A funny video on language learning....



Many have asked how language is going - it is going well. It is constant, but we continue to progress and practice. Our house helper speaks French so I get to practice on her and she is good with correcting when I say things wrong. We are sticking with the saying - practice makes perfect, so we keep trying!

Bad boys, bad boys, whatcha gonna do...

Richmond Pictures

Here is a link to some random pictures from a little before Richmond and during Richmond.

Yesterday we had our first run in with the law - the popo for all you Madea fans. Here is what happened....Ron was dropping Zach and me off at the office so that I could do laundry. We pulled into the chaotic roundabout and I hear a whistle. Stupidly, I turned around and saw the police officer blowing his whistle and pointing in our direction. I regrettably made eye contact. Well, we kept going not quite sure what to do (was it us, or one of the other 400 cars there with us? we weren't aware of anything Ron had done wrong). He then followed us on his moto and pulled us over. He spoke in French, but every word of French evaporated from our minds. I start a nervous giggle, when Ron asked me to tell him we want to use a lifeline - our phone a friend! He said that we could call, but he took our vehicle papers and told us to meet him back at the roundabout. That was the last place we wanted to go. Our supervisor said I will meet you there - we drove back to the police officer and sat in the car. The officer never came over - we just sat and waited. Our supervisor showed up and he and Ron went to talk with the officer. Zach and I were in the car - keep in mind it has been over a 100 degrees here for the last few days. We have been in the car a while and while I was swatting flies, sweating, getting sunburned I looked back and they were having tea! Finally they walked back to the car and it was explained that Ron didn't really do anything wrong - the police officer was just going to tell him that he cut someone off, but then the officer said you disrespected me by not pulling over. Ron told him he didn't see or hear him, but he said that I know your wife heard me - the dreaded eye contact! The police offer was going to give Ron a ticket, but didn't have any there. He was bluffing by saying that we would have to go across town to get one and our supervisor called his bluff and said - "okay let's go!" The officer didn't want to go, he only really wanted to be persuaded not to go, through a personal arrangement. We don't persuade police officers if you get what I am saying. So seeing that he wasn't going to get anything - he said that he will let him off this time but wanted to instruct him on the ways of the law. Everyone parted friends and I vow to keep my eyes closed in the roundabout! That happened on the day that I had *planned* on starting to drive!

As for the lifelines, we think they start fresh every day. (Marvin and LaNette, that means your phone could ring at any time). For the rest of you, keep your eyes on the blog, though, we might poll the audience soon. We need you!

Downtown Bamako

We had a fun day shopping and eating downtown today. The Thompsons took us to the big grocery and department store. There were many vendors outside - they were quite aggressive and since I don't speak the language I just stood there saying No. I can imagine what they were thinking. Ron almost bought a pair of "Ray Ban" glasses - he took them from the guy and he didn't want to take them back! Very different than a day of shopping at home. We then went to The Broadway Cafe. It is a restuarant that serves a wide variety of American dishes. We had Philadelphia Cheese Steaks, cheeseburgers, eggs and bacon - served with french fries!! It was a nice treat! We travelled back through the streets and it was crazy - especially in the some of the market areas. I haven't gotten a picture of any animals crossing the street yet - but it is a sight to see!
Faith has a piece of bacon in her teeth - she is a bacon loving girl!!!

Life, language, learning and lots of bugs!

Here are some pictures of the kids doing school.

We have been busy with language learning, language learning and more language. We are learning so much French - our language tutors have been so helpful. The main language tutor Abdoulaye is a teacher for the Peace Corp and he is wonderful. The time flies when he is teaching us! The kids have started home school and are doing great. The curriculum we chose is very reading intensive. We read some chapters in 3 books each night. The books they have chosen are great - The Golden Goblet, Red Sails to Capri, and Island of the Blue Dolphins. The kids hate when we have to stop each night - Ron and I hate to stop too - the stories are so good. While I am doing language training in the morning, Ron works with the kids. When Ron is with Abdoulaye, I work with the kids. It is working out well so far.

We are currently experience the 11th plague :) We have about a million tiny grasshoppers all over our house - inside and out. The ones are the inside aren't as bad, but they are insane outside. We have to sweep everyday anyway, but with these grasshoppers it is even worse!

We have really settled in and are enjoying life here immensely. This Saturday we are going to downtown Bamako to the National Museum, the Artisan market, and the Grande Marche (the giant market). Our language helper for the kids is coming to help us and show us around. We hope to get lots of pictures!

