Saturday, April 5, 2014
Senegal group photo
Hello, friends! This is our final evening in Senegal and our hosts have surprised us with clothing gifts for each of us. Below is a group photo. We will see you soon - and in services next Sunday. Thank you for your prayers.
Saturday morning, April 5
As reported previously, yesterday was Senegal's Independence Day. That limited mobility somewhat. Karl, Mike, Deb, Judy, and Sarah went over to the church and finished painting Christine's office. Gaspar painted the hallway outside of her office, too. Karl and Mike set the window and now Christine has a brand new office!
Some conversation has begun around promoting the Guest House as a B&B on the Web - Deb has some good ideas and has been talking with the staff.
Yesterday afternoon and evening, many of the group went to visit the now-famous statue and then went to an Independence Day concert. Carol and Mike were not feeling well, and Tom, Ella and Chloe stayed to minister to them. Those who went returned with some interesting stories - which they will record separately.
FYI, the illnesses here have been primarily sinus reactions to dust and perhaps allergies, with a touch of motion sickness from extended travel. As always, the food and water served to us has been safe.
Today, Saturday, the group conducted a devotional period with discussion in the morning and began thinking about organizing their packing for tomorrow's return to Chicago. Miss Catherine received her custom-made dress and modeled it for everyone - I am sure she will wear it to church soon. Just before lunch, most of the women have gone shopping. Others are resting, blogging(!), or packing. This afternoon, there will be a children's gathering at the church for games, singing, activities, and instruction.
I imagine that this will be my last blog entry until we are home in Chicago - I doubt that time will permit tomorrow and Internet access will not be readily available. We must be at the airport around 9am for an 11am fight back to New York. We will eventually land in Chicago around 9pm Sunday night. Thanks to everyone for your prayers!
-- Tom
Some conversation has begun around promoting the Guest House as a B&B on the Web - Deb has some good ideas and has been talking with the staff.
Yesterday afternoon and evening, many of the group went to visit the now-famous statue and then went to an Independence Day concert. Carol and Mike were not feeling well, and Tom, Ella and Chloe stayed to minister to them. Those who went returned with some interesting stories - which they will record separately.
FYI, the illnesses here have been primarily sinus reactions to dust and perhaps allergies, with a touch of motion sickness from extended travel. As always, the food and water served to us has been safe.
Today, Saturday, the group conducted a devotional period with discussion in the morning and began thinking about organizing their packing for tomorrow's return to Chicago. Miss Catherine received her custom-made dress and modeled it for everyone - I am sure she will wear it to church soon. Just before lunch, most of the women have gone shopping. Others are resting, blogging(!), or packing. This afternoon, there will be a children's gathering at the church for games, singing, activities, and instruction.
I imagine that this will be my last blog entry until we are home in Chicago - I doubt that time will permit tomorrow and Internet access will not be readily available. We must be at the airport around 9am for an 11am fight back to New York. We will eventually land in Chicago around 9pm Sunday night. Thanks to everyone for your prayers!
-- Tom
Friday, April 4, 2014
Here are some photos
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| Baobab tree on Goree Island |
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| Statue celebrating the liberation of slaves - on Goree Island |
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| "The Cross of Jesus Christ for the World" |
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| The Catholic Church on Goree Island |
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| Children in the English class |
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| Ella is feeding a monkey a the Bandia animal preserve |
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| Women folding origami butterflies at the Mbour skills center |
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| Giraffes!!! |
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| Sunset near Pecc Maxx during our journey home |
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| Mmmmm! Senegalese spaghetti |
Bonjour tous le monde!
Today is Independence Day for Senegal when this amazing country received its freedom from the French! We are eating watermelon at the grand table to celebrate! Tres bon a Senegal!! Awa and Fatu Lo have prepared delicious meals for us that top any 5 star hotel. They work in a small kitchen without the every day conveniences we take for granted. The grace and beauty they bring to the preparation and presentation are outstanding. Radical hospitality bar none!
Yesterday was a long, full day of traveling and visiting rural Dakar or Senegal. For me, the most poignant interaction occurred at the Children's Feeding Center in a small village of Mbassi. Picture a wide open space of dry, sandy, land where homes consist of round, stick huts with thatched roofs, stick fences and garbage. Trees dot the land occasionally displaying green leaves. Goats run free along with pigs, birds, a few dogs, and donkeys. In Mbassi, we arrived to an open air shelter without walls. There was a cement floor where 4 rows of bright-eyed children sat on small wooden benches sat with spoon in hand for our arrival. Several babies were nursing as they watched the arrival unfolding.
