Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso November 4-28, 2011

November 22


We got up at 5 am so we could be hiking by 6 before it got too hot. We left our vehicle on the road and walked for 15 minutes through the millet stalks and open fields to reach the rocky area where there was a small lake and a waterfall. It was very peaceful and beautiful.

We walked along the rock and cliff and saw baboons again. This time we captured them on video as we could zoom right in. We came upon a somewhat cave-like area in the rock and another waterfall. Braeden and Terry let the water shower over them.

Terry

Braeden

On our walk back we came upon a long narrow straw hut, and I took pictures of it because it was an unusual shape. I could hear voices coming from within. Then a group of children came out, and I learned it was a school. Everywhere we went, especially in Mahadaga, the people were very friendly, waving and shouting Bon Jour with huge smiles on their faces, even when we were just driving by. The children were especially fascinated by us and our cameras as well.

Straw school

After the hike we changed our clothes and visited the Handicapped Centre. Here is an introduction from their website:
"The Centre for the Advancement of the Handicapped is a ministry of SIM (Serving in Mission) in Burkina Faso. The team is made up of 34 Burkinabe and 4 missionaries working to help the disabled of southeast Burkina Faso. We seek a holistic development of each disabled person: physically, socially and spiritually. In a part of the world where the disabled are pushed aside, ignored or even despised, we want to show the love of Jesus Christ for all people."

Student reading braile

I really wanted to see Dieudonne again since this was our last day in Mahadaga. I knew that his school hours were from 7 to 12 and then from 3 to 5 and that he would walk right past our road to and from school. So I put a lawn chair next to the road at noon and completed the questionnaire from CCF on the sponsored visit. Many children gathered to say hello and some lingered with me. Dieudonne and a friend came along, and he had his beautiful smile to greet me. At the same time the CCF rep came by to pick up the questionnaire. Apparently Dieudonne had the same feelings as me and wanted to visit again. He had made the request to CCF, and it was agreed to allow another visit at 5:30. Since we were all together, it was decided to have the visit now. Dieudonne, his friend and the CCF rep joined us for lunch at our guest house. This was great as the rest of the team was able to meet him too. We shared lunch and looked at pictures on my computer. We also had a chance to ask him more questions about his school and his family. When the visit was done, I walked him back to the edge of the compound.

Terry and I waited for him again by the road at 5. I just wanted to see him one more time, so I walked with him and his friends down the road for a short time. Then I asked his friend to take one final picture of us, I hugged him and we said goodbye.

Francoise is one of the SIM missionaries that works at the Handicapped Centre and lives on the compound. She graciously invited the team to her home for supper along with some of the other missionaries staying at the compound. It was a lovely meal and we enjoyed the fellowship.

Francoise and me

Later Terry and I spent some time outside looking at the stars. There is something different about them here. They are so sparkly and bright - you couldn't help but notice. We also listened to the night sounds of squeaking fruit bats, doves cooing and many dogs barking. The mornings are also filled with unfamiliar sounds such as the doves cooing, roosters crowing, donkeys braying loudly and Muslim call to prayer at 5 am (they sing and chant over loud speakers on the streets).