Benin

This monument stands as a representation of forgiveness for the atrocities of slavery upon the African people.  It stands along the coast where thousands were taken from their homes to become slaves in foreign lands.

For the first time in my life I learned how to kill and pluck a chicken that we would soon be having for dinner.  Our cook laughed as we were horrified by the reality of food in a land with little refrigeration!  It actually turned out pretty well!

Market shopping was always a highlight as we visited with the women and their children and bought our goods!  This woman set up her stand right across the street from our house and we frequently bought her tomatoes and garlic!  What a privelage to share this time with her.

Every Sunday we would speak at local churches, lead in musical worship, perform dramas and do puppet ministry.  Usually we would visit a church in the morning and a church in the evening as our local pastor suggested.  They often served us local food and soda.  As we adjusted to the culture around us we would dress as much like them as possible.  These two outfits were given as gifts by those we stayed with.

Our local pastor and his wife celebrated the end of our time together with a traditional American feast of fried chicken, mashed potatoes and corn on the cob!  I think that they enjoy their own food more than ours!  We were blessed to work with such a wonderful couple in a beautiful country.

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