Jan 21, AFRICA!

We've been In Africa three days now and are in training all day, every day. LOTS to learn! Especially about the people.

Note, we are 9 hours past Seattle time, and it is 7:30 p.m. Monday here, 1/21/08.

Yes, I've been bitten by 'dem guys at night, 'da bad ones, but since we’re on malaria pills every day, should be OK. Pray for it.

Each day we are also learning about new foods, how to select them, clean, and cook properly. Then of course, we EAT them for a meal. I've loved each one so far: jamma-jamma (like sweet spinach), fried eggplant (crunchy sweet), steamed plantain (pineapple tasting potatoes), Koki bean curd & homemade yogurt! (I'll never pay 50 cents for one in a grocery again!)

Have great photos of nationals who work on the compound and their beautiful clothing!

Had morning training on tribal authority. One local chief was disciplined for selling land, when he had no authority to do so, then removed from office forever.

In the afternoon we went to a local health clinic, run by wonderful Baptist nationals. The director and chief medical officer is a male RN. Photos were permitted.

Then went to a nearby market, about two square-blocks huge. Very busy and colorful! Like a Sat. farmer's/crafter's market in the states. (In the states...listen to me…an expatriate in three days already...)
Since we are at the training center, few blocks away from our future apartment, we still live from suitcases and use the communal bathroom down the walkway...much like being at and CAMP!

Wonderful SIL and Wycliffe Associates teachers, as well as other trainees!


(Read past notes, beginning from the bottom of this blog page.)

Through Brussels

Arrived at 7 a.m. Jan 16, after basically 24 hours travel from Seattle to Chicago, layover, then into Belgium, to connect later to Africa. Rented a room and had dinner with the Belgium Wycliffe Associates Director Bob and Ena D'Craene.
Had a 2-hour nap, then toured nearby university town of Leuven. Also visited with Petra, a Christian doctrinal student from the Czech Republic. Learned of the extreme atheism and ostracism there.
Had a wonderful 48 hours, outside of Brussels. Then got a good 12-hour sleep that night. Left for the airport at 6:30 a.m. the next day and traveled south to Cameroon.