Search and Find in a Bamako Market

Just for fun, we have uploaded a video we took as we were driving out of the market.

In the video, can you find:

• A man with 5 tires on his head
• A baby on his mom's back
• An Obama duffel bag
• Boys selling blue bags
• A man unloading the roof rack of a Sotrama (aka: "Green Machine" public transport)
• A man pushing a pousse-pousse (push cart)
• Soccer jerseys for sale
• A lady running with a bucket
• Public transport under repair
• "Green machines:" How many?

Joy in the Journey

I am feeling quite full right now. It isn't the type of fullness that comes with a deep dish pizza or overload of double chocolate ice cream, but instead with a feeling of contentment and thankfulness that God has us where He has us. There hasn't really been any one thing as of late to trigger this feeling; I am just glad!

What are some of the things that God has been up to? How has He shown us that He is in control, you ask?

For starters, He provided us with another jar for our blender. It seems silly, but in the Cochrane house, this is a big deal. One afternoon, the boys and I were sipping our after-school snack of frozen fruit slushy, relishing our life with very hot temperatures and daily icy drinks to cool us down. One of us even made the comment, "Could you imagine if we didn't have our blender?" We all agreed that we would not survive for long.

We got a taste of what life would be like the very next day, when I broke the glass jar to the blender. Mali has no Walmart, and Ebay doesn't deliver. We had a major crisis on our hands. Just two hours later, I went to a friend's house to pick up the boys. I was lamenting my kitchen catastrophe, and she pulled out a blender that they had been wondering what to do with. It was old and dusty, and definitely not the powerhouse that ours had been, but it was a BLENDER. I got it home and realized that not only did our fancy ice-crushing blades fit into the jar, but the whole jar fit onto our blender base! So after just a few hours without, we were back to making fruit slushies with our strong motor, big mean blades- and a plastic jar that I can't break. This type of provision could be classified in the same group as how we got our dog (for you who know that story): absolutely unnecessary in the grand scheme of life, but just a special little way that God shows us He is into the tiny details of our lives.

Then there are the bigger ways that the Lord has provided for us (taking a bit less explanation). We had lost some financial support over the last couple months, but then we gained support that totalled more than what we lost. It has been a good reminder to the five of us that there really is no way to outgive God!

We have enjoyed some great conversations lately. God has put people in our path, or us in theirs, at just the right time. Sometimes it has been to use them to encourage us, and other times it has been for us to encourage them. Sometimes it has been to direct the mission and the church in a way that He would have us go. He has used people, His Word, and circumstances to confirm His path for us. If one word could sum it all up, I guess it would have to be peace.

Don't get me wrong; it isn't all easy. One of our boys is going through a difficult time in school right now. Two of our boys are facing having to say goodbye to some of their closest friends who have been here from day #1 of our time in Mali. Corruption seems to be even more prevalent these days, and a few cases of it have hit close to home. There are the ever-increasing power cuts in the middle of some very hot days. There are cultural issues that some days make me laugh, and other days drive me nuts. And then of course there are the issues of sin and relational difficulties that come whenever one works with people.

But there is peace and joy in knowing that "God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose for them." The sadness that our boys are facing through loss of friends can grow them in character and in relationships. Corruption can help us to understand what others go through on a regular basis, and also lead us to opportunities with people we would never have otherwise. The power cuts can make us think of those that never have fans running in their homes (and decrease our electric bill?). Cultural issues can make us seek the Lord for love for others that is outside of what can give on our own. The struggles with sin that we see or experience can make us appreciate that much more what Christ did for us when He took on Himself what we deserved.

I guess the commonly used phrase of today really is à propos... It's all good.

Update on Dakar... Finally!

Much has taken place since Steve's trip to Dakar! At long last, here is a summary of Steve's time in Dakar:

Several people met from various missions to discuss, brainstorm, and learn from one another how to best reach the Yalunka people. This tribe consists of people who are 95% illiterate and live in some very end-of-the-world places spanning Mali, Guinea, and Senegal. To date, this tribe is .01% Christian.

Jeremy, one of the guys already working among the Yalunka people in Guinea, shared the story of Abraham's servant, and how he was entrusted with everything that Abraham owned. Abraham sent this servant to find a woman for his son Isaac from his people. The servant was worried that no woman would come with him, and that he would fail at the mission given him. Abraham said that God would lead him and supply the bride if the servant would just GO and ASK her to come. The servant left, was led to just the right girl, and then wasted no time in asking her to come back with him and marry Isaac.

Jeremy simply stated that WE ARE THE SERVANT; it is our job to trust God for the divine appointments and call His bride to join Him and love Him. This is why we go. A powerful reminder!

Besides being challenged and encouraged, it was good to spend time getting to know some people that are a part of the bigger picture of West Africa. Each person involved offered a perspective that helped to expand our vision. It was great to get to know Pastor Siaka and Claire, a wonderful couple from Burkina Faso who traveled along with us. They offered incredible insights to many aspects of missions in this part of the world.

The most fun thing? Living the story with others on the trip

The most uncomfortable? Our truck seats after 20 hours on the road

The most precious? Building of new relationships

The most challenging? Seeing the work yet to be done in West Africa

The most reassuring? Knowing that God is the One behind it, accomplishing His will

Below are a few photos, with many more in an album "March in Mali" at http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=168698&id=683027015&l=f0e88bc46a

Steve and Pastor Siaka



Some of the gang who met for the meetings.

This is at the most western tip of Africa.

A mosque overlooking the Atlantic