The past few weeks have
provided many opportunities to immerse myself in the daily events of life in
Burkina Faso. Spending time in Bobo with the Matheny Family has given me a
chance to concentrate on learning French. I am so grateful for their warm hospitality while Ruth is in The USA.
Each morning, Philip and I study for
two hours with Paul, our language helper. Not only are we gaining knowledge of
the language but we are also learning many things about African culture. At
times , I feel I have made great strides and yet I am aware that there is so much
more to learn. Looks like I’ll have to stay here a very long time!
Here are just a few of the other experiences I have had lately.
We spent a week in Yako recently. I was so pleased to be with Barka and Alexis,
our two sponsored children from St. Agnes Academy. I arrived just in time to
deliver birthday greetings from the students in Dalton. Taking Barka and Alexis
shopping for fabric to make new outfits
for each of them was great fun. Pauline, the seamstress at Sheltering Wings,
will make their new clothes. They could not hold back their smiles when given these gifts.
We also participated in a small distribution of TOM’S shoes
in a nearby village. The students were delighted with the donation of new
footwear. I was delighted to meet Sr. Solange, a Sister of the Immaculate Conception
of Mary.
Another day we traveled along with the nurses to a medical
clinic held regularly in Doure. Mothers were grateful to have their children
examined and given the appropriate medicine.
And what would time in Burkina Faso be like without sharing
a meal of TÔ with gumbo sauce, a favorite African meal?
I am grateful for each day spent with these beautiful
people. Even the ones reaching 109+ degrees with frequent power cuts!
