I'm realizing that the majority of the work in writing a blog involves coming up with a great title so people will read the post... Titles I've been kicking around today:
The Walkabout
The Real Africa
The Bull with the Angry Eyebrows
Tin Mine Folklore
A Kitchen on Her Head
Third World Irrigation
The Rock with Three Legs
Leaning Sheaves
They Sleep in the Garage
Workin’ at the Car Wash
So take your pick, it’s all in here…
We started the day with a brisk morning walk behind the property where we’ve been working… We didn’t have any idea of where we were going or how long we’d be gone… But we set out determined and excited nonetheless! The Walkabout into The Real Africa!
We first encountered some herds of goats and cows… A lot of animals roaming around… You start to wonder, “Where do these guys drink water? We don’t see any place to get a drink!” That might explain The Bull with the Angry Eyebrows...
We kept pressing on… We had herd (get it?) that there was an old abandoned tin mine somewhere on the property… We were hoping to find it, but we didn’t really know where it was or even if it was… All we knew was that The Tin Mine Folklore was irresistible!We had been walking for quite a while, maybe 45 minutes or so, when we came upon a creek… There was a woman washing her dishes, but also the unexpected sound of a generator… The woman was just finishing, so she packed up and headed across the creek… She had a baby on her back and A Kitchen on her Head…
We followed her across the creek and toward the sound of the generator… What we saw was a lush green field and an education in Third World Irrigation… The generator was pumping water from the creek into an irrigation ditch that fed into the field… It was brilliant, and something you don’t expect to see in the heart of Africa!
We were getting a little suspicious about whether or not the Tin Mine actually exists, so we started heading in a different direction… Within a matter of minutes we came upon The Rock with Three Legs… We called it Tripod Rock, and we’re sure there is going to be a Disney movie with Tripod Rock as the setting… It’s just too amazing to not have it’s own movie…
A little more hiking and we came upon a village! They were very friendly and greeted us with waves and smiles :) Their huts were very primitive but well built, and you could get a sense of how a community lives and works together… I wasn’t exactly sure what The Leaning Sheaves were that were laying on the house, but they make for a good picture!
More and more hiking, it felt like we were heading back to the property where plenty of work awaited us!
The water tower block walls are finally coming together, so we started building forms to pour the concrete supports in…
As we were working a group of kids came up to see what we were doing… It’s interesting, we’re always aware that they are around but they never really get in the way… They’re actually eager to help out in small ways… They want to pick up the nails that you drop… They want to carry the hammer for you… But they’re favorite thing is to see their picture on your camera right after you take ‘a snap’… They squeal with delight and point out each other’s face as soon as you turn the camera around…We couldn’t pour the concrete forms because the blocks for the water tower hadn’t set long enough so we had to pack things up… On the property there are a couple of night watchmen… We had heard that they ‘stay’ in the garage but we hadn’t seen where… We finally used up enough of the materials to see that they do, in fact, ‘stay’ in the garage… This is where they sleep at night… They Sleep in the Garage… Those are old car seat benches…
So we packed up everything and headed back to the place where we’re staying… Everyday we pass the local ‘Car Wash’… I keep meaning to take a picture, but this is the first day that I had the chance… It’s literally (and you see this a lot around town) a water source (in this case a creek) by the road… Cars pull down to the water, and there are guys there Workin’ at the Car Wash ready to take care of all their clean car needs… The water is cleaner than the stuff on the cars, but just barely…
We came home and worked on the road outside John and Corrie’s house a little more… Then we got cleaned up and had another great dinner (Who has to LOSE WEIGHT after their trip from Africa???)
We’re enjoying a quiet night and wondering what it must feel like to be walking in a foot of snow…
21 comments:
Let's go with Leaning Sheaves
or
Let's go with Kitchen on her head
I absolutely can't believe how much stuff the people there can balance and carry - it's amazing! Thanks for all the pictures and updates!
These are some great pictures you guys are posting. Those kids at the pool (earlier posting) looked like they were having the time of their lives. That's great.
Matthew & Carla Fette
This is from Janet & Bill Fette. First, thanks for the instructions on how to leave comments. It is very helpful and much appreciated. Next, the pictures and commentary are so wonderful. We really feel we are sharing in your experiences and wait anxiously each day for your latest blog. Finally and most importantly we are so proud of you for the work, love and wonderful example of God's love you are sharing. Many blessings and much love! We miss you and await your safe return!
I can tell you what it's like walking in a foot of snow (I've been doing plenty of that lately)! It's hard, wet and COLD!
I look out my window and see a squirrel under my birdfeeders and the birds are right on the ground with him. So you know it's cold and they're all hungry.
Today's blog rocked!! I love how all the titles intertwined. Very clever.
John, stay away from the large animals (& the goats)! That cow was pretty but didn't look too friendly. Are there any dogs in the villages?
