Thursday, December 18, 2008
Over the mountain and other encouragments
I feel like it's gets old to say, " a lot of exciting things happened this week" or "this week was another full and fulfilling week", but it's true there isnot much of a week that has it's own challenges, blessings, and varied events. I am sure it is the same for you, but the whole missions aspect may makeit seem like here it's just more thrilling, but really we all deal with the same things just surrounded by different cultures and contexts. Had a really neatexperience with friend of mine this week. I was going to take some sickly blades up to a missionary retreat centre just out of town (a missionary froma town north of us, asked Suzy or I to take them there to get handles put on them). I was starting out on my bike when my neighbor, Roland noticed and askedif he could come along with his bike. I was kinda hesitant, just what I need someone to slow me down (it turned out, I slowed him down on the flat parts, andI took the lead on hills). But I thought the company might be nice. We enjoyed the ride, despite two very large hills and lots of gravel to ride down. We arrivedand I set to look for the head guy at the mission centre, he was in a meeting. But a feller my age said he'd give them to him. He asked me where I was from, Canada,I said, and his response, "Me too" Neatness super sweatness, another Canadian. I told him my region and he said he was from Saskatchewan, being that I workedat Camp Whitesand, I told him and he was familiar with Theodore, (being a student in Alberta, summer worker in Saskatchewan and living in Ontario I can usuallyfind common ground with many Canadians!). We gave the mutual invitation to visit each other. And then Roland and I were off again, up and down the hills.When we arrived back at the house, he came in to relax and chat. He then told me about his big brother (actually cousin, but everyone is either an uncle, aunt,mother, father, brother or sister, and not always by blood, just good friends). Well he was pretty close to him, but he had moved to France and had married there.And within the last week he had died of gas poisoning, probably carbon monoxide. My friend said he was very shocked, so shocked he was forced to eat something.Just lost his appetite for the day. He wondered why. Instant witnessing situation! But I was at a lack for words. These moments I wait for with dread and joy.If I knew about the cousin, I could give Roland the great assurance of a better place, of Heaven some day, but what did I have now. I have comforted fellowChristians, but this is a Catholic (only by name), and his cousin who knows what he believed. I am saying his cousin won't be in Heaven, no, but it might alsobe presumptious to pass out that hope flippantly. But in another perspective, this is a moment to ask about Roland's own life. A time for him to wonderwhat will happen to me when I die? Again I thought about words, but I was attempting to share with a person who doesn't even know Jesus. These were allreal interesting excuses. So I tried to ask, what he thought about it, the death issue? Roland's not really a conversationalist, so I didn't get much. Well he said he had to go (after some silence), so I tried something else, I offered him a free new testament. I had promised him one before, but had forgotten.He accepted and I suggested he start by reading John 11. He said he would. I prayed that this would be a bridge to talk to him, and not an excuse for meto say, hey I gave him the Bible that's all he needs. He is leaving tomorrow for the funeral in the south, so I ask you to pray for him and his mother whoare going. Visited the High school again this week, very interesting experience. The last two classes I observed were physics and French. The teachers being very kindquietly sharing their insights and problems with me. The History/Geography teacher I visited this time was a different story. Very accomdating to me, butwell a bit overwhelming. He decided to use my presence as a means of getting the class to behave, we have a stranger visiting and you behave like this, he said.I wanted to be more a fly on the wall, but it didn't quite work out. A few times he loudly refered problems to me, commenting on what he had to deal withlarge class sizes, students not writing the same name all the time, and asking me if it was better in Canada, and also assuming it was by other comments he made.So it was a bit uncomfortable, I wanted to respect the teacher, but also not get on the bad side of the students for siding with punishment in a sense. Despite the odd time together, afterwards one student approached and asked about Bible studies, wondering how he could get involved! I was glad to tell himwhere I live and that in the New year we should definitely start. Was feeling a little down this week. Dealing with culture shock, feeling a bit out of place in this society, as a white person. I personally thinkI am black sometimes, don't laugh, I said before if I don't look at my arms, I forget (not that I think I am completely the same, but I see all thesepeople as like me, as in fellow humans). But it is not so easy for the people here to look at me as that way. We are different, but I have ears, eyes, nose.But it is what the colonization and media has built up, and it is a large wall indeed. Also struggling spiritually, I have the tendancy to want faith that last forever, a character that is all good now. But the fact is, I have a forever faith, but it is only for one day at a time, and the formationof character takes years, I can't be perfect overnight. So I asked God to not help me worry or fret. Nonetheless in a sullen mood I went to the Wednesdayprayer meeting, as we approached the church I could see Boni sitting in the front. He is an evangelist in a nearby town who visit once a week. This timehe was staying overnight. He was the only one singing, as the other lady there early only speaks Dittimari. I went and sat at the front with him, and sang along with his strong mellow voice. When the song finished he turned to me, with a big smile said he was doing wonderful. This is what inspired me,right now, He is working in a village with no Adventist presence, the church meets in his home (him, his family, and one other guy). His wife, a wonderfullady in the last month has been going blind, can't see during the day. And he has several children to take care of. But from his handshake, voice, eyes I was almostoverwhelmed by strength. You cannot borrow strength from anyone, but he surely inspired me to ask God for more! I felt uplifted and encouraged. During testimonytime, his were so long and many that no one else shared. What a testimony. I pray my life shines as such, that my atmosphere is so compeling! I wrote outa quote on our living wall, which encourages Manny and I. Originally it is "Be of good comfort, Master Ridley, and play the man. We shall this day lightsuch a candle, by God's grace, in England, that I trust shall never be put out." This was said by a dieing Hugh Latimer, who was burned at the stakein 1555AD. I replaced Master Ridley with Manny and Eric, England with Benin, and day with year. Maybe you can do the same, (you can change man to woman if needed!) Everywhere candles can, are and will be lit, around this world. I'll pray for the light in your life and all around you. God bless.
