Tuesday, June 10, 2008

Dispatch from the "Field"

My Kin Ticker:
14 days in!
12 swimming/nature viewing sessions at the pool - nature being palm & banana trees, kingfishers, birds, and low-flying bats!
14 evenings enjoying a porch!
9 lunches at the New Aladin Lebanese restaurant - expat hotspot
1 lunch at the ambassador residence (2+ to come)
1 French tutoring session with Mr. Jules
6 acquaintances named Jacques
5 acquaintances named Jean
~25 rides with drivers who obligingly help me practice French
1 "goat-bar" dinner...you pick the goat pieces and while they cook, enjoy Primus beer and street-hawkers selling boiled peanuts
12 pictures taken...Kinois don't like cameras much!
1 car-pedestrian accident sighting - the flashmob didn't get too angry, the driver stopped, the woman looked ok, and the driver drove her to the hospital
0 sickness:)
3- times being called "Mondele, Blanche or American"; pretty conservative!! maybe I just don't understand!
333- times I wished I spoke French!!!!
4 times seeing nearly a whole car being hauled down the road in a wheelbarrow
6 scenarios dreamt for how to get from here to Uganda in August:)
3 sightings of the massive Congo river!

3 comments:

Masselinks said...

Dear Joel,

Some more items to add to your Kin ticker list: countless prayers for your safety, your effective service, and your ability to learn a myriad of details related to your project. Also one almighty and amazing God, who orchestrated this place and these people with whom you are working this summer. Keep posting on your blog! We love to hear your impressions, your experiences, and your hopes.

Love, Mom

claire said...

everything sounds excellent!

praying!

Unknown said...

"6 scenarios dreamt for how to get from here to Uganda in August:)" I think you should add more
scenarios!~ hehe!~ You are really having a busy but good time there!~ It is awesome!~ I am sure you will learn French very quickly!~ Just keep on working!~ By the way, Celtics may win the champion tonight!~