I drank the sweet tea this evening at dinner…

…and I enjoyed it – then. But now, my body is not very happy with me. It is evidently not used to caffeine any more, especially late in the day. So rather than lie in bed, I decided to come share a story from today.

There were about 40 of us on the roof of the apartment. Some were seated on mats in a circle, others in chairs behind them. There was a bit of a breeze, a pleasant change from the heat of the day. Many of those we worshipped with tonight are serving by translating stories from God’s Word into the language of their people group and then sharing the stories orally. “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.” Romans 10:17, NKJV

The format of our worship was oral like this, and it was rather informal. But it was real. It did not require a building, a hymnbook, or certain instruments. Only our hearts were needed. Some songs we sang a capella, some were accompanied by the guitar, and the prayers were interspersed throughout. We listened to a story from the Bible, retold it, and then discussed it. I was overwhelmed with the privilege I have of knowing and worshipping the One who created me. I don’t really get it – how my worship of God brings me such peace and satisfaction. But it does. It is a feeling, but it is more than that. It is true contentment, for which I am so grateful.

I cannot experience true relationship with God without desiring that others also have the opportunity to experience it. I am so thankful for the privilege to carry this message of good news to some who have never heard and are without hope. I pray that by our witness they will be moved closer to knowing Him personally. Now *there* is motivation for learning language! This is the reason we have moved – that one day the one true God would receive the glory He is due from this part of the world.

I am praying that each of you has the contentment that comes by knowing the one who made you. Be blessed! ron

Pictures

Here is our street - our house is on the right - after the car and before the white van. The little fruit stand at the end of our street where I buy my apples, potatoes and bananas.
Zach and his friend Mamah. This kids is an amazing soccer player - he has been helping Zach with his footwork. His french is also amazing.
This is our truck.
This is our backyard - courtyard area. At the very end are the clotheslines and water faucet.

We have had a busy week of french, french, french and about 15-20 kids a day playing in our courtyard. We are definitely the neighborhood attraction. Haven't met most of the parents yet, but continue to practice our french with the kids. We are really trying to have the kids speak french and they are doing better, but it is still second nature for them to speak Bambara. But they are patient and willing to help the kids. Our family language helper taught us how to play "Old Maid" in french. We brought the cards with us and then the next day taught them how to play Old Maid - it was fun to watch. Life was a little easier this week. I found a store close by that sells a lot of the staple items. They also speak French - huge bonus.

Another praise - the rest of the apprentices get here tonight. We are really looking forward to being with them. It hardly seems like we have been here 2 weeks. Time has really flown by. We are hopefully going to some tourist areas this week. We are really looking forward to that - they have a museum, zoo, markets, and other things in downtown Bamako.

Many people have asked how to pronounce our African names - here goes: Yacouba (Ron) is yah cu ba, Djeneba (Chris) is Jen eh ba, Diakaridia (Zach) is Jack a ree jah. Luca (Luke) is easy, Djiguiya (Faith) is Jiggy ya. We have since found out our last name - Coulibaly (cool i ball ee) means bean eater - (tooters). Also the name for a pesty dog. All of the last names have jokes about them - but when we tell people our last name they wave their hand in front of their nose - unless their name is Coulibaly too - There aren't many last names here - many people have the same ones and they all joke on each other!

More to come.....

Driving

I have posted a video of us driving yesterday - it was during the "rest" part of the day, so there is not as much traffic. I must warn you - it is a little jiggly - you might want to take a dramamine. This was taken on the main road - la grande rue. I know that we have mentioned before, but the driving here is a little crazy. Yesterday we went out by ourselves and I wish that I had taken a video of some of the other roads. The non paved roads have giant potholes, rocks sticking out of the ground, goats, dogs, motos, women with giant loads on their heads, men pushing carts and various other things that you have to dodge - all while driving a stick shift. Ron is doing a great job - he drove during rush hour yesterday and that was crazy. I am busy trying to look calm while Ron is busy trying not to hit anything. We were told no matter what the moto (moped) does, if you hit them or if they hit you - it is your fault. The car is bigger and the car owner richer. In the video I tried to show you some things on the side of the road and some people. I will try to get some more video of some of the side roads.

Here is a picture of one of the streets by the bank:

What do you get when you accidentally buy 3 kilos of bananas (which is 4 1/2 pounds), an amazing house helper named Djeneba (which is also my name) - You get a scrumptious homemade banana tart. It was so very tasty. It is still very difficult to have her do things for me. I asked her iron a few things and the shirts she produced have never been so smooth. I know that Ron was very appreciative.

