I'm sending this post as the team has a lesson in Fon, one of the 52 languages of Benin. They are working with Rob Baker, one of my friends from SIL-Wycliffe. He and his wife are pictured in a previous post.
If you want to learn more about Fon, go to this website Fon Is Fun made by a former Peace Corps volunteer to Benin.
Friday, May 26, 2006
Price Family Update--25 May 2006
The team had a decent first day. It was a holiday—Ascension. So, the city was a little less crazy today than usual.
We took them to the US Embassy to register where Ruth, our friend, gave us a new perspective on what it means to serve overseas. Her 21 years in Foreign Service have given her much wisdom. One of the topics we discussed was how the fear of “voudon” thwarts progress and development across the African continent. We talked at lunch about how they are not just Christian missionaries living as a witness overseas, but also Christian workers in many professions working outside the country of their birth.
We bought some cloth at Missebo market today. This “panier’ will be turned into colorful robes and shirts over the next few days but tailors and seamstresses. We haggled and bartered our prices. We found a wonderful female merchant, a “Mama,” who gave us a good price the first time. She got a lot of business today.
Taylor won, huh? That’s who my brother said would win.
We came back to the house and the team entertained the neighborhood kids for a couple of hours. Payton talked Matthew Johnston’s ear off about Transformers. Heard some interesting stories about life in French school. I hope Parker and Payton don’t have the same experience—three hours of homework every night and four-hour tests on Saturday. Ugh. It’s good for Matthew to be with our boys, I think he finds some kinship with our kids since he knows what it is like to grow up overseas.
The boys love having the team here. The students give them lots of needed attention. Parker was at Missebo with us. Someone wanted to barter for some cloth. Parker said, “Come on, I’ll talk them down for you.” Parker found an able opponent in Ryan. They were duking it out on Mario Karts tonight. Payton was chatting away with Joe, Liz, and Lauren at dinner tonight.
Just another day. Tomorrow, we take a step further into the culture.
We took them to the US Embassy to register where Ruth, our friend, gave us a new perspective on what it means to serve overseas. Her 21 years in Foreign Service have given her much wisdom. One of the topics we discussed was how the fear of “voudon” thwarts progress and development across the African continent. We talked at lunch about how they are not just Christian missionaries living as a witness overseas, but also Christian workers in many professions working outside the country of their birth.
We bought some cloth at Missebo market today. This “panier’ will be turned into colorful robes and shirts over the next few days but tailors and seamstresses. We haggled and bartered our prices. We found a wonderful female merchant, a “Mama,” who gave us a good price the first time. She got a lot of business today.
Taylor won, huh? That’s who my brother said would win.
We came back to the house and the team entertained the neighborhood kids for a couple of hours. Payton talked Matthew Johnston’s ear off about Transformers. Heard some interesting stories about life in French school. I hope Parker and Payton don’t have the same experience—three hours of homework every night and four-hour tests on Saturday. Ugh. It’s good for Matthew to be with our boys, I think he finds some kinship with our kids since he knows what it is like to grow up overseas.
The boys love having the team here. The students give them lots of needed attention. Parker was at Missebo with us. Someone wanted to barter for some cloth. Parker said, “Come on, I’ll talk them down for you.” Parker found an able opponent in Ryan. They were duking it out on Mario Karts tonight. Payton was chatting away with Joe, Liz, and Lauren at dinner tonight.
Just another day. Tomorrow, we take a step further into the culture.
Wednesday, May 24, 2006
Good Friend's Great Blog
Here's a link to Rob Baker's blog
Rob is highly entertaining and energetic and that personality comes through in the blog. He and wife Lois serve with SIL-Wycliffe as teachers at the English International School in Cotonou (that's where Sonya taught for a while during the last year and a half). Their service at the school helps SILers send their kids to the school at a reduced rate.
Here's a photo of Rob and Lois:
Rob is also very musically inclined to say the least. He is also an ethnomusicologist for SIL (that means he helps language groups write worship songs based on Scripture in their own language). Rob also leads worship for our English fellowship.
Lois is the calm in the midst of Rob's whirlwind. Very great couple to pass the time with. They have three kids about the same ages as Parker and Payton.
Also, if you ever wondered what the difference was between Cockney, Yorkshire, and Surrey accents in England--Rob's the go-to guy. I now know there is not a such a thing as a British accent, but hundreds of British accents--and Rob can do them all.
Cheers.
Rob is highly entertaining and energetic and that personality comes through in the blog. He and wife Lois serve with SIL-Wycliffe as teachers at the English International School in Cotonou (that's where Sonya taught for a while during the last year and a half). Their service at the school helps SILers send their kids to the school at a reduced rate.
