A Gift From the Dogs

Dogs and cats have a habit of bringing unwanted gifts to their owners: mice, lizards, gophers, birds, and on and on. The dogs here are no different. A few weeks ago, on a Sabbath morning, the dogs left a gift – a much-appreciated gift.

At one point the previous night the dogs had been barking incessantly, which they usually do when something especially interests them. In the morning we found out what it was: an enormous cobra. Thankfully these are true watchdogs that don’t take too kindly to intruders. The dogs frequently hunt lizards during the day and, as a result, are very efficient as a team. The cobra did leave its mark on them, but eventually it was killed. Nibbler and Sandy (the black dog and the golden/white dog) both had their eyes spit in and Tiger (the largest dog) was actually bit. When a cobra’s poison gets on the eyes they swell and are temporarily blinded but it typically fades away in a matter of days. Tiger, on the other hand, was bitten and was given penicillin so she wouldn’t die.

This isn’t the first snake they have killed, but it is the largest. I walk these courtyards every night, and as glad as I am to have the dogs constantly on the alert what is truly comforting is the knowledge that I am in the hands of God. I am thankful for His protection.

Guinean Weddings

In the past couple weeks I have been to two very different weddings: one that followed many of the Western traditions and one in the Guinean tradition. The first was a couple who are members of the Adventist church in Fria who were previously married by law but never had an actual wedding. The second was a couple from a local village, Adama Suriya. It is very common in West Africa for marriages to be very informal, many times involving only the exchange of cola nuts. Since there is not very much commitment associated with these marriages they are, as a result, easy to dissolve. Many couples get married planning on having an actual wedding ceremony years later when they have saved enough money; sometimes this happens, sometimes it does not.

Traditional Guinean weddings last for three days. I’m not sure what exactly happens on each day, but the day I saw at Adama Suriya included a discourse by the village imams and “gift giving” as seen in the video above. As people dance towards the center they drop money in two large bowls placed in front of the bride and groom, seated on the edge and covered by a blanket.

Really, there’s too much to describe here – I’ll have to tell you more, with more pictures, when I return. This just gives a glimpse of what a wedding in Guinea involves.

Boils

Never get a boil! Ever!!! For about a month I’ve had from one to three boils on my armpit, which all culminated in one of the most painful experiences I can remember. At first they look like a pimple, but they keep growing. The larger they get the more sensitive they become. When the pressure becomes too much the head bursts. From then on it’s pus and blood. The good part about this stage is that the pressure – and therefore the pain – slowly recedes. This picture Fred and me was taken after dealing with the last and worst of them. Enough about this, it’s probably more than you wanted to know anyway…

The Internet

The internet has been down in the whole Fria region for a couple weeks and I have no idea when it's going to be back. The pictures here are of Uncle Marc, Auntie Cathy, Alexandria, Becca, and me in Conakry. We took a taxi here today just for this since we all had things we needed to do online. I'll try to keep updating this blog and responding to emails but it really depends on whether or not the internet comes back or not.

The Church

The last couple pictures I posted were of the place where church members gather for most things except the church service on Sabbath mornings. Here are a few pictures of the “real” church. As you might remember it is about an hour’s walk from where I live so catching a glimpse of the church down the road is a welcome sight. Right now we’re in the middle of the dry season in West Africa and approaching the hottest time of year, which is why there isn’t much living outside.

Like many buildings in Fria a wall surrounds the church. Judging from the perspective of a Westerner the church grounds may not look very well maintained; however, to a Guinean nothing more would be expected. In the rainy season all growth is kept clear of paths and from around the building while in the dry season the dead grass is cut down and burned.

Looking at the middle photo, the sanctuary occupies most of the octagonal form while the two classrooms are attached to the rear of the building. In the background, beyond the porch, you can see the bathrooms. They have no running water or toilet paper, just a squat pot with a bucket of water to wash up with. In the foreground you can see the baptistery. The water is typically has a lot growing in it so before each baptism it has to be cleaned.

As it is on the outside, the inside of the church is very simple. A couple months ago it was even simpler: the flowers up front, a clock in the back, tiling on the podium, and the benches with backrests are all new additions. Though to some eyes the sanctuary may seem sparse, nothing more is needed and everything that is present is used and appreciated.