The Tripod Rock was cool! It looked huge.
Stay safe! Love you, John. C
Hey Daddy, it's Liv... It looks like you guys are really making some progress down their! Trust me, you will be walking in a foot of snow soon enough so enjoy the warmth while you can! It is definitaly different down their (car wash). It sounds like you guys are seeing and experiencing amazing things! I can't wait to hear more from you Daddy. Thank you so much for updating us. It's truly remarkable what you are doing down their! :)
All my Love,
Olivia
It's unbelievable how the locals survive with what they are given and what the lack. We can all learn a lesson from them! I love checking the Blog and seeing pictures of you guys. It's very inspiring and heart-warming. I read every word...twice!
UGH! It's snowing again...we feel like it's never going to end. John, if you didn't lose enough weight in Africa, there's a shoveling job waiting for you. I got stuck in the driveway today! The neighbors had to pull me out. Oh well, atleast I am drinking clean water:)
Keep up the great work and focus.
Love you John! Jo Ellen Fette
Hey Chad, Jessie again. Boy, you really got yourself out of a TON of work by going to Africa. But don't worry, the driveway, sidewalk, and steps should still have plenty of snow when you get home. Good thing you'll be well rested after so much relaxation these two weeks.... hee hee! I LOVED reading about the kids. Reminds me SO much of Juarez and makes me long to be back there with those sweet faces and eager helpers. Kids who aren't over-indulged really are the same no matter where they are, huh? By the way, who knew bull's even HAD eyebrows?! :) Sending hugs!
This is from Rob H - John H's brother. Jackie sent me the link to the blog, and I've been enjoying reading about all your adventures. It looks like a very interesting trip. I'm intrigued by the mix of "low tech" and "high tech". On one hand you've got "kitchen on her head", and on the other, there are generators, power tools, and somewhere an internet connection.
Take care, keep up the good work, and tell John I said Hi.
-Rob
My favorite priceless pic of the day is of the five children...all with a different expression on their face. And that bull is handsome. I'm glad you hikers found your way back to being block boys. What a trip! The prayer for your trip that keeps coming to me is for God to have his way. You'll need coats, gloves, hats and boots here. Right now its snow showers and freezing drizzle. XO to John H. and Alli sends her love. Love, Jackie
Hi Guys...we miss you!!!!! Graet blog...thanks for keeping us in the loop...by the way-I think it is two feet! Love T
Hi, Mark, and greetings to all your friends and fellow-workers on this amazing journey. You have surely built more than a water tower in the hearts of all you've touched. And, those beautiful children have as surely left their fingerprints on many souls, including those of us whose only contact is through this blog. Thank you for sharing glimpses of the value of being where one is needed.
Virginia has mostly recovered from the non-stop snows, except for pot-holes and mud. I am, at long last, making serious gestures toward moving. And NARA is moving along, as well.
I look forward to hearing much more about your achievements when you return. Carolynne
hey this is cc sophias best friend that is so amazing what you are doing. that is so amazing that you get to go there i hope you have a safe trip back.
Love,
C.C
Hey dad i love your blog it is so cool well love you so much!
Love,
Sophia
hey dad this is sophia i really miss you hope you have a good day love you.
Love,
Sophia
Hi dad! I'm typing this at recess so it has to be sort of fast. I really love that you are doing this to help people. You are amazing! i love you so much
love,
Sophia
p.s the other ones that say their from me are C.C'S!LOL
Mark,
Glad to hear you're having such a good time with Rocky. I bet he's really nice once you get to know him. Feed him a bone for me (just make sure it's not still attached to your body! Ha! Ha!).
Take care. See ya when you get back.
Your favorite System Administrator,
Doug 2-17-2010
Looks like Mark is lagging quite a bit behind on the Walkabout!
We have so enjoyed following your adventures in sunny hot Nigeria from hear in cold snowy Ohio. We really admire you all for what you are doing. God is touching so many lives through your hands and hearts. We can't wait to hear all about your experiences when you get home. I am sure they have been life changing! Have safe travels back. Enjoy the warmth while you can. You will remain in our thougts and prayers.
Kim, Scott, Kayla and Sophie Kramer
(Friends of Mark Parker)
Seriously, you need to write a book...you have a ton of talent in this! I read this blog entry to mom and dad and they agree. We can't wait to hear more details about your trip! I can't believe you come home in 3 days. We CAN'T WAIT!! Allen just left - 9:39 pm here...when we got home he was here shoveling the driveway and clearing out the area around the suburban and trailer...2 feet of snow. He is the ALL STAR friend. Seriously. Okay...i know this is only for blog comments, not life updates. We miss you and can't wait to see you!
Hey Mark,
You have to find the old abandoned tin mine before you leave! Have a safe trip home! See you when you get back.
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