our Christmas party with the neighbors

Ever since I became a missionary, one wish I had was to celebrate Christmas by inviting my neighbors for a Christmas party. I would serve them supper and then show the Jesus film. This year, that dream finally became a reality.

Our previous guard was really excited when I told him of the idea. He said he would invite all 10 of the neighborhood fada groups to come! I said, let's keep it simple for now. We settled on inviting 4 of the groups and I hope we can find a time to invite the others at a later date.

 I knew of someone with a reputation for cooking well. And she gave me a great price for supplying rice, meat, sauce, and beesap for our guests. I asked for food for 80 people, and she brought it directly to my home an hour before the party began. We had plates and spoons for 130 people, and 120 small water bags.

There is a family next door that loans chairs for neighborhood parties. I rented 50 chairs for the day. It was really cute seeing their small kids help carry the chairs across the street to my home. One kid could only carry one at a time but he was so eager to help! He often meets us at our gate when we come home to help open the gate and then close it back. These kids are special!

I passed out invitations for the party to each of our neighbors. My good friend who owns a boutique in our neighborhood posted the announcement on the main wallof the boutique! On the day of, several people stopped us in the street to ask if today was this day, and to say they would come.

Well, the hour came. I had music. I had food. I had chairs. But where are the people? In this culture it is customary to come a bit late. By 820 pm the first groups of people were starting to file in. By 835 nearly every chair was filled, and we started at 845. I presented our family, greeted everyone. I said how wonderful it is to gather together for a Christmas party. I shared that Christmas is a time I think of to give gifts to each other. I shared that I consider each of my neighbors a gift because of their friendship. And then I told the story of the birth of Jesus, God's gift to mankind, so that we may have a relationship with Him. Everyone applauded at the story! I shared that it is my hope to talk more about God with each of you, but tonight, let us share together in this meal.

We asked 3 ladies to help serve the food to everyone. Denise and I shared the last plate. We used all 130 plates. We gave out all the beesap and water bags. We used up all the food, but it seemed to be sufficient. Some of the adults who had food left on their plate shared with the kids, which is cultural here. Praise God for multiplying the food!

About 30-40 people stayed after the meal to watch the Jesus film in their language. Many men asked me to take a photo with them. Everyone took time when they were leaving to thank us for inviting them and to tell us they had a good time.

We hope this will be an annual tradition. It seemed to be a huge success. Now I hope to form a group of men from this who will meet weekly and study the prophets and the teachings of Jesus together.

This was a success thanks to many of you who prayed for this occasion and give to support the work Denise and I do here. We can't thank you enough. When ministry days are hard and it is difficult to find success stories, I hope to always recall this even as a moment where God began to work through his servants to reach the people here in this West African neighborhood.

Merry Christmas! 

Starting Kindergarten

It is a new season of life in the Thagard family! Abby started kindergarten at the end of September. She has been doing great! We look forward to her coming home and sharing any adventures of the day. I’m not gonna lie, it is tough to let her go for a full morning. (Class starts at 7:30 and ends at 11 AM.) Both Roy and I wish that we could just be a fly on the wall and watch to see how well she is doing, but it has been really good for her to be brave and go without mom and dad.

The school she goes to is a Christian school and has mostly missionary kids like Abby, but also a few national kids, and children of diplomatic parents from other countries. It is taught in English. After doing a couple months of summer school in French, Abby is so happy that she gets to hear English at school! There are a total of 10 kids in her class. The original kindergarten teacher wasn’t able to return this year, so Abby has two teachers who trade off throughout the week. The first (Mrs. A) is a mom whose son is in the class. She is a trained teacher. The second (Miss K) is a younger gal who is teaching for the first time. Abby has already drawn Miss K a picture for a present.

One way we get a snapshot of Abby’s day is by hearing how Abby did on the clip chart. Each child has a clothespin with their name on it and they all start at "ready to learn." They get to move their clip up to a “good day,” “great day” or “outstanding” according to how well they are doing in class. Most days Abby gives reports of getting a good or great day! Each morning all the kids start in the middle at “Ready to Learn” and there are steps to go down if they get a warning or have to go in timeout. The bottom level is “contact parents”. At first Abby told me that she wanted to get the bottom one because it had a telephone on it. I had to tell her that she didn’t want that one because it meant that she’d gotten in trouble and that she should try to get the top ones like great day with the stars and caterpillars on it!

