Update 9: Widows, Wells, and Home Visits

My last days in Dano were extremely fun!

After buying some supplies, the interns and I put together several sacks filled with a some basic necessities and gifts to give to the widows of a local church. On Tuesday we went out and delivered the sacks and spent some time visiting and praying with them and walking around the villages.

Widow are extremely common in this culture. Men are usually much older than the women when they marry, and the men usually live shorter lives because several lifestyle factors. Within the Christian communities in Dano, widows are usually cared for very well but periodically the team here likes to encourage and support them with these gifts. It was a wonderful experience!

Several times throughout their internships, the Dano interns have gotten to ride along with some workers for Living Water International. LWI drills and repairs wells all over the world, providing safe drinking water for thousands. The team that the Dano interns have been helping specialize in repairing broken wells. I got to tag along with them on one of the well repair visits, but the road to the well became to muddy for the truck. We got out and walked the rest of the way to the well, but the area around the well was also to flooded to do any work. The repair team made plans to come back later in the week. So after that didn't work out, one of the LWI workers invited us to come to his house! He took us around his village and gave us a full tour of several of the houses in the community.
Being in Dano was a wonderful time and I met many many amazing people. I ask that you continue to pray for Andy and Melissa Johnson as they train local Christian leaders in Dano. As well as the Dano interns; Caleb, Quinn, Chelsea, and Jessica.

I arrived back in Sindou yesterday and only have a few days left here before starting my several day journey back to the U.S. Today we did some follow-up visits with some of the fathers of kids that come to the Children's Health Club. The Hochs were able to ask them questions about the children's health and diet and if the kids are implementing some of the health skills they've been learning. These visits are great ways to open doors to building relationships with the parents of the communities and to further encourage good health and nutrition.

My last few days in Sindou will consist of visiting with the people that have become close friends here, giving gifts, and saying goodbye. I'm excited to see my family and friends back home, but part of me would be completely fine with staying here and ministering to these people that desperately need Christ. Please pray that the people of Sindou will have their eyes opened to the Gospel.

God bless, and see you soon,

Jake