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.

Presentation 1, plus more fun!

After a long night preparing documents requested by the PROPHETE center, finishing last minute details for the presentation, and reviewing the day’s events, the morning was not exactly welcomed by all of us. Nonetheless, the beautiful morning light brightened our tired spirits, especially when it reflected off of an unexpected taxi coming to chauffeur us to the World Vision headquarters. With a flurry of activity, PROPHETE center documents were sent, the room was prepared, and over thirty WASH agents arrived for the presentation within the space of an hour. Discussion was lively, the presentation well received, and it seemed as if the agents really took the messages covered to heart.

At 1:00, lunch was served. Since we were the guests, they decided to serve us the meal—and serve they did! We received plates that were practically large bowls piled high with rice, vegetables, and fish. It was a delicious Senegalese meal, but it was huge! In Sarah’s words “I took a bite of rice in one spot on my plate, then another at that same spot, then another and another…it hardly looked like I made a dent!”

The meal was followed by a productive critique of a flip book we brought. Surprisingly, we finished our presentation early. We were able to relax a bit before we were whisked away to help out with an ESL class. The ESL class contained people at varying levels of English, but was a real challenge for everyone involved. They learned how to make outlines and talked about Journalism. There were some good quotes of the class, but unfortunately lack of sleep prevents us from remembering them. Seeing our language and the world from a different set of eyes was interesting.

The day ended with fries, steak, devos and very tired team members heading off to bed.

Busy Day

Hey Everyone,

This is Nate. We've had a very busy day today! This morning the students took a tour of Bamako with a very nice missionary couple. We later met with Handicap International and other NGOs that are working with the disabled. The meetings were very profitable. We may have developped a new partnership. We are now all exhausted, but in good spirits. Off to bed for me!

A Bientôt,

Nate

Bonjour les amis et la famille !

We have arrived safe and sound in Bamako, Mali! Despite very long flights and small amounts of sleep, unless your name is Collin, all logistics of the traveling went fine and we made it safely to our destination with all our team members and all of our luggage! We got settled in at about 7:30 here, which would be about 1:30 your time given the 6 hour time difference. We are settling in for the night now and will be out site seeing and people meeting tomorrow!

Just wanted to check in to make sure everyone knew we arrived safely. Please keep following throughout the week as we should have access to internet most of the time where we are staying so we will try to keep you updated as much as we can!

Bon nuit!

Sarah :)