Photo countdown #8 (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 *8* 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 8:

#8 Twin Division:

I took this a month before their first birthday. Miriam had been crawling for a couple of months and Hannah was just starting the process. It's Miri's excitement in this picture that makes it so special to me.

#8 Non-twin Division:

This picture was taken in February, 2008 from the shore of the Bani River. We were at a retreat compound called Teriyabougou for our anual prayer conference and I saw the fishermen rowing by. Contrary to the popular illustrations, this is closer to the boats used in Galilee around the time of Christ. When He called out to the desciples to cast their nets one more time and the fish were so many they were sinking the boats, this is how I visualize it now.