Friday, December 12, 2008
In Cotonou number three
Trip 3 Welcome back to Cotonou. I have had the privilege of escorting our field director, Laurence back to Cotonou to fly to Togo before heading home. It was a nice bus ride, really nice to have some company. Just doing a few things here in the city and heading back to Nati tomorrow. We saw a few accidents while here, one we came by just after it happened there was a lady unconscious on the road; did not she what her injuries were. Of all the time here in Benin i have seen four even after two whole weeks just in Cotonou. When I saw her I immediately started praying for myself and Lorance that we would be safe. When we got to our destination. Lorance mentioned the accident, and said when he saw her, he started praying for her. That really struck me, I have found in Benin, I have much more strength in prayer when I pray for others. Lorance thought about the other person, i thought of myself. This has really challenged me to look deeper at my prayer life and commitment to God. We had alot of fun yesterday trying to find a flight for Lorance. He already had a reservation but we just had to find the office. At the Adventist Mission we looked for the number the phone book fro, 2004 had an old number and the number a lady gave us was not working. After asking everyone at the Mission we finally thought we had the place and took a taxi and left. They took us to a travel agent that was closed. So we called the agent, no answer. Then we asked a guard nearby who assured where the office was. Upon arrival it was open. We got the ticket and now we just had to pay. So off to four different banks before finding one to trade money (we should have gone there in the first place!) Then back to the office and secured the ticket! What an adventure, and I know God worked it all out for us.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Canada encounters and other happenings this week
When I first arrived here I could not understand why Suzy would forget the past. It seemedif she tried to remember what happened yesterday or the day before or maybe even the same morningshe had a hard time. Now I know, because I do the very same thing. So much happens here that once a day finishes and the sun sets in the western sky, it's gone. That's why I journal. Of course thereare special events and happenings that are easy to recall, but I sit down here to write the week'shappening and there is too much to write about or too little, but these are minor problems, Itry not to spend too much time fretting over it! This has been eventful week, it seems there won't be an uneventful week ever here. LaurenceJohnson our field director arrived here on Friday afternoon, to check out the project and go overproject planning and details with us. It's been really wonderful to have someone to connect withand discuss over spiritual and practical issues. He was a pastor for 13 years in the UK beforethis position, so he has the experience and knowledge to help greatly. Since there are two missionaryteams right now in Africa (Mali and Benin), as the rest are on furlough or fundraising, we were hissecond stop. On Sunday night we went out to eat at a very neat restaurant. It is built likea traditional tata. The huts in the villages are the orginial, orginal. The ancient homeswere tatas and they are like a cave inside and have a little wood ladder to the roof. They have thickwalls. It was really neat, we ate on the terrace however because in the tata is a bit hot and crowdedfor our amount of people. Manny is also here now and he has been adjusting very well. He has commited greatly to learning French and is progressing fast. He practices with all the young people that pass by the houseand church members at church programs. He also helps the students with spanish and english. Soonwhen he gets a good grip on the language he will start medical work among the people here inthe form that will most feasible and suitable. But even while he doesn't do this medical work,hehas teaching the pathfinders how to play the recorder, helping with Suzy's travels to differentgroups near here, sharing household duties like cooking, dishes, and playing with the kids. For meI have been blessed to have someone to share with and pray with everyday. Together we work on languagelearning which helps him learn to speak and me build my vocabulary! It has been amazing to be around the people here and the amazing way God works. This pastI had an amazing contact with a non-local, well several actually. I went to the internet cafewith Manny and entering in there were about four white kids my age working on the computers. I'll admit I have developed a fear of foreigners here. Hey don't laugh, I want to put all energiesinto working with the people here, so I worry if I say hello to someone who is like me, I mightget to know them and loose focus. It's not really a realistic fear, most ex-patriots don't mix,they are tourists, government workers, UN task force, peace corps, so all with different duties andprograms so they just don't cross paths much. We do have regular contact with other missionariesof many denominations in the area, but that's about it. Plus even in Canada I get nervous approachingstrangers in strange places, like at church I'll go up to anybody and say hello, but in a malland I think I should talk to someone, oh boy! Well I glance at one of their computers and he wason a canadian website, I could see the red maple leaves. Well now I had to talk to him. So I musteredup the courage and asked, he said he was from Canada. I told him what town I was from and he wasamazed, he lives in a city twenty minutes from me and the other two girls with him where from 10 minutesaway! The whole municipality in one cafe in the north of Benin! They had been volunteering in another part of West Africa, and were touring through West Africa before heading home. We wishedeach other well and I gave them my blog and email. So perhaps they are reading this. I pray yourtrip went well and God bless!!! It really was interesting to meet them, a little lift from God duringthe week. Manny and I had an interesting encouter this week with a lizard. I call the little guy theignorant lizard, more because of our ignorance not its. We were going to fill up our water withour couple buckets but one of them had a lizard inhabitant. He must have fallen in and couldn'tclimb out. We were like cool, a lizard. I was even wondering to myself how I could cage him andkeep him as a pet, might be interesting. Manny thought to trying to give it water by sprinkelingwater on it. Our landlord saw us and came over to see. He looked in surprise at the creature. Informing us that this kind of lizard was poisonous like a snake, he has a bad bite. Well we quickly got rid of it.So know that you think we pick up everything in site and are probably on the brink of danger everyday, it'snot true. But now we will certainly be more careful. In one of the children's stories I shared I toldthe children God protects us even when we aren't too smart, but we should do all we can to besmart and not take unneccessary risks. It seems I am learning from my own story! Thank God for His protectionand for giving us a brain as well, I'll try to use it more! Church this week was packed, some visitors, but it seems everyone was able to come was more ofthe reason. The French choir sang and I was able to sing too, since I had practiced for a month with them. They didn't do it like we do. The choir shared eight songs inbetween Sabbath school andchurch service. Standing not in front of everyone but to the side, standing in front of their respectivepews. I thought that was nice, instead of the choir physically being the focus, the song and wordstook precedence, and also people felt better to join in when it was not like a "performance". Tome it seemed more like we shared music than just performed for an audience. I appreciate thatidea.
Monday, December 1, 2008
Changes
This is quite comical, but it appears when I added this one I copy the wrong file. I usually cut and paste from notepad, I pasted an email from someone instead of the blog, I will try to post "changes" later.
thanks the management
Okay here's the real thing:
Making Sense of it all Just a little thought I have been having over the last few weeks. I am glad to write this blog and putpics up online, but I am sorry that you do have to miss out on some of the best parts. Whileyou may see, read, imagine, and if I ever get video online, listen to, you'll never smell, taste,touch. Well maybe not every, maybe some of you have already been to Africa or will in the future. Butyou know you miss out on experience. Some smells are worth it, like after the rain, or the smell of roastingpeanuts or rice and spicy sauce. Other smells are different, like moutard (or mustard) a spicethat usually knocks my nostrils out at the market, if I get caught in a traffic jam by thatstuff, I am thinking, could you please go before I barf! But I am getting used to it. Touch isinteresting, you certainly have a more intimate experience with food when you used your handsinstead of a fork. Whether the sauce is slimy, oily, or full of veges, it all adds to the experience.So if it's hard to make sense of it all, maybe if you could use all sences, would help.
