Monday morning was both sad and filled with anticipation as we said goodbye to our new friends. A few last pictures of the house and friends, some bread for breakfast, and we were off. After picking up some additional Malaria meds, we left Mbour and headed for Dakar. The traffic on the outskirts of Dakar was pretty bad. It was quite backed up. We had plenty of time to visit with David and Cheryl as we waited in traffic. People with items for sale were walking all through the traffic trying to sell phone cards, nuts, and anything else they could find to sell to the captive audience. We stopped for lunch at a restaurant called Cesar’s. They specialized in fried chicken and shiskabobs. It was the first restaurant we had eaten in the whole time in Senegal. Then we arrived at the IMB compound in Dakar. It had an interesting sign on the front gate identifying it as some sort of business. David told us that it wasn’t a good plan to operate too openly in the culture there. It was nice, consisting of a small house used as offices and a two story hotel like building, with about eight rooms, where the missionaries stay as they arrive in Senegal. They also use it as a staging point for arriving missionaries before they travel out to their assigned area. Dakar’s paved downtown streets were quite a change from what we had seen in Mbour. Some areas there looked much like San Antonio. We then drove over to the Artisan craft area and did some shopping. Jessica and I bought some interesting items to take home. Jessica found a few paintings, while I found several carved wooden animals. David & Cheryl found a few nice items as well. One item in particular was a large carving of the Lord’s supper on which David was able to get a good deal. If I could have figured how to get it home, I might have snagged it from him! An hour or so of rest at the IMB compound and then we were off to a restaurant for dinner. We ate at a restaurant that was right on the ocean and was the western most point in Africa. I took some photos of the large pile of rocks. Back to the IMB compound for a quick shower and making sure all our items were safely packed and then off to the airport about 11:30pm. David & Cheryl graciously gave me a Wolof Bible with a very nice note inside. As we told David & Cheryl good bye, we realized the depth of the relationship that had formed in just a very short time with these very special people. Even after having spent two weeks with them, sharing some of their experiences in this foreign land, it was still difficult to fathom the depth of their commitment and sacrifice in choosing to serve in Senegal. It reminds us of how important it is for us to pray for our missionaries as they represent both us, and Jesus Christ. Thank you just didn’t seem enough as we waved goodbye and entered the airport. We had no problems with customs and the flight home was without incident. We arrived back in Texas around noon, Jessica in Houston and me in San Antonio. Thank you all for going along with us in spirit and prayer. Your prayers and support made this all possible. Thank you all very much! |