A Special Visit

This past weekend we were able to visit another missionary family in the town of Dano about five hours away. It was definitely nice to see another part of Burkina with a different people group and different landscape. We were excited because we going to see Carine, Cedric and Francoise, who used to live here with us at the orphanage.

When they came to us, they were sick and hungry and had no place to call home. Carine had Cedric as a product of rape. As an unwed mother she was not welcome to stay with her family. Her younger sister Francoise left with her. During their stay with us we cared for Cedric so that Carine could go to sewing school and Francoise could attend 6^th grade. This summer they went back to Dano to mend the relationship with their family and take their rightful place in their father’s courtyard and among their people group. They are doing well and look healthy and happy. Francoise is still in school and Carine has an apprenticeship with a tailor. It was great to see them and spend time with them. It is also comforting knowing that our missionary friends, The Richter’s, live close by and are there for them.

 

The people of this region are called the Dagara. They are primarily animist and have many superstitious beliefs. The mission the Richter’s are a part of has planted numerous village churches. Slowly, but surely converts are putting aside old traditions, burning their idols and fully relying on Christ. Hundreds of babies are also being helped with a milk program and several students have been given the opportunity to attend school. Mike had a chance to go out on Saturday morning with Geoffrey to visit some well sites where he is doing repairs, giving these villages clean, safe drinking water. God is present and at work in Dano.

 

Stick Day!

Well it's the second week of school and as we approached the orphanage we saw many children on their way to school carrying big sticks. In front of the gate more children were gathered in a large group and all of them had big sticks. Was I concerned about this? No, but I was very curious. Entering the gates I saw children running about clinging to their sticks. I figured it was "stick day". For some reason the teachers had told them that today they were to bring the biggest, best stick that they could find. But, why? Well you see...our children are served lunch each day and it is cooked outdoors in a large pot over a fire. And what do you need to build a fire? That's right! Big sticks! So our students were doing their part to help by bringing firewood to school. Mystery solved.