The children welcomed us warmly with songs and Alleluias! We sang Peace, Salaam, Shalom in Wolof, English and Arabic (thank you Pat and Sandy!), taught them about brushing their teeth, and prayed. Note: This Feeding Center is able to distribute a high protein meal only once a week (it use to be 3 times, but due to lack of funds, children eat usually once a week). Picture an assortment of metal and plastic bowls set on the pavement in the middle of the structure. All had lids on them. The children waited patiently to eat. How were they to figure out who got what bowl?
The program is set up so that the pastor's wife, who arrived on donkey and cart, prepared a meal of high protein spaghetti in the village. Each family in the program gives her a dish for their children. What looked to me to be an arrangement of random bowls was really a thoughtful process to achieve an orderly way of feeding these beautiful, hungry children. They shared bowls, some eating with spoons others with their hands. Every last morsel was consumed.
We were delighted to participate in high energy dancing by children and women (and men!) alike as one young mother drummed a beat on the bottom of a metal bowl! Even the youngest child knew to dance and stop on the final beat! Wow! Then, in an attempt to be orderly, we handed out toothbrushes, tooth paste and hand made paper crosses that Bonnie's first grade students created at St. Francis School. The number of children multiplied as word spread that something was being distributed. It got a bit crazy, but everyone received a gift and smiles were abundant. All were welcome!
By now it was 7:15 pm, the sun was beginning to set with a blaze of orange casting shadows upon the Baobob trees projecting an image that Alfred Hitchcock might have used in his many scary movies. I felt a certain sadness as we drove through the villages on our way back to the main road. Everyone waved to us from village to village and we waved our good byes to them. Many of us shared a mix of emotions (again!) from this experience and expressed our awe at the beauty that exists in such poverty. I cannot help but to be moved to a deeper level of gratitude and grace to witness first hand the history of Africa and the relentless spirits of the people who are working to build the Methodist Church (from scratch!) throughout Senegal. This BOLD witness is an every day choice by Pastor Joe, Christine, Mama Keena, Paulette, Pastor John Pierre and many, many more. As Sarah commented, "The people of Africa are fearless!". Holy God, that we can be so.
The blessings received and the blessings given can only be from a God who is loving, merciful and patient. Growing in body and wisdom like Jesus takes on more meaning than ever before! Jesus is here in Senegal. I am so excited to share Senegal with you. Thank you for your prayers. You are in mine daily. God bless you and passe un bon jour! Miss Catherine
Today is Independence Day for Senegal when this amazing country received its freedom from the French! We are eating watermelon at the grand table to celebrate! Tres bon a Senegal!! Awa and Fatu Lo have prepared delicious meals for us that top any 5 star hotel. They work in a small kitchen without the every day conveniences we take for granted. The grace and beauty they bring to the preparation and presentation are outstanding. Radical hospitality bar none!
Yesterday was a long, full day of traveling and visiting rural Dakar or Senegal. For me, the most poignant interaction occurred at the Children's Feeding Center in a small village of Mbassi. Picture a wide open space of dry, sandy, land where homes consist of round, stick huts with thatched roofs, stick fences and garbage. Trees dot the land occasionally displaying green leaves. Goats run free along with pigs, birds, a few dogs, and donkeys. In Mbassi, we arrived to an open air shelter without walls. There was a cement floor where 4 rows of bright-eyed children sat on small wooden benches sat with spoon in hand for our arrival. Several babies were nursing as they watched the arrival unfolding.
The children welcomed us warmly with songs and Alleluias! We sang Peace, Salaam, Shalom in Wolof, English and Arabic (thank you Pat and Sandy!), taught them about brushing their teeth, and prayed. Note: This Feeding Center is able to distribute a high protein meal only once a week (it use to be 3 times, but due to lack of funds, children eat usually once a week). Picture an assortment of metal and plastic bowls set on the pavement in the middle of the structure. All had lids on them. The children waited patiently to eat. How were they to figure out who got what bowl?
The program is set up so that the pastor's wife, who arrived on donkey and cart, prepared a meal of high protein spaghetti in the village. Each family in the program gives her a dish for their children. What looked to me to be an arrangement of random bowls was really a thoughtful process to achieve an orderly way of feeding these beautiful, hungry children. They shared bowls, some eating with spoons others with their hands. Every last morsel was consumed.