JAm PackedThis week has been a full, busy, and I would say rewarding week. Good news is that Manny has finallyarrived, he is my fellow student missionary and will be doing health work here in Natitingou and the surrounding villages. After three months of solo student missionary, it is very pleasant to have a roommate and comarade to chat with. He is excited to learn and is already picking upmuch French with his Spanish language skills he has already. Pathfinders has been getting better. The younger ones are really started to focus and we getalot more done. I praise God for that. They are eager to learn and love to play! We played frisbee foralmost an hour on Sunday. Last Sabbath, I was able to preach my first sermon in French. It was avery happy time. I thanked God He got me through and I could sense His spirit working. The translatorfor Dittimari was able to understand all my French so I was glad for that. I preached on the topicof Thanksgiving, and the story of the ten lepers with only one returing to Jesus It was actually I was planning on giving in September but every SabbathI was to preach something came up, so I finally got the chance and I told the congregationthat I was glad to have three months practice before sharing. I was also able to give the sermonfor the Wed, and Fri night meetings based on chapters from Desire of Ages, two very powerfulchapters on Matthew 24 and the goats and sheep from Matt 25. Manny arrived Thursday night by the way.Along with Uli and Toussant the other missionaries here on the Ottamari project. So our teamis back together now and our field director will be here soon as well, so the whole thing willreally get going! Praise God.Had an interesting encounter this week with a young lady. I was supposed to be doing a Bible studynear my house, but the people weren't there, so as I waited a young lady came by and asked if Icome to her house to have prayer and share some Bible verses. I was happy to, but kindly askedif her husband was home, she said yes, and he was. The interesting part was twofold. First the husbandwas someone I knew well, not from conversation but more from confrontation. He is Leon and the firsttime I went to a Bible study at that place, he came in drunk out his mind. He was much of a problem at first, but then he began to interupt the study, I had no problem, I would justwait to continue, but the people were fed up, so after he started getting upset cause no onewould listen they forced him outside, he came back, and they put him outside again, by this time he was livid. And behind the building he shouted and waved his arms, I could see him throughthe window. I was a little nervous, but being in good company I did not feel threatened by oneguy. Well her husband is Leon, whom since then I have never seen that drunk again. The lady, Suzanne,told me she'd like me to pray for them and she had some question. We prayed and then I askedwhat she'd like to ask, and what kind of things she was interested in so we continue study at latertimes. In the conversation she asked my religion, I said Adventist. She was happy. She went intoher room and came back out with an amazing picture. Her baptism by the Adventist Pastor who is in charge of the north of Benin! When was this I asked. She said about two years ago. But shejust can't figure out why she doesn't feel like going to church anymore! How God leads! No Bible study but here I was to contact a lost church member. I talked with Suzy about her and she saidthey had simply lost her, she had gone to some other village or something. A church lady hadbeen visiting her again, so hopefully she'll come back soon, I said I would visit her and herhusband as well. Since then her husband has become much more friendly. On Sunday he warmly greeted me on thestreet and invited me to stop by and see some of the friends we mutually know. I was glad.Oh and Fidard is doing better, because of the business of the week, I haven't seen him muchbut last time I was there he was repentent, and I encouraged him a verse from Ezekial 36, whereGod promises to replace our heart of stone and replace it with a heart of flesh. I read it to him but I knew it applied to me just and as much and us all indeed!
Thanks A Givin'Just a littl note. I went with Suzy and another friend to Tanguieta on Thursday for good ole AmericanThanksgiving. There are a number of American missionaries in the north that do a lot of language translation and such. The families house we went to is with a group called Ministryof Jesus, and they run a Bible and Agricultural school just outside of town. We had a wonderfultime together and the whole day was capped off with Manny's arrival and meeting Toussant and Ulifor the first time.
Culture NumbRecently be going through a bit of culture shock. It's less like shock and more just like going numbfor me. I really haven't exploded. Just get annoyed, I am so far pretty good at controlingemotions, just these little things that tick me. Mostly as I mentioned in "The Game", just bugs me when I am consider white and not a man. Many people are nice, but there is still this barrier, but I can see as I live here more, people are beginning to see I do not fit the normalwhite stereotype, that I live like they live, that I want to be African. I'll admit sometimes it'sactually funny, like when my friend came over yesterday. We were just going to visit before he goeson a trip to Cotonou to makes some extra money for a few weeks. He came with his wife, whom whenhe spoke to Manny in English called his sister, so I am not sure if it's bad translation by himor if it is his sister. Anyway we had fried igname for him. And he tried some and then pronouncedthat we had not done a great job and that his wife/sister could come over later and help us learn properly. Well I didn't know what to think. I was kinda offended at first, I thoughtman you could just not eat it, you don't have to tell me it stinks. But he was onlysaying it with my best interest, so it could slide. The he asked if I had some drinks. I had alreadyoffered him water, and so I told him again that's what he had. He thought that wasn't toogreat. I of all people should have some drinks. That was funny. He thought I would have thosethings but we are living without such luxuries as pop (soda) and juice for the most part. But laterhe concentated for water. Well the rest went well, and we prayed for his voyage and bade him farewell!So while it can be wearing in a new culture it can be humorous if you look at it right.
thanks the management
Okay here's the real thing:
Making Sense of it all Just a little thought I have been having over the last few weeks. I am glad to write this blog and putpics up online, but I am sorry that you do have to miss out on some of the best parts. Whileyou may see, read, imagine, and if I ever get video online, listen to, you'll never smell, taste,touch. Well maybe not every, maybe some of you have already been to Africa or will in the future. Butyou know you miss out on experience. Some smells are worth it, like after the rain, or the smell of roastingpeanuts or rice and spicy sauce. Other smells are different, like moutard (or mustard) a spicethat usually knocks my nostrils out at the market, if I get caught in a traffic jam by thatstuff, I am thinking, could you please go before I barf! But I am getting used to it. Touch isinteresting, you certainly have a more intimate experience with food when you used your handsinstead of a fork. Whether the sauce is slimy, oily, or full of veges, it all adds to the experience.So if it's hard to make sense of it all, maybe if you could use all sences, would help.
JAm PackedThis week has been a full, busy, and I would say rewarding week. Good news is that Manny has finallyarrived, he is my fellow student missionary and will be doing health work here in Natitingou and the surrounding villages. After three months of solo student missionary, it is very pleasant to have a roommate and comarade to chat with. He is excited to learn and is already picking upmuch French with his Spanish language skills he has already. Pathfinders has been getting better. The younger ones are really started to focus and we getalot more done. I praise God for that. They are eager to learn and love to play! We played frisbee foralmost an hour on Sunday. Last Sabbath, I was able to preach my first sermon in French. It was avery happy time. I thanked God He got me through and I could sense His spirit working. The translatorfor Dittimari was able to understand all my French so I was glad for that. I preached on the topicof Thanksgiving, and the story of the ten lepers with only one returing to Jesus It was actually I was planning on giving in September but every SabbathI was to preach something came up, so I finally got the chance and I told the congregationthat I was glad to have three months practice before sharing. I was also able to give the sermonfor the Wed, and Fri night meetings based on chapters from Desire of Ages, two very powerfulchapters on Matthew 24 and the goats and sheep from Matt 25. Manny arrived Thursday night by the way.Along with Uli and Toussant the other missionaries here on the Ottamari project. So our teamis back together now and our field director will be here soon as well, so the whole thing willreally get going! Praise God.Had an interesting encounter this week with a young lady. I was supposed to be doing a Bible studynear my house, but the people weren't there, so as I waited a young lady came by and asked if Icome to her house to have prayer and share some Bible verses. I was happy to, but kindly askedif her husband was home, she said yes, and he was. The interesting part was twofold. First the husbandwas someone I knew well, not from conversation but more from confrontation. He is Leon and the firsttime I went to a Bible study at that place, he came in drunk out his mind. He was much of a problem at first, but then he began to interupt the study, I had no problem, I would justwait to continue, but the people were fed up, so after he started getting upset cause no onewould listen they forced him outside, he came back, and they put him outside again, by this time he was livid. And behind the building he shouted and waved his arms, I could see him throughthe window. I was a little nervous, but being in good company I did not feel threatened by oneguy. Well her husband is Leon, whom since then I have never seen that drunk again. The lady, Suzanne,told me she'd like me to pray for them and she had some question. We prayed and then I askedwhat she'd like to ask, and what kind of things she was interested in so we continue study at latertimes. In the conversation she asked my religion, I said Adventist. She was happy. She went intoher room and came back out with an amazing picture. Her baptism by the Adventist Pastor who is in charge of the north of Benin! When was this I asked. She said about two years ago. But shejust can't figure out why she doesn't feel like going to church anymore! How God leads! No Bible study but here I was to contact a lost church member. I talked with Suzy about her and she saidthey had simply lost her, she had gone to some other village or something. A church lady hadbeen visiting her again, so hopefully she'll come back soon, I said I would visit her and herhusband as well. Since then her husband has become much more friendly. On Sunday he warmly greeted me on thestreet and invited me to stop by and see some of the friends we mutually know. I was glad.Oh and Fidard is doing better, because of the business of the week, I haven't seen him muchbut last time I was there he was repentent, and I encouraged him a verse from Ezekial 36, whereGod promises to replace our heart of stone and replace it with a heart of flesh. I read it to him but I knew it applied to me just and as much and us all indeed!
