Diaries of a Wimpy Tubaab

Work

This week the theme of growing, stretching and trying new things continued. Anyone in ministry will tell you that your “work” is very loosely defined, very flexible and basically wherever and however God opens a door you strive to follow. This means the days may be long, the days may be hard, the days mayContinue reading “Work”

School

I am busy attending and helping organize our Adult Literacy class facilitator training. The class has been challenging and is definitely helping with my Wolof. Some days I have been so tongue tied in English that I cannot even speak my own heart language. In the evenings our class facilitators have also been learning moreContinue reading “School”

Helpers

While on vacation and hauling my luggage, groceries and everything else I really missed our Gambian “helpers”. As the trip progressed and all the walking started taking a toll on my body I counted down the number of times I would have to haul my heavy luggage by myself. I excitedly awaited my return andContinue reading “Helpers”

Rainy Season

Yes, it is “Rainy Season” in The Gambia. We don’t really have Winter, Spring, Summer and Fall. We have Rainy Season and Dry Season. Where I live in the rural village most people make their living growing peanuts, millet or corn. Everyday life revolves around these crops and the rain they need. There is noContinue reading “Rainy Season”

Strength and weakness

I admit I am not very strong physically and I keep looking at my weights saying I will get into a strength training routine. The last few weeks have been very HOT, 105+ farenheit, 99+ inside my house and remember no air conditioning. A visitor was here for a few days staying with some nationalsContinue reading “Strength and weakness”

Transportation

Travel in West Africa is definitely not the same as in developed countries. In the rural areas there are no delivery options or mail service, so we get creative and rely on lots of national helpers. Everything involves a little more planning and a lot more time, but God works it all out and many times providesContinue reading “Transportation”

Bottom of the class

Thank you to all who are praying for our Adult Literacy facilitator training that wraps up on Friday. The last two weeks have been exciting and exhausting. There have been many wonderful conversations and great questions about the biblical teachings. It has been very interesting to see the ways that they teach the alphabet, numbers,Continue reading “Bottom of the class”

Seeking God Continuously, even in the WAWA moments

I am going to try and paint a picture for you of my recent shopping day (yes, this all happened in just one day). If you make it to the end you will likely be tired of reading and I hope you get a glimpse into shopping in West Africa, but also how God isContinue reading “Seeking God Continuously, even in the WAWA moments”

Dirt

Living in West Africa has brought an entirely new definition to the word “dirty”. Within days almost anything can be covered with what seems like inches of dirt, gecko poop, mice droppings, ants, roaches and who knows what else. There is a reason I pay someone to clean my house everyday. As we prepare forContinue reading “Dirt”

Here we go again, the wimpy tubaab is at it again

Some of you asked for a video of me wrestling the bed cover. I really was hoping I would not need to change it anytime soon, but God had other plans so here you go (I made it double speed for you)! Just when I think my life might be hard I am reminded yetContinue reading “Here we go again, the wimpy tubaab is at it again”