We were delighted to participate in high energy dancing by children and women (and men!) alike as one young mother drummed a beat on the bottom of a metal bowl! Even the youngest child knew to dance and stop on the final beat! Wow! Then, in an attempt to be orderly, we handed out toothbrushes, tooth paste and hand made paper crosses that Bonnie's first grade students created at St. Francis School. The number of children multiplied as word spread that something was being distributed. It got a bit crazy, but everyone received a gift and smiles were abundant. All were welcome!
By now it was 7:15 pm, the sun was beginning to set with a blaze of orange casting shadows upon the Baobob trees projecting an image that Alfred Hitchcock might have used in his many scary movies. I felt a certain sadness as we drove through the villages on our way back to the main road. Everyone waved to us from village to village and we waved our good byes to them. Many of us shared a mix of emotions (again!) from this experience and expressed our awe at the beauty that exists in such poverty. I cannot help but to be moved to a deeper level of gratitude and grace to witness first hand the history of Africa and the relentless spirits of the people who are working to build the Methodist Church (from scratch!) throughout Senegal. This BOLD witness is an every day choice by Pastor Joe, Christine, Mama Keena, Paulette, Pastor John Pierre and many, many more. As Sarah commented, "The people of Africa are fearless!". Holy God, that we can be so.
The blessings received and the blessings given can only be from a God who is loving, merciful and patient. Growing in body and wisdom like Jesus takes on more meaning than ever before! Jesus is here in Senegal. I am so excited to share Senegal with you. Thank you for your prayers. You are in mine daily. God bless you and passe un bon jour! Miss Catherine
Thursday Apr 3
Thursday was a very busy day. We started 9am and travelled to Mbour (about 2 hours) to visit the women's skills center there and talk with pastor Jean-Pierre about his proposal for a new church building. Judy, Deb and Sarah presented the women with a scaled-down version of the business training from Wednesday. Chloe taught the women how to weave bracelets - Ella helped and held children who wanted comforting. Karl, Mike and Nancy talked with Jean-Pierre about the church plan. Catherine taught students to make peace cranes, and chatted with students in French. Carol and Bonnie took pictures, and Tom kibitzed.
We then went to the Bandia animal reserve for a tour (90 minutes) and then had lunch. All of the first-timer participants felt that Bandia was exciting. As we traveled in our safari van (open-air) we came within about 15 yards of white rhinos and giraffes. We also saw antelope, warthogs, and many crocodiles.
After lunch, we headed to Thiadaiye and the feeding center at Mbassis. After 2 hours, we arrived about 4:30pm and the 40 children were waiting for us. After mutual greetings from the chief and pastors, and a song led by Catherine, Bonnie, Chloe and Ella taught about tooth brushing. There was much laughter. The children then ate. After eating, Bonnie took a video of the children singing - which they then watched as Bonnie held her iPad over her head for all of them to see. This engendered more singing and videos, and then dancing broke out. For the next 20 minutes, just about everyone took turns dancing in the middle of the circle of singing, clapping and laughing. After passing out the toothbrushes and toothpaste, we said many goodbyes and left for Dakar. Around 3 hours later, we arrived back in Dakar around 9:30 and had dinner. Many of us washed and went to bed shortly thereafter. Others, still excited from an entire day of activity, were up until after 11pm.
Today, the 4th, is Senegal Independence Day. There will be parades that will disrupt traffic. Our intention today is to stay in the neighborhood, work at the church, and begin to collect photos together. The TV here in the church is already offering coverage of the upcoming parade - with images of the empty streets near the presidential palace and talking heads interpreting the moment. Freedom is celebrated everywhere.
-- Tom
We then went to the Bandia animal reserve for a tour (90 minutes) and then had lunch. All of the first-timer participants felt that Bandia was exciting. As we traveled in our safari van (open-air) we came within about 15 yards of white rhinos and giraffes. We also saw antelope, warthogs, and many crocodiles.
After lunch, we headed to Thiadaiye and the feeding center at Mbassis. After 2 hours, we arrived about 4:30pm and the 40 children were waiting for us. After mutual greetings from the chief and pastors, and a song led by Catherine, Bonnie, Chloe and Ella taught about tooth brushing. There was much laughter. The children then ate. After eating, Bonnie took a video of the children singing - which they then watched as Bonnie held her iPad over her head for all of them to see. This engendered more singing and videos, and then dancing broke out. For the next 20 minutes, just about everyone took turns dancing in the middle of the circle of singing, clapping and laughing. After passing out the toothbrushes and toothpaste, we said many goodbyes and left for Dakar. Around 3 hours later, we arrived back in Dakar around 9:30 and had dinner. Many of us washed and went to bed shortly thereafter. Others, still excited from an entire day of activity, were up until after 11pm.
