Wow, there is so much to talk about...I really don't know where to begin (by the way, wow means yes in Wolof). So much has happened and at the same time not much has happened at all. I appreciate all the posts, they are very encouraging. Please keep sending them.
Atoumang Dien is my new African name... My new friend Thierno Dien named me after his father who died...It was a big honor. I'm getting attached to him.
I'm learning a ton of Wolof...so much that my supervisor Tim sent me out to by bread and garlic from the street vendors by myself...at night...haha! That's freakin' crazy, and I was a little scared. But Senegal people are not like Americans and our opinions on how they might act are often way off base---at least mine were. ---Don't worry Mom and Dad, I am still being careful and I always have someone watching over me...at least for a while. ---Tim actually came after me after a little bit to make sure that I was ok. I have also begun calling taxis and haggling for lower fares. It is definetly an art.
Two new girls came in yesterday (Carla and Katie). They are very nice.
Oh, I almost forgot. We went to an Ngente, which is a baby naming ceremony. It was more or less like a party. it was for Thierno's niece. That took up a huge part of the day, but it was a good opportunity to meet a lot of people and get to know the culture a little better.
Because the rest of the crew hasn't gotten here yet, we haven't done much ministry. But really, I can't do much at the moment because I can't communicate the gospel message in Wolof. Tim said it isn't done so much like it is in the US. I have to gain the trust of my family first before I can even talk to them about Jesus.
If I have learned anything so far...It is that the Sun and moon that sets and rises on us back home, is the same Sun and moon that sets and rises on Africa and the rest of the world. And that God loves the people here as much as he loves me. My heart is broken because 99.9% of the people I have met do not fully understand that love.
Sorry this is so long...there is just so much to talk about, and I have left a great deal out. But we have to pay for the internet, and my time is running out. Keep praying!!
Atoumang
skip to main |
skip to sidebar
Me
Blog Archive
About Me
- Christopher Thurmond
- I'm 21 years old and a rising senior at The Citadel. I'm excited to travel the world and be a part of God's plan. It is quite an adventure.
2 comments:
wow. that sounds amazing! im glad you are doin well! just wanted to remind you that i am prayin for you!
bro...sounds like a culture shock, but i'm sure it's awesome. I keep trying to remember to pray for you and when i do, it's great because i know god is doing something awesome in you.
pray for Tara and me as we try to seek God's will and follow it in this time leading up to our marriage. your name's still gonna be in the program!
To echo what you said about the sun and moon, chew on this:
"There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to one hope when you were called— one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all."
--Ephesians 4:4-6
love you
Post a Comment