From one...there came two.

Today started with sadness. But it was only momentary. We all got up to assist our teammates as they loaded up and left for the airport...at about 8:45am. We have grown so close over the past few months...and especially the past few days, that some were even a bit teary-eyed as they departed. But, as I said, the sadness was shortlived. While we all still feel that a large piece of us is missing, we also have been able to maintain our focus on the task at hand. The pain of separation has not distracted us more than minimally. I haven't yet heard from Travis...or anyone else who is down south. However, I read up on the Mandyak blog (which you may do as well by clicking the link to the right of your screen) and learned that they will be staying at a hotel tonight in Ziguinchor. Tomorrow morning they will travel via van to Sedhou, where they will stay in a guest house for several days. It is also fairly reasonable, according to the Mandyak blog, to hope that they will have access to at least dial-up internet while they are there. Today was fairly uneventful for Brea, Chelsea, Erin, Kesha and me. We had the usual breakfast of baguettes with chocolate, and then we had a short time of praise and worship (the mini retreat is still going on). Upon the close of the time of praise, Bible storying began. It was at this point that the girls and I took the lone girl that was too young for the storying. We entertained her...well...actually...she entertained us. However, we had coloring books, watercolors, volleyballs, and soccerballs. I think we used them more than she did.... But, she was occupied, and it was fun. Eventually it was time for lunch, we had Yassa Poulet again. It was most tasty, and Mae, the housekeeper here, made it. It was spicy, and I loved it. After lunch...when Maggie showed up, we made plans to go to the artisan village. It is a village of craftsmen where many tourists come to buy souvenirs. There are many, many different things there. The most prominent and widespread are the small, carved wooden statues and animals. There are also boatloads of fabrics (for skirts, tablecloths, boo-bous, etc...) and paintings. But, there are many other kinds of items as well. The village is located in downtown Dakar. Maggie and I left with Chelsea and Erin at about 2:30. It took close to half an hour to drive there...in a taxi, due to the traffic in Dakar. The artisan village is a crazy place. We went there last year too. Most of the workers there are very pushy, "Hello...my friend...come look at this...just look...just look." Meanwhile they are trying to direct you straight to their shop. It is a place that can either be very intimidating or very fun, depending on your outlook, and on your demeanor. The key to having a successful trip to the artisan village is to barter well, and to not feel bad for them when they all say, "I am broke today, I have no money, I am broke today, I will make you a good deal." Oh, and most of the people in the artisan village speak Wolof, French, and some English. When you are interested in buying something, and you ask how much it is...they will generally give you a number that is twice what you will end up buying it for. You just have to know that they will do that...if you are prepared, it is fine. I believe we all got what we wanted today. Maggie and I returned with Chelsea and Erin at about 5:00. Soon thereafter, we left with Brea and Kesha. Maggie went both times to translate and to help us get lower prices...most of the people there know her. I went both times merely to maintain a male presence...in case things got a little too pushy. It was rather fun riding all over Dakar twice. I believe that Kesha probably enjoyed the village today the most...she said that it was one of her favorite times thus far on the trip. Whilst we were visiting the artisan village, the retreat continued back in Grand Yoff. In the mid-afternoon, the people here went to treat the Talibes, as sort of a mission project. From what I hear, it went very well. Upon our return from the second trip to the artisan village, we had some leftover pizza (we returned at about 7:30 and everyone else ate at 7ish). Other than that, we've just been sitting around and packing some for our departure tomorrow morning. We will leave sometime before noon for Mbour. We will be staying there until later this week. There are still some people from the retreat staying here in Grand Yoff tonight, and one of the boys is staying in my room...my lonely room...with David and I. So, I must conclude. Please continue to pray for our team as we pursue our separate endeavors this week. We will need patience and peace, as well as wisdom and strength. I will let you know as soon as I hear anything from the Southerners. If it goes a few days and there has been no update email sent out, I will do what I can to send one. Oh, and there are no pictures today, because there were very few pictures taken. Thank you all for stopping by, and God bless.