Thanks A Givin'Just a littl note. I went with Suzy and another friend to Tanguieta on Thursday for good ole AmericanThanksgiving. There are a number of American missionaries in the north that do a lot of language translation and such. The families house we went to is with a group called Ministryof Jesus, and they run a Bible and Agricultural school just outside of town. We had a wonderfultime together and the whole day was capped off with Manny's arrival and meeting Toussant and Ulifor the first time.
Culture NumbRecently be going through a bit of culture shock. It's less like shock and more just like going numbfor me. I really haven't exploded. Just get annoyed, I am so far pretty good at controlingemotions, just these little things that tick me. Mostly as I mentioned in "The Game", just bugs me when I am consider white and not a man. Many people are nice, but there is still this barrier, but I can see as I live here more, people are beginning to see I do not fit the normalwhite stereotype, that I live like they live, that I want to be African. I'll admit sometimes it'sactually funny, like when my friend came over yesterday. We were just going to visit before he goeson a trip to Cotonou to makes some extra money for a few weeks. He came with his wife, whom whenhe spoke to Manny in English called his sister, so I am not sure if it's bad translation by himor if it is his sister. Anyway we had fried igname for him. And he tried some and then pronouncedthat we had not done a great job and that his wife/sister could come over later and help us learn properly. Well I didn't know what to think. I was kinda offended at first, I thoughtman you could just not eat it, you don't have to tell me it stinks. But he was onlysaying it with my best interest, so it could slide. The he asked if I had some drinks. I had alreadyoffered him water, and so I told him again that's what he had. He thought that wasn't toogreat. I of all people should have some drinks. That was funny. He thought I would have thosethings but we are living without such luxuries as pop (soda) and juice for the most part. But laterhe concentated for water. Well the rest went well, and we prayed for his voyage and bade him farewell!So while it can be wearing in a new culture it can be humorous if you look at it right.
Friday, November 21, 2008
God's God It
God has blest today with faster internet. When it's slow I don't think that it's God's curse of course, just that it's not the day to have fast internet, a part of learning to trust Him! I am posting a couple weeks worth with most recent last.
Live Like Them In the ever encompassing quest of becoming Beninoise, there will always be something more. I am coming in as an outsider, but each day I can through God's grace draw myself into this cultureand hopefully have them draw me in and more importantly Christ. As I go get water from the wellI am encouraged. Here I am a white young man, living in a small compound of homes with all Black familiessurrounding me, it's not the skin colour, but really our cultures. My neigbor behind my house isa retired army officer, my landlord is a retired bank manager, another neighbor is a single motherwith 5 kids, I think, from ages 2 or 3 to 20. Sounds like it could be anywhere in the world. But here we just live a little closer.As an example of how I am getting closer I share this story. I questioned whether I should sincesome of you may worry a bit, but there's no need really to worry, I know a 17 year old who was never bit and he's lived here all his life. Bit, by what! Well more like stung. This experienceabsolutely flabergasted me. I was so filled up with gratitude to God. I was arranging the boxes with my possesions in them in my room Sunday night. I left to get something and came back to find a sand colored scorpion sitting nicely on the floor where my hands had just been. I backed away andwent to call Suzy, who didn't answer the phone so I got my neighbor friend, Ebjo. He brought a largestick and with my hoe we took care of the female. He informed it was a female with eggs and that Iwas lucky I found it now, for she could have laid eggs. We checked the room through, and found nothing elseI was a little jumpy after that. Ebjo said I was lucky, oh luck had nothing to do with. I reassured him itwas God who was to be thanked! The next day I was to share a lesson on how Satan began and the start of sin.Coincidence? Well I know for sure God protected me.Check out Luke 10:19 Behold I give you power to tread on serpents and scorpions and over all the power ofthe enemy and nothing shall by any means hurt you."Suzy reminded me of this text. She also related a few stories that she has had being protected from scorpions.And hey in Belize we had tarantula's in the hotel, so a few scorpions are old news, but alwaysfull of God's protection!
Peanuts Fresh PeanutsWe have fun the last week harvesting peanuts. Suzy and friends planted a friend's field this yearas a part of the culture study/. It's almost three quarters done now after two mornings and one eveningof work. On the last go we had a crew of around twelve, a bunch of the neighborhood and church kids.We had races and I even picked up one of the kids and while I hurried, he hung head first and grabbed thepassing peanut plants! I found out saying last one to finish buys cookies creates a little toomuch controversy by the end. To harvest we use a small hoe and slice into the soil around the peanutpull out the plant shake off the dirt. Others do the collecting. And then after we pick off all the peanutseither at the house or at the field. The kids all climbed in the back of the truck (which has a cage sothey can't fly out) and sang all the way home, it was like a cd player, you could change the song by singinga new tune out the window to the choir in the truck bed! Manuel labour can be fun and healthy.
The Game
I haven't really experienced culture shock yet. But I have been discouraged at times over my skin. It'sreally not the people's fault. I am a different race, and that's alright. But sometimes I wish to betreated like I treat them. But as Paul asserted to the Corinthians, I have also given up my rights.I'll be nice, kind, loving, with even a wip on my back. Yes these are only words, but by God's graceI'll keep them. But still it seems like a game sometimes. Guessing who is really wanting to be friendsand who is out to make money or get a job. I've said before I just listen and try to empathize, butI find firmness is neccessary, if I am not able to help someone in the way they want, like takingthem with me to Canada, a common sometimes joking request sometimes not request, I'll let them no, kindlyof course, or try to laugh it off with them. The children are wonderful, but it's tough when they cometo you and ask for help because their parents are both dead. May be true, but who knows if they are telling the truth. Many smaller children see me and immediately sing the Yoevoe song (hello hello white personhow are you, thank you, good evening) there isn't a response to it or they ask me for money or candyor a bike. We had to laugh as we passed one home once, a child said good evening several times to Suzy,but instead she couldn't pronounce it and said swing instead (boin soir and balansior! not correct spelling).Other people the kids say hello mister, but for me it's Yoevoe. It would be nice to be seen asanother person, and not just a white person with money, but hey in a way it's true, in Western placeswe are rich. It's not racism against me, it's the media also. So even though I may not have the money they think I have, I do know a God who has allthe riches in the world to give to anyone who asks and believes. That's worth it!
