January 11, 2010

Hello everyone. The upload and download for the blogspot is very difficult, so I will not be posting as often as I thought I might. Since I wrote last we have hada Sunday morning service, visited two Fulani villages close by, killed one scorpion and had the first day of school.
When I sit at a computer in an air conditioned room I find it difficult to believe that I am in Africa, and that outside my window there are people living in huts that find their food in the bush and cook over an open fire for all their meals.
I believe my pictures and videos will tell he story. I don't think I will be able to send them to you, so will have to wait until I return. Today in the afternoon a boy who does not have the use of his legs was looking at the pictures of my family. He pointed to Nate and said he wanted to be friends with him. So Nate there is a 15 year old boy here that walks on his hands and knees over dirt and rocks that would like to be your pen pal. I told him you would write to him. His name is Solihu - pronounced "so lee who". If you would just write a short paragrph about yourself and where you live to Paul Fraziers juno address I will read it to him. I will bring you pictures of him and a video of how he "walks". He has not let his handicap bother him. Most people here who are handicapped are outcasts, but he has become a leader among the children here. He is amazing.

I visited each of the classrooms today and announced the Adult Literacy classes to start on Wednesday. The parent and older brothers and sisters are all invited to come. They will only be one or one and a half hours from 4-5 or 5:30 Monday through Thursday. So during the day I will help in the school's classrooms, help prepare the lunches, and any number of other things.

I'm sure you want to know about the scorpion. It was on the door to the parlor and I had just entered when Jack - missionary couples oldest boy - discovered it. We sprayed it with a spider spray and then I got a picture of it. I have found a gecko and huge spider in my room. Got the spider, never saw the gecko again. (yet)
Sunday afternoon after 5 when the temperature gets bearable, probably down to 85 with about 100% humidity (at least that is what it feels like) we went into a Fulani village. The path is about 12-18 inches wide and worn down into the earth by several inches. We were greeted with much enthusiasm. The children all want to hold your hand and have you "snap" their picture. There were four boys who had been circumcised, each was sitting on a mat. This was to keep them clean. Unfortunately there was no covering for the cut and flies had gotten to it and they were all infected. Someone from the clinic took them medicine today. They of course have no money to pay for the medicine and the school cannot do this for everyone. So many times they must turn them away. It is enough to break your heart. This village had about a dozen huts in it. There is a central walkway with small fire rings scattered throughout. It is amazing to see how they carry their babies on their backs with just a piece of cloth. We've all seen these sights in pictures, but the reality of it all is unbelievable.

I need to stop for now. I send my love to all of my family, friends and coworkers. I am unable at this point to read any of your communications to me since I can't download the blog. I have a friend putting this on for me and I'm using Paul Fraziers juno account to send it to her. You could send a short note to paulfrazier@juno.com and he will let me read it when it comes in.
Thank you for your prayers, please continue to pray.
Carol