Divine appointment in the rice field!

Yesterday morning we traveled to Marsarrsum to meet w/the Prefect regarding the medical clinic in Sansamba. With Sedhiou becoming a region, it has brought many changes and the appointment of new officials. God knew that we would need this time to make the appropriate contacts and we have been received w/open arms and grateful hearts. The election at home is a popular topic here… many eyes are watching. It was extremely humbling when the Prefect began to tell me of how they were praying us… for the right man to be appointed because the entire world is dependant on it and if the right one is not appointed the “entire world will collapse”! Not only was the humbling, but it placed such a perspective on our privilege to vote that I don’t think I could have seen it without being on this side of the ocean. After meeting w/the Prefect we had an unexpected treat. We were able to meet w/Bobo in her peanut field. When we called her she was in the field working. She returned our call (kinda like “tell-a-woman, news travels fast!") so they had children waiting along the side of the road so they could summon hers. It was delightful! I was able to get my own personal lesson in farming peanuts and who better than from Bobo!!!

We then stopped @ Badianda where 4 of Tommy’s students live. One’s name is Benjamin… he was in the field working along w/2 of the women. We were able to greet one and an elder of the village. We expressed our delight for their continued efforts in studying the TrT lessons and encouraged them to continue. It was but about 30 minutes that we received a call from the field from Benjamin asking us to send his greetings to Tom!!! I wish that there were words that could convey the love that they feel for him! None are adequate!In the afternoon we made several efforts to travel on the ferry to Tonantoba but were unable to. It is just not HIS timing yet. Later at the market we ran into a friend from that village. She informed us that many of the people had traveled to Gambia for a funeral. God is hearing our prayers and directing our steps through every circumstance! We completed the afternoon w/some needed shopping at the market in order to get ready for the teams arrival. We wore Joseph and Pastor out! Men and women are the same wherever you go! Mark, Joseph is ready to send me home!… teehee!

Today we are to meet w/the governor. Hopefully this will complete our official meetings. We plan to tend to some of the final details of getting the river house ready for the team. As usual I’m running late…even for Africa. We will leave early in the morning to return to Dakar. Please pray for safe travel.

Hugs and kisses to our families!!

Blessings to all.

Cindy