During the sermon the congregation is divided into three groups based on language. In the center are those who want to listen directly from the pastor (pictured standing in front in the blue shirt) in French. On the right are those who want to hear it translated into Susu. (The translator can be seen standing up front on the right side.) On the left side (not seen in the photo) are those who want to hear it translated into English. There are usually similar numbers of people in each group.

From the long walks to and from church, the simplicity of the surroundings there, the various languages, and countless other small things Sabbath is a very different experience here. I have learned to appreciate my “Sabbath experience” in Guinea and expect that when I return home I will appreciate it there in a whole different light.

The Other Church

Each week the Fria church has a Bible study, prayer meeting, choir practice and vespers that are all held on the front porch of “the other church.” This place actually was used as the church before the new one was built outside of town. Looking at the picture above you can see that it is actually a house; currently a family, who are members of the church, lives there. The front room (which extends the length of the porch) has been enlarged to allow it to serve as a small sanctuary. Because the house is in town it is a lot more convenient to meet there, which is why the new sanctuary is generally only used on Sabbath morning.

On Friday evening, the first day of the new year, the church had a special communion service and agape feast to bring in the new year. This was a wonderful time of reflection on the blessings of the past year and starting out the new one on the right foot. About forty people, members and non-members, filled the old sanctuary and took part in the service. As I took part and reflected on the year I couldn’t help but see God’s leading in my life quite distinctly. As I see His hand at work in my life more and more my faith in Him is growing more and more. It is a joy and a privilege to serve a living God who plays an active role in my life.

Thanksgiving in Guinea

Thanksgiving Day was very much anticipated and enjoyed considerably. The Thanksgiving holiday is quite a different experience in Guinea. No turkeys, no pilgrims, no pumpkins, no fall colors, no sales, no advertisements. The Coleman’s, Alexandria and I decided to begin the day with a special breakfast. So at 6:00am we got together to start cooking pancakes and waffles and our special pineapple sauce to replace the syrup we were lacking.

After breakfast a group of us went for a walk down to the river. In the picture above is (from left to right) Alexandria, Becca, Emmanuel, myself and Fred. After the hike we returned to the house to start cooking once again. I was in charge of preparing a vegetable platter and 6 kilos (over 13 pounds!) of mashed potatoes. The picture above shows Patricia looking over the table of food.

It really didn’t feel like Thanksgiving at all until I filled my plate. Thanksgiving dinner was delicious – and completely vegan! Auntie Cathy is a great cook and really knows how to prepare food with the limits of what is available in Guinea, and vegan on top of that.

I have so much to be thankful for. Thanksgiving was a great reminder of the many blessings I have received from God.

Walking to Church

Getting to church takes time – one hour to be exact. Every Sabbath at 8am the walk begins. The area where the mission team lives and our church are on the opposite sides of town. To get there we walk up towards the center of town (where the market is) and then down and out of town. From the church there is a beautiful view of the hills and valley beyond. On clear days one can catch a glimpse of the mountains in the distance. The walk to church, being in the morning, is generally in a comfortable level of heat. The walk back is not so. Though the sun beats us down mercilessly in the afternoon the thought of lunch awaiting hasn’t failed to carry us back home yet.

The photo above was taken while walking home from the side of town nearer the church. The homes and shops that are on the sides of the photo are pretty typical of those along this road. In the distance you can see two of three apartment buildings built by the Russians. These are the largest buildings in town. There are quite a few Russians in Fria due to a massive mining operation/factor y they have here. They do a pretty good job at isolating themselves though; since being here I have only seen two Russians. Also, you can see the large Catholic church of Fria directly ahead. About half the roads we walk on are paved, the other half are dirt and rocks. Almost everywhere I go is on foot; luckily I enjoy walking – though a moto taxi ride is always appreciated!

Malaria

Almost two weeks ago Becca, Chelcie, Fred, Dean, Alexandria and I visited a waterfall. A beautiful walk through the forest coupled with refreshing water was an ideal way to start off a new week. We had a great time swimming and playing in the crashing waterfall, getting beat down by the force of the water. On the way back I realized I was completely pooped and went to bed earlier than usual, figuring the day had really worn me out.

