My last weekend in Saint Louis. Next weekend I will be in Dakar until my Monday flight to Morocco.
Saturday was a lovely sleep in day and then just a quiet day until late afternoon. Then Feluine came and picked me up and we headed out for some fun. First, we went to the market – an open air market with vendors selling every type of vegetable as well as fresh fish and meat. The place was packed and full of color – from the women’s clothing to the varied colors of all the vegetables. Rather like a quilt of food! Immersion into sight and sound and smell. Such fun! Feluine picked up a few things and I met two of her sisters-in-law who sell there.
Next stop was the big grocery store for my last load of food. This was the most leisurely trip I’d had so I’m sure I bought more than needed but I will leave the extras here and they will get good use. I also picked up some cookies and candy as I’ll be having a very modified tea party for my English girls on Friday. I will miss them.
Next we headed out to the island (the old French part of the city) to poke into a few little shops and then to a restaurant for supper. We had a nice dinner with a tablecloth and napkins and even a candle. Such luxury! And Feluine and I just chatted away like long time friends. Such a nice evening.
Sunday dawned and I headed to church at 11. The walk is very familiar now and I’m grateful. I just have to watch I don’t get caught up in my thoughts and miss a turn! Today, the contrasts of this place struck me again. I’m walking along the sandy street with all its usual sights. It is mainly a neutral landscape of tans and browns. Then I noticed a little sprite of a girl skipping toward me. She was dressed in bright yellow and orange and stood out so starkly against the background of the street. It almost took my breath away – such a sweet beautiful picture. One that will live with me always. And again, it begs the question why God why? But it is a question I don’t have to answer. God knows and is asking me, what are you going to do about this?
Today, at church, they followed the traditional Brethren format of people just sharing thoughts and verses around today’s theme of humility. We started with some songs – some of which I knew. Fun to be able to sing along. Then the sharing started – for almost three hours. I realize what a Westerner I am. Used to a time schedule and woe to the pastor who goes over the time limit of an hour service! Dear Feluine translated for me so I got the gist of most of it. Also, people sat on mats or scattered chairs. Not the usual rows. After the service was over, lunch was served so we sat in small groups and ate from the communal bowl. Good meal.
Soon after, I headed out and spent a quiet evening.
This will be a week of lasts and probably some reflection.
Jam ak jam.