Kline Family in Senegal West Africa

APHC Thies Senegal

2007-01-12T20:00:00.000-08:00

Pictured below are the students, leaders and support of the Advanced Primary Health Care class that spent 3 months in Thies Senegal. They will now begin their 3 month medical outreach into Senegal and Mauritania. This blog was proud to report on this remarkable group of international students. God Bless each on of you as you touch the nations with the hands of Christ.

Craig and Taylor Returning to Centralia - Connie to follow

2007-01-09T04:25:00.000-08:00

How do we sum up 60 + blog posts from Senegal West Africa and countless others that time didn't allow?

How do we say Goodbye to good friends that were total strangers 3 months ago?

How do we thank the school leadership and class instructors, that volunteered thousands hours of their time to train 12 people to Go and Do Likewise?

How do we thank the people of Senegal for their warm hospitality and kindness, showing us what it truly means to be called an African?

How do we think our parents and sisters, aunts and uncles, niece and nephews and cousins for their encouragement and support?

How do we thank all of our friends, co-workers and Brokers at Coldwell Banker Kline for encouraging us to follow our dreams?

How do we thank all of you for your help in getting us here, care packages, and prayers that truly sustained us?

How do we thank our children that kept the house from burning down and supported us in going, even during Christmas?

It's Impossible

Thank You All

This is not the end of something good, but the beginning of something even better.

To be Continued..... :)

Thies Senegal - French Bread Delivery

2007-01-08T10:05:00.000-08:00

Every morning before dark, a couple of cool Senegalese guys deliver our daily ration of French Bread. This bread is such a staple, that the government controls it's price. Most of the time they are on-time at around 6:45 AM. We wait outside until they arrive in a fancy bread car.

Check out the car lights. Power photography.

As you can tell by the clothing, it is winter in Senegal. It was probably down to 65.

The bread is precisely arranged in the back of the bread car and delivered house to house. The driver wanted his picture taken with me as well. We get 6 loaves for breakfast.

The Secret Behind Connie's Famous Cornbread

2007-01-07T10:32:00.001-08:00

It was our turn to cook this weekend. We made (Bisquickless) pancakes and scrambled eggs for breakfast. Soup and cornbread was on the dinner menu. Mama Cecile ( a great cook) gave Connie the secret lesson to great cornbread. I am now sharing it with you. The secret is:

Triple sifting

Connie sifting the cornmeal x 3

Triple Sifting Residue

Disposal of Foreign Matter

The Final Product

I'm sorry, the cornbread was grabbed before I could get a picture. It was served with fresh Mali honey (Thanks DeeAnn, it was great)

Pictures by: Taylor Anne Kline

There is DUST in the Air

2007-01-07T01:50:00.000-08:00

Jean Baptiste and Craig walking to Tabaski

Tis the Season to be Dusty. I will never complain about fog again. This season of dust happens every year, lasting for a few long months. The source is the Sahara Desert, just to our North.

There is good news; Senegal is geographically located in the Sub-Sahara, so it could be worse. Even in the Sub-Sahara, this stuff is nasty and gets into literally everything. Josiah came in the other day from playing outside and I thought he was a Toubob.

There is bad news (For Tim, Lin and others - Mauritania, is in the Sahara. As seen in the following photo, dust blows in from the Sahara desert. By the way, meteorologists claim that the Sahara dust is responsible for the non-eventful hurricane season in the US and neighboring countries last year. Your welcome!

Coming Soon - APHC Outreach

2007-01-06T05:13:00.000-08:00

Outreach Planning Meeting

Twelve weeks of lecture from Immunizations to Malnutrition. Evenings spent memorizing drug therapies and Malaria protocol. Midnight cramming for exams. Hands on IV, teeth pulling, cardiology, dental hygiene and physical exams.

Now it's time to put it all to work. The next 3 months, these trained, compassionate imitators of Christ will provide basic health care for Senegalese villages and a major city in the neighboring country of Mauritania.

Following are pictures taken when Tim and I accompanied Dr. Adamson to the village of Naikhar, North of Fatick and East of Mbour. Another team will be located in the Casamance region of Senegal, in the village that Aliou (snake charmer and barista) is from.

Typical Roads between villages

One of the medical clinics APHC will be staffing

Typical Rural Village

APHC Students will be living with families in these villages

These women are pounding Millet into what will eventually be Couscous.

A Staple of the Senegalese diet.

Grain Storage

A typical source of water is the community well

The Mauritania team will be residing in a major city. Mauritania is a closed nation to the gospel. It is illegal for a person to convert from the Muslim faith to Christianity. It is also illegal to proselytize in any manner. Mauritania is located in the Sahara Desert. I have had the honor of meeting Mauritanian missionaries coming through Senegal. They love the people and the country. They work under constant persecution - WITH JOY!

Please pray for all of the teams, for safety, and wisdom.

Garbage Eating, Tea Drinking - Bull - Thies Senegal

2007-01-03T12:48:00.000-08:00

A few weeks ago we had problems with our garbage being scattered all over the dirt by nefarious nocturnal aliens. So I (not Tim) built a garbage can from stray bricks. I was quite proud of myself. Tim is the appointed maintenance man but lacked the structural engineering skills to put this project together.

One afternoon my perfect garbage receptacle was attacked by a monstrous, arrogant, aggressive Brahma bull (with gore capable horns) - see picture below. Our garbage was a perfect dessert to the dead brush he had been eating all day. Tim "took pictures" as I rode this beast out of our compound. Once again, he took a picture as I approached and failed to capture the ride.

By the way, in Senegal, Bulls also like tea after dinner. Observe the tea bag that he was sucking on, now hanging from his lips. The tea really mellowed him out. You can tell by his smirking face. It was immediately after this photo, that I rode him out of the yard.

I told maintenance man Tim, "look, the least you can do is figure out some way to keep the bulls from running to our garbage every day". I must admit, he did a nice job of securing the receptacle. The only problem, it takes 30 minutes to open the lid.

Tea Party for Men ( NO TEA CUPS HERE!! ) Thies Senegal

2007-01-02T23:30:00.000-08:00

The evenings are cooler in Senegal. After dinner a group of men head to the front side of John Huffman School for tea. Many of you guys think tea is for girls (no offense to the British). This tea has been known to keep grown men awake for 36 hours. After I drink, I can't blink for two hours. Tonight's drinkers, left to right, Tim (Storyteller), Dimba (School security), Jean Baptiste (Antagonist), Craig (Professor of Wolof), Ailou (Barista)

The tea is boiled in a small teapot over charcoal. The process takes about 20-30 minutes from start to finish. The charcoal is lit with grass from the field. A good wind helps. Course cut tea is added to boiling water. Not just a little tea. The pot is filled to the top with tea, then boiled for at least 10 minutes.

Sugar is added to the boiling tea. Not just a pinch. Enough to make some men ADHD positive.

Cuppa Joe's has fancy foam makers. Aliou does it the old fashioned way. He is known throughout Senegal for the quality of his foam. We are honored to have him as our personal barista. Go ahead all you fake barista's, try it. The foaming goes on for several minutes. Intermittently, the tea is poured back into the pot until the barista says "yes"!

