keeping busy!

Life has suddenly got very busy, but I thought I would give a brief update on what we've been up to!

We have come to the end of our second week of language classes. We are learning an African language, Monkolé, which is one of the 50+ languages spoken in Benin. We're following lessons put together by a fellow missionary, who was the person who originally analysed and wrote down this language. Our language helper, Abraham, is a Monkolé man in his twenties, who has been studying here in Parakou. We spend our weekday mornings, from 9 to 12, working with him. The lessons are based around sample dialogues which we repeat, practise and then alter with new vocabulary. We have some grammar notes to go with this.

It is a real challenge to be learning a non-European tonal language, with sounds that we've never had to make before, and where a rising, flat or lowered tone can make all the difference to the meaning. The grammar is completely different too, so I'm sure there will be many more posts about this! As a linguist it is fascinating – as language learners it is daunting! Yet we are both glad to be able to get started on something which is such a vital investment for our future ministry.

We have also had some contact with a short term team sent here by SIM France. They are working in partnership with young Beninese Christians to reach out to local communities in health education and evangelism. It has been great to spend time with them and to see their energy and enthusiasm! Marc was also able to play Superman the other night when their bus broke down and he had to go and rescue them!

We have also had reasons to celebrate! On Tuesday last week it was my birthday, on Wednesday my sister Ruth gave birth to her second son (in the UK) and on Friday we had our 5th wedding anniversary! The missionary ladies here gave me a surprise tea party on my birthday, which was a lovely treat.