I have been a little discouraged with my language progression. If only I had paid more attention in high school and college! I know that we have only been here 10 days, but I want to learn faster. I want to be effective. I was reading in 2 Corinthians 2:14-17 and it says that through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of Him - for we are the aroma of Christ....so even though I can't speak the language I can still be effective. In the land of so many smells, I can be a pleasing aroma. Our family can be a pleasing aroma - we can love them, treat them with kindness, show Christ in our actions and all of that will be the fragrance of the knowledge of Him. I have been praying that our aroma will be pleasing and not plain stinky!

Church

We attended our second service at Bethel Baptist Church, the local African church here. The entire service is spoken in both French and Bambara, alternately. We get there around 9:15-9:20 and they sing and pray. They pick songs out of their book and sing - I mean they SING. They sing with everything they have. It is awesome to see them worship. They clap, dance, sway, wave their arms and generally just praise the Lord. Best way to sum it up is that they are unashamed. These believers have chosen to be Christians out of millions and they are excited about praising Him. Even though I can't understand most of what they are saying - it is contagious. I found myself smiling and just watching them worship - they aren't the best singers, but they are loud. They had someone out of the audience today lead a song and he was awesome. By the time he was finished everyone was singing and dancing.

At one point a lady (the women's director) got up to lead a song, but first delivered a scolding to the women of the church. She said (per our supervisor translating the gist of what she was saying) that only a few of the ladies were attending the Wednesday morning Bible study and that the rest of the women were just lazy. Then the Pastor asked for someone to pray for all of the lazy women. Talk about accountability!

The church starts around 9:15 and we finished around 11:45. Kids struggle a little bit, but they are doing great.

Overall the kids are doing well here - they have taught them a game they learned at one of their trainings. It has been fun to see them relate to each other without a common language. The neighborhood kids are very patient.

Thanks again for your love and support. We are having another church service tonight with the other workers here. We are looking forward to that.

Life here in Bamako

Here are the boys washing dishes in our back courtyard.
Here is Faith and Fatima.
Here is Faith and the boys - they were busy playing cache-cache (hide and go seek).

Today we had our house helper Djeaneba - we have the same name - it is pronounced Jeniba. She is very quiet, but does speak French which is a plus. She worked very hard today. I feel guilty, but I know that it is an honorable job and she has pride in her work. She made homemade tortillas for us and cookies. Her main responsibility is to cook for us and clean. She will be here 3 days a week. I was very spoiled today - the main things that took up most of my time - washing dishes, sweeping and cleaning up the kitchen was taken care of. It helped make the day seem so much more enjoyable. I hate to say it, but I am going to enjoy having her here. She is going to make us some African dishes as well.

Our courtyard definitely seems to be the place to hang out. We had around 10-15 kids here today playing cache-cache. They are definitely testing their boundaries like kids do - asking for something to eat, drink, and one even ran through the house. It will be easier once we have a little more vocabulary. Zach, Luke and Faith are loving being the coolest things on the block. We went walking tonight and their friends saw them out and they yelled out their African names. It is neat to see them being accepted and learning some of the African games. Well - off for now. I made tacos tonight so that we can eat our homemade tortillas.

Great Day

We had a good and productive day. The day started out with our showers getting fixed - that is a praise. Our sweeper friend came and swept out or courtyard and told us when the trash goes out - another huge praise. The trash is an interesting thing - you can't put it out before the "truck" - which is a tractor pulling a wagon bin - or the kids will go through it. So you have to hear it and then put it out - but he told us when it will come so we can listen for it. We also had a language lesson until our brains were about to explode. Ron and I have separate lessons and then we have a lesson as a family with a different tutor with the kids.

The kids had a great time playing on our street in front of our house - football. The boys know French, because that is what is taught at the schools. So the boy in the white shirt is very fluent in French and some English as well. Faith played with some girls and then they colored in our courtyard on our patio. All in all we had a great day. We have another busy day of language tomorrow - pray that our brains will absorb it all.


This girl is also very good in French and very sweet - she is my favorite!!
This is on our patio in our courtyard - which is very pretty. Will take some pictures of that tomorrow.

Our House and Some Firsts

This is our living room.

This is our kitchen.

This is Faith's room.

