Burkina Faso 2016

June 1st, 2016 6am

Waking up…in a hammock…in a remote African village

Probably not the best night of sleep I’d ever had, but it was probably one of the most fun!  As all of the team members started to stir, we exchanged stories of the night.  Apparently, several village women sat up all night to watch over us while we slept.  At first, we were a bit uncomfortable.  We didn’t really want an audience as we were trying to get things setup and go to sleep during the night.  But we quickly realized that they were there not to watch us, but watch over us.  There’s a big distinction there, and one that we were honored by.  Once we all got going, we were invited back to the village pastor’s home for breakfast.  This is a moment that I would like to offer up apologies to all the villages we go to.  We Americans with our delicate digestive issues must be a pain.  I’ve had to eat in homes in Mexico, dig sites in Honduras, and villages in Africa where special care has to be taken to prepare our meals because how we’ve adapted to much cleaner environments.  When first world goes and dines in third world, it’s a hassle for third world.  And for that, I’m sorry.

Anyway, the breakfast was great and we were able to pass out some gifts to our host and his family and pray with them.  Great morning.  We then proceeded back to the village to speak and hand out the widow sacks.  Great time of devotion and fellowship.  Also…I witnessed a bunch of African women put to shame a lot of men I know.  Several women carried 100 lbs. (each) of grain on their head…up a hill… so that we could pass out to the widows.  #doyouevenlift  Amazing display of strength that is no big deal for them.

After the ceremony, we were gifted with a goat and 2 chickens.  Don’t try to give gifts like that back or refuse them.  Not accepting those gifts is a sign of disrespect.  We were honored for the gifts and loaded up and went back to the compound, where everyone crashed.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AixxgIdCbuM