Early morning thoughts

Early this morning I woke up thinking Of Madam Mando and how hard she
works but almost always with joy. She really does work from dawn till
dusk here at the house cooking, cleaning and serving others. To me she
is such an example of Colossions 3:23.....Work willingly at whatever you
do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.
She is such a wonderful example of living life for Christ. Have a
great day of worship.

Barbara

Entertaining Morning

Entertaining morning. I have told you about the house where they cut down the tree and then made charcoal. When that was completed they dug the deep hole and then started building a cinderblock house. Over the last week they have been preparing to pour the roof by putting up panels of wood and lots of rebar. Trees have been cut down from somewhere and have been placed in the house from floor to ceiling to support the weight while concrete being poured and today is the big day. By 6 am a crowd had gathered to start the process and another crowd just to watch. They mix the concrete on the ground and then pass it up the ladder assembly line style to a wheelbarrow on the roof and then start pouring. Amazing to watch and some really hard work. Very noisey night last night as Carnival wound down. Little parades off and on during the day as different groups finished celebrating. I have been asked several times about Mardi Gras in US and told them have never been. They were surprised we don't celebrate everywhere like they do. Now I can say have celebrated Mardi Gras. Grace and peace be with you from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Thessalonians 1:2

Joyfully,

Barbara

Celebration

Well the past week has been full of new experiences both fun and sad. Feb. has been a celebration of Carnival or Mardi Gras here in Ferrier, nothing extravagant but fun things that allow people joy even if only for short periods. Last week the children at Berecca made masks, put glitter in their hair and marched around the school yard. Even the adults got involved and wanted their pictures taken as much as the kids. Friday Jackson's school celebrated by loading the younger children in the back of the pickup wearing masks and glitter and paraded thru the village. Wol and I sat in the backseat with four other children and another adult. COZY!!! This wasn't a full size backseat but the kind where your knees are almost under your chin. Preceding us was an old pickp with a sound system blaring music down the street. After parade music and dancing at the school.

The next day same pickup with sound system parked near the house playing music for a 29 year old young man who died. Later in the day the whole procession walked down the street carrying the casket.

Church Sunday didn't start out too good as a little boy on the bench in front of me was absolutely terrified of the "white" woman and let everyone know. Afer the service several of the older ladies grabbed me by the arm and danced in the aisle with me. Think maybe we should try that at Central. I know they truly showed me the love of Christ by making me feel included.

Am lookimg forward to Mission Waco's visit over spring break.

The one who calls you is faithful, and He will do it. 1 Thessalonians 5:24

Joyfully,

Barbara

Interesting Afternoon

Interesting afternoon learning, watching and working at preparing a field for planting rice. This morning a field was tilled and then measured into smaller plots. A wall of dirst was shoveled up around each plot and then water was pumped into the area. After all the plots have been filled with water it will sit for tonight and then tomorrow will be retilled while wet. I learned that with rice you want the earth very compacted. The rice will be started in raised beds and then transplanted to the prepared fields. The traditional way to plant is to place several seedlings in one hole but they are going to try a new method where you only put one plant per hole but actually produces more rice. Lots of really hard work. One thing I am learning is to have more respect for the food I eat as I see more of the work involved to produce.

Have a great day.

Barbara

Update Time

Well yesterday went to my first soccer game here in Ferrier and was quite an experience. There are no bleachers to sit on although benches had been pulled out of the school by some of the students so for the most part you stood or found a rock to sit down. I found a step to sit on but after first half realized I was sitting in front of the concession stand. I kept getting water dripped on my head, at least I hoped it was water and became aware there was an icechest behind me with bags of water they were giving out. The star of the soccer game was a pig that kept running out on the field and had to be chased off. Think he really wanted to play. Not too many posts lately as having trouble with kindle and minimal generator time over last week so no chargng electronics.

Have a great day.

Barbara