African Journey January through March 2003
Helping People
Help Themselves
Help Themselves
Home
What Is Flame
The People of FLAME
Industrial School
African Journals
How You Can Help
Contact Us
January 19 - January 26 2003
On Sunday, we slept in until 7:30 AM. We thank God for good health. We don't take this for granted. Herb has canker sores in his tongue which are painful.
We do a lot of walking each day, about 3-5 miles. It is the main way of getting around. There are quite a few bikes but only a few private cars. There are quite a few Kondongas (as Esther says, anything with four wheels, a motor and carries people, they are trucks [many with benches along the beds], vans, station wagons, even a rare car).
Our Church service starts at 10:00 AM. It took us ½ hour to walk there from Pastor Chenda's house. The Church was packed. The people sit on hardwood benches (very hard wood)! Even though we could not understand many of the words of their music, (particularly Herb) we were caught up in the Spirit of joy and enthusiasm of their singing.
Herb was asked by Pastor Chenda to speak to the people about what we are here for. Pastor Chenda acted as interpreter. Martha also spoke in Kiriol and led the song "He Is Able" translated into Kiriol by Martha and her Kiriol teacher when she was here in 2000. A young intern preacher gave the sermon. The service lasted 2 ½ hours. It was a precious experience.
Martha is picking up the Kiriol language fast because of her being here in 2000 for six months. Herb is starting from the beginning.
As we work with the people here, we must be sensitive not to alter their culture which has so many beautiful things about it. The people have very little by our standards but yet they are more generous than we are and you can see joy and happiness on their faces. We can learn much from them!
Monday, January 20, 2003
This morning at devotions we sang Happy Birthday to Marlene, a niece who lives here. She is 10 years old today. They sang happy Birthday the same as we do, except in Portuguese. After breakfast, Herb and Chenda went to the market to beef, bread and a few other things. We bought boneless, lean beef for $1.40 per pound and it sounded like a bargain to Herb. This would be about 5% of an ordinary working man's monthly income. Today for dinner (our afternoon meal) Herb is going to make Spaghetti with meat sauce. We worked together to prepare the meal with very different cooking conditions than in the States. Martha cooked the meat and onions and made the sauce over an open fire. Herb cooked the spaghetti inside the house on a propane burner. We had the left over sauce over rice for supper. Chenda arranged a meeting for us with King Fernando Batika Fererra of the Manjaku tribe and Abulai Mendes, a businessman in Canchungo, to discuss our plans for the vocational school. Chenda had previously spoken of our plans with them. King Fererra was pleased that we came to see him and seek his council on the matter of no high school for his tribe. Many of the people in the Canchungo area are Manjaku - Chenda is from this tribe, his wife, Teresiña is of the Papel tribe. The King's counsel was to do both the high school and the vocational school. We asked him, "Given a choice between the two, which would you choose?" Without hesitation he said "The vocational school because there are sufficient quantity of people needing jobs excluding high school age." Abulai Mendes agreed with him. The King will help in any way he can, but no extra funds are at his disposal. He will help get us more land if we need it. We met for about an hour. The King was grateful and pleased with our planned project. We like his character; he seems genuinely concerned about the welfare of his people. The people of Guinea Bissau are very eager to educate themselves and learn job skills. The children also are eager to learn.
