July 29 - from Cari

July 29th A quick peek from Cari:

Since I don’t have any photos, I decided to describe a few scenes to you of Togo.

Scene 1: the local grocery store
Take a peek in and you will see large sacks stacked on the floor of rice, flour, corn flour. Sort of like Sam’s Club, but these bags are seriously huge! One small counter straight ahead where the sale is transacted. Make sure to stop and say hello to the workers there (happens to be a Moslem family). Behind the counter is an incredibly large network of shelves where every space is filled with something. Straight ahead are the cigarettes, batteries and soap. To the right and up is the pantry – tomato paste, canned corn, canned fish, pasta and powdered milk. To the far right are shelves of biscuits (a sweet cracker) and cookies. Down toward the floor are shampoos, hair ointments, and the like. To the left are smaller sacks of flours, sugar, corn meal. And finally, in a closed case, are a collection of cell phones. And there you have the typical Togolese grocery store!

Scene 2: the street
Walking along the road by the hospital is never dull! First the road itself has its own obstacles such as large potholes and roaming animals (goats, dogs and chickens). Sometimes the holes are filled in with dirt – I especially like it when the dirt includes patches of weeds or grasses! It is important to be aware of the road as there are often motos (motorcycles) and large van taxis which come zipping down the mountain and honk to you to get out of the way. There are always people walking the road – bringing clean water home from the hospital well or large bowls filled with firewood for the outside stoves the cooks use. Oh – and all of this is carried on the head. There are a few stalls, as well, where bananas, soap, fabric, bread and tomatoes are sold. At this time of year the grass can get quite high, so it’s important not to move off the road too far or you might spook a snake! And all of this is to the tune of “yuovo, yuovo” a chant the kids call when wanting to get your attention (meaning “white person, white person”).

Scene 3: the small church
There are several church plants in small villages near the hospital. These churches are unlike anything one can see in the states. They meet under payouts – grass covered roofs held up by large wooden poles. Inside, families carry their own chairs and benches for seating. The floor is packed earth (or not so packed as Tony found one Sunday which led to a lot of dirt in his socks and in his Bible). There are a couple members near the front who play their instruments for music. Behind the pastor is an open view of a valley and a mountain – all lush vegetation. There is nothing hanging on the wall – they are glad to even have a wall! (Usually of bamboo nailed to poles) There is no sound system – easy to hear in such a small space, and electricity? Out here? But there are strong voices raised in worship and in prayer. There are children smiling and laughing when shaking hands. There are coins dropped in the offering bag as it passes around. There is truth in the message as the Pastor opens his Bible and preaches.

Tomorrow we move out of the home we have been staying in – into the guest house where we will be in two large bedrooms which have and adjoining door. Please pray that the boys adjust well – they will have to say goodbye to the toys, space and bikes which have been their’s to use while in this home. We are happy to know, though, that it is because our friends will be returning to their home, and we look forward to seeing them. In case we have not mentioned it – the DeKryger family has four boys – ages 2, 5, 7 and 9. I think my boys will be happy to enjoy these new playmates.

In Christ,
Cari