Meetings and Much-needed naps

The day started normally, the morning air full of what we call 'smust'. Smust is smoke and dust mixed together, a concoction that dries out every throat in its path and lingers in bowl-like valleys like Bamako. After two months of no rain, the smust level rises, forcing dust masks on reluctant moto drivers and absurd water consumption on Messiah students.

Braving the smust, we left in a taxi to head to Kati where a World Vision base was located. We formally introduced ourselves and our project then made our way to the medical center to meet with a group of people with handicaps to discuss technologies and how to advertise and produce them. Although pictures were not allowed, we will never forget the picture in our minds of the social service director who was blind 'seeing' our technologies for the first time. Running his hands over various parts of the structures, he exclaimed his pleasure at the thoughtfulness of its design. With lots of positive feedback, the validation felt good as we returned back to Bamako to our peanut sauce (plus veggies and meat) and rice lunch with fresh mango for dessert.

Although Nate, Dr. Norman, and Dr. Widmer had meetings, students were not required, so we were able to savor a few hours of much needed rest. We emerged from our slumber in time to go to English conversation club and help out. There, we talked about school, paying for school, and careers. In Mali, a college education is free (unless it is a private institution), so a scholarship covers room and board. During high school, education is not as subsidized, so students must meet several qualifiations in order to get a free or half-priced education. They must have 6 points for a half-ride, and 7 for a fully financed high shool education. To get points you can:
-be a woman (1 point)
-have a deceased parent (1 point)
-have a disability (1 point)
-have gone to grammar school (3 points)
-have good grades (1 point)
It was rather interesting to see their perspective on school. Most people in the class were motivated to finish classes by the need to help support their families or promote educational reform.

We were dropped off at the Sleeping Camel and had our first meal out. The conversation around the dinner was relaxed and open--a perfect ending to a great day.

Pray for us tomorrow as we give our second presentation. God is at work here, and we really need his work in us.