Tuesday, January 21, 2003
We got up at 5:00 AM to go with Chenda to Bissau. It is a long journey even though the distance is less than 70 miles. The journey starts by walking to the market place in town, about 2/3 mile, to catch a kondonga to the Mansoa River, about 45 miles. The asphalt road is in terrible condition, full of huge potholes, therefore making the travel very slow. We crossed the Mansoa River, which is about ½ mile wide, in a dugout canoe, which holds about 35 people. It is powered by an outboard motor. The Guinea Bissau government is building a new bridge across the river. They will be rebuilding the road. This is an indication to us that the government is making an effort to improve the country for the people. Then we took another kondonga to Bissau. This road is in much better condition. From there we took a taxi to the Evangelical Church Mission (WEC) compound. The mission and the National Council of Evangelical Churches of Guinea Bissau's offices are there. WEC has given some of the buildings on the compound to the locally governed National Council as part of the process of turning the work over to the local people. For the most part the trip was hectic and uncomfortable, but watching the sun rise over the jungle was beautiful. The trip from home to the mission took 3 ½ hours with five modes of transportation. The purpose of the trip was to see if our truck had arrived from Lisbon Portugal, send and receive emails, get our alien residency cards (which replace the need for visas) meet with Will and Ilma Brown, and seek the advise of Tiago Sampaio, Project Officer for the National Council, and Guinean director for FLAME, and to do some shopping. Will and Ilma are a missionary couple who are Martha's son and daughter in-the-Lord from her trip in 2000. Martha spent three weeks with them, was there when their daughter died, then spent another week there; and God used her to comfort them. It sure was good to see them again! Their mission is in Sintchaam Butche, a Fula Muslim village in north-eastern Guinea Bissau. The meeting with them was very profitable. Will is from Canada, Ilma is from Brazil. Will, with his eight years experience gave us many insights into where we could buy materials. Many items for building the school should be purchased in Senegal rather than Guinea Bissau because of better quality and prices. Herb's alien residency card was ready and is good through January 15, 2007. Martha's was not ready, waiting for some technicality. We went to Sitek, the center where computers are available for e-mail. The charge is 1,350 FCFA or $2.08 per hour, in hour increments. We appreciated very much the emails from family and friends! We sent emails to FLAME's Board of Directors with the recommendation to expand our project to include high school facilities. Also, we sent the beginning portions of this journal to family and friends. We had hoped to receive an e-mail from Carlos Martin in Lisbon regarding the shipping of our truck, but there was none. Tiago was leading a conference at the Bandin Church. It is in an area of Bissau about ¾ mile from the National Headquarters, so we walked there (in the heat of the day). When we walked into the Church Tiago's eyes lit up! They were eating their noon meal and insisted that we join them. They were eating African style, one big pot of food and everyone eats out of his side with a spoon. This was Herb's first experience in eating this way. Everything went fine until Herb ate what he thought was a Brussels sprout. It turned out to be a very hot pepper. His mouth, including his mouth full of canker sores, was literally on fire for the next five minutes. He shoveled into his mouth as much rice as he could, to take away the fire. When the burning sensation subsided, he noticed that his canker sores did not hurt any more. However, Herb would not recommend this method of treatment for canker sores! We had a profitable meeting with Tiago, a young man with much wisdom and who has many solid contacts within the Guinea Bissau Government. Tiago enlightened us in regard to the pros and cons of FLAME registering as an "Non-Governmental Organization" (NGO) which is a status wherein missionary groups and Churches receive exemption form taxes and import duties. We have the options of coming under the umbrella of the Evangelical Church or register FLAME as an NGO. We must pray about this because the way to go is not clear at this time. We were delighted to find out that Tiago is very knowledgeable and in favor of cooperatives for his people. Herb firmly believes a coop for the people trained in sewing in our vocational school is very important. We left Tiago with new insights. Next we went to Chenda's Bissau home to see his children who go to school there and his wife who has been there since last Friday. By this time we had taken at least eight taxis, which are very reasonable - about $.17- $.20 per person. We left Chenda's home and started back to Canchungo about 5:00PM. The kondonga ride from Bissau to the river was not bad, meaning the vehicle was in decent repair and the driver had not insisted in packing is in like sardines! Crossing the river was routine. Evening was approaching and the only kondongas left going to Canchungo were the ones that passengers going before had passed up. We got what was left and soon discovered why it was left. This truck was in terrible disrepair. The driver had to hot wire it each time to start it. He packed us in like sardines. Herb was in a seat designed for three. There were five in this seat. Martha rode in a front bucket seat that threatened to fall over whenever we went around a corner or over tilted terrain. Shortly after leaving the river the driver stopped and took on cargo which he put on top of the vehicle. We weren't thrilled to find out it was 20 five gallon containers of gasoline. Some of it leaked through the roof. Both of us prayed most of the way back to Canchungo that we would get back safely. Walking was not a choice. In spite of these inconveniences it was interesting observing the many villages we passed and observing the sunset as we drove along. We arrived home at 8:30 PM, very tired and hot. Boy, did our bucket shower feel great!
