An Amazing Homecoming Part 1

Sorry everyone for the delayed post. Since I got home 2 weeks ago, I've been blessed but also very busy visiting with friends and family. So asides from not much time, I've also been struggling with the words to conclude such an amazing adventure.

To start I'll begin with sharing about our last horah in Etiolo, Senegal. We decided to share in a big feast with some really close friends who made our time there so special. Considering the daily diet is mostly vegetarian (powdered fish doesn't count as meat), we decided a as Phillipe would say to "Croquez la viande", in english: "Crack some meat" (this is accurate as the norm amongst the Bassari is to leave in lots of bones to crack and eat the marrow).

The funny thing is that meat in Africa is fast. After church, three of us rallied up the chickens and chased after a rooster for 20 minutes. Haha we got pretty frustrated and in the end it was Augistin (my friend and translator) who grabbed with our tasty little friend. I called him a 'Camarah' - which means big hunter and he laughed (perhaps at my mis-pronunciation).

to be continued..........

Big time Pictures; If a picture's worth a thousand words.... Well good thing I don't have to describe them

Horay for some photos! There are some older ones from Christmas time.

There is quite a variance from bugs to baptisms, to the big lizard we ate last weak.... Mmm meat, not so much like chicken.

The people of Etiolo are doing well after a great harvest season thanks to God who gave some extra rain this year.

Our youth program is alive and kickin' and this week we'll be heading into the neighboring village where news of Jesus Christ has caused a spark. We'll have a service, sing some songs and eat some grub, should be some good times.

We're all pumped, the drums are painted and the rice is peeled, let's go!

Looking at the pictures, notice the new office we built during the past few weeks. We had a lot of fun together building it.

Also note the minor forest fire which is quite common as the locals burn the long grass. Some nights whole mountain sides are aflame. In a community of mud huts with grass roofs well... accidents happen.

I'm healthy and encouraged for the last month of our adventure here in this distant land.

I'm both sadened and excited to come home, but just trying to focus in on the last leg and finish strong.

Please continue to pray for us here; our new brothers and sisters in Christ, that many more will come to faith in Christ and that we would be rooted and grounded in God's love.

Love you guys

Joseph