So what have I been up to the last 2 weeks...

I had the opportunity to go to an orphanage a couple weeks ago. I went with about 8 other people. There were about 25 toddlers at the orphanage, many of whom had been left in dumpsters as babies, some with signs around their necks reading "HIV +." I held one sick and malnourished boy the whole time who was too weak to stand. He held a cookie in his hand, but didn't have the energy to eat it. He got pee and snot all over me, and all he wanted was just to be held and loved. It broke my heart. So we had story time, played games, then we fed them. I was so glad that my guy was a good eater when I helped him. After lunch they were brought inside where each child was set on a little bowl and encouraged to relieve themselves. I'm not sure how well their system works, many of the kids had wet pants before they got to the bowls... It was quite an experience.

Then I started my night shifts. Let's just say those 4 nights were definitely a low point for me. You may have noticed that I have a new verse in my heading. My cousin Grace shared this verse with me, and it was such an encouragement to know that I could just cling to God. I was also very encouraged after talking to my parents. I started to realize during these night shifts that God did not intend for this to be an easy time for me. He is testing and refining me, and being so faithful in the process.

This past week I finally made it to the craft market (twice!). The first time I walked with some friends, and it took about 45 minutes. The second time I took a taxi with other friends. Here it is:

There were a bunch of different booths that sold exactly the same things (table cloths, necklaces, wooden carvings), and everyone yelled at you, saying "Please, let me show you my shop! I give you good price!" Needless to say, it got a little old. The craft market wasn't as busy as the main market which I also had the chance to experience. At this market there were aisles and aisles of batteries, underwear, sunglasses, chickens, goats.....you name it, they had it. I think it was like Cotonou's Meijer.

This past weekend I went to Grand Popo with some friends. I camped. Yes, camped. I went with a group of 5 girls and 1 guy. I was the only nurse in the bunch, the others work as teachers, in hospitality, in HR... We took a taxi (just a mini-van that we crammed 9 people in - a couple other people from Mercy Ships were going with a difference group, but rode with us) We left Saturday morning, and it took about 2 1/2 hours to get there. This is the van we took:

Here's some info about Grand Popo if you're interested: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grand-Popo. So we set up our tents at the resort (it cost us $3 each to camp), then laid on the beach - it was absolutely BEAUTIFUL!! Saturday night we had dinner at the resort. The other girls just ordered chicken and fries, but I thought I should try something African. So I ordered calamari with curry. After waiting 1 1/2 hours (the electricity kept going out, so that may have had something to do with how quickly the food was cooked) I got a SLAB of squid. It was approximately 6" x 6" x 1". As soon as I put the first bite in my mouth I had a gag reflex. It was like chewing on a tire. Never in my life have I eaten something so vile. And I never will again. Here's some pics of the resort:

This is Jamie, she's from Arizona and works in hospitality.

Paul (from the U.K. - does something in the engine room), Jamie, and me.

Christina (from California, teacher), me, Haley (from Alabama, teacher)

Then on Sunday we hired a local guy to give us a tour on a canoe. It was so peaceful and serene. We went through a mangrove and saw a bunch of crabs, drank from a coconut, then he took us to a village called Hévé, which is a Voodoo village. Many of the people are Catholic but still practice Voodoo. It was so sad to walk through the village and know that the people knew nothing of the freedom, forgiveness, and love they could have in Jesus. I didn't get many pictures from the village because the people believe that if you take their picture you are stealing their soul. But here are a few from the outing:

The canoe we took, the guide (in white and blue) and the paddler (in red)

Crayfish! Caught by local fishermen, and kept in this basket.

The Voodoo village

A Voodoo god - the protector of the village.

We got back Sunday night, and I'm ready for another week!