My First Week in Mokanji

I have been in Mokanji almost two weeks. Each day gets better as I learn more about this community, but I am homesick. I was not thinking that this summer would be a sacrifice, but an adventure--and what an adventure it has been so far!! I knew I would be sacrificing my personal comfort, but really that is not a big deal. However, I do miss everyone greatly and realize now that it is a big sacrifice to go to a place where communicating with people back home is not easy or even possible most of the time. But still, with sacrifice, God has blessed me and has taken me on this adventure with Him so that I might join in with what he is doing here!

There is another American family, the Hopkins, on the compound for another week and a couple here with the Peace Corps. They have been a huge blessing to me as I try to figure out life here in Mokanji. Life here moves slowly and everything is on African time. I am learning that if someone says they will be there at 4:00, it really means in the 4:00 hour or sometime after. Also, the culture here is very relational. It is important to say hello to everyone when you enter a place or take time to say hi to people on the road. The Hopkins are also kind enough to share food with me, which is mostly carbs. Rice, yams, and bread are staples of our diet here. We also eat a lot of pineapple, cassava, and ground nut soup. It is very hot and humid. The rains are the heaviest I have ever seen and it is a blessing when they come because it cools everything down.

I have never seen poverty like this before. Even the blessed ones have nothing by American standards. It is very humbling to see. The need is absolutely overwhelming. I feel like working here is like trying to empty the ocean with an eyedropper. However, God loves every single person in this village, so if I can help just one person the trip will be worth it.

I have observed and taught in two primary schools, teaching class 4. I teach math and English and enjoy it very much. I am also assisting at the Nursery School and am becoming good friends with the teachers there. They are young and very fun to be around. I also have been helping tutor the kids at the Children's Home. Since many of them have not gone to school before they are very behind, but are learning quickly.

The Internet the Hopkins are graciously allowing be to use is weak. I will upload pictures when I return. Please continue to pray for me as the trip unfolds and God allows me to be a part of his plan in Mokanji!