Hello from Dakar...

Greetings from Dakar, Senegal! It is hard to believe that I am writing this message to you within the same day as the last. We are all very confused as to when we got here, what day it is, etc. and are trying to assimilate to the time change. The weather is sunny, beautiful, and breezy. This morning, as the previous blog was being written, the team was separating the supplies for those that remain here for Dr. Steele, those that traveled with Brandon and Larry ahead of the team to the Casamance, and those that we needed to keep with us for travel tomorrow. We sent Brandon and Larry with the interpreters and drivers this morning around 9:30am to travel through the bush and across the Gambian River with the supplies. During this posting, we had the privilege of hearing from them that they arrived safely, and are thankful that the many prayers for their safe arrival have been answered. God is good. This morning, the remaining team had time to rest, freshen up, and spend time in The Word and in prayer, while Joseph and Brother Sam took care of business at the IMB office. For lunch, we shared a wonderful, traditional Senegalese meal around two beautifully prepared common bowls, served with crusty artisan breads. True to tradition, we joined one another at a carefully prepared table, decorated with colorful napkins and spoons (spoons are often not available), the common bowls placed in front of us. We proceeded to eat from the area of rice, vegetables, and meat which formed a triangle in front of our person. The meal was made with love and was very fulfilling. After lunch, the team prayer walked in Grand Yoff around the guest house location with Joseph. We were blessed beyond imagination with many smiling children, welcoming families, and loving hearts. As we walked along the dirt filled roads shared by many families, their goats, chicken coops, stray cats and dogs, rubble, and scattered automobiles, we were escorted by children with a hold of each available finger of each available hand. Paulette, a previous contact, prepared her home carefully and hospitably, bringing benches from inside, cleaning them carefully and asked us to sit. She shared pictures of her 18^th birthday, where she was beautifully dressed in colorful clothing. We were excited that she shared a picture of Pastor Rick and his family and was very concerned with their whereabouts, wellbeing, and a date they may return. It was obvious that a seed had been planted in her heart, and that she held that memento so near. There were many other people that we met, many prayer requests, and more than I can share tonight, but the picture that I painted of Paulette was representative of the hospitality of the culture. This evening after our return, we had the privilege of sharing time with Dr. Steele, a local Dakar physician. He shared much wisdom about the types of illness that we may see, treatment protocols, available medications, etc. The time that we had with him was invaluable, and we are looking forward to sharing more time with him at the end of our trip. After our meeting, we shared dinner as a team, discussed the happenings of tomorrow, and started to organize a plan for the set up and clinic operations. Tonight, members of the Manjaku organization shared fellowship at the guest house with the men of our team and as Joseph interpreted, conversations were shared about faith, obstacles, hopes and dreams. It is amazing how God weaves people together for His glory and purpose at any moment in time. Please be in continued prayer for the physical and mental health and safety of our team, for those that have traveled ahead of us, and for those that will travel in the morning. Pray for efficient organization and preparation of the clinic site for patients; for the energy and clarity of the interpreters that are traveling with us- they are our eyes and ears, and most importantly that the will of our Lord, Jesus Christ, will be carried out though us, and that His love will be evident in all that we say and do. Pray that the hearts of those that we will meet will be prepared to receive the seed of the Salvation message. Tomorrow, the computer access will change, but we are hopeful that continued daily blogs will be available. To our families, children, and friends, we love you and miss you very much. You are ever-present in our hearts and thoughts. Please forgive me because Brandon traveled with the wires to download the pictures so I promise for many to catch you up, and until tomorrow…

The harvest is great, but the workers are few. So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask Him to send more workers into His fields. Now go… Luke 1:2

Submitted by Kindra York