Today, the 4th, is Senegal Independence Day. There will be parades that will disrupt traffic. Our intention today is to stay in the neighborhood, work at the church, and begin to collect photos together. The TV here in the church is already offering coverage of the upcoming parade - with images of the empty streets near the presidential palace and talking heads interpreting the moment. Freedom is celebrated everywhere.
-- Tom
Wednesday, April 2, 2014
Team B arrives in Senegal
Yes, we made it! Sarah, Chloe, Ella, Mike, Judy, Catherine, Bonnie, and Tom assembled at O'Hare on Saturday at 10am and departed for JFK about 30 minutes late due to weather on the East Coast. We had 5+ hours layover in JFK, where it was raining quite steadily. That gave us time to take some walks, have lunch and eventually leave for Dakar on time about 30 minutes late at 10:15pm. From there, it was the usual grind through a 7-hour flight, arriving at passport control around 9:30am Sunday. Most members of the group got some sleep, but it was very difficult in the crowded conditions. The new visa process introduced more time in the airport, but we did eventually leave for the Dakar church around 10:30am. The service was in full flood, and we rendezvoused with Carol, Karl, Nancy, Joanne and Deb (who had arrived the day prior).
The service was energizing, with singing and prayers and singing. We learned that Dr. Bashir will be married shortly! Everyone we knew was there and hugs and greetings were exchanged. Our first-time visitors were introduced to the congregation to warm applause and more singing. After the service, we spent a few minutes cleaning up as best we could (there is no running water today), and then went to a nice restaurant for lunch about 3pm. After a short walk on the ocean beach, in conditions the locals termed "cold" but we all enjoyed (low 70s), we headed back to our guest house.
A group of shoppers have headed out to Sambas to buy gifts. I expect many of us will be turning in by 8pm. It has been a long day.
-- Tom
The service was energizing, with singing and prayers and singing. We learned that Dr. Bashir will be married shortly! Everyone we knew was there and hugs and greetings were exchanged. Our first-time visitors were introduced to the congregation to warm applause and more singing. After the service, we spent a few minutes cleaning up as best we could (there is no running water today), and then went to a nice restaurant for lunch about 3pm. After a short walk on the ocean beach, in conditions the locals termed "cold" but we all enjoyed (low 70s), we headed back to our guest house.
A group of shoppers have headed out to Sambas to buy gifts. I expect many of us will be turning in by 8pm. It has been a long day.
-- Tom
Wednesday April 2nd
Hello, readers. Today we had three groups active simultaneously. Deb, Judy and Sarah spend the whole day conducting a seminar on starting a business and making it a success on a small initial budget. There were sixteen women attending, and they were really excited to have the chance to talk together and get great advice. Bonnie, Catherine, Chloe and Ella went to the church and worked with children there on learning English through games and art projects. It was energy-packed and a joyful noise! Karl, Nancy and I were upstairs in the church helping the local pastors understand some key aspects of the UM Book of Discipline in governing the local church and handling conflict within a congregation. Ours was nearly an entire day, too. Carol floated between the sessions taking pictures and also talking with others in the church about activities tomorrow and Friday.
Mike was ill today and could not participate - nothing serious, just a sore throat and sinus headache. Mike had been instrumental in assembling the materials for the meeting with the pastors, so it was unfortunate that he could not participate. He was back on his feet in the very late afternoon, and we don't expect him to miss dinner. 8)
At the end of the day, Judy, Deb, Sarah, Carol and I went for a walk on the beach - which was covered with youth playing soccer. Several times, we found ourselves in the midst of a game without knowing how it happened. The players did a very good job of avoiding us (like the referee) and no one was hurt and no goals disallowed due to interference.
Tomorrow we are planning to go down the coast about 50 miles to Mbour and visit the congregation there. We will also bring materials to the women's skills center there.
-- Tom
Mike was ill today and could not participate - nothing serious, just a sore throat and sinus headache. Mike had been instrumental in assembling the materials for the meeting with the pastors, so it was unfortunate that he could not participate. He was back on his feet in the very late afternoon, and we don't expect him to miss dinner. 8)
At the end of the day, Judy, Deb, Sarah, Carol and I went for a walk on the beach - which was covered with youth playing soccer. Several times, we found ourselves in the midst of a game without knowing how it happened. The players did a very good job of avoiding us (like the referee) and no one was hurt and no goals disallowed due to interference.
Tomorrow we are planning to go down the coast about 50 miles to Mbour and visit the congregation there. We will also bring materials to the women's skills center there.
-- Tom
Bonjour mes amies de Senegal! Au'jourd hui es Mercredi. Bon!!
