Friday, July 23, 1999
I have finally arrived in Kenieba, my new home. I love it! We flew out of Bamako, the capital, at noon today on a small six passenger Cessna plane. It took us about an hur and fifteen minutes to touch town in the remote village. There is no airport in Kenieba. Just a long dirt landing strip and a small thatched roof shed serves as the airport. I was welcomed by Trevor Barton (ISC'er) and David Slocumb (summer volunteer), along with several Malinke friends and children. Some of the villagers at the airport were trying to hitch a ride back to the capital to avoid a two day trek via road. They were not successful in persuading the pilot.
We drove to the mission compound from the airport. It rained four inches last night, so you can imagine what the roads were like. There were times when the road was completely covered in water. I was a little concerned whether or not we would make it across. We arrived at the compound, and I was greeted by the rest of the team. They served me lunch and gave me a gift bucket! The bucket is what I will use for my showers. I also received a handmade fan, teapot, material for a shirt, and yes, even a coca-cola. They have made me feel at home.
Amy Hogge took me on a tour of the compound and then I sat with David, Trevor, Saibo and Flake and a few others. We chatted, well, I listened mostly. I am learning a little bit of the language, but my formal training will begin in the coming week. The Malinke love to teach their language. They also love that I want to learn.
Tonight, Amy cooked spaghetti, and we just continued greeting. We also played Balderdash! It was lots of fun getting to know my new teammates. I already feel a part of the family here. Thank you God for answering my prayer. I pray that tonight I will be able to sleep. There is no electricity or running water because the generator is currently broken. It is very humid...much like back home in Georgia, only worse.
God, thank you for this day. Bless tomorrow. Walk with me and guide me. Thank you for bringing me to Kenieba. I love you.
I have finally arrived in Kenieba, my new home. I love it! We flew out of Bamako, the capital, at noon today on a small six passenger Cessna plane. It took us about an hur and fifteen minutes to touch town in the remote village. There is no airport in Kenieba. Just a long dirt landing strip and a small thatched roof shed serves as the airport. I was welcomed by Trevor Barton (ISC'er) and David Slocumb (summer volunteer), along with several Malinke friends and children. Some of the villagers at the airport were trying to hitch a ride back to the capital to avoid a two day trek via road. They were not successful in persuading the pilot.
We drove to the mission compound from the airport. It rained four inches last night, so you can imagine what the roads were like. There were times when the road was completely covered in water. I was a little concerned whether or not we would make it across. We arrived at the compound, and I was greeted by the rest of the team. They served me lunch and gave me a gift bucket! The bucket is what I will use for my showers. I also received a handmade fan, teapot, material for a shirt, and yes, even a coca-cola. They have made me feel at home.
Amy Hogge took me on a tour of the compound and then I sat with David, Trevor, Saibo and Flake and a few others. We chatted, well, I listened mostly. I am learning a little bit of the language, but my formal training will begin in the coming week. The Malinke love to teach their language. They also love that I want to learn.
Tonight, Amy cooked spaghetti, and we just continued greeting. We also played Balderdash! It was lots of fun getting to know my new teammates. I already feel a part of the family here. Thank you God for answering my prayer. I pray that tonight I will be able to sleep. There is no electricity or running water because the generator is currently broken. It is very humid...much like back home in Georgia, only worse.
God, thank you for this day. Bless tomorrow. Walk with me and guide me. Thank you for bringing me to Kenieba. I love you.
-cpl
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