriguing title and then realize there are many more of those intriguing stories. Well I want to share a few with you.

The hat has eyes
Some children from Suzy's neighborhood, came over with me to my house for a visit. We looked at pictures and munched on some sweetbread. But they were tired and one of them decided to retire for a nap. He was soon back in the living room. I asked him why he had not slept, he said there was a hat with eyes in my room. I started to worry. But he quickly showed me my Marks Work Warehouse baseball cap that has two led lights on the brim, which I had accidently left on. It scared him, until I showed him how it worked. This really sparked my mind, something I thought was simple was yet unknown. Also that even children are aware of the spiritual qualities around, that a hat with eyes would frighten them.

Happy Marriage
A very close friend here in Nati, just got married, and I was invited. The young man has had a rough time, loosing his mother several years ago. Marriage here is so much more of a simple affair here. It's not business like, it still has much meeting, but just small. We celebrated with chocolate cake and pop in glass bottles. The ceremony was in a small courtyard conducted by the local Justice of the Peace. It was heart-warming, perhaps the simple elegance gave a more meaningful peace to the commitment than some of our services in North America.

Friends, Friends
This is more a comment than story. I been marked. Well not because of something I did, just because here for some people white skin means foreign finances. I have been inudated but there has been a few friendly people who have imparted there woes to me and implied some help. I offered what little I could, which is basically not much. You can give 25 cents to give someone a meal and then every other person in Nati is on your doorstep. But I don't mind too much, if I connect with people who want money out of me, that's better than nothing. Although it's not hopeless, most people here are genuine.

Jumping for the Bible
I was invited over by a young man last week. The man explained he always loved to talk to Europeans and such. I kindly refused an alcoholic drink and was instead supplied with cooked all natural sugared drink, which was interesting to taste. We had great conversation. After I explained I was a missionary, they were excited to talk about God. They had many questions, which I prayed silently and answered as best I could, most of them were Catholics and one was Muslim. They invited me back the next day. I was glad. The next day, they invited me back again. I informed them that this week I could spare the time but after I would be a bit busy. So we've set up a time twice a week. We did our first lesson toda. It is a simply Bible study they fill out the blanks in Bible verses. They were so excited today to have the right answers they jumped for joy. I am excited to as one woman shared she would share the study with church members. This is only a part of ministry here. My focus here on is on youth, but I am glad to have opportunities to connect with older people too.

Weeding Scars
The missionaries here are working on a culture study and decided one way to learn about the culture was to do some farming local style. They have a couple plots of land a ways from town. I was able to go and help weed this past week. Unfortunately I was not able to have a hoe since there weren't enough, so my hands were the tool of choice. My right arm has suffered since. After displaying my scars at prayer meeting that night, the others informed me I should have worn long sleeves as they did. It was a little late. The hot son during the work was well hot. But we only work in the morning so it wasn't too bad for around here, and apparently it gets hotter!

Well these are only a few stories and I am sure there will be many more. Thanks for all your prayers and God bless.

In His grip,
Eric