One nice thing about Senegalese tea drinking. The clean-up is easy. The glasses that make the foam, are the drinking glasses. What does it taste like? Very strong sweet tea. If you are offered tea, it is an insult to refuse. Two hints for future Senegalese tea drinkers. Take the first pull. In other words, if you want to sleep anytime during the next 12 hours be first. Once you drink, the cup is refilled from the pot and passed on to another drinker. If you get the 3rd or fourth pull from the pot, it's all over. You are wired. Secondly, know when and how to say "no". If you take your first serving and do not correctly pronounce "that's all for me" in Wolof, you will be automatically served another cup (which cannot be refused).

Look at the foam on that tea.

Tim, get a new hat!

The best part of Senegalese tea drinking is hanging with the guys, telling stories of the day, laughing, and just doing nothing. There is a saying in Senegal. "Toubobs have watches, Africans have time". I will miss this time very much, when I leave my friends in Senegal, just a few days from now.

Where Did all the Sheep Go?

2007-01-02T13:30:00.000-08:00

Sheep, Sheep and more Sheep

Then on the 31st of December

Tabaski!

Jean Baptiste invited Tim and I to participate in Tabaski with his Muslim family. We arrived just in time to participate in the "early meal preparation". We sheepishly tried to lend a hand, but were quickly replaced by more experienced youth. Within an hour after the process below, we sat down for a delicious breakfast meal. Mr. Fall served heaping plates of fresh sheep liver, onions, ribs and french bread. A New Years breakfast I will never forget.

This is Where all the Sheep Went (Below)

Tim is posing. I am helping

Tabaski is a Muslim Holiday celebrated on the 31st of December. Tabaski is the Wolof name for Sacrifice. According to the Qur'an, Allah asked Abraham to sacrifice his only son. Before Abraham made the sacrifice, Allah told him to sacrifice a sheep instead. This holiday is held in remembrance of Abraham's offering. A sheep is killed by each family, after morning prayers. Everyone wears new clothes. The day is spent eating with family and sharing the meat with others (in this case - us)

After breakfast we felt we should return home. Our hosts insisted that we return with our wives in the afternoon. Mr. Fall picked us up and brought us to his home where we met all of his family including his 5 day old newborn son. Mr. and Mrs. Fall served us a meal of sheep, potatoes, carrots, french bread and a refreshing smoothie type drink.

Pictured above are our gracious hosts, Mr. and Mrs. Fall along with Jean Baptiste (left), our class interpreter. Mrs. Fall is Jean Baptiste's niece. Mr. Fall is a retired Senegalese Military Officer who served in Desert Storm for the U.N.. He is currently involved in Senegalese politics, working for one the presidential candidates for the upcoming National elections. Senegalese people are known for their hospitality. We agree!

Jody Leaves Thies Senegal

2006-12-31T01:46:00.000-08:00

Jody Returns Home

Jody loves the roof. She would catch rays, listen to music, read and pray on our roof. It is only appropriate that her departure picture is rooftop. Jessica, look how far she is in Dostoevsky. In the background, students are returning from Dr. Allen's Cardiology class.

Jody arrives in Seattle at 11:30 PM New Years Eve. Please pray for her safe travel. We escorted her to the plane in Dakar last night She had to leave a few items because of weight restrictions including world famous Fingers. Too bad for you. OK with me. The Nutella did make it however. Jody - Email when you get home. Much Love from Mom, Dad, Taylor and all your friends in Senegal

Toothless in Senegal

2006-12-31T01:23:00.000-08:00

After Craig's successful procedure, Connie was invited to attend a wisdom tooth extraction. Dr Ago was asked to take out a severely decayed tooth and suggested that Connie participate. Connie of course was delighted. Jean Baptiste, the ACE photographer then asked permission to record the event and suggested that I observe as well. I reluctantly agreed.

Dr Ago is a Great Teacher

The Root That Didn't Come Out with the Tooth

After the tooth pull Dr. Ago discovered that part of the root remained in the socket. After finding an alternate tool, and lot's of digging and grinding, out came the rest of the tooth. Connie was then able to examine the socket. Connie loved her time with Dr. Ago. The patient? He got out of his chair and walked out. No pain meds! Senegalese are tough!

Post Procedure Debriefing

Dental Blog - Cont'd - Thies Senegal

2006-12-30T08:47:00.000-08:00

Craig Having Crown Re-inserted by Connie and Dr. Ago

Connie Preparing Anesthesia

Fortunately none was needed

Connie was hoping otherwise

Craig Happy

Connie and Dr. Ago Working on Patient

The Bloody Spit

Succcessful Procedure

Photographs by Jean Baptiste, ACE

Coming up Next - "The Extraction"

Good Bye Goat Teeth - Exciting Day for Connie - Preview Picture

2006-12-29T10:28:00.000-08:00

Wisdom Tooth Extraction

No More Goat Teeth!

Real People - Real Time

Look at Connie Digging In!

Connie had quite a day at the dental clinic. Dr. Ago decided to work on my crown and extracted an impacted wisdom tooth (with help from Connie). Follow the events below.

First - Craigs Dental Work

Dr. Ago Demonstrating "Jack Bauer style" Anesthesia on Jean Baptiste.

Jack Bauer is famous here!

(The Senegalese all call me Jack Bauer for some reason)

Developing........

Happy Birthday Jody - Rainbow Chip Cake and Dostoevsky

2006-12-28T14:00:00.000-08:00

Jody Kline turns 19 in Senegal, West Africa

Jody spent her day eating Rainbow Chip Cake (with icing) and reading Dostoevsky (Marie, she has almost passed me up) Her wonderful father hiked miles to acquire two delicious take out meals.

What did Jody do in Senegal?

Jody, Connie and Taylor under the Boabub Tree

Jody with Giraffe looking over her shoulder

Jody in Church Christmas Eve with Friends

Jody and Taylor with the Weaver

Bobo, the Artisan Centre proprietor that wanted Jody's hand in marriage

No Way!

Jody and the Sandal Maker - Jody bought a pair of sandals, made on the premises - see left. This is the same place Connie purchased her sandals.

Jody and Taylor with Village Kids

Jody Experiencing Cuppa Joe's, Senegalese Style

Jody a Rock Star in the Village

Good Morning Jody

Jody on the Metro

Jody and Lin under the Mango Tree

Happy Birthday Jody. Thanks for celebrating your 19th birthday in Senegal.

You are an amazing girl. We love you.

(Additional Photos will be added - keep checking)

Advanced Health Care Christmas Carol

2006-12-25T16:41:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas from The Advanced Primary Health Care Class.

Senegal Christmas - Part 3 - Christmas Brunch

2006-12-25T11:40:00.000-08:00

Christmas Brunch BBQ - Dr. Adamson and Jean Baptiste, Cuisine

Christmas Brunch: BBQ Chicken, Scalloped Potatoes, Salad, Green Beans, Bissa Juice and Rainbow Chip Cake for Dessert (with icing)

Tim doing dishes. His shirt says "Go and Do Dishes"

Happy Birthday Jesus.

We Believe!

Christmas in Senegal - Part 2- Christmas Morning

2006-12-25T08:31:00.000-08:00

Christmas in Senegal

Christmas Morning

Christmas Morning - Mom Waking Sleeping Children

Hot Chocolate in Bed - What a Mom!

Coming "Down Stairs" - To See if Santa Comes to Senegal (He Does!)

Under the Christmas Tree (Thanks Nancy)

Connie and Craig Under the Tree

Cooking Breakfast with Jean Baptiste (he is on far right)

Breakfast menu included: Eggs with cheese, oatmeal, fruit salad and French Bread of course.

