I'm here!!!

Hello all! It is true, I have arrived safely. I will probably unfortunately not have much internet access while I'm here, as it was about an hour and 20 minute walk today! Which is fine with me, but I have to have somebody come with.

Ahh how to cram lots and lots of sights, sounds, and thoughts all into a relatively short period of time? I'm not sure, but I will try...

The part I was most nervous about as far as the trip went was someone actually being there at the airport to get me. But, Rose Mary's smiling face was just outside the airport, and she literally took me by the hand and walked me to the truck. Rose Mary and Gilène are the two "house mothers" at the orphanage, but are both relatively young, not much older than me I would guess. But, both super sweet, and very good at English. Communication with the older kids has really not been a problem. We can communicate in both English and French.

Language has perhaps been more of barrier than I would have hoped with the younger kids, but it seems our common language is games. I've played many many games since being here, most of which I have lost (speaking mostly of Mancala... seriously, these kids are pros). The two exceptions are Monopoly (because I just don't lose at that game), and spoons (becuase when someone gets 4 of a kind, he or she almost invariably takes 2 spoons - one for themself, and another for me).

These are absolutely adorable, strong, helpful kids. I am so impressed by all they do each day around the orphanage, as well as their desire to learn, desire to serve, and desire to praise the Lord! Each night we all gather for prayer and songs. And they just sing their hearts out! The devotion especially of the teenage boys is really an inspiration.

Teaching has been going well during the days. It's almost too easy, as they want so much to learn, they wouldn't care what I taught! I have had to drastically change most of what I planned to do, to adjust for ability level and cultural factors, but it has gone very well.

Sunday on the way to church, Steve (boy from the orphanage... around 15 I think) warned me that I would be expected to introduce myself to the congregation. So thanks to him, I did have a minute to think, but not long. Rose Mary and I went up front together and she translated for me. What I found to share as encouragement was Colossionas 1:3-6. There were two others there visiting from the states, one of whom was a pastor in Ohio who was to be giving the sermon. He got up, and some of his first words were, "Well, our other American friend has already given the scripture, but let's read it again." -Colossians 1:3-6. Really, out of all the passages in the Bible... that was pretty cool confirmation that God really wanted that passage shared with this congregation, on that day.

A few days in, I had spent a lot of time with the younger kids, but was feeling the need for some sort of connection w/ the older kids. I took a long walk one night w/ Wislande (who came w/ me today to the cybercafe), which was great, but I think the real connection came Sunday night in the form of dance. They wanted to see ballet, and I wanted to see their hip hop, so we took turns "performing", teaching, laughing, spinning, being goofy. We even found out that the youngest, little Mawoule can dance! That was absolutely adorable =).

So in summary... I am so so impressed by the people here, and the way that they live, and love, and welcome others into their midst. There are certainly times when I miss conveniences such as a washing machine, or warm water for dishes or a shower, but really those things I'm finding are quite unnecessary. Know that I miss you all dearly. I just made a mess of my inbox reading your messages, and I will leave them there and try to respond individually at a later date. Until then, just know that I'm still thinking of you from afar =). Many blessings all.