Mali Trip: The End - 9.9.2008
Heading back to Bamako so I can catch my flight, we stopped for the night at the Eadelman’s (WorldVenture missionaries in Mali). I had a wonderful meal of waffles and great conversations. The Eadelmans were telling me of an oral translation being done here of the Bible stories. They were proofing the story of David and Bathsheba by telling it to one of their national language helpers, who is a woman, for comprehension and understanding. After telling her the story, the Senoufo woman looked confused. They asked if she could understand it, which she said yes, but she said it didn’t make sense. They asked her why and she asked, for clarification, if David was the king. They said yes. So she said, “Well, if he is the king, then why is it wrong for him to take any woman he wants? He is the king. It is his right.”
The drive to Bamako from the Eadleman’s was long, but the roads greatly improve the closer you get to Bamako. We went souvenir shopping when we got to Bamako, mainly just to walk around. Like any third world market, you were crammed into two million people, seemingly walking in all different directions than you. Because you are white, the vendors scream at you, “My friend!” and chase you, literally, two blocks with some cheap something that he will give you for a “special price.” I really don’t like malls for this same reason; too many people all at once. I like people, but not when a bus, a moto, a scooter, another bus, a government official’s Mercedes, thirty-four people and you all want to be in the same place at the same time. Something has to give, so people are thrown out of their rhythm and chaos ensues. The really only redeeming factor is seeing the appreciation of the people I am fighting to get gifts for and bartering with the shop keepers, which Laura is an expert at. She got everything for less than cheap.
I really don’t want to leave Africa because this is where my heart is, but I’m tired of living out of a suitcase, sleeping in foreign beds or couches, and not having any routine. So, I’m looking forward to going back and getting settled into my room at the house in Lynchburg, VA. But praise God, I love Africa! I can’t wait to settle into my home here!