Goodbye Tori, Goodbye Dakar

Goodbye Dakar

Although we will not miss the noise, crowds, traffic, or riots, there are many things about our little house in Dakar that we will miss:

• Our fruit vendor who is just across the street with so many yummy treats!
• The beach
• Our bus stop where we sat and chatted with so many people.
• The stores that are within walking distance of our house.
• The bus system…For 25 cents we can get so many places around town.
• Our neighbor who kindly leaves his internet open for our usage.
• The Mission Guest house and playground, which became a frequent stop for us and the kids.
• The Saturday clothing market where there is so much nice cheap clothing.
• The pockets of special food treats (ice cream, peanut butter, cheese, marshmallows, oats and so much more) that can be found here.
• The garbage truck…it might have been unpredictable, but at least it came.

Goodbye Tori

We are even more sad to say goodbye to Tori, our faithful nanny and friend.  It was such a blessing having her here for our first 6 months in Dakar.  I can’t believe that her time with us is coming to an end.

Here are some of the things we have grown to love about Tori:

• Her flexibility – Things in our life were constantly changing as we adapted to life here and she never once complained about all the changes taking place.
• Her love of Adventure – When we first arrived in Dakar and needed to figure out our surrounds, she was always willing to go and figure anything out for us.  It was great to have one so adventurous around, as long as we kept her away from demonstrations and violent rallies.
• Her baking skills – There will be less fresh bread, cookies, cakes, muffins and scones around.  We will also probably save some on butter every month, but the price was worth it for the delicious treats.
• Her sense of humor – So many laughs, so many memories.
• Her love for our children and their love for her – “I have grown to like kids 10 times more than when I first came” – Tori.  She genuinely cares for our kids which makes leaving them every day easier.

We loved the experience of having a nanny and I am sure it will not be the last time we do something like this.  She has been a great help to us and now she has a very real picture of the missionary life (you will have to ask her if that is good or bad). We are sad to lose Tori, but know that God will continue to work in her life and direct her.  Who knows who might be coming our way next!

Pictures from Our last Sunday at Church here in Dakar

 PRAY FOR US THIS WEEK!