Little need be said about Sat. I woke up to no internet and then no way to let anyone know. I did venture out for a little reconnaissance. I strolled along the dusty streets and tried to draw a map, only partially successfully. Landmarks are tires, various color tile, and anything else that might stand out. There are no road names and no house numbers. Just one little block after another – all looking very similar. My main goal was not to get lost! And accomplished! I did find a little bakery and got some bread. The rest of the day I kept busy with reading, needlework, and Sudoku.
Sunday was much more eventful. Someone met me to walk with me to church. I love church in Africa so this was a treat – singing, praying, communion, scripture, a message. I found out that this is a Brethren church. Never saw one in Africa before. The Brethren church is part of my heritage. My father grew up in a Brethren church, we attended one during our three years in Pittsburg while I was a child, and sometimes at Wheaton. It felt familiar and welcoming.
There were also a few other Americans there – full time missionaries. One translated for me during the service so that was so helpful. One missionary family was there with their three little boys and their one girl. Looked familiar! I caged another meal invite so looking forward to that!
After church, I headed out with Feluine, her youngest son, Enoch, and granddaughter. We stopped at a fabric store so I could pick out some cloth for my very own Senegalese outfit! The shop was overwhelming. Stacks and stacks of beautifully patterned fabrics cut to 5 yards lengths. Some plain colors and fancy fabric for special occasions. More than at your average Joanne’s.
I finally made a choice and paid about six dollars for that five yard piece! I’ll need to take it to a tailor to get it made up. I’m sure there will be pictures!
Next we made a quick stop at the large grocery store and then headed out to Feluine’s home. They are a ways out of town to intentionally give them some space from their very busy lives. I’ve mentioned that there is no vegetation in my neighborhood so imagine my delight as we pulled into a compound of date palms, lemon trees, and many other yet to be identified trees! All planted by the. Over the last ten years. It was gorgeous and such a treat. We settled outside in a courtyard area, under a canopy of large trees. Ahhhhhh! Feluine then showed me the gardens growing mainly onions, but some tomatoes, garlic, and lettuce. The beds were neatly laid out in shallow squares to allow water to soak in. The soil is amended thanks to a few goats and sheep. Feluine spends a couple of hours out here each day and finds the gardening therapeutic, like many of us. They use everything here. There is a tank to raise fish and the cut palm branches feed the goats. When all the green parts are eaten, the woody stalks feed the fire. They have solar panels so need no electricity. It is a model of sustainability.
Back to the patio for lunch. Several of us gathered around a small table and a very large bowl was brought out for our communal meal. Hands are often used but spoons were provided for picky people like me. Actually, most used the spoons so I didn’t feel too conspicuous! Fish, potatoes, carrots, and cabbage were all placed in the center of a huge bed of rice. Time to dig in. It was very good and it was such a joy sharing lunch. Two of Feluine’s nieces were also there. One is visiting with her baby boy – a darling and chatty 10 month old. The other girl is younger and her mother died last year so she is now living with Feluine. That is the African way. We took a little rest time in the living room and then headed back to town. What a great time and so generous.
Back, I set up a new modem and wallah – internet! Cheers and rejoicing! It seems a bit extreme but without it, I am really cut off. And since I can’t find my way more than a block or two, it’s rather pathetic.
Tomorrow I’ll be teaching sewing and English. At least I have had a chance to prepare a little. Thank goodness! Good night all.