A note of clarificationI had talked before about people getting things here, TV's, stereo's, etc. While these I see as a bit not needed. I should mention that cellphones here aresometimes neccessary. Land lines for phones are only in certain rich homes and the bank and school, etc. So for most people and businesses to have any communicationwith relatives outside of town, or to call for daily issues, they have a cell phone, which works pay as you go. Also a while back I talked about weeding scars.I should mention that now I wear long sleeves and that the scars were really scratches and scraps that have all cleared up. Thanks.The management4 Days Free
This past week has been jammed pack with events, well, only one big one, but it was enough to use up much of the time during this week. But before I getto that I want to relate to you some great news. For me it has been a challenge to balance (as I mentioned before) responsibilities, frienships, and such. While I want to spend time with people I am also here to help strengthen the Pathfinder program and help build a lasting foundation for the future, that'stakes some preparation and work time too. Well I mentioned before my friend Fidard (just to let you know I change his name, some names I change because theirstories they have related to me personally and while you will probably never meet them or know someone who knows them, other than me, I feel I owe it to them).Anyway Fidard has been having trouble at home with wife and family. He lost his job and works here and there as a motorcycle taxi driver and collects rentfrom the boutiques his brother built. I visisted him a few times. One time he was drunk after a ceremony to complete the funeral of his father who passed awaylast year, I did not know what it was about. I had already given him a pamphlet on having a happy family based on Biblical principles. It mentionednot using alcohol or other drugs. He was so apologetic when he was drunk, saying he had to because he gave it to his family so he was abliged to as well. He askedif that was okay. I politely told him, that I did not really agree personally. He started to try to make an arguement for himself, and I realized there wasno use in persuading a drunk, so I let him talk, and just remained silent, not agreeing or disagreeing. I came back the next week, and boy was it different.As I expected he didn't remember a thing about the week before and we a nice talk. I tried to go back but he never seemed to home. Well I usually go everyWednesday and Friday evenings before prayer meeting and vespers, respectively, to see if my Bible study friends are coming (it's a bit hit and miss, with goodreasons like a funeral, sickness, but still unfortunate that Satan is working so hard to get them not to come, prayer is the answer). Well Fidard was there!Waiting for me, I had said I'd try to come to his house that try, but it didn't work out, the people at the house where I was headed said I'd come and to wait,I guess it's good to keep your word! I did come and Fidard came with me to church. He told me how for the last four days he had not touched alcohol, and haddrunk plenty of water. Now I believe him, he could be lying, but his demeanor, clear speech and such told otherwise, he seemed much less agitated than when wefirst met almost a month ago. And I praise God. I did not preach a sermon or anything, but through a pamphlet, some Bible verses I shared, and God's amazing powerhe has changed. Now this is only the beginning and I pray his resolve will stay strong. I try to visit him every week, with other responsibities taking time, I haven'tset a time with him to study each week, as I am not sure if I can keep a set time, but I do hope to keep in contact and encourage him, and perhaps connect himwith a church mentor. He is Catholic and it was interesting as we entered the Church Friday night how he crossed himself and kneeled at the back pew to praybefore sitting down. I strolled into the church as if I was entering the hippest place around, went right to the front room beside the pulpit to talk to the deacon who was preparing the night's message. When I saw what Fidard was doing I was humbled. I admire the Catholic reverence. While I do not think church shouldbe a place of mere ritual and such, the way Fidard treated church should be more on my heart. Church is a joyful place, a happy place, but it is also a sacredplace and I think I could use some more of that respectful attitude.
The Big SabbathWell indeed as I said this week was packed for it was pathfinder Sabbath! I worked during the week on getting props ready for the Samson skit, which was thetheme story for the church service. This included putting together boxes for the columns, and making a wig from fake dreads bought at a local beauty store (that was toughto explain when I bought it!) and making long sleeves white shirts into short sleeves. The hair and shirt sewing was taken up by Suzy, who graciously spentmuch time on these. The day came and we were prepared as we could be. As the week had progressed I had slowly learned that in the past there had been a bitmore preparation that I had allowed for. Like two or three weeks, but we pulled it off together. The biggest challenge is that about half the club is newthis year, meaning we have a lot of marching skills to learn. But I was glad to see many of them step up and come out of their shy shells. The older guys didshow some great marching skills in the beginning to off set a little the lack there of from the others. But Suzy kindly explained that we were only four weeksold as a club this year, so to cut us some slack. But this makes sound worse than it was. It went very well. One of the older boys shared the sermon. And allthe pathfinders were involved in the skit, if the file wasn't so big I'd upload the whole thing which is on video, but that'll have to wait. I saw my first snakeright before church, a little guy only maybe 10 or 15 cm. But apparently dangerous. I'll admit I was excited to see my first snake in a safe way! But at the timeit was a distraction. I was trying to organize the group into columns and of course they all wanted to see it. So it was not until after that I realized I seena snake! I was very impressed by Sylvain. He lives near Uli's house (another missionary here with AFM), where I stayed when I first arrived here. We have beengreat friends, he's about 15 or 16, and even though I am now about 30 minutes walk from his house, he still stops by to say hi and go with me to church andpathfinders. He was assigned as Manoah, Samson's father. He told me after that he didn't think he'd be able to talk, but somehow words just came out of hismouth, he did very well! All in all I was a little drained after the morning. But glad too. We have another skit to do for New Year's eve and another PathfinderSabbath in spring next year. I think.
Live Like Them In the ever encompassing quest of becoming Beninoise, there will always be something more. I am coming in as an outsider, but each day I can through God's grace draw myself into this cultureand hopefully have them draw me in and more importantly Christ. As I go get water from the wellI am encouraged. Here I am a white young man, living in a small compound of homes with all Black familiessurrounding me, it's not the skin colour, but really our cultures. My neigbor behind my house isa retired army officer, my landlord is a retired bank manager, another neighbor is a single motherwith 5 kids, I think, from ages 2 or 3 to 20. Sounds like it could be anywhere in the world. But here we just live a little closer.As an example of how I am getting closer I share this story. I questioned whether I should sincesome of you may worry a bit, but there's no need really to worry, I know a 17 year old who was never bit and he's lived here all his life. Bit, by what! Well more like stung. This experienceabsolutely flabergasted me. I was so filled up with gratitude to God. I was arranging the boxes with my possesions in them in my room Sunday night. I left to get something and came back to find a sand colored scorpion sitting nicely on the floor where my hands had just been. I backed away andwent to call Suzy, who didn't answer the phone so I got my neighbor friend, Ebjo. He brought a largestick and with my hoe we took care of the female. He informed it was a female with eggs and that Iwas lucky I found it now, for she could have laid eggs. We checked the room through, and found nothing elseI was a little jumpy after that. Ebjo said I was lucky, oh luck had nothing to do with. I reassured him itwas God who was to be thanked! The next day I was to share a lesson on how Satan began and the start of sin.Coincidence? Well I know for sure God protected me.Check out Luke 10:19 Behold I give you power to tread on serpents and scorpions and over all the power ofthe enemy and nothing shall by any means hurt you."Suzy reminded me of this text. She also related a few stories that she has had being protected from scorpions.And hey in Belize we had tarantula's in the hotel, so a few scorpions are old news, but alwaysfull of God's protection!
Peanuts Fresh PeanutsWe have fun the last week harvesting peanuts. Suzy and friends planted a friend's field this yearas a part of the culture study/. It's almost three quarters done now after two mornings and one eveningof work. On the last go we had a crew of around twelve, a bunch of the neighborhood and church kids.We had races and I even picked up one of the kids and while I hurried, he hung head first and grabbed thepassing peanut plants! I found out saying last one to finish buys cookies creates a little toomuch controversy by the end. To harvest we use a small hoe and slice into the soil around the peanutpull out the plant shake off the dirt. Others do the collecting. And then after we pick off all the peanutseither at the house or at the field. The kids all climbed in the back of the truck (which has a cage sothey can't fly out) and sang all the way home, it was like a cd player, you could change the song by singinga new tune out the window to the choir in the truck bed! Manuel labour can be fun and healthy.
