Tying up loose ends

What a day this has been. We seem to have been busy about many things, going and coming, sitting and waiting, talking and listening, asking and replying, plus a lot of other actions. We arrived from Zig yesterday afternoon. When we arrived, it felt like we had stepped into air conditioning ... Dakar was much cooler than Sedhiou. You could set out here and not sweat from breathing.

Today started with Cindy and Gwen going to visit the International Center of Refuge and Development where they had opportunity to share the materials that had been given by Scholastic and others. They met with the teachers, students, board members ... probably the janitor, cook and anyone else who could meet such distinguished visitors. When they came to lunch ... at about 2 p.m. ... they looked bushed. Gwen simply said, "Now I am tired and flexed out!"

Sam and the men "jumped" in to a taxi and went to the bank. They then went to the artisan's village where they "enjoyed" the African way of bargaining. Sam purchased an item for Cindy. The first price was 70,000 CFA. He purchased it at 15,000. Billy resisted the temptation to buy drums for his small nephews. After stopping to buy medications, we returned to the Guest House before heading off to the "Dive Shop" for surfers. Tommy wanted to buy some items. But it was closed for Pentacost. After a loooong lunch at the western most point of Africa, we sent the girls to do their shopping. We began to put it all together ... suit cases, receipts, bills, etc. etc.

We had some last minute guest and phone calls. Tom has been patient but anxiously ready to leave and get home. Cindy is busy with details and planning. Gwen is packed and prepared. Billy and Nathan are cool. Sam is writing this for Cindy. We leave for the airport at 10:30 p.m. we will get checked in by 1 to 1;30 a.m. and the flight will leave somewhere around 2:30. We will chase the night to the USA. Arriving in Atlanta about 8 to 8:30 a.m. Cindy and I will arrive Northwest Arkansas about 12:30, Billy, Nathan and Tom will arrive around 11 a.m., Gwen does not arrive in St. Louis until after 1 p.m.

Thanks for praying for us. The trip has been beneficial and we are excited about what our Father is doing. West Africa needs the gospel! There is more spiritual darkness here than many places in the world. Tom has planted a lot of seeds, touched a lot of lives, and demonstrated a Christ likeness to those who have had no idea of what a disciple of Christ should be.

Bro. Sam