The mood of our city has changed. The end of the month of fasting is almost over and with its end comes the biggest holiday of the year. And like the Western anticipation of Christmas, there is a shopping frenzy.
Our main market is usually crowded and busy, but now it is insane. And it’s no longer contained within the market. It has spilled onto the surrounding streets, going almost a mile and connecting the lower market across town. It is an unending path of buying and selling. Most of the time the sides of the roads are full of vendors in front of their make-shift stalls selling clothes, shoes and accessories, while the cars, trucks and taxis crawl by in the midst of the madness. Other roads usually frequented by cars have been closed—completely taken over by sellers seizing ownership of the street.
We went out in the chaos this week and were bombarded by all the noise and people. They sell from wheelbarrows and the trunks of their cars, blaring music and shouting at you as you pass, “Towa Renge!” (Get out [your money] and take!) or “Jana! Jana! Jana!” (500, 500, 500). Men walk with their products hung on their arms, neck and belt, and are quick to pounce on you if they catch your eye. Being white, we draw more attention and get more of the specialized call-outs (in French) to come and buy as they wave whatever they think a foreigner might like at our face. It’s overwhelming and fun at the same time.
This is the time to find the best deals. This is the time to find the most variety. The sellers have so many things to sell, they are willing to give a good price. The selection is huge. Where you once had a choice of 10 fabrics, there are now 50 bolts. Clothes, toys, dishes—everything is available.
The walkways are so packed with people that even moving by foot takes time. Everyone is constantly jostling and bumping, as they mutter a quick “Sumila” (excuse me) as way of apology. This is the time to fix up your house, buy new clothes for the children, give gifts to relatives and make sure your wife looks properly wealthy. Women scuttle here and there in their colorful shawls and wraps with their large market baskets under their arms. Men in long traditional dress and hat squeeze through as they search for the right gift for their girlfriends, wives, and families. Though they are fasting, anticipation is in the air. The irritation of an empty stomach has been conquered by excitement and expectation. Sellers are happy to talk. People smile. The holiday is coming! It won’t be long now!
PRAYERS ANSWERED
Grace struggled with some sickness this week. She had a fever and we tested her for malaria. Thankfully the test was negative and she was happy and healthy again after a couple of days. Our teammate Jonny is settling into his new home and it sounds like the entire village has adopted him as their son. Everyday he is being taken somewhere new by someone new. Pray that he would be able to enjoy all these interactions and still find time for rest and reflection. This week marks the end of the first trimester and Megan is feeling better and has more energy. Our special day and night of prayer went well!
PRAYERS REQUESTED
As the holiday approaches we will do our best to participate and wade into these cultural waters. This will probably prove to be both exciting and tiring. Pray that we can have a good holiday with our neighbors and friends. Grace is getting more of her molars- not a fun time for her. We have some important decisions to make in the near future concerning our teaching jobs and team schedules. Pray that we might make wise decisions as both a family and a team.
