ICA Outreach in Sikasso: Day 4
Day 4 (Mon, Jan 21):
After a late night Sunday, we were able to sleep in a little, at
least till 7:30am! We left for a historical tour of Sikasso late
morning. We were taken to a number of different sites around
the town and learned about the kingdom that once existed
here. We saw a portion of the old wall that surrounded the city
and learned some other interesting historical facts about the
city. This was a an added perk to our trip, as ICA is in the
middle of our annual African Culture Month.
After a late lunch, we headed to the stadium early to be able to
get a group of seats all together. We were dressed in our
orange, white, and green t-shirts and sat in a large group to
make an Ivoirian flag. It was clearly visible from accross the
stadium. We were even noticed by an Ivoirian official from
across the stadium who sent over a delegate to convey his
pleasure at our presensentation and participation. It was a lot
of fun to be ab
le to show our spirit and support Cote d'Ivoire.
The score was not what we wanted, 0-0, but the game was still
exciting, especially the last minute!
We got home late and had supper. After which we had time to
recognize and give our thanks to the ladies from the church
who had spent so much time in the preparation of our meals.
It was then showers and lights out at 11:00pm. Morning would
come too soon.
Email Message from Sikasso:
Good morning,
We are into our third and last day in Sikasso. Time sure flies!
Yesterday, Sunday afternoon we had a program at the location next to the
stadium. It was quite well attended. The group was also able to get to see
a game in the early evening. That was quite fun. Tonight we look forward
to getting to cheer on the Cote d'Ivoire team.
The kids have been doing great. This has definitely been a camping and
cultural experience. The tents are set up in the dirt and sand. There is no
grass anywhere in the courtyard, (maybe none in the whole neighborhood.) It
is very dusty and everything gets dirty very fast. During the day the wind
is quite strong, so by the time we get into our tents at night, everything
has a fine layer of dust on it. The ladies of the church have been making
very tasty meals and also preparing hot water for us for bathing in the
morning and evening. All of this cooking has been done in huge pots over
wood fires. There is one faucet in the courtyard that provides all our
water. We have 3 squat pottys and 3 shower/bathing areas.
The guys even have a fancy shower bucket that hangs from a tree. You put
your water into it then pull a chain and "voila" a shower! We have also
adjusted to changes to our schedule. A number of things have been
rearranged on the schedule, and the soccer match that our guys were to play
had sadly been cancelled. We have to trust that God has arranged our time
for His best purposes.
Please pray for the seeds that we have been planting. The dry dusty soil
that does not take seed quickly is somewhat of a picture of the conditions
that exist in many lives. We want to remain faithful though to the charge
of proclaiming Christ Jesus as Saviour and Lord. The sowers are sowing, the
seed is being spread. Pray that it will take root.
Please also pray for the health of a few of the team. We have some that
are run down physically and have colds and sore throats, and some who are
just exhausted.
This may be the last update from Sikasso. We intend to leave very early
tomorrow morning and head home for Bouake. Please pray again for safety in
our travels.
With our love,
The Sikasso Bunch
