Language Learning Joys

Dictionary Progressing and a Boy Named Omar
It is hard to believe that we have already completed our fourth week. We are busy in the work that God has called us to for this time. I am about 1500 words into the dictionary. I have at least 6000 words to work through. I had some internet problems this week and began to get a little behind. Lornel helped with some data entry in the evenings which allowed me to get caught up. Omar is the name of the boy that I mentioned in our last blog entry who is teaching me some Zarma. This week we had him in our home, he taught me some Zarma and then I taught him to play Phase 10. He seemed to enjoy his time with us. I would like to continue to meet with Omar for language learning and to build a relationship with him.

Lornel's Highlight
Lornel has been getting African cooking lessons from a lady named Hamsatou. Hamsatou is also teaching Lornel some Western Fulfulde. Lornel has immensely enjoyed her time with Hamsatou. Hamsatou is a fairly new believer. One highlight to their time together was when Hamsatou saw Lornel's copy of Philippians 2 on the table. Lornel and I have been working on memorizing this chapter during this trip. Hamsatou asked Lornel what it was. Lornel explained to her what we are working on, and some of what is in the chapter. Hamsatou told Lornel that she too wants to memorize this chapter in Fulfulde. I checked with Milton, and found out that Philippians has already been completed and consultant checked, so we will get Hamsatou a copy this week.

The picture in this week's blog is of Lornel with a Tomacheq lady that we see and greet almost every day. We see her as we walk to SIL each day.

Prayer Requests:

• For God to continue to bless and work in our times with Omar and Hamsatou
• For much to get done in the dictionary as this is a short work week for us (see next request for reason).
• For a safe trip to Torodi (We are traveling to Torodi to visit a family that is working in Literacy in this village. We leave on Thursday morning and return on Sunday afternoon. We will travel via bush taxi.)

Praises:

• For good meetings with Omar and Hamsatou this week.
• For all the encouragement and support that each of you have been to us during this trip.
• For a good day of prayer yesterday (SIM dedicates the last Friday of the month for a half day prayer meeting 8AM until noon)