In case you were unable to notice, I am white. And that has never been more apparent than in Togo. In the Ghana airport, there were plenty whities; I just happened to be the only one get onthe plane to Togo. People here just stare and point blantantly, and, occasionally, an extremely cute child will yell "Yovo" which is what they (rudely) call me. I have no problem with this except the attention makes me fear a little for safety.
But I am in Atakpame now, and life is pretty decent. My family is wonderful; unfortunately, I can hardly communicate with them, xcept what little French I have learned. But my room is great by their standards- A bed that is regrettably about 5.5 feet long, a mosquito net, a chair, and a table. The bathroom is outside, where my assurance of "running water" tests the limits of truth. True, there is running water, but only in the form of one tap that functions as shower (with bucket) and the method of flushing the toilet (again, bucket). But I do not mind that. Food has been tough, as I am yet to recognize a single meat. But dinner last night was deliciously normal, so I am managing to down it while holding back my gag reflex. I would describe it to you but I have no idea what I am eating.
Unfortunately, I am going to tear through my reading list, there is so much down time, even at the hospital. So the last week will be boring with nothing to read. But that will be the last week, so I can deal/.
The hospital work is hit or miss, depending on the doctors there. I am working (perhaps too strong qa word) in pediatrics ward (also a strong word). I basically stand and watch as about 100 patients are treated in four rooms, all for malaria. It is heartbreaking to see these kids so close to death, too sick to even cry when the doctor messes up a spinal tap. My main contribution is making kids laugh when they see me (again- white). But one doctor is teaching me to give shots and IVs which is cool. So I am excited about that, but it is hard to learn when they speak French.
Thanks for your prayers, keep them coming. If you want specifics,^please pray for the kids, that I sleep (I have only really slept one night), and that I make some sort of impact. Thanks
TIA
Michael
PS- I dreampt about dunking the night I did sleep, so maybe this place will rub off on me?
Be careful Michael...monkey is a main dish in Africa..at least in the Congo. Wildebeest is not too bad..kind of like eating pot roast with a game taste to it. I avoided the monkey but dad ate it. ugh!!!
ReplyDeletePrayed that we would hear from you today and as soon as I went online, your note of 7/7 popped up! AS far as the 5'6" bed, just pull your knees up to your chest and you can make it. I forgot that your uncle Larry had taken Anna with him on his trip years ago. I hope that you take alot of pictures and keep a journal. Judy and I send our love and prayers. D Dad
ReplyDeleteI think the whole speaking French thing adversely affects dunking authoritah. Don't come home without any blood diamonds.
ReplyDeleteglad to hear you are there. praying for you, the kids and that you might get a glimpse of the impact you are undoubtedly making. love you- ms. d
ReplyDeleteGlad things ae looking up. We pray for you at dinner every night. Sorry the texting is only half working. I think it is great that a doctor is taking you under his wing. Very important in life to find people like this. Love you and proud of you. You are making an impact, whether you see it or not. Remind me to tell the story of the college student in Vicksburg on July, 1976. He impacted me and does not know it to this day.
ReplyDeleteGene, would you please forward my note to Michael?
ReplyDeleteDear Michael,
I, too, am praying for you. I am keeping up with your missionary experience via your granddad's forwards. My name is Bobby Jones and I am a very long time friend of Gene's. I am very familiar with the out house and bucket showers and flushings. For several years I have made week long mission trips to Honduras. However, I always have 55 to 65 white folks with me and translator's, without whom I am through, are provided. It is a bold thing indeed that you have done and I admire you greatly for it. As for whether or not your being there matters, rest easy, it is a slam dunk. That you care is not lost on them and caring is blessing. However small your service may seem to you, just keep in mind that God can multiply it many fold. Trust Him, he will. I pray that your convience, or lack of it, improves as you become more accustomed to your circumstances. Most of all I pray for your good health and safety. No doubt you already enjoy this no small blessing, namely, you have never felt richer or more blessed.
Loving The Lovely, Him and His,
Bobby G, Jones
Michael; Bob is a very close friend since the 3rd grade, a Baptist minister who talked me into going to Honduras this past June. I felt called to go just to watch after him!! He has a pacemaker, just 2 months ago a hip replacement and then your uncle greg is treating him, trying to avoid surgery, for a ruptured lumbar disc. Also, he has has a light stroke and a mild heart attack in the past!!! He was going on the mission trip, come hell or high water. We had a sermon Sunday from Luke about the 70 that Jesus sent out and their return. Ironically we had 70 on our trip.
love you greatly, D Dad
Dunking? Common... leave that to me...
ReplyDelete