The next day I woke up still tired but thought that I just hadn’t slept well and started with my usual routine. As the day began I realized that something wasn’t right. I decided to take the rest of the day off. The rest of the day turned into the rest of the week; I had malaria. During this time I was completely sapped of energy. Simply getting out of bed to use the bathroom required all the energy I had in me. This was a horrible week.

Praise God I’m healthy again and am more thankful than ever for my present strength and energy. Vigor is a gift from God.

How I Live

I lack nothing in my living arrangements. I occupy a private suite (above bottom) with everything I could ask for: four solid concrete walls, a (almost) watertight roof, a door and a window. At about 15’x15’ it is as much as a single person could use in a day. Inside one can find my bed, a small bookshelf, a desk, and an armoire.

In addition, I am blessed to have my own bathing facility (above top). This is housed in a concrete structure about 5’x10’ on the opposite end of my courtyard. One half is a shower that spouts out refreshingly cool water while the other half is a lavatory (this in the traditional form of a “squat pot”).

Both my bathroom and bedroom are under 24-hour surveillance compliments of two guard dogs that inhabit the courtyard, Puppy and Denver. The sole intruders I have encountered (and that frequently) require four or more legs to move.

A pleasant 5-minute ramble brings me to my kitchen where I have the pleasure of cooking and dining with Alexandria, my fellow student missionary. In this kitchen I have learned to cook several of the Guinean sauces and other delicacies, which I am still mastering. Adjoining the kitchen is Alexandria’s bedroom and the classroom where I teach. Many days at around noon I sit at my desk in the classroom, my mouth watering and a mind in the next room…

It is no mystery why I am satisfied with my accommodations. I am blessed.

First Two Weeks

I have my answer about how dependable the internet is: it isn't. Not having the luxury of depending on many of the simple things I am accustomed to living with has been a growing experience. Electricity frequently decides go away for a bit, and when it is available the voltage is constantly in flux. The water pressure takes arbitrary breaks every once in a while. Right now items such as salt, flour and gas aren’t even available in Fria. The list could go on.

I’m thankful I serve a God I can depend on. This quality is affirmed over and over again in Scripture:

“Know therefore that the Lord your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commands.”

Deuteronomy 7:2

“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed,for his compassions never fail.They are new every morning;great is your faithfulness.”

Lamentations 3:23

I have been safely in Fria for over two weeks now. Time is already flying by. I have been greatly enjoying my time here. The first couple weeks Alexandria and I were settled in, shown our way around town, learned how to buy food and other things we’ll need at the market and learned to cook some delicious Guinean dishes. I have started teaching this week and will continue to do so until May!
I’ll do my best to share more about what it is like in Fria and how things are going soon…

The Next Step

Much happened during my four weeks of training for missions. Changes that have affected both my plans for this year and myself have taken place. Changes I was not expecting.

I had been preparing for a few months, mentally and in other ways, to serve as a student missionary in the Philippines. Researching the island of Palawan, picking up items here and there I thought I could use, talking to people who have visited places I would be going, talking with the career missionary family I would be serving. I was getting pretty excited. Then training came and I met the team of student missionaries I would be working with and completely fell in love with the project! I thought, “God must have led me here, this is going to be wonderful! What else could I ask for?”

“What’s the next step?” is what else I could have asked for. The answer to this question turned out be as unexpected a response as I could have imagined at this point. It came in the form of a call to be reassigned to the other side of the world. Africa!

After circumstances presented themselves and several days in prayerful consideration it was decided that I would be serving in Guinea, West Africa this coming year.

While I was preparing to serve in the Philippines I was right where God wanted me. I made the natural assumption that God was preparing me for work as in the Philippines. But as it turned out, there was something quite different on His mind!

I follow God step by step, as He leads, and wherever He leads. So, “as far as I can see” is the step I am taking and, at just the right time, the next step to take. The good news is that He sees far beyond the next step, which is the very reason He can be trusted no matter how wild the next step seems.

Welcome!

Welcome to my blog! During my time in Guinea I will use this site to post pictures and stories sharing what I am doing and how God is working. I hope I will be able to update this regularly, but one thing I do know is that I don’t know what my schedule will be like or how dependable the Internet will be. That said, I pray that God will bless you through this, as I know He will be blessing me through my experience in Guinea!