Connie explaining the Christmas Morning Buffet

The Kline Family donated Outreach T-shirts to the Class. Jody was our Courier from Awards West. Everyone loved them!

Tim, Craig and Jean Baptiste

Connie, Mary Ellen, Elizabeth, Ami, Lordienne (Connie is on the left)

Coming Soon - Part 3 - Christmas Day in Senegal

Christmas in Senegal - Part 1 - Christmas Eve

2006-12-25T07:36:00.000-08:00

It is sad being away from you, family and friends this Christmas season. We miss seeing all of you and sharing time together. Thank you for all of your emails and encouragement.

God is so good to give us Senegalese, Australians, Canadians, Cameroons, South Africans, Togons and Americans to celebrate the birth of Christ Senegal style. Follow our day from Christmas Eve through Christmas day. God Bless you all. We love you.

"Part of" The Kline Family in Senegal

Christmas Eve Service at Church

Left - Shepard Josiah Phiri - Right (left singer) Merilyn Phiri

The Manger Scene

Every child received a gift, including Taylor !

We were invited to join a church / BBQ potluck after the service - Bon Apetit.

Our Christmas Eve ended with a showing of the Polar Express to all of our friends at the school. The movie was projected on a wall in our common room with great sound (thanks Noah, it works great). We put mattresses on the floor and watched until 2:00 AM in the morning.

Senegal Christmas

2006-12-25T07:20:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas

from Thies Senegal

Senegal Christmas is in Post Production.

Please keep checking.

Giraffes, Monkeys, Hippos, Crocodiles....

2006-12-24T01:20:00.000-08:00

On December 23rd (happy birthday dad) Connie, Jody, Taylor and I ventured into Rural Africa to hunt (with cameras) African animals. Maddy and McKailey Fast, you are in for a treat! Our first step was to find somebody from Africa to show us where the African animals hang out. We ran into Shee' Gaye and he said he could show us some cool animals. We then found a truck that was outfitted with outside seats and a driver. Into the bush we drove. In the picture below, Shee' Gaye is taking the picture and you will see our driver. We are in front of a Baobab tree.

The photos taken below are actual photos taken by Craig, Jody or Taylor's. No Photoshop, no stolen National Geographic images. (If some of you had a hard time seeing the monkeys and giraffes in the earlier post, you will have no problem this time). Thanks for joining us as we do The Living Christmas Pageant, Senegalese style. (Were there Hippos and Giraffes in the manger?)

Jamie- the mamma on the left came after me when I got a little to close to her baby. Quick thinking and your practical advice (run!) avoided injury.

Monkey See Monkey Do (Identical Pose)

Jody is beautiful - Monkey Not!

African Turtles

Crocks !!!!

Below Left - Taylor pretending to be scared of crocks, Right - Craig and Jody keeping an eye out for hungry crocodiles, Next picture down, Hungry Crock!

Ostrich - These "Big Birds" were trying to jump into our pick-up.

Rhino's

Yes! Giraffe's! Taylor's Favorite's

Taylor in Baobab Tree

Our African Christmas Tree

2006-12-22T23:44:00.000-08:00

I was mesmerized by this tree on my trip to rural Africa. It stood outside one of the medical clinics we visited. Rural Africa is breathtaking. Hopefully I will post a blog of the trip today. We wanted you to all see what our Christmas tree looks like. If you look closely, you will see a family of monkeys on the lower left branch, and a giraffe, directly behind the tree eating leaves. A clan of elephants are grazing on Sub Sahara grass about 700 meters behind and to the left of the tree. We miss you all!

Jody's Fainting Spell

2006-12-22T23:31:00.000-08:00

Taylor's faithful blog-watchers already know that Jody fainted while performing my work duties in the kitchen (it usually takes 2 people to complete my work duties). Taylor captured the event on her blog magnificently. Please check it out for all of the details. As a follow-up, Jody is doing much better. She is still having some stomach pains, but the Dr.'s think it is intestinal flu type issue. Please just pray for her quick recovery.

Taylors Blog is: www.Taylor95.blogspot.com

Extra !!!! - Going Dark

2006-12-20T12:48:00.000-08:00

Mel, Jody and Taylor

Mel (Germany) , Guest of Steve (South Africa), Jody and Taylor (USA) watching Hogan's Heroes - compliments of Dan Keahey. Thanks Dan, I hope you are taking it easy. I can't wait to see you. Mel and I speak German to each other all the time. She thinks I received all of my German language skills from Hogan's Heroes. Not True!

Blogger Craig Kline will be "village hopping" for the next 2-3 days with Dr. Adamson and Tim (Ahmed Fall) Grey. We will be visiting remote villages where some of the students will be working during the outreach portion of this course.

This Blog may be dark unless a guest blogger steps in. Jody...? How about it?

Craig Kline - Dental Procedure - Classroom APHC - Thies Senegal

2006-12-20T11:49:00.000-08:00

Preparing the Crown for Re-insertion

The Consultation

Taylor Comforting the Patient

Crown Reinsertion Attempt

Complications - Procedure must be completed at Barthimee Dental Center

Developing .........

Connie's Dream Comes True - Pulls Teeth

2006-12-19T07:01:00.000-08:00

Connie Kline has accomplished a lifelong dream. She pulled teeth at Dr. Agoustou's class last night.

The Bad News: 2 days ago while eating a brownie (a real luxury). I encountered a foreign object in the brownie dough. It turned out to be a crown(tooth) that was installed about 2 years ago.

The Good News (Please Pray) - Connie will be re-inserting my crown tonight and I have consented to anesthesia even though I probably won't need it.

Dr. Agoustou teaching on Extraction

The Return of the Goat Head

("The Patient")

This Won't Hurt!

The Extraction - (Actual Photo)

The Celebration

Connie with her first extracted tooth and her proud teacher Dr. Agoustou looking on.

Stay tuned for the results of tonight's procedure. Developing.......

Village Visit and the Citrus Farm Cont'd

2006-12-17T23:09:00.000-08:00

The APHC school is located in a large City (Thies) with a population estimate of 500,000 to 1,000,000. The village we visited probably had a population of under 1000. It had a totally different ambiance. You could feel a greater sense of community, not isolationist suburbia. Close living quarters - almost a communal lifestyle. Many residents were happy to see us, almost a party like atmosphere. Some children cautiously observed us from a distance. These types of villages will be the focus of the APHC outreach. For 3 months, the APHC students will become primary medical providers in communities just like this. The focus will be on villages a greater distance from major cities and with limited or no modern medical care. Following are more pictures from our village visit.

Jody Hanging with Children

Relaxing under the Chief's Mango Tree

Connie, Taylor and Jody with Aliou

Creative Boys

Beautiful Children - Alious's Family - Grandpa Lower Right

The Village the Citrus Farm and the President

2006-12-17T06:49:00.000-08:00

The Bus Ride to the Village

Aloiu (The student with the snake stories) took us to his grandfathers village. His Grandfather is the village chief and he owns a citrus farm. We commuted via public transportation. Can you see us on the bus? Please don't miss Tim the photographer to the left. More bus pictures follow. The guy that literally hangs onto the back of the bus (see below) collects the money and signals the driver when to stop by banging coins on the window. The money is collected the same way vendors get their money at Safeco Field, passing from hand to hand. The stops are frequent, so a lot of shuffling in very tight quarters is normal. The guy with the glasses next to Tim and on the right of Connie is the President of Senegal.