The Game
I haven't really experienced culture shock yet. But I have been discouraged at times over my skin. It'sreally not the people's fault. I am a different race, and that's alright. But sometimes I wish to betreated like I treat them. But as Paul asserted to the Corinthians, I have also given up my rights.I'll be nice, kind, loving, with even a wip on my back. Yes these are only words, but by God's graceI'll keep them. But still it seems like a game sometimes. Guessing who is really wanting to be friendsand who is out to make money or get a job. I've said before I just listen and try to empathize, butI find firmness is neccessary, if I am not able to help someone in the way they want, like takingthem with me to Canada, a common sometimes joking request sometimes not request, I'll let them no, kindlyof course, or try to laugh it off with them. The children are wonderful, but it's tough when they cometo you and ask for help because their parents are both dead. May be true, but who knows if they are telling the truth. Many smaller children see me and immediately sing the Yoevoe song (hello hello white personhow are you, thank you, good evening) there isn't a response to it or they ask me for money or candyor a bike. We had to laugh as we passed one home once, a child said good evening several times to Suzy,but instead she couldn't pronounce it and said swing instead (boin soir and balansior! not correct spelling).Other people the kids say hello mister, but for me it's Yoevoe. It would be nice to be seen asanother person, and not just a white person with money, but hey in a way it's true, in Western placeswe are rich. It's not racism against me, it's the media also. So even though I may not have the money they think I have, I do know a God who has allthe riches in the world to give to anyone who asks and believes. That's worth it!
A note of clarificationI had talked before about people getting things here, TV's, stereo's, etc. While these I see as a bit not needed. I should mention that cellphones here aresometimes neccessary. Land lines for phones are only in certain rich homes and the bank and school, etc. So for most people and businesses to have any communicationwith relatives outside of town, or to call for daily issues, they have a cell phone, which works pay as you go. Also a while back I talked about weeding scars.I should mention that now I wear long sleeves and that the scars were really scratches and scraps that have all cleared up. Thanks.The management4 Days Free
This past week has been jammed pack with events, well, only one big one, but it was enough to use up much of the time during this week. But before I getto that I want to relate to you some great news. For me it has been a challenge to balance (as I mentioned before) responsibilities, frienships, and such. While I want to spend time with people I am also here to help strengthen the Pathfinder program and help build a lasting foundation for the future, that'stakes some preparation and work time too. Well I mentioned before my friend Fidard (just to let you know I change his name, some names I change because theirstories they have related to me personally and while you will probably never meet them or know someone who knows them, other than me, I feel I owe it to them).Anyway Fidard has been having trouble at home with wife and family. He lost his job and works here and there as a motorcycle taxi driver and collects rentfrom the boutiques his brother built. I visisted him a few times. One time he was drunk after a ceremony to complete the funeral of his father who passed awaylast year, I did not know what it was about. I had already given him a pamphlet on having a happy family based on Biblical principles. It mentionednot using alcohol or other drugs. He was so apologetic when he was drunk, saying he had to because he gave it to his family so he was abliged to as well. He askedif that was okay. I politely told him, that I did not really agree personally. He started to try to make an arguement for himself, and I realized there wasno use in persuading a drunk, so I let him talk, and just remained silent, not agreeing or disagreeing. I came back the next week, and boy was it different.As I expected he didn't remember a thing about the week before and we a nice talk. I tried to go back but he never seemed to home. Well I usually go everyWednesday and Friday evenings before prayer meeting and vespers, respectively, to see if my Bible study friends are coming (it's a bit hit and miss, with goodreasons like a funeral, sickness, but still unfortunate that Satan is working so hard to get them not to come, prayer is the answer). Well Fidard was there!Waiting for me, I had said I'd try to come to his house that try, but it didn't work out, the people at the house where I was headed said I'd come and to wait,I guess it's good to keep your word! I did come and Fidard came with me to church. He told me how for the last four days he had not touched alcohol, and haddrunk plenty of water. Now I believe him, he could be lying, but his demeanor, clear speech and such told otherwise, he seemed much less agitated than when wefirst met almost a month ago. And I praise God. I did not preach a sermon or anything, but through a pamphlet, some Bible verses I shared, and God's amazing powerhe has changed. Now this is only the beginning and I pray his resolve will stay strong. I try to visit him every week, with other responsibities taking time, I haven'tset a time with him to study each week, as I am not sure if I can keep a set time, but I do hope to keep in contact and encourage him, and perhaps connect himwith a church mentor. He is Catholic and it was interesting as we entered the Church Friday night how he crossed himself and kneeled at the back pew to praybefore sitting down. I strolled into the church as if I was entering the hippest place around, went right to the front room beside the pulpit to talk to the deacon who was preparing the night's message. When I saw what Fidard was doing I was humbled. I admire the Catholic reverence. While I do not think church shouldbe a place of mere ritual and such, the way Fidard treated church should be more on my heart. Church is a joyful place, a happy place, but it is also a sacredplace and I think I could use some more of that respectful attitude.
The Big SabbathWell indeed as I said this week was packed for it was pathfinder Sabbath! I worked during the week on getting props ready for the Samson skit, which was thetheme story for the church service. This included putting together boxes for the columns, and making a wig from fake dreads bought at a local beauty store (that was toughto explain when I bought it!) and making long sleeves white shirts into short sleeves. The hair and shirt sewing was taken up by Suzy, who graciously spentmuch time on these. The day came and we were prepared as we could be. As the week had progressed I had slowly learned that in the past there had been a bitmore preparation that I had allowed for. Like two or three weeks, but we pulled it off together. The biggest challenge is that about half the club is newthis year, meaning we have a lot of marching skills to learn. But I was glad to see many of them step up and come out of their shy shells. The older guys didshow some great marching skills in the beginning to off set a little the lack there of from the others. But Suzy kindly explained that we were only four weeksold as a club this year, so to cut us some slack. But this makes sound worse than it was. It went very well. One of the older boys shared the sermon. And allthe pathfinders were involved in the skit, if the file wasn't so big I'd upload the whole thing which is on video, but that'll have to wait. I saw my first snakeright before church, a little guy only maybe 10 or 15 cm. But apparently dangerous. I'll admit I was excited to see my first snake in a safe way! But at the timeit was a distraction. I was trying to organize the group into columns and of course they all wanted to see it. So it was not until after that I realized I seena snake! I was very impressed by Sylvain. He lives near Uli's house (another missionary here with AFM), where I stayed when I first arrived here. We have beengreat friends, he's about 15 or 16, and even though I am now about 30 minutes walk from his house, he still stops by to say hi and go with me to church andpathfinders. He was assigned as Manoah, Samson's father. He told me after that he didn't think he'd be able to talk, but somehow words just came out of hismouth, he did very well! All in all I was a little drained after the morning. But glad too. We have another skit to do for New Year's eve and another PathfinderSabbath in spring next year. I think.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Picture Not So Perfect and Other Notices
It's not that I do not care, but it seems circumstances ( slow internet) has forced me to post long blogs, but no worries they are split into sections, so you don't have read it all in one go!
