Day 4: Hard work and Good food

Day 4: Hard work, Good food and a Boat ride

From Carlton's Notebook

Each day has had it own story. Today's story has 2 main parts: Work & Food 

Work

Today was our second day of work at the West African Theological Institute. From the beginning, I had butterflies in my stomach. I was up tight because our leader, Pastor Mamadu had warned us that at the work site, there would be Muslims. That did worry me as much until he said that a group of young, local, Islamic believers had attacked a local church and it's Pastor. He also cautioned us to the fact that because we were Christians they may not accept us and may even have rude things to say to us. 

Well today was intense! As we entered the gates, we saw that there were more workers than yesterday. We divided up the work assignments between painting, moving dirt and digging the foundation. I was assigned to digging which was the place where the 6 Muslim workers were. As I tried to get involved they quickly noticed two things: The first was that I could not speak french and the other was that I was not used to digging. Through out my 5 hours of working with the group they continued to make jokes about "the American", referring to me.  They also gave me the worst shovel and continued to give me the jobs that no one wanted. 

I worked hard as I could despite the ridicule. I didn't take a break until I saw them take one. In the end, they told one of our translators that I worked hard and did a good job. I believe I left with their respect and friendship.

J

Food
It has been said that you have not been to Senegal, unless you have had fish and rice. Well that is what we had for lunch today. In fact, we shared a meal the way Senegalese people do. With our hands! Today was awesome:)