Since the trip or more accurately described as ordeal, we have been thinking of creative ways of not having to go back to Bissau anytime soon! We sincerely appreciate all the people who have helped in learning Kiriol, especially Ocante, our tutor who meets with us for an hour each weekday. Canchungo is the third largest town in Guinea Bissau. Today we are studying Kiriol and preparing for a test from our tutor. Also we are working at keeping this journal current. Herb initially composes it and Martha edits and puts it in the computer. Each day we pump water from the well here at the house, add purification tablets and run the water through a purifying filter. The well is covered, sealed, and has a hand pump and is probably safe for us to drink. We prefer to be extra cautious. The simple easy things in America like getting a cup of water and taking a shower take considerable labor here. As the sun sets each day there are several of Chenda's neighbors that come to draw water from the well here because it is clean and they may not have one. Chenda and his family are very kind. Today was fairly routine day, that is, until Upili, Chenda's 20 year old niece (whose mother has died and who lives here), came into the house crying hysterically. Between sobs and trying to interpret Kiriol, we found out that Asber, one of the young married men in the church and a near neighbor, who also is the brother of the man getting married Saturday, was badly burned in a fire at his house and had been taken to the hospital. Upili wanted very badly to go see him in the hospital so we agreed to walk with her. The walk to the hospital is about 1 ½ miles from the house, and it is very dark. When we reached the hospital we found Chenda and Teresiña there with Asber. His burns were not as severe as we had feared. However he had 2nd degree burns on his left forearm and on his feet. He was in a great deal of pain, but it did not hamper his witness for Christ. The fire started with a propane burner when something malfunctioned and things exploded into flames with him in the middle. He said "Jesus, Jesus" and immediately, without explanation, the flames ceased. He was fully clothed with a pajama like garment that did not have one single mark that we could see - a miracle in itself. Upili was relieved that her friend was not more seriously hurt, as were we all. Asber was praising God for the miracle! The nurse tried to tell him to be quiet, but he could not. He had feared that the house would burn down; it had not, he was still alive, his face was burned but would not be scared, etc. He had a lot to praise God for, and did so! We left after an hour. Teresiña stayed all night with Asber. She is a good Mother to the people here. On the way home we observed the streets were filled with people of all ages. Apparently the coolness of the late evening brings people out to socialize. Most of the merchants were still open including the street merchants. When we got away from the market place it was pitch dark and looking up into the sky the stars were most the beautiful herb has ever seen! They appeared to be much bigger and brighter. It was awesome! We just wanted to stand there and continue to gaze into the heavens. We finished the dinner dishes at 10:30 PM and talked with Chenda until 11:10 PM; a long day.
Friday, January 24, 2003
A typical day for us is to arise a 6:45 AM have devotions with the family at 7:00 AM, prayer walk at 8:00, breakfast at 9:00, to market for errands after 9:30, work on Kiriol, this journal, and/or plans for the house and school, dinner at 1:00-2:00 PM, siesta at 2:30, continue working, supper at 7:00-8:00 discuss plans with Chenda until 11:00 PM, then sleep. Every once in a while we have a typical day. When we have devotions it is mostly in Kiriol so Herb understands very little, Martha more because of previously learning some Kiriol. Martha uses her Kiriol Bible to follow along and read from. This helps her comprehension of Kiriol too. In spite of the language handicap, we both enjoy hearing the children sing Christian songs - we feel the presence of the Holy Spirit. Herb had expectations of what he would see and experience in Africa, but one thing that really surprised him was the number of television sets that are in Canchungo. Chenda and his family have one also. During the day many people come to the house to help with the preparations for the wedding tomorrow. They make all kinds of hor'dourves, snack foods and the wedding cakes. We walked out to the site by the sea again to work on the plot plan for the director's house. We came back about 1:00 PM, in the heat of the day - not very smart. Herb spent the rest of the afternoon drafting a layout for the house, under Martha's watchful eye, to make sure he did not make her office too small. She has worked in a small office too long and wants one that will be big enough to work comfortably in for us and our successors. Martha helped the ladies make snacks too. There was much joy and laughter as we worked, talked, sang and danced to the drums played by the young people.