Picture Not-So Perfect
On my way to visit some friends Sabbath evening, I had to stop by the church to lock up. On the wayI heard a strange noise, a crackling sound, it seemed to be coming from the bushes. I cautiouslycontinued hopeing that nothing would jump out at me, or slither! (Come to think of I've been heretwo months and haven't seen a snake yet, but I have not really wanted to either, garter snakes are nice, but here they don't have those.) I ventured, as the view opened up, to see if perhaps the noisewas coming from somewhere other than the tall grass, and I found it was coming from tall grass, butnot near me. Up on the side of the hill, way up there, a huge fire was burning. I would have panickedbut Suzy has already informed me that this what is done around here. Because the dry season is so drywildfires are dangerous, thus they burn the dry underbrush, to prevent huge fires. The stuff thatis still somewhat green remains. Thus it also rejuvinates the soil and allows for growth in rainy season.I locked the church, and then I just could not resist. So I climbed the hill to get a little closerto the fire. Okay my manly instincts kicked in a little, I saw fire and had to be a part of it! As Iapproached I was concerned, I saw children running to and from the fire, oh no perhaps this fire was anaccident! Maybe I'd have to save the day! Alas, the children were just playing with the fire, which was a just as concerning, as fire is not really a great thing to play with. But they seemed okay, so I enjoyedwatching the grand flames leap into the air. I thought how wonderful a picture would be of the sceneand I realized I did not have my camera. I was lamenting this revelation when I turned to lookat how far I'd climbed and behold! The view was remarkable. Here and there wisps of smoke ascendinginto the fading daylight. The mist of the evening covered the hills and the gray sky cast a shadowy mask across the trees and homes! Lights from the streets and cars and homes, flickeredin the growing darkness. I have to paint a grand picture for you to see, because again, no camera!It seems if you don't or if you do have your camera, there will be a good picture opportunity. So my ruleis always have the camera!
Deeper than the Surface
The Pathfinder members here are a very energetic bunch, they aren't always the best at followinginstructions, but this can be attributed as much to my small French vocabulary as it can be to their listening skills. We tried marching last Sunday. The little ones have a hard time graspingall the different commands, and they can't keep stride with the older kids, so it's ends up beinga little messy. I started getting a little discouraged, but God kept me in perspective, that it does not need to be perfect, and perhaps I should try to split the older and younger up, theymay learn better seperately (thanks to Suzy for the advice). Some of the older ones were missingthe Sunday, not really disconcerning since they know marching skills well. Two of them told methey'd be working in the fields, and the other two I assumed were doing the same. The assumptionwas correct I found out, when one of the absentees stopped by house after school. I was goingto give him a little speech on making an effort to be at Pathfinders, but I changed my mind. One was that Suzy explained that most of their parents don't warn them when they will be working, sowhen they are told they go! The other reason the young man gave. I have tried to find outthe stories of each of the young people I am getting to know, their background, life, etc. I usuallystart with a question like, so you were born here? how many brothers and sisters do you have, etc.I asked this young man if he was the only at the house. I had not even yet mentioned him missingPathfinders and he begins to say he has sisters and brothers but they do not go to church. Wellall I wanted to know was how many siblings, but he continued. After the new Catholic church hadgone up near his home, his Father advised the children to go there, he refused, and he was the only one. His sisters used to come to our Church, but after that they stopped, he said. I told himthat was a very good choice, but that is must be hard. My pray is that God will help me sharewhat people need to hear from Him. Before I knew I was sharing how much prayer makes a difference, how sometimes our convincing arguments for Adventism might not even work, that sometimes we just needto pray that God will change their hearts. I shared of people in family that had been broughtback to God by prayer and love, by ways we had not even imagined! He seemed to appreciate the words,and I thanked God for His words through me. Know I understood where this young man came from, inthe future any time he is at Pathfinders, I will consider it a great blessing. By God's gracefor him Pathfinders will be a rich experience and I will learn to look deeper before jumping to conclusions!
Back from the Big City
Suzy and I and our other passengers arrived safely at home on Friday night, from ourtrip to the big city Cotonou. I was able to get my passport finally on Thursday morning. The immigration place doesn't give out visa's until 11am, so it wastoo late to leave that day! We got home an hour before sunset, and I opted to stay home from vespers, after nine hours in the truck I didn't think my bottom, normy concentration could last the program. God gave me a great testimony in Cotonou,about little things. I have been working on, okay stressing over a little, the uniform situation for pathfinders. There are plenty of pants and shoes, but shirtswere lacking. They are usually easy to find, but I had not found any on the marketfor a few weeks. So we went to the clothing market in Cotonou, where they are literally mounds of used clothing shipped from Western places, mostly the USI think. Suzy advised me to just keep on the lookout and know that God knows whatI need. I do believe He does, yet I did not have the shirts and time is short.Faith is without sight! And in one pile that day God showed me four shirts and onein another, all that I needed! Just shirts? Well it's all God to me for sure.
The Dog gets the right away I have never really had a chronic fear of dogs. Once our family kept my uncle's great dane in our backyard for a while, while he moved. She was a gentle beast andI enjoyed playing with her, even if she was almost as tall as me! But that's a friendlydog. It seems in foreign countries I have somewhat of a nervousness around them. In Belize I was chased by a group, the same group that later bit one of our team, so the fear is not without foundation. In actuality most dogs here are quite friendly, well I have not ventured to find out how friendly, but they stay clear of you. However there are few that like to bark as I pass, these have a bark worsethen their bite however. But the one dog that gives problems is on the regular routeto church no less! He has only ventured to bark at me once, but nonetheless I takethe precaution to pick up a stone as I pass his place, a stone in the hand is enoughof a threat to scare any dog apparently. Sometimes I be almost at church withthe stone in my hand and forget why I have it, and then oh yeah, the dog I forgot!Really though, I need not be scared, God has it covered. If a dog should becomehostile, He's there. While I need not be careless, petting dogs I do not know, I cantrust He's watching me, whoever is barking at me!
Change of plans
One of the greatest things I have learned from working at camp for five years, andin most other experiences I have had in life, is flexibility. Not flexibility in faith, thatshould always be strong. If something is wrong, faith grabs hold with prayer. ButI mean with plans. I do not have a daily schedule here, but during the week, I doschedule bible studies, visitations, market trips, etc. But as it turns out, I usuallychange plans. Like this past Monday, I went to a regular Bible study group, thatwe had missed for a week because of the Cotonou excursion. They weren't ready, no worries.I'll stop by tomorrow. Then I stopped by Suzy's. I was about to leave and I lether know I was off to the market. Market? That's tomorrow, oh my mistake. My morningwent from full to blank. At times like that I ask God for the agenda. Well I ask for His guidance in all the plans I make, and when they turn don't work out, wellHe must have another plan. I cannot quite remember what I filled my time with thatmorning, I do believe that I got some essential financial things worked out and a friend stopped by for lunch. Sometimes I can see why plans don't happens, other timesno, but whatever the case flexibility works and most importantly, a strong faith even just as big as a mustard seed! Check out the book of James for more about planning and works and faith! God bless His plans in your life!