Today is hump day! Half way through the week and it is going quickly for sure. Team Senegal is having an amazing journey learning about the Senegalese people and the city of Dakar. Many of us are speaking French quite well because French is the main language. The people are understanding and laugh often at how much we goof up on the French, but it is a lot of fun speaking French especially with the children. Voila!
Yesterday, Team Senegal traveled by boat to Goree Island to hear the history of the 312 years of slave trading that occurred under the Portuguese, Dutch, British; then, the French rule. Our guide, Ali, who studies English and History at the university, was informative and kind. The stories of the slave trade were indeed tragic and sad, so not a one of us did not walk away from the tour without riding a roller coaster of emotions. About 1000 people live on Goree Island. They have to travel to the main land to buy food and go to high school.
There is a kindergarten and elementary school for younger children. The artisans were too numerous to count and we could not possibly shop enough to satisfy the shopkeepers. We were quite grateful to enjoy a meal at a small restaurant high above the rocky shores. From pizza to fish to vegetables and rice to chicken, the cuisine was delicious!!
Faites attention! I must mention the Baobob tree which is an amazing tree that can live up to 1000 years old. It is a selfish tree because it sucks up all the water when and IF it rains. The story goes that God was mad at the tree for being selfish, so God turned it upside down. It looks like the roots are sticking out the top! It produces a fruit that is called sort of looks like a banana just not yellow. The people make a juice from it called pain de singe (monkey bread). It is tasty and sweet, but feels like the chalky consistency of Kaopectate (sp?).
Bon! So much to tell you about Senegal, but this is probably enough for now. We felt the Holy Spirit in a powerful way last night during a prayer circle where women lead song and prayer. A special prayer for Joanne who was departing later that night encircled her with love and gratitude to last a lifetime! She has made her 6th trip to Senegal and has touched the hearts of many at L'Eglise Methodiste Unis au Senegal.
We are thinking of you and sending blessings and love from Senegal across the Atlantic and are looking forward to sharing our experiences with you in the months and years to come. Truly, God is moving in the hearts of many to make this mission possible and sustain the church here. Thank you, God, for your continued presence and love.
A bientot tous le monde! We love you. Catherine from Trinity UMC Wilmette and Nancy from Redeemer of Calvary, Chicago
Today is hump day! Half way through the week and it is going quickly for sure. Team Senegal is having an amazing journey learning about the Senegalese people and the city of Dakar. Many of us are speaking French quite well because French is the main language. The people are understanding and laugh often at how much we goof up on the French, but it is a lot of fun speaking French especially with the children. Voila!
Yesterday, Team Senegal traveled by boat to Goree Island to hear the history of the 312 years of slave trading that occurred under the Portuguese, Dutch, British; then, the French rule. Our guide, Ali, who studies English and History at the university, was informative and kind. The stories of the slave trade were indeed tragic and sad, so not a one of us did not walk away from the tour without riding a roller coaster of emotions. About 1000 people live on Goree Island. They have to travel to the main land to buy food and go to high school.
There is a kindergarten and elementary school for younger children. The artisans were too numerous to count and we could not possibly shop enough to satisfy the shopkeepers. We were quite grateful to enjoy a meal at a small restaurant high above the rocky shores. From pizza to fish to vegetables and rice to chicken, the cuisine was delicious!!
Faites attention! I must mention the Baobob tree which is an amazing tree that can live up to 1000 years old. It is a selfish tree because it sucks up all the water when and IF it rains. The story goes that God was mad at the tree for being selfish, so God turned it upside down. It looks like the roots are sticking out the top! It produces a fruit that is called sort of looks like a banana just not yellow. The people make a juice from it called pain de singe (monkey bread). It is tasty and sweet, but feels like the chalky consistency of Kaopectate (sp?).
Bon! So much to tell you about Senegal, but this is probably enough for now. We felt the Holy Spirit in a powerful way last night during a prayer circle where women lead song and prayer. A special prayer for Joanne who was departing later that night encircled her with love and gratitude to last a lifetime! She has made her 6th trip to Senegal and has touched the hearts of many at L'Eglise Methodiste Unis au Senegal.
We are thinking of you and sending blessings and love from Senegal across the Atlantic and are looking forward to sharing our experiences with you in the months and years to come. Truly, God is moving in the hearts of many to make this mission possible and sustain the church here. Thank you, God, for your continued presence and love.
A bientot tous le monde! We love you. Catherine from Trinity UMC Wilmette and Nancy from Redeemer of Calvary, Chicago
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