I apologize that it’s been so long since I’ve posted something new… we’ve had lots of computer problems lately. First, Bill’s laptop stopped working in September, so we were down to just the desktop for four months until it was fixed. We finally got the laptop back at the beginning of the year, and now the desktop is giving us trouble! It still comes as kind of a surprise to me that electronic equipment is so quickly outdated and prone to failure. I consider something “new” for at least 10 years… and these computers are only about 5 years old. We’re praying that we can limp along with these two hurting “dinosaurs” until we get back to the States in 2011.
Many of you have asked about my parents’ visit – what a blessing that was! When they told me they were planning on coming here, back in the summer, I was thrilled, but concerned. I knew it was a daunting undertaking for them. As African countries go, Senegal is probably the easiest country to travel to. It is the most western country in Africa, and you can get non-stop flights to Dakar from New York City and Atlanta. But it’s not always easy to get the non-stop flights, and my parents had a layover in Dulles both coming and going. There were lots of logistics to take care of before they came here. They had to decide what shots to get (many are recommended – none are mandatory – all are expensive), investigate and pay for travelers’ insurance (in case they had to cancel at the last minute because of Dad’s health), figure out what to pack and how to handle money while they were here… and the list went on and on. My mom and dad travel a lot, but mostly in the United States, with no language or cultural barriers. I was especially concerned about the airport in Dakar – it can be quite intimidating, with lots of people trying to “help” you with your bags and asking you for money – and no one is allowed inside the airport except travelers – you have to wait outside to greet visitors. Dad had been sick the week leading up to their trip – he was even in the ER for several hours on December 27 – just four days before their flight! But, thankfully, everything went very smoothly. They arrived here early in the morning on December 31 – tired and hot and weary – but boy were we happy to see them! It had been a year and a half since we saw them last, and it was wonderful to see them again.
Arrival at the airport - early morning on New Year's Eve
After just two days to adjust to a new climate and time, we drove five hours north to spend three nights with many other families from Dakar Academy at a Mauritanian-style campground. It was quite an ordeal getting there – lots of hours in the cramped car, having to make our own “restrooms” along the way, and traveling the final leg of the trip on a pirogue (like a large canoe), crossing the estuary that separated the mainland from the spit of land the campground was on. But once there, we were able to enjoy three days of relaxing, reading, playing cards, and visiting in a beautiful setting. We took a pirogue ride out to an island known for its many birds – Dad brought along his “Birds of Senegal” book and was able to identify many new birds for his life list. We all enjoyed our church service among the pines, watching fishermen bring in their catch not far away, singing and sharing together. It was a real treat for our whole family, and we hope to make it an annual tradition.
Back in town, we had a wonderful time showing Mom and Dad around Dakar. They spent a morning at the Talibe Center, and attended our first Open House at the English Resource Center – we were glad that they got to see our places of ministry. We ate at a Brazilian restaurant, where the waiters are ex-talibe boys. We spent a day at Goree Island, home to the historic Slave House. Mom braved the streets of Dakar and the market place where vendors hawk their wares very aggressively, and found lots of fun souvenirs to take home. They saw Dakar Academy, and Caleb and Anna were able to show off their classrooms. They were able to visit our Senegalese friend Ibou in his home, and meet his family. The last time they saw Ibou, it was back in the States, for Thanksgiving dinner, several years ago. They were also able to connect with Moussa, the uncle of a young Senegalese college student they have befriended in their hometown. Moussa was happy to see pictures of his nephew, and to hear how well he was doing in school. So we had a very eventful time while my parents were here!
But it was also nice just having the time to “hang out,” to look at birds, to share meals together. The boys even got Dad playing golf with them on the Wii! We wished our visit was much longer. But we are so thankful that Mom and Dad made the effort to get here – it was really great having them. Unfortunately, after getting back to the States, Dad was soon hospitalized with two blood clots, most likely the result of the long plane ride home. He received good care and is home now, but we continue to pray for his health.
I’ll post a few photos here, but for more, take a look at our photo-sharing website: martinsvoyage.shutterfly.com.
Mom and Dad at campement beach
Visiting Ibou and his family
