We’ve had a great November! Unlike the slow moving October, we’ve been busy completing needs assessment surveys, starting a garden, and painting the world map. Here’s a picture summary of our progress. Enjoy :)
First, after endless sweat, toil, and tears, our garden is up and running! We’ve now planted Watermelon, Honeydew, Tomatoes, Carrots, Green Peppers, Lettuce, Corn, Eggplant, and Winter Squash. A little of everything since we’re not sure what will grow well in Malian soil. (Bottom Left) Joye’s mom sent a little Christmas tree which we planted next to our house. We’ll see… (Bottom Right) Jim imitates Grant Wood's Farmer and pitchfork painting.
Joye’s made a lot of progress on the world map (with Jim’s occasional help) and is hoping to finish before In-service training starts in December. Its been fun to start teaching villagers (many of whom are illiterate) what exactly a map is. Its a great conversation starter to explain why education is important. The location is right outside of the school where a lot of people walk on their way into town so this should be a cool addition to the community.
(Left) Jim cooking up some squash pancakes on our gas camping stove. Dee-licious (Right) Joye biting into a BLT-in Africa! Long story short, a friend graciously gave us some camping bacon that was sent in a package. Therefore, we rode 40 kilometers round trip to a big market nearby in the hope that just maybe there would be lettuce! We found fresh bread, lettuce, tomato, and mayonnaise packets. Seriously Amazing dinner. Especially after a long day of biking!
The final reason this month has been amazing is that cold season has officially started! This means that although it briefly gets up to 90-95 at mid-day, it stays at a comfortable 85-90 the rest of the time. Nights even get down to a chilly 70 F. Its pretty amazing how your body adjusts to the heat. We wear long sleeve shirts to bed sometimes now! But the cooler weather makes up more energetic, happier, and excited about the possibility of finally getting to start projects in January!
Lastly, have a Happy Thanksgiving! This experience has really made us thankful for how blessed we are in general, but especially with amazing friends and family, all over the world. Thanks for reading!
~Joye (and Jim, who’s busy working on his independent study right now)
The garden and map are awesome! I'm impressed at your resolve and ingenuity! Hey, you have an ornament to hang on that tree from North Pole, AK!! I think it was from Santa?? Farmer Jim - what a hoot!
ReplyDeleteWhat a hoot, indeed. Those BLTs look delicious!
ReplyDeleteRic