A Lot Happens in a Year

October 18, 2008

Jessica, Alyson, and Me celebrating our One Year Anniversary in Mali!

So a lot can happen in a year, huh?

I can learn to drive a stick shift in the sand.

I can (somewhat) speak a foreign language.

I can eat my weight in rice (maybe).

I can buy a plane ticket at the hardward store.

I can ride a camel a few times.

I can trample over scorpions! (See Luke 10)

Just a fun little side note. When we got here last year, Alyson introduced us to a great new artist, Sara Bareilles. She was confident that Sara would make it big one day. Just last night we played "Many the Miles" in the truck. Alyson began explaining who she was, and our newest teammate who got here a week ago, in a very sweet voice said, "Everyone in America knows who Sara Bareilles is!" We've only been gone a year, and someone who I'd never heard of is now famous throughtout a whole nation!

It's been a great year, though. I wouldn't trade it for anything. And yes, Nafi, I would do it again! With all I've learned and how much more my faith has grown, it's our prayer that the Songhai are coming closer to saving faith in Christ every day! What if when I begin packing my bags next year, I could have a conversation with a Songhai woman and explain who Jesus Christ is....and she might respond, "Everyone in Timbuktu knows who He is!"

Amanda celebrating with us!