Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso November 4-28, 2011

November 14

We went to a local bakery with a nice little restaurant for breakfast. Great chocolate croissants!

Then we went on to Gampela for a final meeting with the Fulani people. Belko is a handicapped young teenager that uses a bike to get around. We decorated his bike with Canada stickers and tassles. He was very pleased.

First we met with the two professors and the director. We learned that the director records his own radio broadcasts to reach out to other Fulani in their own language. They very much appreciated the work we did and made comments.The sorting we did cleared a room for guests and the other room now allows them to find the equipment they need. The medical checks reinforced in their mind how preventative measures promote good health. The day after handing out the toothbrushes, the children brushed their teeth in the morning without being told and even tattled on those that didn't. There is now electricity in the student residence, and with the training that was provided to their own people, they have acquired new skills. The computer training opened up their minds to a new ministry and tool that they can use for teaching others.

We left them with gifts of toothpaste, vitamins, kids activity toys and tool belts and tools that had been used for the electrical work.

Later we met with the four student families in their classroom. They too were very appreciative. They are there for a three-year program and are halfway through the program. When they are done, they will go back to their home or a new location so they can share their knowledge. Their feedback was that their life has been greatly improved because of the knowledge they have gained. SIM seeks scholarships by donation to support them while they are here. The goal is to bring in four more families when this group is done and eventually increase to eight families.

When we returned we had lunch and went shopping at the artisan market to get some more treasures.

We came back for a quick supper and then took in the ESL classes. We joined the Level 7 class (most advanced) where they had us engage in normal conversation. It was interesting to note and explain common place phrases that were unusual and odd to them (thrilled to be here, plug in our cars). Another great day!