Africa

month #2

27.2.14

It sure doesn't feel like we've been here 2 months already.  Crazy how fast time flies when your living in Africa.  Here are a couple of things that I've learned the 2 months we've been here, this isn't even close to everything I've discovered but none of us have the time to go over all that.  So here's some randomness:



I have learned that Africa has the most beautiful sunsets, ever. 
 'nough said.


I have learned that there is never a limit to how many animals you can fit on one bike or motto.  
Whether it's who-know-how-many chickens, 4 goats, or 3 sheep, it can be done.  Sorry the pic is a little blurry and unimpressive, most times it's hard to see the guy through all the feathers but you get the idea.  This guy had 2 goats, a bunch of chickens, and even more guinea fowl tied to his handlebars.  
The phrase "Where there's a will there's a way" takes on a whole new meaning here. 

I have learned that, as hard as curly hair is to try to control in the states, it is impossible to do here.  I think I've worn my hair down a total of about 10 times in 2 months, and I'm very proud of myself that it's been that much.  And the whole "where there's a will there's a way thing" doesn't apply to my hair, sadly.  I've tried more things than you could shake a stick at, but if you have any suggestions, I'm all ears.
  So far, the beast remains untamed….


I have learned that some fruit can weigh up to 30 pounds.  And it's a little scary when you have a 30-foot tree in your courtyard (which you walk under) that is full of them.  But it's totally worth the tiny bit of anxiety they cause when they become your favorite fruit.  The Jackfruit in this pictures is the smallest one we've gotten, the other ones have been about double this size.  You should google it, it's really weird looking inside, kinda like a Star Trek creature, but they taste amazing!!


I have learned to figure out time-differences around the world very quickly and efficiently.  One of the biggest, unexpected blessing that we have had since being here is finding out that our internet is (most times) good enough to use FaceTime and Skype.  It's not the best video quality by any means but being able to hear people's voices and kinda "see" them has been amazing!  Sorry, the photos a little blurry and I'm a mess.  But in my defense it was 10:15 pm and my chance to talk with some of my dear friends, so it was all worth it!

I've learned that tank-tops are my best friends.  My amassing of old navy tanks over the years has finally paid off.  But no clothing here lasts very long between dirt, sweat (gross but true), working and how hard washing is on everything…. 


I have learned (or been reminded) of how blessed I am.  It's unbelievable the things that I took/take for grated.  Some of it is not having things here that I miss from the states, but it's also realizing how good we have it here.  I can whine and complain about the heat and dirt, but we have the ability to have fans and stay clean(ish).  I am so blessed to have the life I had, and have now.  Random pic of someone burning their field.


~

I was thinking about trying to do a video, but actually post it this time.  The one I tried to do in France was a smashing failure, I took way too long making it and then moving to another continent got in the way.  So now that there aren't any trans-continental moves in my foreseeable future, I thought I'd try again!!  I tried to make one the other day but had no idea what to say, and sitting alone on your porch talking to a laptop is a little bizarre.  So  I thought I'd ask if you guys have any questions about life here,  in France, etc. and then it might make a video a little easier to make.

Love in Christ,
Jana

Africa

You know you're a missionary kid when... {pt.1}

21.2.14



The question "Where are you from?" does not come with a short answer
("How much time do you have?  I can give you the short, medium or long version.")


You automatically think of football as a sport played with a round ball that you kick
(I now have to make the distinction of football or American football)

You know what it's like to be the minority
(indeed)

You're used to people always staring at you wherever you go
(It takes some time and isn't always comfortable but it does become normal)

You really have to think about time differences before you Skype or FaceTime someone
(More than once I've almost called someone at 3 am their time)

You don't really know where home is
(Home has a whole new definition)

Your life story uses the phrase "Then we went to…" more than 5 times
(a lot more than 5)

You have a passport but no drivers license
(sadly, but driving here is a hazard to your well-being)

You are grateful for the speed and efficiency of the U.S. Postal Service
("You mean it is guaranteed to get there in 2 days, and it will actually get there?") 

You know how small the world really is
("It's a small world after all")

You start singing a song and then realize it's in another language
(or when you say, "I love this song" and don't even think about it being in French)

You find a bug in your food you calmly pick it out and continue eating
(and that's after you washed the rice, you don't even want to know the amount of creatures we sift out of our flour)
The fruits that are in the "exotic" section in the farmers markets in the U.S. are normal
(I've discovered some of my favorite fruits here)

You're surprised when you see someone following traffic rules
(You mean the red light means you actually have to stop?)

You divide your friends by what continent they live on
(We have friends all over the world)

You're not afraid to eat food that you can't pronounce
(it takes more time to try to learn the name of the meal than to eat it)

You struggle to read something, only to realize that you're trying to read it in another language
(Oh, that's why!)

Seeing people peeing on the side of the road is totally normal
(it's just life)

There is always room for one more person on a bus- even if that means hanging off the side or sitting on top of the stuff on the roof
(The more the merrier)
You have rainy season and dry season, not spring, summer fall and winter
(And when it's dry season, it's dry.  And when it's rainy season, it's wet)

011 is a familiar area code
(the country code that you learn so well)
You watch a movie set in a foreign country, and you know what the nationals are really saying into the camera.
(that's not really what they said!) 
You refer to gravel roads as highways.
 (though I don't understand why some of them have curbs...)
 You understand all of these things

Africa

an opportunity to celebrate

10.2.14


When the Lord uses His people to make an impact in a community, we celebrate
We join together, the Elders of the village, the families and us


We love to see the smile on the children's faces, the pride in their parents eyes


I watch the women that have worked hard to fix food for all the people gathered


I eat the food lovingly given to us and pray for our stomachs to handle the food well


We smile with sweat running down our faces in the 102 F degree weather


I watch the sheet being hung for photos from the year
and the raw electric wires being hung over our heads


Small kids coming to sit by me, shyly looking over 
Laughing with an indescribable, pure joy when they see their faces on the camera screen


Waiting and waiting for night to fall and the party to start


The kids form a mob around me, all yelling in the little French they know,
"Prend une photo!  Prend une photo, s'il vous pliez!  Faire une photo comme Ã§a!"
(take a photo!  Take a photo of us please!  Take a photo like this!) 


Hours later the Balafon (a traditional Burinabe instrument) players arrive, 
driving into the crowd honking the horns on their mottos all the while
The dust in the air, kicked up from the dancing and makes it hard to see


People dance and laugh, clap and shout, celebrating African style
hour after hour they dance, song after song
The dancing goes on long after we leave, till 3 am we learned this morning
people celebrating a year of learning and growth

I'm praising God for the encouragement of being able to speak with others and interact with the people we came here to serve!

Africa

at the rocks

1.2.14


One of the most beautiful things here in Africa is the sky.
During the day the blue sky is laced with fluffy clouds, seeming to stretch on forever


All you can see is the harsh land, the subtle change in the topography and the blue canopy over you.


If you come and visit, we'll show you "the rocks"
a place in the middle of nowhere that's perfect for bonfires and fellowship


Sunsets here are absolutely beautiful
every time I see one I am reminded of what an amazing God we serve


The first bonfire in a long time was with some team mates in Bobo. 
In the middle of nowhere and the only light being the fire
If you look up, you will see hundreds of stars shining against the black sky

 The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.
Psalm 19:1

P.S.
I started a book, movie and music review blog a little bit ago and am just now getting it started. And I would love to have you guys take a look at it and let me know what you think!