Bonnie On Mission

  Last week I went to take my friend Faati to have her baby. On the way I had a flat tire, the 3^rd within a week. As we stood out side the car a man on a motor bike and a teen on a bicycle changed the flat, coming toward me was a man and his camel loaded down with mats and a donkey cart loaded down with wood. The donkey was plodding along without a problem, the camel had no problem under his load, but the car stood still and could not go! I praise the Lord for the two people he sent to help me. Perhaps the man with the camel could see the humor in this as I did. He still lives as simply as in Bible times as does the boy on the donkey cart. They were not impeded from their work as I was by the “modern convenience of an automobile” that could not go!! I had a good laugh at this picture. I gained more patience that day. Oh yes, Faati was in false labor!    Our class is now using the Book of Mark ESL lesson plan. Please pray that the men of my class will continue to be receptive to this knowing that it is a book of the Bible.  I know the Lord’s Word will make a difference in each of their lives. I have a new student. He knocked on my door when he came to work as my new relief guard. He asked me to teach him English. God is really using this class to reach people here. He now comes for class twice a week.   Four days went by and I returned to take my friend Faati to the maternity. Praise the Lord, it’s a boy! Mother and son are doing well. The experience at the maternity was so different to see. These African women never make a sound while in labor and they do not have the advantage of pain meds and breathing coaches or their husband’s hand to squeeze off! The husband stays home to tend the rest of the family. She was there alone. If I had not been around to get her to the hospital, she would have taken a taxi! There was a neighbor lady that went with her to carry things to her such as food and water. If you don’t take your food and water with you then you do not have any! But the neighbor was not allowed to stay with her. There was no doctor, only nurses who help with the delivery. There was no clean medical smell, bright hospital lights and nice clean bed sheets. Some ladies were on mats on the floor. She stayed over night and went home the next day in a taxi! Wow, this was quite an eye-opener for me. Life here is very different.Please pray for the continued health of Faati and her son. God bless all for your prayers,  Bonnie