Where in the World Are We Going?

One of my goals this year has been to help the boys develop a broader understanding of the world outside the U.S. We have a big world map and each week, we "visit" a new place and mark it with a pin so we can see all the places we have been. I am using a book called "From Akebu to Zapotec: A Book of Bibleless Peoples." It is an A to Z book that highlights places around the world that do not have a bible in their own language. It has been a great resource and we've already learned so much about people who are different from us. We talk about their climate, the animals you might find there, what type of home they live in, what they wear, eat, and what they do for work. Last week, we traveled to the western part of Africa and spent some time in Burkina Faso. We are very blessed to know some dear friends who lived in Africa and spent many years serving as missionaries there. I asked them if they would be willing to be our tour guides last week, and they very graciously agreed to teach the boys about this part of Africa.

When we arrived at their home, we enjoyed a meal with them while they shared with the boys how to say hello in the Jula language. Afterwards, they brought out African musical instruments and taught the boys how to play them. We had our own little concert right there in the middle of their living room. Here are a few pictures and explanations of our time there. We will not forget this special night...we had so much fun.

Here's Caden in an "Indiana Jones" hat from Africa.

Cody takes a turn...
Peter gave a devotion in Jula while his wife Judy translated in English. He spoke it beautifully, and it was really neat to hear the gospel given in a different language!
Here's Caden looking at a python snake skin. Of course, the boys thought this was amazing!
I can't remember what this is called, but it's a woven "crown" that the people wear on top of their heads to carry things, be it a bowl or basket. Caden tries it on (below you'll see another picture of Cody carrying a basket on his head using it).
Here are the boys looking at a wire bicycle. Peter and Judy explained to the boys that children in Africa do not have toys to play with like we do here. But they find very simple things to make toys with. They are a treasure to the children and they do not take them for granted.

This was Cody's favorite part...playing the african drums.
Peter and Cody playing together...
And finally, some photos from the african hunting masks the boys made. They really got into this project and proceeded to race around the yard hunting bugs and each other!

We hope you've enjoyed "visiting" Africa with us too! Have a wonderful week!