Marietou gives Tom and Lorrie a laundry Lesson

Daniel the Gardener

Daniel told me the other day that as a child, a man came to his school and taught them about cultivating fruit trees and vegetables. Since then he has enjoyed gardening. He was sent to us by a friend of mine from Dakar. I had been praying for several months for a gardener to help maintain the large property that our house rests on. God told me that I would know when the right person arrived and not to put my hand to it. Sure enough, when Daniel came to me, he was perfect for the job. He loves his work and takes a careful hand out all of our flowers and fruit trees. Since he has come our trees are alive and growing well.

Wild Fruit

On the property of the CFM there are so many different kinds of wild fruits and things to eat. Today our gardener's wife came by to collect the pods that hang from the tree near the house. They eat the yellow fruit inside and afterwards dry the seeds which become something called "netetu" used to make thieboudiene, the plate Senegalese.

Jesus Bears

My friend Cherie makes these bears with the name of Jesus on them. I love giving them to the children in our neighborhood. The children are from either Muslim or Animist families. The bear reminds them of Jesus' love for them. Thanks Cherie.

Dakar

Dakar

Return to Senegal

I returned to Senegal on June 27th. We arrived but four of our bags did not. We left the airport with faith that God would bring our bags to Senegal. God did bring our bags to Senegal. The last bag arrived the morning that we wanted to leave on the boat.

Our stay in Dakar was fantastic. Roger Diatta's family hosted us. Roger started a Jola church in Dakar many years ago. The church has grown since then and has it's own property in Dakar now in and they have tripled in numbers.

During our four days in Dakar Tom and Lorrie were able to practice their French and Jola greetings. They were even given Jola names. Tom's new name is Samba which means strong like a lion. Lorrie's new Jola name (I can't remember exactly) but it means forceful worker. Everyone in Oussouye was pleased to learn their new Jola names.

Tom also had his first Attai Tea lesson. Our time was tremendously fruitful and fun despite all the logistical challenges.

UCF Garage Sale

Letchworth

Letchworth

Woman of Faith with UCF Rochester, NY

Visit to Western New York

Visit to Western New York

Friday I traveled to my hometown Westfield, NY. Saturday I went to a retreat hosted by the Lighthouse Christian Fellowship women at Camp Findley. My old camping stomping grounds. Sunday I was able to share a message with the Lighthouse church in Westfield, NY and then lunch with some friends. It was a fantastic trip!

ESF Small Group Hanging Out

Westcott St. Kinship

BBQ's

There's nothing that says home better than a back yard bbq!!!

My Host

For a missionary housing is always needed when coming back to the USA for a short period of time. I am so thankful to be welcomed into the home of my friend Tricia in Syracuse, NY.

So how does a missionary spend their time on furlough?

Speaking at Finding Faith Onondaga Community College

Enjoying the sunshine with Sarah in Thorndon Park

Making attai tea in America
Dinner at the Men's House

While I am home in the USA this year I want to post some photos about how I am spending my time. Everyday starts out for me with office work. Staying in touch with supporters, family and friends is so important to me. I am busy working on messages to share at kinships and churches, writing letters and making business appointments. Usually my day finishes out by spending time with people. Just as my life in Senegal is built around my relationships with the family and neighbors in my village here my life is very much the same. I am thoroughly enjoying the time I am able to spend with all of my family and friends here in New York State.

Paris, France

Paris, France

After spending two and half years in Senegal my language skills have improved considerable. With many thanks to the prayers of family and friends and the power of Christ.

When I came to Senegal in 2008 I came with a one way ticket, knowing I would be there for more than a year. I decided on my return journey to America I would pass through France, putting language learning to the test. April 9-17th, 2009 I was able to spend a week in Paris and a few days in Lyon, France. To my amazing discovery I could communicate well with those around me. The visit left me negotiating the metro, maps, city streets, restaurants, museums and life with locals all in a foreign language. God is merciful to new language learners and the trip was blessed with great communication. Even to a greater extent I was able to immerse in conversation to know people better. This was an amazing experience for me and a real confidence builder in the process God has taken me through to learn French. I have a long way to go to become more fluent in the language. But I am thankful to have come so far.