Nugudi habar chigi? What's new, indeed. Well, let me tell you.
From last week, I wanted to first thank you all for your p'ayers as we did
get to visit that burn village and even went back today. The first meeting
last week was mainly introductions, terribly important here. They also were
wowed that two white guys living in such close proximity to them (their
village is only about 3km from where we live) could speak their language.
They showed us the places where the fire ate some buildings, we counted nine
that day, plus granaries. They showed us some charred khalla, the staple
grain here. It was cone shaped and the individual pieces of khalla were all
black. A strange thing was as we were going around with them, writing down
names of the people who lost houses, they told us how much each thing cost.
Maybe they thought we were UN guys who might be connected to a big payload
to quickly rebuild their village. Anyway, we offered up a great Hamdu l'llah
because no people or their animals were hurt in the fire. Also, when we were
there the first time, there was a group of people rebuilding a reed-thatch
roof, a good sign of bouncing back.
We p'ayed over the village last week for a way to help them, but not make
them dependent on us to solve all their problems with our money. This is a
constant struggle we find and we are searching for ways to give but not
fulfill their expectations that that is our only role. Going to the white
guy for money is not a good testimony, for them or for us. So, we formed a
p'ayer-laden plan (the very best kind I find) and today we set out.
We brought them essentials, a bourish, one of the chief pieces of furniture
here, it being a straw mat, for each of the houses we counted last week.
Also for each of them, teapots and tea glasses were given. I am convinced
that the teapot is the symbol of peace here*.
Anyway, today was a good day of visiting them. The bulama, or village chief
was not there today but we were able to give each thing to each person who
we bought it for. Some of the women were sitting together, apart from the
men as is customary here. We went over to them to greet them and tell them
why we were seeking to bless them. We told them of the great Gift of His Son
to us and that was our motivation. They agreed to this** and then blessed us
saying "G'd give you many children". We said "zig zoho dokgeda", we don't
have wives yet. "G'd give you wives," they replied. They said this so much
that it seems when I'm married I'll need to have at least eight children, to
fulfill their blessing on me!
After this, we had some tea and ate some rumu, the staple food here. They
made one with the charred khalla which was burnt brown and not merely dirty
white like normal. It seems some of what was burned is still useable. They
also told us that those families which lost houses are not destitute as in
having no place to stay. In villages, people chip in together to help each
other. They are staying with family or friends in other houses for now.
We've been talking a little to perhaps get into a habit of visiting there
once a week, as it is a high concentration of N. speakers, and are already
thinking of going back next week.
One other thing on the fun side related to this trip, we rode there on a
pousse. This is a horse drawn cart, a traditional way of getting around,
better than walking and cheaper than motorcycles. It was a good ride,
carrying us and all the stuff we brought as hadiyas. So, to note at this
point in country, I've ridden: a horse, a camel, a few motorcycles, a market
truck (an adventure indeed), plenty of taxis, and now a pousse. Next, I'm
looking to find and ride a rhino and round out my exotic riding adventures.
Things to p'ay for:
1. We have about two weeks left in town here until we leave again for AMS.
We need to get two more Stories recorded and backtranslated from N. into Fr.
or Eng. Opportunities are abounding but p'ay that we would indeed make full
use of them and get our task done.
2. P'ay for the relationships we've been watering here in our town and out
in the burn village.
Thanks, as always, for p'aying and giving to my work here. I'm excited that
the Father is working and I am seeing Him work in and through us. May you
all, in each place He's called you, be His hands and His feet and speak with
His voice to those people around you. Our p'ayers affect the future history
of those around us and things around the world, if only we ask for them! Ask
Big!
-Youssef
*A few weeks ago, I made a thermos full of tea, spiced it with cinnamon, and
took it to the market to some N. friends I've made there. It was a big hit!
As I was carrying the bright red thermos through the market to the place my
friends were, I heard many whispering "Hey look, he's bringing tea" almost
expectantly. It caused a stir, as is not uncommon when I go to the market.
They said the tea was "lele" meaning I'd added enough sugar to make teeth
scream. Now, they joke with me, "what, no tea today?" when I arrive in the
market lacking thermos.
**The people here accept J. as prophet, even a great prophet, but not a Son.
It remains one of those hurdles to be overcome. Send up the Big P'ayers!
On a side note, our water faucet in our kitchen had to be replaced. Not
having running water is a bad thing I find, but just yesterday, we got it
fixed. That means: We have water! (that one's just for you, mom)