Jody, Connie and Taylor getting a picture

with the President.

Craig and another guy

snuck into Heather's picture

on the bus.

Tim, Lin, Connie, Craig, Taylor, Joday, Heather and Aliou invaded a small Senegalese Village. We were warmly greeted by what seemed like most of the village, especially the children. I don't think two many "toubobs" visit this village.

Children

2006-12-15T15:32:00.000-08:00

We went outside to get a family picture when DeeAnn and Edd left this week. We were immediately joined by children who wanted to be a part of the picture. These children are students in the John Huffman Christian School where we live. We are privileged to hear these children's joyful singing every morning and throughout the day.

December 14th Extra! -Inside the Toilet Paper Roll!

2006-12-14T02:28:00.000-08:00

Cash $$$$$

DeeAnn and Edd were kind enough to leave us their extra toilet paper. Toilet paper is not a commonly used item with local people. We carry toilet paper with us wherever we go. But... to our surprise, their toilet paper roll had a bonus! A wad of cash. $US Dollars. Thanks sister. That will come in handy as well. Also, you might want to remember where you hide your cash. :)

This was an extra blog for today. Read on for the rest of today's exciting adventures in Senegal.

Barthime'e Hospital - Dr. Ted

2006-12-13T22:28:00.000-08:00

Barthime'e Christian Hospital - Thies Senegal

The above picture is Barthime'e hospital that serves many Senegalese citizens. As can be seen, the hospital is partially completed. Chief of Staff, Dr. Ted (U of W and Michigan) took DeeAnn, Taylor, Jody and Dana on a tour. Much has been accomplished with little resources yet much remains to be done.

Dr. Ted in O.R. Number 1. There are 2. After tons of work by Dr. Ted and Dr. Adamson (anesthesiologist) the O.R is set up and they are now awaiting government approval to sharpen the scalpels. A midwife just came on staff and they are ready to bring new babies into the world. Dr. Ted is a surgeon and frequent lecturer in Connie's class. Dr. Ted has been in Senegal 3 years and previously spent 7+ years in D.R. Congo. He left when the war got "a little too hot". and hopes to return in the future. Dr. Ted is another one of my hero's. There are many here!

DeeAnn spent time with Dr. Ted assessing the equipment list for the laboratory. She has agreed to interface with Dr. Ted and equipment providers. DeeAnn and Edd are leaving us today. It has been great having them here for the last couple of days. Edd has been a little under the weather. He began Malaria treatment based on symptoms. Pray that he has a comfortable trip home. The machine to DeeAnn's right is a ventilator that was donated. It works some of the time! (They don't use it) Editorial comment: Don't send junk equipment to 3rd world countries.

Craig high-5ing Dr. Ted's Endoscopes

For some strange reason I wanted to get a picture with Dr. Ted's Endoscopes. If you are over 50 and haven't met these creatures, you should! It could save your life.

Ask my brother-in-law Kim Stanbery if you have any questions about the care and feeding of Endoscopes. He's an expert.

Dr. Ted, Dana and Craig - Rooftop Experience

Four stories is the maximum building height allowed by Thies building code. The foundation of Barthime'e hospital was built for 8. I call that faith. With dedicated servants such as Dr. Ted and the support of people around the world, this small fledgling hospital will continue to bring The Kingdom of God to Senegal. Dana (middle in photo - taking picture - her natural pose) left us last night after 3 short weeks. We will miss Dana's blood curdling screams as she enters the ice cold showers on wintry Senegal mornings. We will miss her bug dances, and getting yelled at by Senegalese ladies that "think" she is taking their picture. However, most of all we will miss her kind compassionate heart and friendly helpful upbeat attitude. Dana served the children of Thies in this hospital. She loved her time here. Thanks again NW Pediatrics. Your sacrifice was our gain. (Isn't that the way it always works). Who's next?

Jody Kline is in Africa

2006-12-12T23:18:00.000-08:00

Jody Kline via

Airport Security Camera

Jody joined Connie, Taylor and Craig in Senegal arriving at Dakar International Airport on time with all luggage intact. Taylor, Craig, Dr. Adamson, Josiah and Merilyn all packed into a dilapidated 7 passenger Peugeot to make the trip. Elizabeth, Adamson's wife arrived within minutes of Jody. After a freaky 2.5 hour taxi ride back to Thies, Jody was greeted by Connie, DeeAnn and Edd, who just returned from Mali / Saint Louis (not Missouri). Jody was up bright and early this morning (4:00 AM) ready to begin her adventures.

More Pictures of Jody's Arrival

At the request of Connie and Taylor, Jody brought a Teddy Bear for Lordienne (Thanks to the Larson's). She had been asking about sleeping with some of Taylor's animals, so they decided to surprise her. She was overjoyed.

Taylor was happy to see her sister.

Jody also brought food from family and friends. We pigged out (no picture available) Mercie (thanks) to all of you that contributed to our nourishment / sweet tooths.

Christmas Under a Mosquito Net

2006-12-11T20:00:00.000-08:00

Connie, Taylor and Craig - Our home for Christmas 2006

As Connie Mentioned in her newsletter this week, we decorated our room for Christmas. Here you see the completed product. Our Africa drum holding the Pine Cone Christmas Tree (thanks Edna Fund for the second international Christmas Tree). On the tree you will see 3 ornaments. Our decorations also included, the Cindy Larson knitted scarf, serving as our Cedar trimmings, the I SPY family book, A cloth Nativity Book, created by Joyce Cornell, the movie, Polar Express for Christmas day, and "Fingers" (behind the Tree).

It's Snowing in Thies

If you look closely you will see snowflakes in our room. No - it's not really snowing in Thies. But we did create a white Christmas by cutting out paper snowflakes and hanging them from the ceiling and ropes that hold our mosquito net. I received the prize for the most beautiful snowflake, an extra finger. The fan, which is rotating in this picture, keep the snowflakes continually moving, creating a lifelike snow blizzard.

God is so creative! If you want to view very cool photos of snow crystals. Follow this link:

http://www.its.caltech.edu/~atomic/snowcrystals/photos/photos.htm

Christmas Open House

Kenny G Christmas music, decorations, fingers, and now friends. Can life get any better than this? We held our home open and had many visitors. In the picture above, Lin, Dana and Tim, live it up in the mock snowstorm while eating Fingers. You may wonder what the heck Fingers are. They are a popular cookie, distributed by walk-by vendors while you pass the time in Dakar rush hour traffic, (and sold locally in stores). Tim discovered these delightful cookies and I have thanked him every since. (I'm not sure how they came up with the name)

Thursday, December 12th

Jody Arrives Today -

Developing....

Peanuts - Not the Cartoon

2006-12-09T13:42:00.000-08:00

Roasted Peanuts for Sale

Peanuts are the major crop in Senegal. When you go into a restaurant, you begin your meal with a bowl of peanuts. Peanuts are offered while you are waiting in line at the petrol station and while you are stuck in Dakar rush hour traffic. Peanuts are also roasted and sold on the street. Today (Saturday), we were walking back from the Tapestry Museum and we came across a Senegalese lady roasting peanuts in sand. We asked if we could take a picture and she agreed. Dana (a great photographer) took the picture of Craig, Connie and Jean Baptiste. We bought peanuts and took them home where Tacky prepared them and everyone participated in eating them.

