Sights and Sounds of Africa

We wake each morning to the call to prayer for the Muslims. It happens 5

times a day, but begins at dawn. This morning it was about 4:30 am. It is

a chant (recorded) that is played over a loud speaker. Each Mosque has

their own call to prayer and there might be at least 6 within our listening

area. Then all the other sounds begin as this world begins to awake. I

hear the constant pounding sound of the woman who lives on the compound as

she grinds her meal (millet) into flour for their breakfast. I hear the

sound of the many many children starting their day of just hanging out (most

do not attend school). The goats begin their calls as well as the chickens

that share the street with us just outside our compound. And the smell of

the cooking fires that appear outside of most every home on the street and

of the family that lives on the compound (our guard's family). It is a

world that is so unfamiliar to us. This morning we again began the day with

no water. It just it part of the life here, so we use the jars of water

that are saved to wash. We are the lucky ones who don't have to walk to the

well to get what we need.

Last night we got to see the sun set over the Niger River - The second longest

river in Africa. It was beautiful as we sat on the porch of the best hotel

in town, who would vacation here - I don't know. We had sodas and a type of

kabob to eat. Then we went to a restaurant for dinner and I had a

cheeseburger and fries (only ok), but nice to eat something I knew.

Sharon asked me where I am going to get my hot wings for the Super Bowl.

Unfortunately the only way I am going to have wings is if I catch one of the

chickens on the street and prepare it myself. Besides it will be midnight

before the game even begins. So as you eat and enjoy something so

American as the Super Bowl, Say a prayer of thanksgiving that you live in

the US because we are blessed beyond measure. Also as you shower for church

be thankful for hot water - I really miss it.

Kay and I are having a wonderful experience and look forward to sharing

parts of it with you. Joy was our devotional theme (we are one day off

because of the sunset) and you, our family and friends are one of our

greatest joys. We are trying to be joyful in all circumstances