Joe and I have had a lot going on lately or so it seems like we have had a a lot going on....
We celebrated our 6th wedding anniversary on July 26th, it was celebrated with a wonderful dinner of Velvetta Shells and Cheese (homemade right out of the box), paired with Crystal Light Lemonade....what a night!!!!
I also turned 28 on August 10th. I was in Bamako helping out with training and Joe came down to suprise me and we stayed in a hotel for 2 nights. It was so nice, we were out of touch with Mali for a few days enjoying air-conditioning, a swimming pool, a hot shower, a flat screen TV, and wine paired with pizza. What a luxury.
Rainy season has recently started so all of our villagers go out into their fields from sun-up to sun-down everyday, we have been helping out too. We usually tag along with Oumar's family, to their fields, which are 5K away from our village. It is so interesting to see farming done without the convenience of machines. Here in Mali it is all done by hand, from plowing, to planting to harvesting. These people are amazing, working the fields by hand in the heat. Although, it is tough work we have been enjoying it.
Joe dropping millet into the hole and then covering it up with his bare feet. Yep, that's how it is done here.
Look at the rows of planted millet behind me, all nice and straight and done by hand, AMAZING!
Ramatu, taking a break from work, what a beautiful woman!
All of us planting millet, a family affair!
Joe has recently been studying for the GMAT, which takes up alot of his time here, he will take the test in October in Dakar, Sengal. They do not offer the test here in Mali. So we are bummed that we have to travel to the coast and hang out on the beach, inorder for him to take his test. :)
Joe's "study buddy", Smalls, our new cat!!!
I have been plugging away in Bamako helping out with the new group of volunteers. They have been here for about a month now. It has been fun to teach some classes, but also to see and meet new faces.
And as always, we are constantly hanging out with children in our village.
Life sure seems exciting! Ashley you are beautiful! I hope we get to talk on the phone again soon! Love you guys.
ReplyDeleteHappy belated anniversary! Joe's comment is priceless ;)and glad you have one another to share this life's experience too. Pizza, wine, pool, tv & hotel stay for your bday - life is good! You look great & sweet pics of the children. Hard to imagine farming w/o equipment as you said. The gesture of the little chicken to help you get well is so touching. Plans in place & we're so excited to see you both! hugs, Judy
ReplyDeleteHi Joe and Ashley,
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday Ashley, sorry I'm a little late.
Staying busy is a good thing!!!!
Helping the new volunteers must be fun and exciting. Ashley your really good at that stuff. I'm glad you both had a good anniversary."WOW" 6 years I can't believe it. Still in "love" thats cool. It's amazing how all the farming is done by hand and you both are pros at it now.
Miss you both
Love Jody,Ben and Anna