Here's a photo of Rob and Lois:
Rob is also very musically inclined to say the least. He is also an ethnomusicologist for SIL (that means he helps language groups write worship songs based on Scripture in their own language). Rob also leads worship for our English fellowship.
Lois is the calm in the midst of Rob's whirlwind. Very great couple to pass the time with. They have three kids about the same ages as Parker and Payton.
Also, if you ever wondered what the difference was between Cockney, Yorkshire, and Surrey accents in England--Rob's the go-to guy. I now know there is not a such a thing as a British accent, but hundreds of British accents--and Rob can do them all.
Cheers.
Price Family Update -- 24 May 2006
A couple of stories about our arrival. When Parker and I arrived at our house, I noticed Parker was teary-eyed. I asked him, “What’s wrong?” He said, “Nothing, I’m just happy.” Then, two nights ago when we got Sonya and Payton back to the house, Payton said, “I can’t believe we’re back in Africa, I must be dreaming.”
Imagine the slugger who makes the game-winning homerun in the last game of the World Series. All of his teammates mob him when he reaches home plate. That’s what happened when Payton walked into his classroom at the French school yesterday. It kind of freaked him out, but his friends have been asking about him. Also, a similar thing happened to Parker at an ice cream place we often go to. One of the waiters (about 6’6”) swooped him off his feet and almost lifted him to the ceiling.
We’ve been scrambling to get things ready for the team. Most of everything is done, just lots of loose ends. My biggest concern is reliable transport. One of our biggest issues last year. We plan on visits to Lome, Abomey, Ke, Ganvie, and several neighborhoods in Cotonou.
At the same time, our car only starts 75% of the time and the car window won’t roll up as of last night (not a good thing to happen during rainy season). We have a strong lead on a Toyota RAV4 just waiting for the wire transfer.
Just heard a JESUS Film team might be coming in a few months. Pray for them as they gather participants and raise funds.
I know I’ve acclimated when Sonya says, “It’s so incredibly hot right now.” And, I think to myself that the temperature actually feels pretty cool (“frais” as they say here).
Another note: I love Tim Horton’s coffee, but the coffee on Air France is way better. Never thought I’d say that, but I just wrote it.
Prayer note: We’re looking at rental space for team accommodations and educational teaching space. Pray for us to make the best decision—we’ve got a couple of options.
Imagine the slugger who makes the game-winning homerun in the last game of the World Series. All of his teammates mob him when he reaches home plate. That’s what happened when Payton walked into his classroom at the French school yesterday. It kind of freaked him out, but his friends have been asking about him. Also, a similar thing happened to Parker at an ice cream place we often go to. One of the waiters (about 6’6”) swooped him off his feet and almost lifted him to the ceiling.
We’ve been scrambling to get things ready for the team. Most of everything is done, just lots of loose ends. My biggest concern is reliable transport. One of our biggest issues last year. We plan on visits to Lome, Abomey, Ke, Ganvie, and several neighborhoods in Cotonou.
At the same time, our car only starts 75% of the time and the car window won’t roll up as of last night (not a good thing to happen during rainy season). We have a strong lead on a Toyota RAV4 just waiting for the wire transfer.
Just heard a JESUS Film team might be coming in a few months. Pray for them as they gather participants and raise funds.
I know I’ve acclimated when Sonya says, “It’s so incredibly hot right now.” And, I think to myself that the temperature actually feels pretty cool (“frais” as they say here).
Another note: I love Tim Horton’s coffee, but the coffee on Air France is way better. Never thought I’d say that, but I just wrote it.
Prayer note: We’re looking at rental space for team accommodations and educational teaching space. Pray for us to make the best decision—we’ve got a couple of options.
Price Family Update--23 May 2006
Sonya and Payton arrived in Cotonou with no problems. The boys are at school. Sonya is running a couple of errands.
We’re looking forward to the team of university students and sponsors from Mount Vernon Nazarene University that will be arriving tomorrow night. Remember them as they are traveling and during their time here.
Their names are Amber, Jessica, Elizabeth, Cory, Lauren, Matthew, Lindsay, Ryan, Julianne, Kassandra, Mallorey, Joe, and Heather.
The fun never stops.
It’s been fun to be back into the swing of things in Benin.
We’re looking forward to the team of university students and sponsors from Mount Vernon Nazarene University that will be arriving tomorrow night. Remember them as they are traveling and during their time here.
Their names are Amber, Jessica, Elizabeth, Cory, Lauren, Matthew, Lindsay, Ryan, Julianne, Kassandra, Mallorey, Joe, and Heather.
The fun never stops.
It’s been fun to be back into the swing of things in Benin.
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