We have had a bit of trouble getting internet here in Chad. But God is good and we have purchased a phone with internet capabilities from a student missionary who returned to the U.S., gotten help from a missionary who returned to Chad after getting married in the U.S., and the internet was accessible when we made our attempt to connect the new phone.
In the meantime – to give some highlights between Kel’s birthday on December 3, and today: We were sick with sinus infections and bronchitis from Kel’s birthday until about the 20th when we rode along to Moundou (second largest “city” in Chad) to go to the market and purchase a motorcycle.
We are now equipped (in our octagonal thatched hut of about 20 feet across) with a 2-burner gas stove, with separate gas bottle, plastic water filter containers that stack (top holds charcoal filters, bottom holds filtered water with a faucet), and a 125cc motorcycle. We are so thankful for the boxes we have received, most recently 2 boxes on December 15. All of the contents are so much appreciated!! On being informed that we live in Bandele (say bahn-de-lay), I quipped that we are in suburbia – a suburb of Bere. Sabbaths we have been riding by “moto” south to a little settlement called Dabgue (say dahb-gay) to hold a branch Sabbath School.
This past Sabbath, Kel and I rode our own “moto”, and the going south was okay. We slipped and slid our way through the thick sand. But returning home was a different story. There was more bicycle traffic, less access to the harder trails on the sides of the road, so we were riding more in the thick sand down the center of the road. Wow, did we ever fishtail our way north!!! I was clinging to Kel and telling him to please ride on the hard trails, and I kept saying that we don’t want to fall! The Lord heard our prayers for safety, and Kel did a marvelous job of keeping us upright. Gary later told Kel that the hot sand is the reason we struggled through.
Thursday afternoon, December 23, Gary and Wendy took Jonathan and Melody and Kel and I to visit the village chief of Bandele. We were surprised to see his home so close to the corner of the compound our hut is in. The chief is soft spoken and very dignified, and brought benches out for us to sit in his courtyard. He chatted with Gary in French, and from time to time he and Wendy would translate a sentence to us. The chief welcomed us as newcomers and offered his help should we need it.
Till next time,
K & J
Hello Kel & Josie,
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear it is going well with you! It is wonderful to read of your experience. We hope 2011 will be a very special and blessed year for you. We are glad to hear that you are getting "back" onto the internet.
It is cold on this side of the big pond but this is the season for snow. E was with me for the last three weeks to assist me during the ear reconstruction surgery period. God is good and it was a great success. Sabbath we visited the Camelback church and what a service and experience -- four in one; New Years, a child dedication, a baptism and communion.
Keep well and keep the "moto" going.
Mooi bly,
Johan & Elsie
Kel and Josie,
ReplyDeleteBefore you left we talked about what you might find in the way of gardening. What types of things do you eat and grow over there? I would be fascinated to find out more! I have even been reading about tomatoes bread for Hawaii and other hot humid areas. Can you grow them there?
I check back to read your blog regularly! It has been a source of encouragement reading about what God continues to do for you!
Amy Greene :)
Hi Josie and Kel: So nice that we can keep in touch this way. As you probably know we have had a big snow and are still in a lot of it here at our house. We measured at 7". We feel like we are in a freezer when we are outside. Wanted to let you know too that we mailed a box that is coming your way yesterday (l/13/ll). We trust it will arrive in good time and in good condition. It was nice to see Tammy and Jamie and the children. No doubt they are arriving back there soon or already have. We miss all of you. Keep well and we will continue to keep you all in our prayers. Blessings from Bob and Hazel.
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