Friday morning we boarded "Big Blue" and headed 2 hours southeast to the town of Dosso where we did an abridged version of the "Weekend to Remember" marriage conference at a church. As usual, my camera was my constant companion and there was always something new to see.
It was interesting to notice that most of the luggage didn't consist of suitcases but bags and buckets and more bags. Our old faithful black Samsonite that has traveled the world for years was the only suitcase of its kind.
The countryside is always interesting to see as well as the myriad of little villages we passed through.
We made numerous stops during the 2 hours trip that stretched the trip into 3 hours. We never got off the bus but it gave the people a chance to buy goodies out of the windows.
About an hour into the ride the TV came on with an American R-rated "shoot 'em down, blow 'em up" movie. It was in English with Chinese sub-titles. Fortunately, most of the passengers couldn't hear it due to the bus noises and I don't think there was anyone on the bus who could read Chinese.
I preferred the sights out of the window.
We were lodged in a motel next to the bus station and a good half-mile walk from the church.
It had AC and a small fridge. Wonderful.
But only one pillow and a confusing set of faucets in the bathroom and....no. mirror. anywhere. The reflection in Tom's glasses wasn't quite enough to confidently tie on my head covering, but we managed. For the first time in our 32 years of marriage, I had to comb Tom's hair after he showered-to make sure the part was straight! (We found out later that for an extra $12/night there are rooms with mirrors.)
The conference was great. Every culture, every people group has its peculiarities and challenges when conducing a marriage conference and this one was no exception. Since it was a marriage conference...for couples...we expected couples to be sitting together. But no, the women were on one side and the men on the other. It was too uncomfortable for some to sit with their spouse, but others,with a bit of prodding, very reluctantly and with nervous giggles moved across the aisle to sit with their spouse.
Their were couples of all ages and the feedback was great. We appreciated the pastor and his wife who not only took great care of us and fixed all our meals, but who are great shepherds to their flock.
As in every community, there are deep hurts and incredible relationship pain. The session on asking and granting forgiveness in a sincere fashion, was as usual one of the most used-by-God messages.
