Vision Trip to Senegal – Part 2
This is the second part of Michele’s recap about our January vision trip. Here is the link to see part one of our Senegal vision trip.
Greetings…Bonjour…Mbaldoo…Na nga def! It doesn’t take long in Senegal to realize how important it is to greet everyone, and I mean EVERYONE. You quickly learn how to say ‘Hello’ in at least three of the languages spoken in Senegal (French, Wolof, and Serer). But what was at first overwhelming and confusing, quickly became one of the endearing parts of Senegal, and something I found myself missing when we returned to the States.
On Thursday, Asher and I were able to return to Ndjemane to spend a little time with the team and receive our African names. Asher “Laba Kama” practiced his Wolof and Serere greetings with some of the kids while I “Penda Diouf” practiced my greetings with the women. We were unable to meet our namesakes, but look forward to doing that on a future visit.
Villagers gathered at the water source to fill up their daily water barrels. Before this water pipe was installed, they had to travel about 5 miles to the closest water supply.
Asher posing with two girls from the village. They loved to have their picture taken!
Asher is greeting a group of boys in Ndjemane. They enjoyed listening to Asher practice his Wolof and Serer greetings.
The landscape separating the compounds (the equivalent of a family home) of Ndjemane. Lots of livestock grazing to find the last remaining remnants of green growth.
We were walking to the Chief’s compound to pay our respects and deliver some gifts.
Leo and Michele standing outside the church in Ndjemane.
While I stayed behind at the Paschall’s to rest on Friday, Leo and Asher took a tour of the Beersheba Project with Aaron Toombs, where they learned a bit about farming, raising livestock in Africa, and one way UWM is partnering with others to help transform villages through both farming and Christian discipleship.
You can clearly see the property line on the right between Beersheba and their neighbor. Clear proof of what can be accomplished with the right knowledge and care.
In addition to the standard fruit already found in Senegal, Beersheba is experimenting with different fruit trees to see what can grow.
Lemon trees and gardens at Beersheba.
Beersheba is self-sustaining with their own water and electricity produced from solar panels.
Beersheba is also raising livestock to sell.
Asher was upset to learn that today’s pet would be next year’s dinner.
On Saturday, we were able to fulfill one of Asher’s dreams – to go on an African ‘safari’ – at the Bandia Reserve.
The Bandia Reserve is a small wildlife reserve located near Saly, Senegal.
Mine…mine…mine
Zebra and warthogs cohabiting under some trees.
Just chillin’, watching the humans drive by taking pictures of the monkeys. This is one of our favorite pictures from our trip.
Family of four.
Asher posing in front of the ostrich pen at the entrance to the park.
Family photo at the restaurant located at Bandia. Behind us is a waterway with crocodiles.
The monkey behind Niki’s shoulder was stealing french fries and sugar packets off the tables. Another monkey stole two whole oranges from the bartender.
We were also able to relax for an hour or so at a nearby beach where the kids braved the extremely chilly water for a few boogie board rides.
The Paschalls brought us to their favorite beach spot near Saly.
The kids played in the surf while the adults relaxed on the beach.
On our last day in Senegal, we drove into the capital city of Dakar to meet with the missionaries in charge of Beacon of Hope, visit the Dakar Academy, and tour the city.
Shane and Asher playing at the Beacon of Hope.
The front side of Beacon of Hope that faced the Atlantic Ocean.
Shane and Asher ‘posing’ at the African Renaissance Monument in Dakar, Senegal.
Touring the campus of the Dakar Academy, a boarding and day-school program primarily for missionary children.
Asher is checking out the most important aspect of any school-the playground.
A government building in downtown Dakar.
The Presidential Palace in Dakar, Senegal.
Family photo in front of the Presidential Palace in Dakar, Senegal.
Niki and Matt took us to one of their favorite restaurants in Dakar, Eric Kayser. It was a fun little French cafe where we had lattes and sandwiches.
Asher’s favorite part of the day, N’ice Cream!
The Pirogues (fishing boats) had returned with the day’s catch.
Headed toward the end of the peninsula near the Cheikh Anta Diop University (University of Dakar).
This area along the coast was heavily populated with University students and people working out on the beach. We even saw a man walking on the sidewalk with a Charlotte Fire Department sweatshirt!!
As we boarded the plane that evening to return home, we felt that the Lord had spoken to each of us in a unique way throughout the week to calm anxieties and answer questions about life and ministry in Africa. The trip brought confirmation of our call to missions and clarity for the area of ministry we will be joining. We are excited to see how this vision trip will serve as a launching pad over the coming year as we continue to prepare for life in Senegal. Thank you for your prayers and support throughout our trip and for joining us on this journey!