Abby loves music and so she tells us that music is one of her favorite classes. She also gets to check out 2 books each week at the library. The first week she came home with 2 Curious George books and the 2^nd week 2 Clifford the big red dog books. She is so excited to read them together throughout the week! She also enjoys playing outside at the playground. One week she brought home a brown paper lunch bag with instructions to bring 3 things that show what she likes. It was a challenge to find small things, but she did a great job and got up in front of the class to show off her treasures (one of which was her stuffed caterpillar--her favorite animal). Her teacher was nice enough to send a picture of her doing show and tell.

Abby showing caterpillar

Abby is already a great reader after doing a year of Hooked on Phonics at home. We know that she will continue to improve. We can already see her improving in her writing and getting more socialization with friends! She has a couple girls who are her age she is becoming friends with. One is in her class and another is doing kindergarten at the French school where Abby went to summer school. Abby is the youngest in her class and so we thought a lot about whether this was the right time to start school or if she should do English or French school. After a couple weeks of school we are confident that this is the right time and the right place for Abby to be learning and we thank God for the opportunity she has to get good instruction in a Christian environment.

Recess!!!

 

Abby loves that Cali greets her every morning when she returns from school. 

Kindergarten open house was her birthday!

Family Addition

We are a few weeks late, but allow us to introduce to you the newest member of our family!

 Her name is Calli. She is a very loving chocolate lab. She is about 5 years old. She loves to play fetch and find the coolest places in the yard to lay. Even when it means digging big holes under the car!

Abby is in love. She chases after Calli anytime they are outside together. She feeds Calli and sits with her, watching her eat every bite. She brushes Calli off before bringing her in for the night. She shouts "Calli Calli" at least 300 times each day. 

Abby even told us that having Calli makes her feel more like she is in America. We are so glad this gives her a deeper level of comfort away from the comforts of her American home.

As I have observed Calli and Abby playing together, a spiritual concept has struck me. Calli is pretty good at obeying when Denise and I ask her to sit, come, and stay. But Calli has no regard whatsoever when Abby gives a command. So it makes me wonder who am I plugged into in life, and how do I know who to obey? Do I listen to God when He directs me each day? When He wants to spend time with me? Do I instead put my focus on people that do not love me as much as the One calling to me throughout the day? 

May we remember every day the One who calls to us, and may we make it a priority to stop, listen and fellowship with God.

Back to Normal, we hope!

It has been a little while since we have updated you on life here. Here are some recent happenings!

July and August were rainy season. Overall we felt it was a light rainy season. There were some big rains and some local flooding. We did have neighbors experience some flooding. They lost everything. Roy helped carry beds and belongings out while the men took doors off their door frames and hit their mud homes with hammers to destroy them before the flood waters did. Maybe they did this so noone would go back to the home and it collapse during the night when someone was sleeping, that is our best guess. It was surreal to see men taking everything including the door frames, and seeing them chunk pieces of their breaking house into the water.

    

This picture is drawn to show where the flooding occurred 2 weeks ago. Our house is shown with a star between the 2 ponded areas of water. You see the green, which are hills nearby. The darker blue is a depression area that fills with rainwater and run off from the hills. In our last big rainstorm the water ran off the hills and flooded the area in light blue. They said it last happened in 2018. 

You also see the schoolyard (also edited in the color blue) which has been under water since June. Our house is on a high point between the 2 areas and is not in danger of flood waters. We didn't even have a puddle in our yard, while neighbors 200 feet away were in flood waters 20-30 inches deep. But we are on an island when big rain storms come. To get out we have to wade through or drive through water in any direction. 

We are finally feeling healthy again as a family. For weeks we have all been passing along runny noses, coughs, fatigue, and low grade fevers. Denise had Malaria and Roy is sure he did, too. 

Roy's Bible study group has taken the rainy season off. He has plans to start it again within the next few weeks.

   

Abby has taken a few more naps than normal.

Abby and Roy after getting tested for Malaria.

 She had a great time with her summer pre-k program. It was an adjustment for her. For 3 hours, 3 days each week she was with her teachers who only spoke French. Some days were especially hard. After 2 months she was getting used to it, even wanting to stay until the end. She heard stories and colored, she played with new toys and played on the swing set. We are so proud of her for being brave for the summer program. Real school starts in just a few weeks! We are all excited for her as she grows up so fast.

Roy prepared and preached 3 sermons for the English-speaking church we attend over the last month! He felt blessed and challenged to be able to do that. 

