At 4 a.m. on Saturday I was in the backseat of a pickup truck bouncing down the road to Tamale. (I know it’s spelled like the food, but it’s pronounced TA-ma-lay.) It’s the largest nearby city, the one with the airport we flew in to, and it’s about a two-hour drive from Nalerigu. Jim (a volunteer doctor) was flying out Saturday morning, so Angela (the journeyman teacher) and I caught a ride into town. I’m prone to car sickness, so I’d taken a Dramamine a few hours before. That meant I actually slept a good bit of the way, despite the bumps and dips in the road. It also meant I was not able to carry on an intelligent conversation with Jim before he left. When he asked “What word would you use to describe your first week in Nalerigu?” all my mind could conjure up was a steady “bzzzzzz.” I tried to explain about the Dramamine, but I think it was fairly obvious.
The purpose of our trip was to stock our pantry. We can buy basics like vegetables, flour, sugar, and such in town, but if we want canned tuna, peanut butter, or seasonings we can identify, Tamale is the place to go. Unfortunately, it started raining soon after we’d dropped Jim off at the airport and kept up pretty steady the whole morning. Evidently folks in Tamale don’t like to get out and open their shops if it’s raining, so we spent a good bit of time driving from one shop to another, trying to find places that were open.
Finally, the rain slowed, the shops opened, and we got down to business. My favorite stop was at Colwod, a cooperative that supports battered women by teaching them skills like batik, tie-dye, and sewing. They have gorgeous African cloths in every color and pattern and everything from purses and shirts to oven mitts and aprons for sale. If you can sew it, they sell it. Angela had ordered a bedspread for her bed, so she picked it up then. I bought two bags full of cloths and handcrafts, and I wanted to get more. I have a feeling I’ll be going back there.
So glad you made it safely and are settling in to your new home! We’re really going to miss you over here, but the work you’re both doing over there is well worth a few months away from home. We will have you in our prayers and will look forward to more updates!
Hi M&M – So glad to see you’re AOK. We are well in K-town but missing you two. Great day at FBC Knox – Carol preached this a.m. on living like we want to EARN our calling to be Christ’s own – she’s a great preacher! Our SS class is planning a pizza/game/celebrate Wade passing the bar this Friday – we’ll be sure to check your blog when the gang’s all here. Our class has loaded up a box for South Knox Elementary kids and one of our little “mentees” joined the church this morning. The Green Task Force met this week and is forging ahead on several things – recycling and changing to better bulbs and raising our consciousness among them – all seems meager in comparison to your BIG LIFE! Blessings & Love to you both! Karen
We are so glad you are blogging your trip! Sounds like you are getting stocked and ready despite all the bumps in the road. Ha, ha!! Has Matt started at the hospital? We are praying for y’all and missing you knowing you are so far away.
Love, All of us
Hey Matt and Megan!
Wow!!! When I read of what you have already done and are doing, I am in awe! Karen pretty much filled you in on all that’s happening on the home front re: SS class, etc. Gosh, I miss y’all…but it’s wonderful to be able to stay in touch via your blog. Thanks so much for doing this…and know that we are keeping you in our thoughts and praying for you daily…We love you…and thanks for being His Hands and Feet in a world who hungers for His Love… Alice
Dr. Jim H. is the Jim whom I knew from TCU days a long time ago. Jennifer told me about this. So glad to hear that he is well….hope his family is, also. Sounds as if you folks are having a wonderful experience.
I miss you so much Megan! It sounds like you have already had a few adventures! You are such a strong Godly woman! I’m so proud of you and Matt! I just know that ya’ll are going to have tons and tons of stories tell when you return!! Has Matt started at the hospital yet? I hope he likes it!! You both are always in my prayers!! Love you!
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