Do you ever go to sleep in a new environment and wake up and forget that you’re in a new place. That happened to me twice; during the night and this morning too. I woke up in my bed surrounded by mosquito netting and almost forgot I was here. Luckily, I’m not out of my mind yet so I adjusted in no time. I walked from Dany’s house to the main house and breakfast was practically waiting for me and the group. Breakfast consists of hard-boiled eggs, fresh baguettes, tomatoes, muesli, and garlic. Apparently garlic is good to keep you healthy so I stayed “healthy” today. =)
Before breakfast, though, Keri and I ventured beyond the compound walls at Herma’s request to buy some fresh bread from the local store. Her directions were a little vague, but I figured I could find it somehow. She told us to go up the street and there would be a store where all the buses park. Once we left the compound, my confidence level decreased because I was reminded that I couldn’t read any of the signs. We left and sluggishly walked around and wandered in the supposedly right direction.
The sights, sounds, and smells of the outside world hit you all at once when you leave the compound walls. It is definitely an oasis inside. We never felt unsafe, but did feel out of place for sure. Looking like a tourist in New York City is different than Malika, Senegal. If you lose your directions, there’s always someone you can ask to get you on the right path again.
After lunch Keri and I were invited to play a couple rounds of Rummikub with some of the locals. I always find the language barrier easier to cope with when you have tangible manipulatives as a guide. We picked up on the rules very easily and fit right in. Afterward, we were shown a new way to play Mancala than I’ve ever played before. Keri won because she had some inside help. =)
Spent some time working on the plans for the new building and even had a chance to stake out a simple map of where the walls would go. The best part about the whole night was the trip to the beach. We piled in Dany’s truck and headed toward a bar that was directly located on the beach. After getting a beer we set out to watch the waves and the sunset. I would trade all the technology I have to see the sunset on the beach every night.
Heading back to the house I was glad to have this experience again. We ate dinner, read the Bible, sang some songs and fellowshipped.
I read it here. It’s in print. You’ll trade all the technology you have to see a sunset every night. I’ll be painting a one immediately! That should be merit enough for you to give up fb! 🙂
One painted by you would be sufficient for me. 😉 As long as you’re with me to see it.