Saturday, January 25, 2003
Preparations and festivities for the wedding started yesterday afternoon. Festivities continued, into the evening, and all through the night. The beating of drums, clapping of hands, and singing Christian songs serenaded us to sleep. We woke up occasionally when the tempo changed or we had to use the bathroom. Herb probably got five hours sleep, Martha somewhat more, which is more than anyone else slept. Those who sang and danced were mostly children (six and up) and young people. They were still going strong at 7:00 AM, although a few of the youngest conked out during the night. They started cooking and entire pig this morning for the feast after the wedding. There were 25-30 people, mostly women, preparing the food. The were enjoying socializing as they worked, sang and sometimes danced (as work permitted). The music and dancing continued until we left for the wedding today! Herb spent most of the afternoon prior to the wedding finishing a plan view of the director's house (our home-to-be when we return, hopefully in November). Learning to work and think in metric is a challenge for him. Today we bought our first furniture for the house, two plastic lawn chairs at $7.70 each. They can be used at the reception and are needed now for our bedroom/office here. The wedding started about 5:20 PM, a little late, but that is the international way. Some women had nice jewelry, such as gold earrings. All were dresses nicely! The bride wore a white wedding gown with pearl bead work, and a train, and a white veil as we do on America. She had on a white pearl necklace with a matching heart in the middle, and Martha gave her a pair of white pearl (looking) earrings. She was beautiful! The path leading to the Church had palm fronts woven together to make arches along the way. These continued all the way up to the front of the Church. There were flowers placed in them. These made nice decorations for the Church. There was an atmosphere of joy and happiness. Pastor Chenda had a good message for the bride, and groom, their families, and the Church. The exchange of vows was similar to our country. Following the ceremony, everyone attending was invited to Pastor Chenda's house for the reception. We had a feast. The bride and groom cutting the cake and feeding a bite to each other and giving each other a drink of juice was part of the reception. Everyone was enjoying the occasion, the children most of all were excited. We were very tired as the occasion started to wind down. About then we noticed the songs, drums and dancing became quiet. When we went outside many people had left. No wonder, we are sure they went home to get a very sound sleep! We were very tired. About then we noticed the beating of drums, clapping of hands, a whistle blowing and singing coming from across the road, about 20 feet from our bedroom window. Someone said,"I think our neighbor is starting wedding festivities". We thought "Oh no, not another night with minimal sleep". However it turned out to be an evening party only. We went to bed earlier than usual tonight.
Sunday, January 26, 2003
Herb awoke for a while early this morning and just laid and listened to the silence of the night. That may sound strange but in the setting of rural Africa it is a captivating sense of quietness and peace with an occasional sound of nature. It was hot in our room throughout the night but in spite of that we slept until 7:45 AM and felt rested. Martha is gradually feeling better each day. It is cloudy this morning for the first time since we have been here. God is gracious and sensitive to our needs. This morning Martha's heel hurt because last Friday night she was sitting on a bed with Teresiña, watching the wedding cake be decorated, and Herb came along and sat down beside them. The bed collapsed and a board hit Martha's heel very hard. It was not Herb's excessive weight! He happened to be "the straw that broke the camel's back". Martha's heel and ankle were still very sore. Herb did too much walking on Saturday and his right knee was swollen - excess fluid. So God graciously came into play when Ruthi, a teacher at the school here and a WEC missionary, asked if we would like a ride to Church in her Jeep. We were very grateful to her and the Lord because it is a two mile walk to Church from the house. At the worship service, Fernando Gomes, a Christian lawyer and politician, spoke about his Christian testimony, how God gave a Christian witness honesty, and the judge insight and wisdom, and in a court case involving a Church. The opposing side had a high-powered lawyer, but with the honesty of the Christian witness, the opposing side's testimony became confused and the judge awarded the Church money from the other side. Many Christians would like to see Fernando Gomes become the next President of the country. He asks that we pray for God's will to be done and the person He selects to be President. We continue to pray to this end. Reflecting back on our time here in Canchungo there are some things that have deeply impressed us, one of which is the people's attitude toward one another. This is a peaceful town where people care about each other. We've seen the market place crowded with people numerous times but never witnessed a fight or serious argument. The children, including teenagers are will disciplined and do not question their parents' authority. They do what they are told when they are told. Parents love and care for their children, and it shows. The children get along marvelously with each other. Often older children care for their younger siblings. Everyone is friendly and respectful to us. They do everything for us they can. For example, we inter Church and happen to look at a row that would be nice. If the person already seated there sees us looking at that spot, they jump up and want to give it to us. Sometimes we are not sure how to respond. We don't want to rob them of the opportunity to give love and hospitality but neither do we want to take advantage of them nor take on the role of the elite. Thank you for your love and prayers.
Love,
Herb and Martha Reynolds
marthaeij@yahoo.com
| Site Support | Designed by InVenia Design | Last Modified:October 2, 2006 |