I spent a good amount of the afternoon shelling peanuts to take back home with me. Since peanuts are so cheap here and it's not difficult to make your own peanut butter, I am going to attempt it when I get back to the States.
Church was the same as every other week. Since I don't understand the language at all, when I return home I feel as though I've just fulfilled a weekly obligation. I do try to pray during the service, but it just doesn't even come close to feeding me spiritually like going to Church or chapel at home. No wonder it is so important to hear the Gospel in your heart language! You can feel so connected to the Lord when you read the Bible, listen to a sermon, or sing songs in your first language. That has got to be difficult for overseas missionaries...
Marc and Stacy talked about the stress that comes with health concerns here in Madagascar- especially when you have small children. Not only do you have the illnesses U.S. children are prone to, but on top of those you have risks of malaria, yellow fever, typhoid, and all the other illnesses associated with Africa.
I must admit, when I first got here I had thoughts that Stacy was too cautious and worrisome over making sure Isaac and Maria washed their hands every time they came inside, making sure they always wore their shoes when they were outside, etc. But I'm beginning to understand why she takes all these precautions. I guess Isaac and Maria have been sick a lot in the past and with Marc and Stacy's past illness experiences you can never be too careful. I can imagine dealing with constant sickness (whether you own, your kids' or your spouses') would be extremely draining.
Then they told me stories of the very first missionaries to Africa and how the majority of them all died within their first months or years on the mission field. Marc made the comment that it really gives meaning to the words, "counting the cost." It is a good question to consider: If I knew going overseas as a missionary would inevitably lead to my death, would I go? Would you?
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