On March 20th, we depart for Senegal.
This years trip has many aspects to it.
Like all of our trips...the number one thing that we do is build relationships with people in the village. We know from experience that this is the most important thing we can do. Yes, we know that there are many things in the village that need 'fixing'. But without relationships, we are just toubobs (white people) that have our own agenda. We are not project orientated...but people orientated.
While this approach is not the standard in todays mission trips throughout the US and North America, we truly believe it all starts with relationships. People will argue, you spend all that money to go over there and just drink tea? Like the commercial that states certain things that are priceless...well this is one of those things that are priceless in that context. One year, in the village, a leader in the church told us " We know you actually care for us....you could send us the money we need to advance...but you come back here...year after year...you do care for us"
And while we are building those relationships we will be exploring a few things.
One, is that we will be exploring a clean water program with our guest from Living Water International, Mr. Brad Salzman. Brad is the vice president and he specializes in pump repair. I so look forward to spending a week with Brad and picking his brain on how Living Water does things. Living Water has agreed to 'mentor us' but will not get involved as the commitment cannot be made at this time.
Our idea is to investigate the idea of a self sustainable, simple program. In other words, we will look to restore pumps...install quality hand pumps (as few moving parts as possible)... cover wells that will eliminate debris that blows into this open wells. The other avenue we will explore is a hygiene class that Living Water implements.
I am so excited that my oldest daughter is traveling with us this year.
Sadie and I will spend some considerable time in the village our family has adopted since 2001. Sadie has not been back since 2001.
We found out about four weeks ago that the chief lost his youngest son in that village. He was about three years old. He was my namesake. The chief was so happy the day I came in to the village and showed me his son and told me his name is "Rick'.
I recently found out that he most likely died from meningitis...something that he could have been vaccinated for maybe.
Unfortunately, like most third world countries, vaccinations are a bonus not considered a necessity.In a country where most live on two dollars or less a day and the total expenditure on health care annually is $72...life is meeting immediate needs and then handle things when they become a crisis...which is usually to late.
We plan on giving updates on the blog through out the trip.
Stay Tuned.
Please lift us up in prayer for this trip. We appreciate it.
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