This week we worked very hard at unpacking and settling in. We still have a lot to do, but we have the basic structure of our house set up. It is amazing how a clean and organized house helps to make life feel a little more in place. We still have no water during the day. We don’t know how long we will have to live like this, but have decided to prepare for living this way. We are getting used to living without running water and have already started to find a routine that makes it workable. Thank you for everyone who has been praying, we definitely have felt God strength carrying us through this week.
Tomorrow morning we head back to Dakar for a field retreat. We are looking forward to meeting some members of our team from villages that we have yet to meet. We are also excited to welcome the newest members of our team and live with them for the week as they get settled into life here. We are hoping to be an encouragement to them during the transition and also be to refreshed ourselves by the retreat. Before we left I thought I would post pictures of our house now that it is set up a little more.
When we return next week we are hoping to…
- Set up a water tank that we will fill up each night to use during the day
- Finish screening our house
- Get our oven working, right now only the stove is working.
- Fill our waterbeds, this will require a (or multiple) nights of little sleep since the night is the only time we get more than a trickle of water.
- Start looking for a language helper, as we hope to begin language study by the beginning of May
Hi guys! Just wanted you to know that I am following your blog and praying for you! The pictures are great- it sure helps those of us back home (Glenwood CC) to understand what your life is like. Thanks!
You have set up a lovely home, Andi! I am glad you found a way to make your water situation work. Thank you for serving in such a difficult place. Jesus is coming quickly with His reward! I am praying like the woman who kept pestering the king until he finally gave up and answered. How much more will God give a swift and compassionate answer.
May God give you rainbow days!
Carolyn
Andi, For years now whenever I see someone that reminds me of another person I have taken that for a call to pray for the person who came to my mind. Recently I called your mother and told her I had been praying for her because of a woman biking past my home every day that resembled your mother. Now for the last few days I have been seeing this young girl, probably visiting her parents in the park who sure makes me think of you. So between your excellent posts that so graphically depict your situation and daily seeing this young woman all over the park who looks so much like you I have certainly had you on my mind and in my prayers. You an Joel are doing a fantastic job. Thank you for making your posts so alive for us all. I’ll keep you in my prayers.
Carolyn
Thanks for taking time to post! You guys have been busy! Thinking about you often, during this hard adjustment and made all the more unbearable by the lack of “necessities” things I take for granted every day. You’re amazing! Carry on!!!!
And, start thinking of a list for what Ethan’s art table and school area might need. That sure cut this teacher/artist auntie to the heart. =)
The pigs are a nice touch…you definitely get missionary picture of the week for that shot!
The food in tubs – classic missionary. That’s old school.
The shower head is a little misleading and defrauding. I’d think of an evil name for it and give it the evil eye whenever I was in the bathroom if I were you. Any French word for trickster or drought that would be a good shower name?
Thanks for the photos. We’ve been talking and praying all week. Our hearts are cheering you on and enjoying the luxury of our comfy life tonight as we think about you. Keep up the good, hard work!
You have done a fantastic job. I’m sure you are ready for the retreat and pray you come back refreshed and more than a trickle coming from the water pipe!
Hi McMartin Crew – I am praying for you. I love all the pictures and insights in to your lives. I love being specific in my prayer time. I love you guys!
Looks like “home sweet home”. Thanks so much for sharing your “heart”. We’re currently with the Andersons & have been talking about you–how the LORD is already demonstrating His love to you, etc. We’ll be praying for all of you during this time of adjustment.
Are you guys on town power out there? I’m sorry about the no water – that makes everything harder. We will pray you have a good rest on your weekend in Dakar.
WOW progress, looks great.