Best of 2008

Being that it is a new year, I figured there would be no better way to start it then to reflect on the good, bad, and lessons learned from last year. So here it goes, highlights (abridged version)of 2008....

My favorite ( and only) brother Russell came to visit! We had a wonderful time traipsing around Benin. Ask him about what he thought of the taxis...

For all of those who may think Uncle Sam's tax dollars are better spent elsewhere, he is my year in numbers...

1 – Girl who consistently I find will come out of the fields to run with me for a about 10 minutes on my evening runs.

2 – Grants written.

8 – Kids that stop by my house for help with their English homework.

10 - Neighbor hood kids that keep my life fun.

12 - Village health leaders my work partner and I instruct on a bi-weekly basis.

3-5 - Families each health leader is responsible for (that’s about 52 families).

17 – Number of families interested and motivated to get a latrine so to improve there health.

30 – Number of babies present at first baby weighing in Oriketo,

24 of which were in the green zone, 5 were in the yellow, and 1 was in the red

31 – Number of babies present at the most recent baby weighing,

27 babies in the green zone, 3 in the yellow, and 1 in the red (the same one, this one needs prayers because there is more going on then just malnutrition.)

30 – Girls in my in-school lunch, rabbit farming, HIV/AIDS prevention program.

10 – Boy in the same program.

19 – Rabbits to start a rabbit farm for said lunch program (although they aren’t here yet, that’s 2009).

7x77 - Plans, goals, and expectations for 2009, stay tuned!

Two of my favorite stories from this year, sorry if you have heard them already...

Coming home from a baby weighing one day I had a bit of a fall and skinned my When I got back to the house the kids saw my knees and came over and looked at it with loving and concerned eyes. Then Enoch, my 5 year old neighbor, called over his mom and told her that it was necessary to take me to the back and wash my knee (which consequently is the lesson that I always seem to be teaching him when he comes home with brush burned knees, guess it sunk in!). Then Enoch looked at me and said, you can cry if you want, it’s ok. At that point I was laughing so hard I forgot the accident. Laughter truly is the best medicine.

One night you could tell we were going to have an especially beautiful sunset, so I took full advantage and went for a run. When I came home the kids were all outside playing in the sand. As customary when they see me come around the turn they line up so they too can “faire le sport” (run) with me. So in the shadow of vivid reds and purples and white light we raced and skipped and did cartwheels and laughed until their little legs were tired. As we were getting ready to walk back to our houses Jo-Jo came over to me and looked at the sky and then at me and asked, as translated, “Where is Jesus?” His brother Absalom then looked at the sky and at him and said “oh he’s up there, isn’t it beautiful?” I was awestruck. To that point, and since that point, I had never heard a Beninese person take note of the beautiful surroundings. Then here were two kids that not only took note but attributed it to God. If only we all had the eyes of children.

Memorable quotes, Well two actually...

~ "You've been halfway living your life for too long. May was saying that when it's time to die, go ahead and die, and when it's time to live, live. Don't sort-of-maybe live, but live like you're going all out, like you're not afraid" page 211 The Secret Life of Bees

~ "Tell us, if there were one thing we could do for your village, what would it be?"
"With all respect, Sahib, you have little to teach us in strength and toughness. And we don't envy you your restless spirits. Perhaps we are happier then you? But we would like our children to go to school. Of all the things you have, learning is the one we most desire for your children."
- Conversation between Sir Edmund HIllary and Urkien Sherpa, from Schoolhouse in the Clouds

What would a year be without a little entertainment.
Best book read: Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin ~ A true story about a courageous man who made and continues to make a difference in Pakistan.

Best Music: Being that I have not been in the country for 2008, I'm not really sure all of what is out there. That being said, I'm pretty confident Raising Sand, by Alison Krauss and Robert Plant, has got to be in the top music of 2008.


Photo Highlights:


Debra and Russell on top of one of the hills.




The view on my running trail.


This one's for you Kel!

Here's wishing you best of luck and blessings in 2009! May it be your best year yet!