At some point, and I can't remember when, my dad and brother went back to Mali for a second visit. During this trip they had included another group of believers from a neighbor CMA church in Lima, Ohio. They had a grand time and again memories were made and the love for Mali grew in everyone's hearts. This visit had to have occurred between 2000 and 2002 I am guessing...so maybe 2001 or maybe it was after in 2003. Anywho, there are a few key people who have become very significant to our family.
Dr. Sagara: Dr. Sagara is very involved in research in the area of malaria. In fact, he travels to America rather routinely working with American doctors, training them, etc. in exchange for further education himself. He is extremely smart and a very important person in Mali. He is a devoted Muslim. When he is in the states, he has been able to come and visit with our family multiple times and we take him to church with us on Sundays. He actually spent time with our family shortly after 9/11 and was heartbroken about the attacks. We talked with him about Islam and he said these muslims did not represent his beliefs. He too LOVES the Plaza Inn broasted chicken!
Saran: Saran is Dr. Sagara's wife. While she was visiting him in the winter of 2002 in America (New Orleans to be exact), they were able to come visit our family during one of his breaks. (Don't ask me how it all worked out...I have no idea!) Anywho, a few weeks later my parents received a phone call from Dr. Sagara. He proceeded to tell my parents that Saran was pregnant and it would be their wish for her to remain in America in order to deliver the baby. My parents understood what was being asked of them and they said YES, Saran could live with them while Dr. Sagara traveled back home to Mali so she could deliver the baby in America. This was a huge and incredible undertaking and blessing for our family. My mom had to line up so many details in order to make this happen. Saran developed gestational diabetes, didn't speak a lick of English, and was a typical moody expectant mother who was far, far away from her family and everything familiar to her. I found out I was pregnant with Kate while Saran was here. So neat...we were pregnant together! Saran gave birth to a healthy baby boy and they named him Michael, after my dad. Michael is now 9 years old. Saran works in the city of Kati, Mali which is about a 45 minute motorbike ride from her home in Bamako. She works for a school/center that helps impoverished children and families. During the last visit, we all donated tons of clothing and shoes and my brother and SIL were able to give it all to the children and families. There were like 4 suitcases full. My brother and SIL also found out that Saran's boss is a devout Christian woman. They were sharing with my brother and SIL (and their group of companions) some of the needs of the organization (a non-profit). Because of God's sovereignty, my brother's group was able to financially meet their need that day. My brother shared during our visit that Saran asked him on 3 different occasions on this last trip when he was going to come to Mali and be their pastor/missionary. This is HUGE as she and her family are muslims. She is a very intelligent and educated woman and her choice of words was not by mistake. We were greatly encouraged by her inquiry and continue to pray that the Lord would continue to open her eyes and heart to His truth.
Fatime: Fatime is Saran's sister. In the summer of 2000 my parents had the privilege of hosting Fatime to stay with our family. I was already married by then but I remember the pure joy Fatime brought to all of us. Fatime worked with/for Mr. Jim McKinney (the former missionary who had guided my dad and uncle on the first trip). I am not sure of all the details of Fatime's visit other than I think she lived with my parents for at least 2 months. She didn't know an ounce of English and although she did speak French, we didn't know French. Fatime instantly became one of my sisters. There are so many wonderful memories with her as we introduced her to American culture and life. We taught her English, took her to Beulah, took her to the mall, introduced her to all kinds of foods (which her favorite was the Plaza Inn broasted chicken!), and so much more. One of my favorite memories is when I took her to the mall to buy some slacks. We had no idea what size she was because she always wore her African dresses. I kinda made a guess and she went in to try them on. Oh my goodness, these slacks were SOOOOOOO tight on her behind and I told her we needed to get her the next size up and she began to laugh and say, "No! No Cara!" She loved those tight pants on her behind. She kept looking at her behind in the mirror saying some like, "Good!" with her thumbs up. I kept tell her, "Not good!" We laughed and laughed. I can't even remember what pair we got her but will never forget that day. We were all crying when it was time for her to leave. She kept telling us in broken English that she viewed us as part of her family. When we tried to share the gospel with her, unsure of exactly what her response would be, she tried to explain to us that she was both Christian and Muslim. This was confusing for us somewhat and we weren't sure how to respond. Nevertheless, we are confident Fatime has heard the gospel of Christ and we rest in His Sovereign will for her salvation. Fatime came to visit again once I had had both girls. She had married and had some children by the time of her second visit. My favorite memory was getting her onto the trampoline with the girls and myself. It was hilarious and we all died laughing. The language was no barrier for the love we had (and still have) for one another. Fatime is a Malian business woman. She is strong, independent and very savvy! She has traveled all over with her business. She sells Malian art. In fact, she had a contract a few years ago with Hallmark. She has her own shop in Bamako (the capital city). My SIL said it was pretty remarkable. Fatime has an eye for "pulling it all together" just like you would see if you visited the Morgan House or some other quaint little shop. Through Fatime's travels, she is able to pull off a store that is very attractive to westerners who can easily become overwhelmed by the marketplace. Before John and Jen left it is customary in Malian culture to sit with the company and share stories and tell why you are important to one another. Fatime and Saran's father was a very devout and strict Muslim. During one of the visits though he attended one of the CMA national churches with my dad and the group. It was another incredible moment! Anyhow, Fatime and Saran's father had developed a great respect and love my dad, our family, and the Hess family (which is my mom and dad's pastor, whose daughter is my SIL). Before he died, he told Saran and Fatime that he felt our families were all the same, only divided by the ocean. He desired our love for one another to grow, despite the blaring differences of our faiths. I pray the Lord will bring these precious people's souls to a saving knowledge of Christ.
I will give another installment tomorrow or at least soon. I am getting tired and need to hit the hay! HA! Hopefully this will satisfy your inquiring minds....
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