Five Months in Mercy. : just give it a try

On Monday I woke up late (oh how glorious it was), and headed down to the hospital to donate my blood. A pint of blood later, and a Sprite to "rejuvenate" myself, my friend Emily and I went to Niger Market. Niger is in walking distance from the ship and the market I feel most comfortable with. After stopping at a leather shop, we took a taxi to a fruit stand Emily knew of. It was off the road right next to the ocean. There were dozens of fresh mangos lined up along the curb and men were shaving coconuts on the sidewalk. They all swarmed us as we appeared offering their best price. We put our chosen fruit in a bucket we bought earlier that day and carried on. As we took turns putting the bucket on our heads, everyone who saw us went crazy and absolutely loved it. Some would just smile and keep walking and others would shout, "African woman! C'est bonne!" People didn't even seem to mind that we could only carry it with help from one of our arms.

Together Emily and I know about seven Susu words, but just like the bucket, people love it when we give it a try. As we were walking down one street, one young man yelled, "Foute!" (white person in Susu) and I quickly turned around and said, "Foraye, anadi?" (Black person, how are you?) A huge smile and look of disbelief appeared on his face and he proceeded to tell us to come to him. This scenario probably sounds extremley rude, (still can't imagine this ever flying in the states), but here it isn't offensive at all and is simply stating the obvious. Another lady we bought oranges from absolutely lost herself in laughter when we thanked her in Susu as we were walking away.

In the past weeks the Lord has been teaching me how letting go and immersing oneself in culture is so key to loving people wholeheartedly. I was struck with how much joy we were able to bring just by simply trying. It doesn't even take much effort at all, but it leaves such an impact.

This morning I went to the orphanage with Mercy Ministries and although it's always easy to hold and get along with the babies, the older ones are a bit more challenging. As we were all playing out in the courtyard, I started a pickup game of soccer (the sport here) with two middle aged boys and the translator that came along with us. All of the sudden the boys opened up, and after a pretty intense game the translator approached me and after opening the conversation with futbol, asked more questions about myself. Just because of a simple game, I was able to get to know three people I wouldn't have otherwise. It probably doesn't seem like a big deal, but that breakthrough was overwhelmingly satisfying. My bloody toe and two blisters are justified by that simple fact. :)

I'm continuing to learn how much it means to people by giving an effort to learn the language, hobbies, and culture of people. The blessings and joy that ensue definitely outweigh the self-consciousness and bit of sacrifice and effort put into it. What an amazing and creative God we serve who was the ultimate sacrifice and who uses such simple experiences in my life to teach me more about Him.

Here are a few photos from the Niger/bucket experience. Have a blessed week!