We have a pretty courtyard out front - I will try to take pictures of that tomorrow. We are slowly but surely adjusting to life here. I will have to admit it has been harder than I thought it would be. But everyday we are getting used to things and making a system for things. In order to wash dishes, we are cleaning with non-filtered water, but rinse with filtered bleach water that is warm with water that has been warming in the sun. I hand-washed a load of laundry and hung them out on the line. That was a first for me - but instead of running down the road, it is easier to do it here. Our showers aren't working, so we had to bathe in a bucket in the shower. Another first! I made homemade bread and homemade pita chips. Ron drove around the city with thousands of mopeds zipping all around him - he did great - even at night. They have potholes the size of small cars that you must avoid even if someone is driving in the other lane - to drive is like playing a video game! I have not been brave enough to try yet - on top of all that you have to watch - it is a stick shift!

I went to a huge market today. I bought cloth so that the tailor can make Faith and I some skirts. The markets are very interesting and I hope to be able to take some pictures one of these days. There are hundreds of merchants - selling many of the same things, but all wanting you to come inside. At the outdoor market - it had more food items - they had everything imaginable for sale - with and without flies. It was definitely *different.*

We are going to be able to meet our neighbors tomorrow with the assistance of our language helper. We are looking forward to that. Some of the kids came over today - it was good to meet them. Some of them speak French, so it will be good for the kids to be able to practice and learn from them. They were excited to meet the Tubabu's (white people). We have been given new names: Ron is Yacouba, I am Djeneba, Zach is Djakaridia, Luke is Luca, and Faith is Djiguiya. Our family name is Coulibaly. It is funny to see faces light up when we share our African names, compared to the confusion when we introduce ourselves with our actual names.

All kinds of first.....God is growing us day by day to be more dependent on Him. We are also learning to be more dependent on each other. We can't do this alone.....thanks for being on our journey with us through your prayers for us. We pray that we are a blessing and bring God glory. Love you!

Hello from Bamako, Mali!

We arrived safely on Friday night and have been busily unpacking and setting up house. When we checked in at Dulles on Thursday, almost every one of our checked bags was overweight – two that were intentionally 20 lb overweight. We had many homeschool books to bring! Despite our worry, we were only charged for planned extra pieces – not for any of the excess weight. Thank God for that! We also had an issue with our backpacks as “personal items” in addition to our carry-ons. After Chris almost “held the plane” to sort through and repack, we were able to convince them that the backpacks were not additional carry-ons. Lesson – you do not have to take “no” from the first cranky airline lady you see, even when she has tags in hand to check two of your items. Another score! The airport in Mali, to our surprise, was relatively calm and we were through it quite easily. By the time our passports were stamped, those picking us up had already collected our luggage – all 13 pieces. Once we fought our way through the x-ray machine (a very nice lady had to tell Chris to stop waiting in line with a small bag – silly American!), we were on our way “home.”

We are in a three bedroom, two bath house (think apartment and bath = shower in this house). We have a front and back courtyard, with a place inside to park our shared vehicle. As we were told, EVERYTHING takes effort here for now. (Think Little House on the Prarie, but in the middle of a bustling city). That includes getting back into the house after being out (many keys that all look the same – gate, two locking doors on front and back, each bedroom, gate for truck, and probably more). It also includes preparing meals, eating, and cleaning up afterwards. YOWZA – even cooking by scratch for that weekend in training was easy. We could use the water, didn’t have to soak vegetables, and knew the products we were using. Not so, here. We have made a couple of executive decisions already. The first is that we will be eating our “dinner” in the middle of the day. As we sit here in the dark, we have learned that cooking without power at night is rather tough. We also ended up with quite a few bugs in the house last night because we had to go in and out after dark. Live and learn!!! The market was also a bit overwhelming for the first time – and it was basically a grocery store with a department store above it. But, a different language, different weights, different currency, and different brands made it sort of a guessing game. We are grateful for our supervisors taking us to help!!

More to come soon. It will be a little while before we post many pics. We will try to get some of the house soon, but we need to establish ourselves as residents – not tourists. Keeping the camera away on trips out for a while should help with that.
Thanks to all for your prayers and encouragement, we have felt it! The kids are doing great. There are times that we have all been overwhelmed already, but we are all also eager to explore and learn. Hopefully we will learn a little language to get around with and start to meet some people soon. Please continue to pray for our settling in and getting ready to start school. You can also pray for our driving! Ron went once with supervision, but there is MUCH to get used to on the roads. Blessings from us to you!