Note: Pete sent me texts via the Iridium satellite for this post. Internet access is not available. — Joe

The full moon just began to  peek above the dry bush country of West Africa. The bright starlight yields to the moon’s orange glow and lights our path. The cool evenings here give time to reflect, time to take in the smallness of our lives compared to the grandness of the heavens.

With no internet, I peer up, trying to catch a glimpse of the Iridium satellite carrying my 160 character text messages that Joe will glue into a blog post. It is so peaceful here. We are staying in a training facility far from civilization, where young adults learn trades (carpentry, tailoring, etc.) and to lead bible studies.

The Fulani are more reserved, quieter, and shy than other tribes. They are often nomadic, leading their herds, across fields that are not theirs. We are enjoying slowly becoming friends with this group of Christians in an area that is almost exclusively Muslim. They reluctantly smile at my dancing giving me a chance to snap a few pictures. I won’t be able to upload them until I get internet, maybe in a day or two.

Tomorrow we will continue to record Christians praying, telling Bible stories, and singing. We are in good hands here, and slowly picking up a few Fulani and French words. The leader has asked if we would like to go home before our year of service to the Fulani is complete :-). The locals work hard. The young men wake up at 4:45 am to run laps around the facility and then pray. We slept in a bit :-). But we look forward to the hard work here, even as my eyes droop.

Time for bed. Thanks for your support and prayers. Goodnight.