Here's to living la vie sauvage! (the wild life)

Tabaski

Tabaski teaches that Abraham wanted to sacrifice his son, Ishmael. But God saved Ishmael, and he gave Abraham a ram as a substitute. Abraham slaughtered the ram in place of Ishmael.

So, until now, Muslim believers slaughter a ram in order to cover their sins. They ask forgiveness of their sins for the entire year.

But people who are Christians know Jesus is the final and perfect sacrifice to make forgiveness of the sins of all people everlasting.

This was part of our language exercise today, learning the culture and meaning behind the Muslim holiday that is celebrated today and tomorrow (June 20-21). One adolescent told me today that it is his favorite holiday of the year.

Families go to great extremes to celebrate. They spend what amounts to a 2 month salary for the things for the sacrifice (wood, charcoal, the animal, bread, spices, and oil are necessary purchases). They buy a male sheep. If they can't find a male sheep, then a female sheep, then a goat, then a cow, and last a camel. The men spend the morning slaughtering the animal and preparing the bbq spit. On the first night they eat the internal parts with spices. And the second night they eat the meat snd share with neighbors. 

Our family made cookies and purchased candies to share with neighbors and especially neighbor children this week. We want to be a small presence in our neighborhood during this festival to build relationships and to share our faith in Jesus.

Someone asked me today where my ram was. I told the group that as a Christian I believe Jesus is my sacrifice for my sins. 

Please pray we are bold in sharing our faith when we have opportunities. And please continue to pray for our language learning as we have so much still to learn.

Thank you for lifting us up to the First and the Last.

All things Josh

Hey there, Josh. You're 9 months old today. It has been so cool to be a big part of your life. 

 

You are loving our home. You live for moments when you can play in your enclosed furniture pin. If Mommy or Daddy are near, you are happiest when we crawl in. You do like our Nanny, but you immediately leave her and crawl into Daddy's arms when he joins in for the fun of playing.

If we let you play quietly, you are often reaching up to hold onto something so you can stand and see out, to see the world. If there is the slightest gap between the furniture, you find a way to escape, and are so proud of yourself when you do get out!  We thought of you as Josh the Courageous, but you are showing your first personality trait to be Josh the Curious. 

You have discovered your favorite way of eating. Mommy makes yummy purees and you hold them inside a net and suck on them as they melt while sitting at the table in your high chair. You didn't like carrots at all! But you like bananas, peas, mango, broccoli, oatmeal. Delicious! And when you're all done, your curiously drop the finger net holder to the floor, daily testing Sir Issac Newton's law of gravity.

You are strong. No matter how many times you tumble onto the hard floor, no matter how often Abby is too rough on you, you never complain. You are sad only when you are alone, or when it is nap time.

You are becoming quite the crawler. When you are not standing on your 2 feet, you are crawling over and through things to get what you want. You used to scoot on your bottom to go from A to B. No more, you are crawling well.

Your hair is getting long. Finally it has covered the back of your head. It is long enough to need a combing. Your 2 lower teeth remain to be the only ones we see so far but we know more sre coming soon. 

You are getting more vocal. We often tease you that you sound like a vulture when you roar. Now we can catch you saying baby talk. You look at Mommy and say ma ma. You look at Abby and say ab ab. You see me and say baa baa baa. You practice these all day long. 

You love to be outside and swing in the swing Mommy made for you. You would fall asleep in the swing every morning if we let you. You love being held most of all. We love you and are so proud of who you are. We can't wait to see who you will become. 

Abby's first day at Pre-K

Everyone mentions how fast kids grow up. It's true. Seems only a short while ago you were going to nursery while your Mommy and I went to our French classes. Seems like yesterday when you were getting on a big girl swing all by yourself. You have grown so fast and have become such a beautiful, fun-loving girl.

Now here you are on your next adventure. A real preschool. With real teachers and real friends to play with. In a class setting without Mommy or Daddy.

I encouraged you before your day just like my Daddy encouraged me. "Be a good girl. Raise your hand when you need to talk to the teacher. Share your toys with your friends. Be willing to make new friends. If you have any assignments do your work as good as you can and bring it home for Mom and Dad to see. Be brave. Be yourself. And remember Mommy and Daddy love you very much!"

Like always you champion new adventures with smiles and excitement. You got yourself dressed before we could even wake you up. You ate a big breakfast of pancakes, scrambled eggs, and even wanted seconds! You helped pack your bag for school and you carried your favorite animal, Bruno, along for the ride.

Preschool was a big adventure. You were so excited you got sleepy and napped during snack time. But you played hard for your 3 hours at school and came back to Mommy at the end of the morning with a big smile on your face. I would say your first big day was a big success! 

