9 May 2007
Tuesday evening I talked about the Missiological Institute with Joel Gray as their family were our rostered meal hosts As a result, I met some key personnel and participated in my first Missiological institute committee meeting Wed afternoon, and was slotted to teaching devotions at Thursday morning. It is a bit complicated to get to, but not far on bumpy dirt roads about 15 min. from the SIM office.
This meeting happened after lunch with an English couple in a duplex which is one possibility for me, about 7 min drive from the office sort of in the direction of IMS. It’s smaller than any of the places I’ve lived in in Benin, but there would be a Swiss couple next door to start and an American lady later. Like IMS, it seems an extremely complicated route from the office, and both way off the taxi routes so I’ve been advised I should have transport. I explained I’m willing to pay extra to book a regular taxi, since I won’t get much for selling my car in Benin (I’ve been told that customs, repair and resell costs make it worth little to bring here) and will probably need those funds for moving costs.
I haven’t been sleeping well since my arrival - the heat at night coupled with a really hard foam mattress. It should be rainy season soon, though, which will be better for sleeping but not for getting around the mostly dirt roads of Ouaga. Hopefully by next hot season I’ll be more used to the climate.
10 May 2007
In between being taken out to visit sites we need to learn about and meals to get to know Ouagadougou SIMers, Ariane and I have been taken shopping a bit to see where to get things, and wandered a little around the quartier but still have lots to explore. The heat cuts short walks except if very early or late. I need to get a map since I can’t remember how to get back anywhere. I’m missing the convenience of the prevalent Cotonou taximotos, who would take you from anywhere to anywhere for a reasonable fee - even car taxis don’t seem to turn up near the mission, near any accommodation I’ve visited or near the Institute.
After getting the all-clear on my project last week I’ve felt free to get stuck fully into things and am continually asking questions trying to get my bearings as soon as possible. I’ll attend the closest church this Sunday and try the other ones out once I know where I’m living and what are the transport possibilities. I’d like to friends with some African women, perhaps by joining a choir??? I’d appreciate prayer about the whole accommodation thing (especially getting something close to other missionaries but also available transport) and the moving, which looks increasingly complicated.
