The Exhaustion of Progresss
This past week we felt the exhaustion of our past month, but it was a good kind of exhaustion because we could also look back and see the progress we have made this month. We are becoming very close to our host family and have been learning so much from them. Each week I cook once with Cecil and this week I could see a significant difference: I was understanding her a lot more, she was sharing a lot more and she was trusting me to be involved more in the cooking process. Our French is progressing, our comfort in living in progressing and our relationships are progressing. It was a good feeling to see how far we have come, but it doesn’t take away the exhaustion that we still faced. The type of exhaustion that was making living in a sane state of mind very difficult. Yet God knew we would have this need. A while back we set up monthly trips into Dakar to touch base with all those in language school. However, as we left for this trip, I realized how much WE needed this trip, and I know that when we planned it God already knew. It will be a long time until church in Africa is a day of rest for us, but we still need to take that time of rest. So God created for a us a great opportunity to support the families who have arrived after us, but also to get a needed break. God sure does take good care of us.
So what is so Exciting about Dakar for us?
- A break from French – We still have to use it to get around, but that is so normal now that it isn’t so exhausting as the language required in the relationships we are building.
- Friends– We stayed with some friends while here, which provided times of fellowship, games and so much more. There is something special about friendship with people who understand your heart language and culture
Yeah for friends who speak English
- Packages!!!!– This is the only time we get to check our mail and I will be completely honest – I LOVE PACKAGES!!! It is just so fun to get a piece of home
We were blessed to get two packages this trip 
With so many special treats 
Including my new awesome necklaces that Joel's mom made
- Special Treats for the boys – There are many places for the boys to play that are all a special treat to them. They love our trips to Dakar!
- The bakery – Good fresh bread…THAT I DIDN’T COOK!
- A car that we can use to get things done quickly (well at least as quickly as you can in Africa)
- Restaurants – There are places we can eat within walking distance, so it is nice to have a little break from cooking everything from scratch.
- Running water that I don’t have to worry about conserving at ALL.
- Being in a place where few people know us and so we have very few obligations
- Great things we can buy from missionaries who are leaving Africa. We got bikes for the boys, a waterbed for our guest room, plastic drawers, and great Christmas presents for the boys.
- THE BEACH
The beach is awesome for hot days
Dakar is still Africa, but even just the change of scenery provides an amazing break and time of rest. I would have never thought 9 months ago that Dakar would be a treat for us, but that alone shows how far we have come. Thank you God for providing the place and the chance to get away and rest.
Oops, I made a typo in my last entry but don’t know how to correct it. I’m sure I’m not the only one who has done this, just the last person to do so. Is there a way to edit what we’ve written after posting it? I know ideally the post should be edited before hitting the submit button. But…..well, you know, sometimes we just get ahead of ourselves and hit that button, then re-read what we wrote afterwards. To our chagrin. 🙂 .
I meant to say Not about your pictures, not Now about your pictures. Like I said Ooops!
Carolyn
I love your pictures. They just compliment your blog so very well. They just about tell the story all by themselves. I have to tell you something funny. Now about your pictures really, but about how weird I am. I looked at the picture of the man driving the donkey cart and the first thing I thought of was “he’s sitting on the wrong side of the cart to drive”. Boy, am I a conditioned ‘American’ or what? I had to laugh at myself (and let you in on the joke too). Thanks again, for the pictures and the blog.
I’m so pleased that you were able to get away to Dakar. Any change in routine can be a big blessing. And to be able to converse easily in English was a treat for all of you. Indeed, our God is good.
Carolyn
Hi Joel and Andi,
I wanted to let you know you are our missionary prayer focus this week at EBC. We are praying for you regularly and I hope you are encouraged to know this week you will be brought before God even more than usual. I pray that the rest you have had will buoy you and carry you through less restful times to come. May you see His presence daily and remember you have been called to this place.
So happy you got a respite from your NEW daily life. God does know your hearts and as your Dad often said He comes at just the right time—not before and never late;
Love you
Dear daughter and son and grandchildren,
I am so greatful for your time of rest. I could see the weariness behind your smile and in your eyes. Rest well. I am glad our God is taking such good care of you.
Love,
Dad
Thanks for sharing your restful and happy moments! God is kind and gracious!
Also, a note of encouragement! The daughter (8 yrs. old) of a friend of mine broke her arm and the new medical treatment now is to not cast but put in a sling. If there is no compound fracture this is a better way for young bones to heal. May this info calm your anxiety of the doctors in Senegal. At least a bit!
I’m so glad that you were able to have a nice trip for some much needed rest!