Speaking of food - Friday night, Craig, Heather and Dana braved the dark streets of Thies and negotiated a 10 minute walk to a hotel that serves pizza. After an exchange of Wolof, French and English, we ordered 3 pizzas to go. While we waited, we drank cold diet cokes and listened to Lionel Ritchie on the boom box. Dana described it as a "Twilight Zone Experience". 30 minutes later, with 3 boxes of pizza, we walked home though bustling neighborhoods and dark streets to hungry friends that enjoyed Friday night pizza. We had Rhine and Vegetarian. Equally good.

Needles and Blood

2006-12-09T10:33:00.000-08:00

Connie Teaching IV in
Advanced Primary Health Care School

Connie shared her knowledge of IV therapy this last week. Her class included a practical application of sticking each other with needles and making blood come out. Tim and I decided to be the official photographers rather than participants (victims). Following you will see photographs of the day. Most students perfered being the "stickor", rather than the "Stickee" .

Tacky (Senegal) - Stickor Ami (Togo) Stickee

Lordienne (Cameroon) with Lin (Amed Fahll's wife) - Big Needle!

Connie, Marie Cecile, Lin and Lordienne

Ouch!

Left - Heather (Australia) Alisha (Canada) - Right - Steven (S. Africa) Foong Shung (Malysia)

What a day! Fun was had by all!

This Weeks Speaker - Dr Brian Steele

2006-12-07T12:59:00.000-08:00

Left to right, Dr. Adamson and Merilyn, Tacky, Mary Ellen, Ami, Taylor and Connie, Mary Cecile, Dr. Brian (in the blue and green Senegalese outfit), Alisha and Jean Baptiste.

Dr Brian spent the week with The Advanced Primary Health Care class teaching on The World Health Organization's (WHO) list of essential drugs. Drug treatment from Malaria to worms was covered in detail. Dr. Brian lives in Dakar Senegal, where he runs a YWAM medical clinic that meets the medical needs of Senegalese people. He is an American Doctor, from Tennessee and lives in Dakar with his wife and two young children. He has been in Senegal for 13 years. He will be returning later in the course to teach on physical exams. Along with many other people I have met here, Dr. Brian and his family clearly exemplifies the life of Christ. A living sacrifice. He also loves Starbucks coffee. Jody, bring a couple of extra pounds.

Ago the Dentist and the Goat Head on a Platter

2006-12-06T14:11:00.000-08:00

Introducing Dr Agoustou Gomis

Dr. Agoustou, a local celebrity and Dental Surgeon resigned his dentistry position to:

Oversee building of the facilities we are living in.
Wire the internet to this building so that you can follow our lives.
Teach general dentistry at The Advanced Primary Health Care Class - (This weeks evening speaker)
Deliver goat heads on a platter. (Looks like another goat head feast is on the menu)

Dr. Ago, as he is affectionately called, has set his career aside to work on behalf of this school. He is a man of many talents and is loved by all. Tonight he added "goat head room service" to his long list of creditionals. Well Dr. Ash....

Find Waldo - "Two Bob"

2006-12-05T11:51:00.000-08:00

There is a "two bob" in this picture. Can you find her?

Taylor, Dana, Andre and I went to Iles De La Madeleine, an uninhabited island that is home to thousands of sea birds. A 20 minute boat trip through rough seas and then paradise. We happened to be the only visitors to the island and so enjoyed the whole place to ourselves.. The above picture was taken when we returned and a class of students were at the beach swimming. Their teacher, on left, called them all out of the water and asked if he could take our picture with his class. (He wanted them to meet "two bobs") Of course we agreed and decided to take a picture for ourselves. Dana and I are taking pictures. If you look closely, you'll see a smiling "Two Bob" in the middle of the class. We shook all their hands and they scurried back to the ocean.

Other Pictures from our Island Trip

Dana hates bugs of any kind. However, a certain breed of large island beetle seemed to love her. I think they actually loved the flavor of her sun screen. Above you will see her doing the beetle dance. It was supposed to scare the beetles away. It didn't seem to work. She washed off her sunscreen preferring a sunburn to beetle attacks.

The good photos compliments of Dana Smith

The Goat Head Feast

2006-12-03T14:21:00.000-08:00

Parents - Please Review these Explicit Photos

before Allowing Children to View

Goat Head Buffet - (Actual Photo)

The above and following photos document the eating of a goat head. Apparently a delicacy of Senegal by the way the locals were tearing into this meal. Dad and Rose, do you think this is anything like head cheese?

Of course we participated, maybe

with not quite the same enthusiasm.

Thies Senegal at Dusk

2006-12-03T13:49:00.000-08:00

Soccer Under Full Moon

If you look closely, you will see a group of kids playing soccer just after sunset. This picture was taken from the roof. Every evening there is a wonderful cool breeze that refreshes the land. It is winter here now, and the temperature drops to around 70 degrees at night. Many local people are wearing sweaters and long sleeve shirts to keep warm. For some reason, that has not been an issue with the Kline family.

Taylor and the Ringmaker

2006-12-02T03:01:00.000-08:00

Jean Baptiste, Taylor and I went to the cultural center in Thies Friday and Taylor negotiated the purchase of a silver ring. Even Greg Murphy would have been proud of her negotiating skills.

The Ringmaker Demonstrating his Craft to Taylor

A group of "Too-Bobs" (foreigners in Senegal) are returning to the cultural center today. Developing....

More Brave Visitors Arrive in Thies

2006-11-30T03:14:00.000-08:00

DeeAnn and Connie Pretending to be Cooking -

Marie Cecile Actually Cooking

DeeAnn (my sister) and Edd left the snowy Pacific Northwest and landed in 100+ degree Dakar heat. Ask them about their experiences in Dakar. They took a 2.5 hour taxi to Thies and spent the day with us. We started at Masa Masa (picture below) where we had a delicious French meal and Taylor was treated to a crepe (crep in french) with ice cream, chocolate and whipped cream.

Edd showing Ahmed Fad how to fix the Motorcycle

Edd showed up at just the right time help Tim. I'm not sure who is in charge here? The one unsolvable problem is NO GAS, for 3 days. Tim has gone to the Gas Station multiple times and no gas. Last night on our way home from the Les Delicious, I noticed about 40 guys with bottles standing in a line at the pumps. I can't wait to tell Tim. DeeAnn and Edd will be returning in a couple of weeks after Gambia and maybe Mali. DeeAnn is going to help set up a lab at the hospital and Edd is going to wait in line for gas with Ahmed Fad.

The Future of the Nations and more Pictures

2006-11-28T07:44:00.000-08:00

My Students

Josiah, Merilyn and Taylor. We spend every morning together. Josiah and Merilyn are the children of Dr. Adamson and Elizabeth Phiri, our Advanced Primary Health Care class leaders. Josiah is 9 and Taylor and Merilyn are both 11. Assistant Professor Tim (Amed Fahd) Grey comes in when we need a real teacher. They are wonderful students. We work in the common room where we all take meals together and begin right after breakfast. Elizabeth had to return to their home town in Zambia because of the death of her mother. It worked out well that I came and was able to get them started in their curriculum's while she is away. Elizabeth and Caleb (their newborn) will be home in mid-December. I'm sure Josiah and Merilyn are looking forward to that. When I am able to get a family picture, I will tell you much more about this incredible family and their future plans, which will surprise you. It did me.

