Week 10

 

I ne cE,(hello) family and friends it has been an amazing week. I've kept my usual schedule, however, Wednesday evening was different. I was sick that morning ,vomiting, so I missed my usual morning activities but  felt fine the rest of the day .  That evening I decided that I was going  to practice  my Bambara.  I hadn't been able to practice it that morning and we are required to practice a certain number of hours a week. That night I decided to go to some of the neighbors and practice my Bambara with them. The neighbors,the women and children,that I was planning on practicing on  had some men among them.  I knew that I didn't want to get involved with that. **Note, you don't want to ever be with the men if you are a woman. First of all  it is not culturally acceptable. Secondly,if you are white they want to marry you, they will many times not leave you alone. For example, I have been proposed to in the same taxi several times. 

 

So I decided to hang out with the children there.  I reviewed Bambara  with them that night  and I brought my family pictures,  a picture of our chihuahua, and my Bambara phrase book. The kids loved teaching me and seeing the pictures of my family. I realize now more then I did  before, I am learning Bambara not to just  to communicate with people and for  understanding prices, but to eventually tell these children about Jesus' extravagant love for us.

 

Everyone in my family pictures are Christians, my parents, my sister, and my brothers.Tragically those precious babies, who were  oohing and aawing over my pictures, don't share that same amazing gift.  I pray more even now that God produces in me His extravagant love. I desire to be used by my Heavenly Father to share with these people, these lost people His love.

 

 Thank you all for your prayers and support. Please  pray to overcome the spiritual oppressiveness, the tangible heaviness, and spiritual dryness of this area. Pray for the 4 million Malians that live in Bamako. Sadly only 1% know Jesus. That must change!

 

"Abba give us wisdom. God have mercy on us. Please forgive me for my dry faith in You. Please renew in me an unquenchable fire and passion for You. I am nothing without You, give me wisdom on how to share Your love and truth with the Malians. Please allow my life to be a witness of Your glory. Let  Your goodness shines through me. Amen"