Picture Not-So Perfect
On my way to visit some friends Sabbath evening, I had to stop by the church to lock up. On the wayI heard a strange noise, a crackling sound, it seemed to be coming from the bushes. I cautiouslycontinued hopeing that nothing would jump out at me, or slither! (Come to think of I've been heretwo months and haven't seen a snake yet, but I have not really wanted to either, garter snakes are nice, but here they don't have those.) I ventured, as the view opened up, to see if perhaps the noisewas coming from somewhere other than the tall grass, and I found it was coming from tall grass, butnot near me. Up on the side of the hill, way up there, a huge fire was burning. I would have panickedbut Suzy has already informed me that this what is done around here. Because the dry season is so drywildfires are dangerous, thus they burn the dry underbrush, to prevent huge fires. The stuff thatis still somewhat green remains. Thus it also rejuvinates the soil and allows for growth in rainy season.I locked the church, and then I just could not resist. So I climbed the hill to get a little closerto the fire. Okay my manly instincts kicked in a little, I saw fire and had to be a part of it! As Iapproached I was concerned, I saw children running to and from the fire, oh no perhaps this fire was anaccident! Maybe I'd have to save the day! Alas, the children were just playing with the fire, which was a just as concerning, as fire is not really a great thing to play with. But they seemed okay, so I enjoyedwatching the grand flames leap into the air. I thought how wonderful a picture would be of the sceneand I realized I did not have my camera. I was lamenting this revelation when I turned to lookat how far I'd climbed and behold! The view was remarkable. Here and there wisps of smoke ascendinginto the fading daylight. The mist of the evening covered the hills and the gray sky cast a shadowy mask across the trees and homes! Lights from the streets and cars and homes, flickeredin the growing darkness. I have to paint a grand picture for you to see, because again, no camera!It seems if you don't or if you do have your camera, there will be a good picture opportunity. So my ruleis always have the camera!
Deeper than the Surface
The Pathfinder members here are a very energetic bunch, they aren't always the best at followinginstructions, but this can be attributed as much to my small French vocabulary as it can be to their listening skills. We tried marching last Sunday. The little ones have a hard time graspingall the different commands, and they can't keep stride with the older kids, so it's ends up beinga little messy. I started getting a little discouraged, but God kept me in perspective, that it does not need to be perfect, and perhaps I should try to split the older and younger up, theymay learn better seperately (thanks to Suzy for the advice). Some of the older ones were missingthe Sunday, not really disconcerning since they know marching skills well. Two of them told methey'd be working in the fields, and the other two I assumed were doing the same. The assumptionwas correct I found out, when one of the absentees stopped by house after school. I was goingto give him a little speech on making an effort to be at Pathfinders, but I changed my mind. One was that Suzy explained that most of their parents don't warn them when they will be working, sowhen they are told they go! The other reason the young man gave. I have tried to find outthe stories of each of the young people I am getting to know, their background, life, etc. I usuallystart with a question like, so you were born here? how many brothers and sisters do you have, etc.I asked this young man if he was the only at the house. I had not even yet mentioned him missingPathfinders and he begins to say he has sisters and brothers but they do not go to church. Wellall I wanted to know was how many siblings, but he continued. After the new Catholic church hadgone up near his home, his Father advised the children to go there, he refused, and he was the only one. His sisters used to come to our Church, but after that they stopped, he said. I told himthat was a very good choice, but that is must be hard. My pray is that God will help me sharewhat people need to hear from Him. Before I knew I was sharing how much prayer makes a difference, how sometimes our convincing arguments for Adventism might not even work, that sometimes we just needto pray that God will change their hearts. I shared of people in family that had been broughtback to God by prayer and love, by ways we had not even imagined! He seemed to appreciate the words,and I thanked God for His words through me. Know I understood where this young man came from, inthe future any time he is at Pathfinders, I will consider it a great blessing. By God's gracefor him Pathfinders will be a rich experience and I will learn to look deeper before jumping to conclusions!
Back from the Big City
Suzy and I and our other passengers arrived safely at home on Friday night, from ourtrip to the big city Cotonou. I was able to get my passport finally on Thursday morning. The immigration place doesn't give out visa's until 11am, so it wastoo late to leave that day! We got home an hour before sunset, and I opted to stay home from vespers, after nine hours in the truck I didn't think my bottom, normy concentration could last the program. God gave me a great testimony in Cotonou,about little things. I have been working on, okay stressing over a little, the uniform situation for pathfinders. There are plenty of pants and shoes, but shirtswere lacking. They are usually easy to find, but I had not found any on the marketfor a few weeks. So we went to the clothing market in Cotonou, where they are literally mounds of used clothing shipped from Western places, mostly the USI think. Suzy advised me to just keep on the lookout and know that God knows whatI need. I do believe He does, yet I did not have the shirts and time is short.Faith is without sight! And in one pile that day God showed me four shirts and onein another, all that I needed! Just shirts? Well it's all God to me for sure.
The Dog gets the right away I have never really had a chronic fear of dogs. Once our family kept my uncle's great dane in our backyard for a while, while he moved. She was a gentle beast andI enjoyed playing with her, even if she was almost as tall as me! But that's a friendlydog. It seems in foreign countries I have somewhat of a nervousness around them. In Belize I was chased by a group, the same group that later bit one of our team, so the fear is not without foundation. In actuality most dogs here are quite friendly, well I have not ventured to find out how friendly, but they stay clear of you. However there are few that like to bark as I pass, these have a bark worsethen their bite however. But the one dog that gives problems is on the regular routeto church no less! He has only ventured to bark at me once, but nonetheless I takethe precaution to pick up a stone as I pass his place, a stone in the hand is enoughof a threat to scare any dog apparently. Sometimes I be almost at church withthe stone in my hand and forget why I have it, and then oh yeah, the dog I forgot!Really though, I need not be scared, God has it covered. If a dog should becomehostile, He's there. While I need not be careless, petting dogs I do not know, I cantrust He's watching me, whoever is barking at me!
Change of plans
One of the greatest things I have learned from working at camp for five years, andin most other experiences I have had in life, is flexibility. Not flexibility in faith, thatshould always be strong. If something is wrong, faith grabs hold with prayer. ButI mean with plans. I do not have a daily schedule here, but during the week, I doschedule bible studies, visitations, market trips, etc. But as it turns out, I usuallychange plans. Like this past Monday, I went to a regular Bible study group, thatwe had missed for a week because of the Cotonou excursion. They weren't ready, no worries.I'll stop by tomorrow. Then I stopped by Suzy's. I was about to leave and I lether know I was off to the market. Market? That's tomorrow, oh my mistake. My morningwent from full to blank. At times like that I ask God for the agenda. Well I ask for His guidance in all the plans I make, and when they turn don't work out, wellHe must have another plan. I cannot quite remember what I filled my time with thatmorning, I do believe that I got some essential financial things worked out and a friend stopped by for lunch. Sometimes I can see why plans don't happens, other timesno, but whatever the case flexibility works and most importantly, a strong faith even just as big as a mustard seed! Check out the book of James for more about planning and works and faith! God bless His plans in your life!
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
What do ya think?
Well as you can see I have a bit of extra time this week to write. I thought I'd try this time to split the entries up, instead a big long one, some smaller ones. Maybe then if you don't have tons of time you can read one and come back later, let me know what ya think, if you wish. God bless.
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