Connie and Taylor Practicing Oral Hygiene

We joined Connie's class to learn how to teach proper oral hygiene (and learn for ourselves)

Haircut day for Connie with Taylor at the Scissors - Look out Jackie Spahr

Dana and Adamson on the way to the Hospital

Revolutionary New and Improved Toothbrush

2006-11-27T13:05:00.000-08:00

Senegalese Tooth Brush ( ring for size comparison)

When I first arrived in Senegal, I noticed many of the men and women were chewing on what looked like long slender cigars. It looked pretty cool, but I'm not into tobacco so I wasn't real interested in picking up the habit. Until.... I found out what they really are: SENEGALESE TOOTHBRUSHES. These are tree branches, sold in the local market for around 20 cents. As you will note in the photo, they suck on them until the wood is softened and then use them as an abrasive to keep their teeth clean. Basically, they are walking around town with toothbrushes in their mouths and scrub off and on throughout the day. I must admit, they all have beautiful teeth. Coincidentially, this weeks teaching at Advanced Primary Health Care is dental hygiene. The speaker has been working in Israel with the Lebanese Refugees for many years. She performs and teaches dental hygiene. She endorses this form of brushing. Dr. Ash, if you are reading this, I am checking on importing and I will give you the ground floor opportunity. Maybe a little bartering?

Tim Grey and Jean Baptiste

Demonstrating the Senegalese Tooth Brush

You will notice that Tim is in training. His hold on the brush is quite unorthodox. Jean Baptiste looks so much more relaxed. Tim has to concentrate a little too much and is not ready to go out in public yet. I believe by the time he leaves, he will look real cool with his brush. I don't have my own stick yet. I feel a little left out.

The Surprise Inside Senegalese Chickens

2006-11-26T01:32:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving Chicken Anatomy Lesson.

Taylor and I are deboning the Bon Marche chickens after 2 hours of boiling. What we discovered inside was shocking .

Actual Photo

Chickens are frozen uncleaned and the chicken feet are somehow placed inside. What a surprise when I cracked open the chicken. The local custom is to eat most every part... We cancelled our plans to make gravy out of the broth. Our final Thanksgiving dinner was stuffing and chicken casserole, fresh watermelon, deviled eggs, kool-aide and chocolate cake with icing for dessert. It was a big hit and no stomach revolts from anyone. I had a hard time eating - -chicken feet flashbacks.

Turkey Hunt and the Dove Salesman

2006-11-25T12:08:00.000-08:00

Jean Baptiste - Professional Turkey Hunt Guide - with Poultry Vendor

Two plus hours, 8-10 homes, several market vendors and miles of taxis and walking. Jean Baptiste, Heather (Australia) and I tracked turkeys from home to shopkeeper to home. Places deep in the market where no westerner has ever been seen, and few return. Back rooms and alleys filled with danger, day or night. Never try this without a professional guide. Every home or shop we visited directed us somewhere else. Jean Baptiste did not want to give up. I called off the hunt and we headed for the Bon Marche. As all of you hunters know, a hunt is always successful, whether you make the kill or not.

The Dove Salesman - Look Closely Inside the Box

This enterprising young man offered us an alternative to Turkey. The box he is holding held two doves. They were for sale for $1500.00 CFA ($3.00 each) The thought of eating a dove just didn't quite match up to roasted turkey, so we said non Merce. Tomorrows blog "The strange anatomy of Senegalese chickens" - It may not sound exciting, but trust me, you don't want to miss it. What I discovered may very well make Ripley's Believe It or Not.

Welcome Dana Smith - Yes Chip, She Made It

2006-11-24T03:12:00.000-08:00

Lin, Dana and Connie (Lin had a late night)

While all of you were chomping down on turkey yesterday, Taylor, Tim and I took the trek to Dakar to pick up Dana at Dakar International. A successful snatch from the jaws of "service providers" and off we went for a smooth trip back to Thies. Dana is a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner with The Northwest Pediatric Center (thanks for the loan). Dana will be working with local doctors to provide medical services. We are so grateful to have her here, especially since: she brought all kinds of goodies, EXCEPT a turkey!!!!!!

So, we are in search of a turkey or even a large chicken or two to roast. Connie and I are cooking this Saturday and would like to put on some type of traditional Thanksgiving meal. Jean Baptiste and I are going turkey hunting this afternoon. The only chance we have is finding a farmer that happens to have one they want to sell. Then we will have to get it ready for the oven. Should be interesting. Developing story........

Blogs have been sporadic lately because, the power has been even more so. Speaking of power, the water is off for up to 12 hours at a time. After our return from Dakar, Tim ran to the shower to get rid of the road dirt / smog and I yielded to him as usual. But when he used the last drop of water, acted surprised and kind of chuckled.... I warned him no more nice guy. (the water has been off since)

I seem to mention turkey alot?

Jon Wiley for President - Drugs are Good

2006-11-21T11:37:00.000-08:00

Day 2 After Treatment - Cow Riding in Thies

This photo was taken Tuesday afternoon in Thies. Just seconds after this picture was taken I jumped on the cow and took her for a ride around downtown Thies. Tim's camera ran out of film at the worst time. Also, if you look closely, behind the cow you will see the Bon Marche Supermarket where we buy most of our processed food.

Needless to say, the drugs are working and Taylor and I are on the way to full recovery. Yes, we are taking it easy and drinking lots of fluids and minimal "physical activity" ie. work duty.

McKailey and Maddie - I wish Tim could have gotten a picture of me riding this African Cow for you. Maybe next time.

DEATH TO MOSQUITOS

2006-11-20T08:45:00.000-08:00

Taylor and Craig Test Positive for Malaria !!!!!!!

(Staged photo for effect - I wish I could do the "eye thing" like Taylor)

Dr Adamson took Taylor and I to the hospital laboratory this morning (Monday). We both tested positive for Malaria which means: We have parasites doing the back stroke in our red blood cells. This is the same form of Malaria that Connie and Tim contracted. It is called a Protazoan Parasite, specifically: Plasmodium falciparum. The bad news about this red cell space invader is that it is responsible for 90% of the deaths from Malaria, which can occur within 24-48 hours after onset. The good news, is that once you kill it (with medication, which we are on) it does not stay in your system and reappear later.

Our slides showed a low level of infestation, partly because of the preventative medicine we are on and mostly because of the close observation and care from Dr. Connie. A general level of immunity takes 10 years of exposure to acquire and we do not plan on extending our stay in Senegal at this time. Dr Adamson expects a full recovery but we feel work duties for Taylor and I should be suspended for a minimum of 1 week. (Tim has taught us well).

Plasmodium falciparum (Don't ask me what you are looking at)

Why are all of the Washingtonian's catching Malaria? We don't know! We have taken every precaution possible. We Even consulted the finest Pharmacist in Lewis County who also happens to be a frequent commentator on this blog. Probably, the biggest reason is that this is classified an endemic area, which means a disease that occurs continuously in a specific region. My interpretation is that there are a lot of "hungry nasty mosquito's". There is not preventative medication that is 100% effective. (No vaccine)

Malaria infects between 300 and 500 million people every year and causes between one and three million deaths annually, mostly among young children in Sub-Saharan Africa. This means a death caused by Malaria every 30 seconds. This killer is again, a treatable disease without the infrastructure to treat it. For further Malaria reference feel free to view the following Wikipedia link:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malaria#Pathogenesis

Did the Nasty Mosquito Find us Again????

