Photo countdown #7 (by Thom)

In 2005 we arrived in Mali as new missionaries with the C&MA. For Amanda it was her first time in Africa and for me it was the first time taking on the role of bookkeeper. A lot has changed in our lives over the past 4 years, not the least of which is the additions of Miriam and Hannah to our lives. Now, we have only *7* days left in Mali before we return to the United States for furlough and eventually our move to Dakar, Senegal where we'll serve in a more regional capacity. With that in mind, here is a countdown of my eighteen favorite pictures during our time in Mali. 9 pictures of the twins and 9 other pictures. Today is Number 7:

#7 Twin Division:

Even more exciting then learning to crawl was the twins learning to walk. It was quite a bit of fun for us both with the camera and without. This picture was taken in August 2007, just a month after their first birthday. For more learning-to-walk fun, check out this video I made.

#7 Non-twin Division:

I love African food. It doesn't love me back. We have a complicated relationship.
Still, I have nothing but love for this dish, called N'seme, which includes carrots, onions, potatoes, eggs and cabbage served over a type of rice. We eat this with our bare hands out of the communal bowl. Our church believes very strongly in eating together. There are people from several different economic backgrounds at our church but around the communal bowl everyone is equal. It doesn't sound hygienic but eating this way does indeed strengthen the bonds of Christian brotherhood.