Markets and Missionaries

N'Fanda, N'Toonda, and N'Douada from Burkina Faso! We have had a jam-packed week of work and activities. Yesterday Doreen and I took a break from the medical center to help the team with tree-work and projects here at the compound. Sam and Paul have cut about 10 trees down so far and the ladies in the group were involved with cleaning up the mess they've made :) Sam had me take a special picture of him looking manly with the chainsaw for Carlene to see, but I'm sorry I can't post it! Sam and Paul have been work machines taking out trees; praise God for protecting them both. Ed and Bob have been successful in the repairs of the Gators, and they were even able to drive one to market yesterday! Ian, Dan and Josh have completed the wiring and lights in the boys' cabin and have moved onto another house. Many curious children wandered onto the SIM compound yesterday while we were working to watch us and tried to help with moving sticks. It was fun to have them there even though we couldn't speak their language.

On Tuesday night we had dinner with Betty, the most senior missionary here. Betty is from Canada and felt called to missions as a new nurse when she was a young woman and has been here since 1954! She began the medical work here in Mahadaga and shared many amazing stories and miracles of how God answered prayer and showed in amazing ways. Her heart for the Fuhlani people here is contagious and we had a time of prayer for the church and for the people.

this is Betty!

Last night we had dinner with Francois, a missionary from France, who began the handicapped center work. A couple from France are here this week visiting her and celebrating the 25th anniversary of the handicapped center. Hearing her story of God's call on her life and her response was another amazing and encouraging story. She also came here as a nurse and did not have intentions of working with handicapped children, but God brought them to her doorstep and she began the work of reaching out to these children who truly are the "least of these".

dinner guests

Yesterday we had a wild experience of visiting the "Thursday market" here in Maha. Think Black Friday, plus 100 degrees, sweat, and dust. You can buy nearly anything from cloth, kitchen ware, produce, etc. The market was so crowded we had to weave our way through the crowds and items hanging down on display (ie. clusters of bras). Not to mention the curious people who were following us and watching us! Many of the team members purchased some colorful fabric to have a local tailor make clothing for us. So when we are dressed in bold African prints at church this winter, you will know why.

Everyone's health is keeping up with the activity here and we are being dilligent to drink plenty of water/gatorade! This afternoon we will be taking a time of rest to go to a national park for an overnight trip and we hope to see some safari animals.