2006-11-20T06:18:00.000-08:00

After a few days of symptoms, Taylor and Craig are Tested for Malaria

Yes, This is Real Blood

Checking for Results

Test Results to be Posted with the

Next Blog - Stay Tuned

Lost Martian Settlement Found

2006-11-19T09:38:00.000-08:00

Home Sweet Home

(click on photo for larger image)

The Pin Point is the location where we are living. Directly East, across the field is the School Leaders home and classroom. The field is where I have been able to photograph all of the exotic African animals. As is evident, it is a pretty barren place. If you want to fly around Thies via Google Earth, Mr. B is offering flight lessons. He can even be your personal pilot.

Senegal Mash Unit

2006-11-19T09:26:00.000-08:00

Connie, Alisha, Lordeinne and Lin

Part of the training of the Advanced Primary Health Care class is working at the local Christian hospital / clinic. This picture was taken after returning from the clinic. Part of the outreach will be working at the clinic. This coming week's lecture is OB, so Connie is hoping to see some new babies opening their eyes to Senegal. Side note: Thanks for all of your comments to this blog. They make our day.

Taylor Is Fluent in French After 2 Weeks!

2006-11-18T01:28:00.000-08:00

Taylor, Alisha and John Baptiste

Pictured above is Alisha (Canada) Taylor (Paris) and Jean Baptiste (Senegal). Jean Baptiste is the class interpertor. He is giving Taylor and Alisha lessons in French after dinner Friday night. Taylor also had a French lesson from Aloise while she was on her dish cleaning duty. Jean Baptiste needs to take a week off and feels confident that Taylor will be ready to serve as class interpretor by that time.

Word is getting around about Taylors incredible language skills. After I registered with the U.S. consulate in Dakar, they emailed and asked if Taylor would be the designated interpretor for any Heads of State visiting Senegal. Her mother and father felt she was too young at this time and declined.

Meet the Cook(s)

2006-11-17T04:13:00.000-08:00

Constance and Jean'Dare

You've seen those amazing Senegalese lunches, the community plates and great story telling by Aliou? Well, now you get to meet the cook(s). Constance, the head cook and Jean'Dare age 1 work together to bring us exotic lunches every day. Constance has another girl, Dominick, aged 3. Jean'Dare does everything with her mom. They are inseparable. Darrin Harris, Bocatta's, if you are reading this blog, let me know and I can ask Constance for some of her favorite Senegalese recipes. West Africa is pretty close to the Mediterranean.

The Drums of Senegal

2006-11-16T13:53:00.000-08:00

Nelly Andrews "Wanna Be" learning drums from Josiah Phiri

Josiah is teaching me some rhythms on a Senegalese drum. These drums sound incredible. They have many different tones depending on how and where the hand strikes the drum. As shown in the picture, the drum is tipped forward so that the sound can escape the bottom and the hands strike the drum at an angle. Josiah can really let it rip. The drums are used in ceremonies and general entertainment. Senegal is known for drums. it is not uncommon to hear drummers practicing as we walk through neighborhoods. Nelly, if there is anyway we can get one of these home I will personally give you a lesson.

HIV / AIDS - This weeks topic at Advanced Primary Health Care

2006-11-16T10:08:00.000-08:00

Dr. Richard and Prilla Rowland

This weeks speakers are Richard and Prilla Rowland, based in England. Dr. Rowland and Prilla have dedicated their lives to the eradication of AIDS and care for the dying. Their message is centered on compassion, and education in the prevention of HIV / AIDS. They spent 10 years in Rwanda from 1973 to 1983 and continue to visit and work in Rwanda on a regular basis. They speak of many friends that were affected by the genocide in 1995. They head an organization named Judah Trust.

I asked Dr. Rowland when we can expect to have medical care for those affected with HIV / AIDS in 3rd world countries. His answer surprised me. There is alot of money available today, but no infastructure to distribute the drugs and monitor the patients. A person who begins drug therapy must be closely monitored and faithfully follow the prescription. To do otherwise would make his condition worse, than if he had not taken any medication at all. If you have medical skills or want to have medical skills.............. what an opportunity.

Happy Birthday to You

2006-11-16T09:47:00.000-08:00

Birthday Girl and her husband - Thies Senegal

Connie and Craig celebrating Connie's _ _ birthday. Last year Connie celebrated to the dances of 6 Fijians in the Islands of Samoa. Her day in Senegal started with a chorus of happy birthday in English and Senegalese, accompianed by drums. Pizza and ice cream for lunch and Lin Grey made a special peanut butter and chocolate dessert for tonight. Yes, her appetite and energy have returned. A good sign.

Taylor, swaggering into the restaurant was greeted, to the surprise of Connie and I, "Bonjour Taylor" from Monique, her regular waitress (they serve pizza and ice cream). Her mother was proud of her for continuing the tradition of "fast food ministries" founded by Connie herself.

Taylor wishing she could be eating fish and rice instead of pizza.

Neighborhood Cows and Boys (Cowboys)

2006-11-15T10:10:00.000-08:00

Open Range (Neighborhood) Cows

This is our local herd of cattle. I placed this picture for my Aunt Rose. She has a ranch in Kansas where the cattle roam just like these. Rose, I can arrange an export if you would like? Unlike the goats, these were without a herder and I still haven't seen any cattle guards.

The Neighborhood Boys

As I was taking pictures of the Cattle, these boys who are Josiah's friends, walked up and asked if I would take their picture. They are fine looking young men.

How to Avoid Being Crushed by a Boa

2006-11-15T09:51:00.000-08:00

Don't let this happen to you!

Aliou is demonstrating how a Boa constrictor grabs his prey. Connie was strolling around the tail of the snake (rope) when the Boa flex's it's tail and wraps around Connie. Once he has a hold on her, he has leverage to bring the head up and give her a big hugggg.

How to walk next to a Boa - Don't

Never - walk next to a Boa. Always stay a good distance away and never get between the tail and the head. If you want to have snake stew, you must approach from the head and be quick about it. Aliou says it tastes like chicken.

Aliou and the Cobra snake

2006-11-15T09:27:00.000-08:00

Aliou telling his cobra story
Josiah "Interpreting"

At lunch today we begged Aliou to tell us snake stories from his village days. When he was growing up his mother always teased him that if he was bad, a cobra would bite him. The first time he saw one, it raised up (as shown on the right) and he ran as fast as he could.

Malaria Stikes Another Washingtonian !!!!

2006-11-14T06:04:00.000-08:00

Tim Grey Recovering from Malaria

Tim Grey, Mossyrock, husband of Lin Grey, Uncle of Dave Clary, Associate Broker, Coldwell Banker Kline & Associates has been diagnosed with Malaria, Falciparum species. This is the same critter that went after Connie. If you have the following symptoms, get checked for Malaria immediately: Fever, Chills, headache, night sweats, Diarrhea, total exhaustion. Please pray for Tim's quick recovery (we need him to fix stuff here).

