Winter is here, but by
Yesterday was a Muslim holiday with lots of chanting over the loud speakers during the morning. All the stores and government offices were closed so the faithful could slaughter a sheep and cook it up to celebrate Abraham almost sacrificing his son. As you know, at the last minute God provided a sheep so Abraham’s son was spared. Christians read in the Bible (Gen. 12) that the son was Issac, the Muslims think it was Ishmael. A little test of faith and righteousness in any case.
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I was supposed to go over to a Muslim friends house to watch the slaughter of a sheep, but I had to work and didn’t even get a chance to go to the feast afterwards. Maybe next year.
Everyone eats out of a common dish using your hands, no silverware at all. At this guys house there are three mats where the meal is served. One for all the old guys, one for the young guys and a separate one for the women away from the men. The other day I had lunch with them, the tribal name is Guron, by the way. The Guron are one of the upper caste tribes in the north of
We went to an African church Sunday. Very cool. We really liked it. It was a two and a half hour service, lots of music and a series of short talks honoring the folks we are replacing. The seating was benches that had seat backs and it was hot and crowded. And now we know where black gospel music comes from. At one point the pastor wanted to talk but the choir leader wouldn’t give up the microphone because he wanted everyone to keep singing. It was very spiritual event. One guy was on his hands and knees, Muslim style, praying away. We’re looking forward to going back.
Afterwards, there was a reception for the Hodges at the TEAM compound. By the time the day was finished, well over a hundred and fifty people had shown up for their goodbyes.
The first people to arrive was a group of 60 or so women from the church. They were all wearing the same clothes with matching hats and sang and danced to celebrate the Hodges departure. It was very impressive to see how highly regarded the Hodges are. After being here for 43 years, the Hodges will be missed. They have done a great deal to build strong relations between the mission community and the Chadian church.