Mali Sunday May 15,2011
We went to Goro today, a village that is about 23 km NE of Bamako. It takes almost 2 hours to travel that distance, first thru the city itself, past the Africa Tower that marks a center on the south side of the river Niger, then over the New Bridge, past downtown with its tall Hotels and new govt buildings, N along the main road, and finally 3 km off into the bush on a dirt track that seems almost impassable. Last night there was a heavy rain, and few people were assembled when we got to the village. The coming of the rain takes primary attention, which you can certainly understand when your livelihood depends on it. We greeted the family that lives at this cluster of mud buildings, together with its chief who says that he is very old, and his eyesight is not well. (Paul later came over and told us that he is "more than 100". )
Paul loves to pastor these people, and he loves to preach. If I hadn't known that because he had told me so earlier, I could see it in the excitement that builds in him. He is singing praises and worshipping as we drive along the bumpy roads. He welcomes the people so warmly and genuinely as they come in. They arrive in groups of twos and threes and fives, and assemble in a semi circle across from us.
Since it is heavily overcast this morning I hope that we will not get too sunburned, sitting out here in the open at midday. My dress has an overskirt, so I flip the back part of that up like a shawl to shade my arms and neck.
Eventually we started, with singing and prayer. Paul sang a line or 2 and then our boys would respond with an echo or other response. The villagers clapped and nodded, but few joined in the singing as they had at Dara village. Following the message, Paul asked all of us to come & lay hands on each villager, and pray for each one for healing. He had Ray start, and we followed in turn, walking around the circle, placing a hand on a head or outstretched hand of each man woman and child and praying aloud, asking for God's intervention in their lives. Then we left, making our way to the truck thru a cluster who flowed around us, asking for additional prayer for (it seemed) specific healing needs--a leg, a chin, eyes.
On the way back to the main road, we "discovered" several of our boys who had gone on ahead-- to get the mangos that another village cluster were gifting to us. We also stopped to pick some "gifts from God", several wild fruits that are beginning to grow and ripen (see pictures). I ventured into the bush to observe and learn, and stumbled against a nasty thorn bush, pricking my skin on arm and leg. OUCH! I must be more careful! They are long and sharp!
Then back on the main roads and homeward, across the river and thru the city. Incidentally, the "New Bridge" is not to be confused with the newest one- - bridge # 3 that is currently under construction, and which is referred to as the Chinese Bridge.
Dinner, rice and onion sauce, was ready for us at the base when we got back about 2:30, and then the rest of the afternoon was spent in games and relaxation. Julie went out and played soccer with the guys--getting a good workout and coming in 3 shades darker on her front side, where soccer balls and dirty legs more often collided. :,) Claudia had taken the birthday ones for their swimming and dinner treat and arrived back at the base late in the afternoon. A good but exhausting day.
Thanks for the day: I am thankful for family and friends whom I know love me.
What are you thankful for?
Til next time, Be blessed and Count your blessings
Mim