OK, so we had two big events happen recently, first, Bubba arrived in Mali safely, and secondly our kitten has become a mouse killer. Bubba arrived in Mali eight days ago and already we have done so much. We met him in Bamako, which meant that we got to eat pizza and ice cream, and then we all headed back to our village (12 hour bus ride and a 30 minute bike ride). We arrived in our village just in time to celebrate Tabaski, one of the biggest Muslim celebrations each year.
Tabaski "Festival of Sacrifice" is a religious festival celebrated by Muslims worldwide to commemorate the willingness of Ibrahim to sacrifice his son Ishmael as an act of obedience to God. However, God provided a ram in place once Ibrahim demonstrated his willingness to follow God's commands. Tabaski annually falls on the 10th day of the month of Dhul Hijja of the lunar Islamic calendar. The festivities last for three days or more depending on the country. Tabaski occurs the day after the pilgrims conducting Hajj, the annual pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia by Muslims worldwide, descend from Mount Arafat. It happens to be approximately 70 days after the end of the month of Ramadan.
During Tabaski everyone in our village wore there best outfits and every man slaughters one sheep for every one of his wife. The celebration started with all the men (including Bubba and Joe) walking out to the ridge on the East side of our village. All the prayer mats from the Mosque were laid out on the ground and we all knelt and prayed toward Mecca. It was amazing to take part in such a traditional ceremony.
When the prayer ended all the young men in the village shot off old black powdered riffles (they look like old civil war muskets). The men then went to the house of each village elder and shot off the riffles...I am not sure of the meaning but it is loud and dangerous (I am sure no one has had gun safety!).
After the prayer and guns, Bubba and Joe went around and watched as all the sheep in the village were slaughtered. It was a crazy couple of days.
Ashley and Bubba playing a new card game (Thanks Ingrid and Jon!)
Ashley all ready to party at the Tabaski festival
Bubba on his way to the "bathroom" to take his first bucket bath
Yes, a basket full of meat for the Tabaski celebration
Joe and Bubba looking like African studs
Bubba getting in goat killing mode
I (Joe) gave our kitten a little training one night on how to kill mice and the next morning we woke up to two dead mice on the floor. We officially have a mouse killer!
you guys live such an exciting life - I just love to read your blog - my heart goes out to the young woman, Christina, her family and friends - she sounded like such a wonderful person and she certainly leaves a huge legacy. Even though we are thousands of miles away and I never personally knew her I want to be a better person because of her. I am sorry for your loss.
ReplyDeleteGlad to see your brother visitng - I know you will enjoy your time with him.
A butterfly lights beside us like a sunbeam
ReplyDeleteAnd for a brief moment its glory
and beauty belong to our world
But then it flies again
And though we wish it could have stayed...
We feel lucky to have seen it.
Author Unknown
Hi Joe and Ashley,
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like you all are haveing fun. Looking at all the new pictures of your first visiter to Mali it makes me want to be their even more. I wouldn't want to be around to see the sheep get killed. It looks like Ashley's brother is enjoying himself very much. How long before he got used to being their? It's a big ajustment. I like all the pictures and everyone looks good and healthy.
Anna is getting bigger all the time. She weighs 17 pounds already. Im a little sad she is growing too fast. At the end of next week she will be 16 weeks old.
Sometimes I forget what it looks like outside because I spend most of the week inside. It's not always fun but i guess that's how things are wright now. We just put up our Christmas tree and we got a couch and chair from mom and dad. It belonged to one of their custmers. For a long time we just had on rocker to share between Ben and I. I can't believe Christmas is only a few weeks away. I can remember when I shared with everyone that I was pregnant.
Well it's been nice talking and I will be back again.
Love Ben,Jody and Anna
we just love checking your blog, it certainly helps us keep going knowing what goes on in your life.
ReplyDeleteHi Bubba, happy to see and hear about your journey, knowing we will be following in your footsteps at some time.
So sad to hear about Christina.
I'm sure I could get used to a cat if it took care of the mice.
Jill Brisco talked at our church Sunday and talked about how she set 20+ mice traps every night cleaned them and set them for the next night ICK!!!!
Love you in that dress Ashley!!
You too Joe and bubba.
We love you and miss you.
Jerry and Sue
Hi Ashley and Joe, I was so very sorry to hear of the loss of your friend. I love looking at your pictures. I am so proud of you Ashley. Iam also glad that I ran into your mom the other night. I will continue to watch this and also pray for you and Joe. Merry Christmas honey. BE GOOD AND MAY GOD BLESS YOU ALWAYS. LOVE SHIRL
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