Throw your bones on the floor - Senegalese style

2006-11-13T05:58:00.000-08:00

Look at Taylor going after fish and rice

Connie, Taylor and Alua are digging into a delcious Senegalese lunch called Yasa. One dish, 4-6 spoons and an equal number of diners = A cozy, communal dinner. The basic rule is to eat what is directly in front of you. Additionally you can break off (with your utensil) the meat. Alua and I usually assist each other with the meat. He will break off meat with his spoon and throw it in front of me. (I think that means we are friends). I eat what he sent my way and then return the favor. It's a real bonding experience. It is not polite to drift into your neighbors rice territory. When everyone is done, we can pick up the meat and chew the bones.

Bonapetite

The Meal typically consists of a base of rice, meat (today was Tuna) and some kind of sauce. Today we had a spicy onion sauce. I couldn't help but think of Sean and Greg Murphy. They would have loved it.

Throw the Fish Bones on the Floor!

Fish bones, olive pits, etc. are placed on the floor in front of you. When you are done, let everyone know by dropping your utensil on the floor. If you want to commend the chef, bang your spoon on the plate.

Gorree Island , Dakar and the Pick-Pocket Gang

2006-11-11T11:44:00.000-08:00

Tim Grey, Taylor and I (Craig) traveled to Dakar and Gorree Island Saturday. The morning began with extended negotiations for a 1-1/2 hour cab ride to Dakar. $11,000 CFA ($22.00 USD) got us to the ferry terminal.

The boat ride with at least 400 people and no observable life jackets or lifeboats had great views of the harbor and the City of Dakar. It's too bad it lasted only 20 minutes.

Gorree Island is presented as having a history of slave trafficking. In actuality, there were few slaves held on the island. The island today has interesting architecture, no paved roads and 1000 residents. There are buildings that pre-date Columbus discovering America. The downside of Gorree Island is the barrage of "services" being offered. Shopkeepers, shoe shiners, tour guides, "Mont Blanc" pen salesmen. It was impossible to go more that 30 steps without being offerred a product or service. Non-Merce only seemed to encourage them to follow and continue asking. I became so frustrated I began to say Yabba Dabba Do. That did not work either. Eventually after about 50 steps they would give up and in another 30 steps.... (They have an honor code of never interrupting each other, but once alone, you are fair game.

Rather than wait for the 2:00 boat, we decided to take the less crowded 12:00 Boat to Dakar. (Offering of services is not allowed on board)

The prices at Gorree Island were twice the normal cost so we went to the local market next to the train station in Dakar. (We checked for a train running to Thies, but none running on Saturday). At the market we ran into a hat salesman seen on the right with Taylor and I. His name is Alpha. He spoke English, Spanish, Wolof and French, all learned on the street. I don't believe he could read. Alpha helped Taylor purchase some local items to use at the cultural fair she will participate in when she returns. Alpha continued on with us for the rest of the afternoon as our "personal advisor".. and more. Dakar is known for pick-pockets.

We asked Alpha for a restaurant recommendation. He said, " yes, a great french restaurant,just a little walk." After 20 long minutes of walking the streets of Dakar, mostly uphill, in the heat of the day, we arrived and had a great French meal. We asked Alpha to join us and he agreed but would not eat. We were able to ask Alpha many questions about the Muslim faith. It was a great meal and discussion. Tim had a great idea of buying a hat on installment. We put 1/3 down and told Alpha we would return for additional installments at which time, we would expect our hat. He was puzzled, but agreed. Alpha is 34 years old, has a wife and lives with his family. (All Senegalese look at least 10 years younger than their age). On our return to the Train station, we encountered a group of men that began arguing with Alpha. It was a rather heated discussion in French. Later, Tim asked what the argument was about. Alpha casually explained that they were pick-pockets that wanted him to give us up. Alpha protected us. God Bless Alpha. We will see Alpha again.

The 3 hour taxi ride home was filled with gridlock, dust, choking fumes, great street scenes and a total shutdown of traffic to allow the President of Senegal's motorcade to pass (picture at left). He was on his way to Thies for a rare appearance. We made it back to Thies about 5:00 PM and considered our day a success.

Credits: Many of the above photos compliments of Tim Grey. Always ready with the camera and CIA trained in taking pictures without the subject being aware. (most of the time)

Click on pictures for larger display

Tim's Photo site is: http://www.timlingrey.com/timlinafrica1/

Tim's Blog Site is: http://timlingrey.wordpress.com/

Roof Top

2006-11-10T13:10:00.000-08:00

As the sun goes down and the temperatures follow, we like to go to the rooftop and enjoy the sunset and evening breeze. The more I look at this land, the more it reminds me of what the Middle East must look like.

From front to back, Josiah, one of my students (more about my class later), Stephen, from South Africa, Lordienne from Cameroon, Taylor, student and daughter, and Merilyn, sister of Josiah and also my student. We are enjoying an evening on the rooftop while loud Muslim prayers are broadcast from all directions via large outdoor loudspeakers. The neighbors rooftop is home to a herd of goats.

2006-11-10T03:24:00.000-08:00

Connie and Marie Cecile have breakfast work duty. Every morning they prepare breakfast which is comprised of French Bread, water tea and now Starbucks coffee. Connie used to walk to the bread store but now it is delivered every day. Marie Cecile is married to a Senegalese Pastor, so her proper title is Madame Pastor. Connie and Marie Cecile love working together. They try to wake up before each other in the morning to get the work done before the other gets up. Marie Cecile speaks very limited English but they seem to communicate very well together. The picture is of them doing dishes in the kitchen.

Here is breakfast, prepared by Connie and Marie Cecile. Eating breakfast from left to right are Tim Grey, husband of Lin Grey, fix it man, photographer, local celebrity and uncle of Dave Clary. Alisha from Edmonton Canada, Jean Baptiste, Senegalese and class interpreter, and Stephen from South Africa. Tim is drinking Kenya Bold Starbucks coffee. The steam to the left of Tim is from the brewing coffee.

The most interesting things happen outside our building. As I was shaving at the laundry room sink this morning, I noticed a herd of goats and what appeared to be a goat herder. I grabbed my camera and asked if I could take a picture of him with his goats. He graciously consented and here it is. The goats looked pretty skinny. We live in a residential area. But there is a lot of dry brush they can chew on.

Craig and Taylors Arrival in Senegal

2006-11-09T15:05:00.000-08:00

Connie and Taylor in Thies Senegal

Craig and Taylor joined Connie in Thies, Senegal early this week. After over 24 hours of travel via San Fransisco and Paris we arrived on a late night flight into Dakar, the seaport capital of Senegal. All the luggage made it, and we had lots of "aggressive luggage handlers" that were looking for a job to push our luggage cart through customs and into the parking lot. Connie met us outside of customs along with Abduli, the driver of a vehicle owned by a local missionary service. We made it through town and were traveling a rural highway towards Thies when we were flagged over, by police at an police checkpoint. After 20 minutes of interrogation our driver was able to come back to the vehicle and take us on to Thies, our new home. The bad news for Abduli was he had to return to the checkpoint after dropping us off and spend the night under some form of arrest until he could pay for the crime of driving with a broken taillight. (The taillight worked, some of the plastic was broken). It was midnight by the time we arrived and were greeted by a classmate of Connie's - Lordienne, from Cameroon. She said later she always stays up if anyone is out late.

Thies is a city of 500,000 with all modes of transportation from cars to buses to horse drawn carts. The climate is hot and arid with very little vegetation.

The spoken language is French along with Wolof. Most of Connie"s classmates speak only French and so we are constantly trying to learn their language. The unspoken language of a smile and laughter seems to work well in most situations.