Here's to you, Abby Chip. May you keep growing and may you keep conquering every new adventure. You make us very proud.

-Mommy and Daddy

Routine

We have been in West Africa for nearly 3 months now. And we are finally getting some sort of routine within our weekly activities. Of course that means anything can throw off our routine from day to day! 

We thought we could take a minute and let you in on a glimpse of what our week is like.

Mondays are sort of relaxing, get our week started days.  We help each other with house chores and watching kids. Denise attends an evening Bible study with a group of ladies (and Josh tags along) while Roy and Abby have all sorts of fun at home. 

Tuesday morning Denise and Abby go to a women's exercise group and grab groceries for the week. Our house helper comes each Tuesday-Friday to help clean house and watch the kids. Roy spends the morning preparing to teach a Bible study in French, and practices Fulfulde. Our language teacher comes on Tues, Thurs, and Fri afternoons. And on Tuesday evening Roy has begun a men's study with mostly Muslim believers. The men are discussing the Bible as Roy leads them in searching for truth. Tuesday is a long day as Roy is often sharing with this group until 11pm. 

Wednesday is another lighter day. Roy goes out in the morning to do his needs in town, whether it be visiting friends, shopping in the market, or recovering from a late night of little sleep. 

Thursdays are similar to Tuesdays. Roy visits with friends in the neighborhood, our language teacher comes in the afternoon, and Roy shares a Bible story in French with our night guard, again until 11pm or later.

Abby likes to draw on the white board after our class. Wouldn't she make a great teacher? 😊

Fridays are a weekly time of prayer at our business office. We take time to pray with our teammates in the morning. In the afternoon we have our last language class for the week. 

On Saturdays we are often invited to a family get-together, a party, or Denise has found a fun garage sale to attend. We normally grab a meal out as a family on the weekend when it is convenient.  Sundays we attend church. Roy often goes in the mornings and every other week we attend an English service in the evenings.

a turtle we found at a festival

While watching kids, washing dishes and clothes, studying languages when we can be kid-free, and keeping our house manageable, we find our weeks pretty busy. But we do see opportunities before us to share God's truths with those around us, and we try to take advantage of each opportunity to share with others.

Thank you for praying for us!

Curiosity leads to a gospel presentation.

I knew I was going to have a busy day. We expected to have visitors the following day and therefore I was in the market buying things for their arrival.

As I was checking my list I saw a man in a shop who had something we were running low on, and I greeted him with the intent to purchase from him.

He asked who I was and was curious about me. He asked where I was from, where I live, and what I was doing here. I told him I have come in peace to share about my faith in Jesus with others. I emphasized that I hope to talk about God in peace with others. Our relationship with God is important and I want others to understand how know God spiritually so we can be with God for eternity. He agreed this is an important subject to discuss.

I asked if he knew Jesus. He said that he knew of Jesus. He believes Jesus is a good prophet.  So I asked him if Jesus was just a prophet or is he more than a prophet?  It is my belief that he is more.  Then I asked him if he knew of the teachings of Jesus? He said no. I shared with him a verse from Jn 14:1-6. i asked him what this meant to him. I told him this means we need faith in Jesus to take the good road that approaches the throne of God. Only through Jesus can we approach God. 

We also talked about Jesus being equal with God. I know Jesus calls himself Son of God, but to the people of that day that meant being equal with God. The Jews wanted to kill Jesus for calling himself Son of God as this was blasphemy. 

I shared Jn 3:16. i asked him what this means to him? I said this tells us of God's love to us. if we have one sin in our life, we cannot approach God. We will die. But God sent us his only Son to give us life and allow us to have our sins forgiven and to have eternal life. I told him that I wanted him to know of Jesus who has forgiven my sins.  Because of my faith in Jesus I know I will be in heaven with God. The Word of God tells me this. 

i asked him if he would like a Bible to read about the teachings of Jesus. He said yes and told me what language he preferred. I found a shop in another market and bought a Bible. And he said he would like me to return and talk more about the teachings of Jesus. 

I have given him a Bible and began reading with him. I will not say yet that he is genuinely seeking, but he was curious and also listened to me present the Gospel, more than anyone else ever has, in my poor language ability. I plan to follow up with him weekly and tell stories from God's Word as long as he will let me.

Also our night guard has invited men to join our weekly Bible lessons that will start this week. Please pray for these men and for me as we discuss God's Word together.