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