WIRED Christmas Banquet

I present my mighty fine youth group. We had 38 in attendance for the Christmas banquet. In Ouaga, our students don't have a lot of chances to dress up. They go ALL OUT for banquets! Boys in suits, girls in dresses and heels. It is the big occasion. They had a great time, and some said it was the best banquet to date!

They even let me and Seth get in the picture. :)

This year was really fun for me because I got to help the girls get ready. On Thursdays at youth group, the students are divided into small groups for discussion time. This is called their "LLAMA" (Leaders Learning And Ministering Always) groups. Throughout the year, the groups may have slumber parties or get togethers. Before the banquet, my girls in my group went to a house for hair, makeup, snacks, pedicures, and fashion advice. Oh it was so much fun! I got to put my makeup skills back into practice. However, I asked every single girl before picking up the brush, "Does your mom let you wear makeup?" I try to be a responsible adult when I can. All the girls looked beautiful and in the nick of time! We were running out the door with bobby pins, makeup brushes, and toenail polish falling out of our bags. What a wild rush to get 9 girls ready on time!

For the actual dinner, we went to Namaste Indian Restaurant. The restaurant opened at 6:30 pm, which is exactly when we got there. We ordered the food a few days before so it would be ready. However, the food did not make it to the tables until about 7:45. My stress level shot up when there are 33 hungry middle school and high school students in a small room with butter knives and little else to occupy them. The girls decided to carol their way through every Christmas song they knew and the boys...well, like I said, there were butter knives. So sword fighting it was. But everything calmed down as soon as the food hit the table!

After dinner, we came back to the Thomas' home for dessert and Secret Angel gifts. Sherry (Mrs. Thomas) ordered s'more making goodies for the students. Hooray for the US Embassy Pouch services! The kids LOVED it. What an absolute treat! She ordered THE biggest marshmallows I had ever seen. What a sugar rush!

A WIRED Christmas tradition is Secret Angel. It is just like Secret Santa/Pal/Santa's Elf/etc. Students draw names for another student to secretly give gifts today. They give gifts for 4 weeks and each week is themed: food, re-gift, creative, and reveal. Our students are creative every week! At the banquet, the students exchanged their "creative" gift. Gifts included canvas paintings (like the one above), burned CDs, homemade t-shirts, videos, pictures, cut-out guitars, and painting supplies.

My Llama group girls: Jiska, Anjali, Joy, Blessing, Elizabeth, Sarah, and Nashe

High School Girls' Bible Study: the few and the proud :)

Llama Group Leaders: me, Hollie (10th), Esmirie (12th), Daniel (11th), Elizabeth (11th), and Seth (and his man beard)

Middle School Girls' Bible Study: Deborah (8th), Erinn (7th), me, Jiska (7th), and Abby (7th). I would apologize for not having a more normal picture, but this one is a prime example of this group. They have attitude and sass for days, and they are one of the highlights of my week! 

Finally got malaria

For the past year and a half, we have lived in a world where a deadly disease is carried by a tiny insect. We have avoided it successfully...until Friday. Last year, we took our "prophylaxis" faithfully for about 2-3 months. It's funny because the word "prophylaxis" comes up in conversations nearly everyday. I quit taking it last year because it makes me sick. Seth continued off and on, but we never really got back on track. One lady said that malaria is more common in the city because of poor drainage which equals a breeding ground for mosquitoes. I agree! In the village and the bush, this is often not a big problem because of drainage.  But it is still a problem!

Friday morning, Seth woke and went to a meeting for the international church in Ouaga. He came home and crawled into bed. He said his body was achy and asked me to take his temp. He came in at about 101, but he rarely has a fever. We decided to take him to the clinic for a quick malaria test. We were doubtful he had it because he didn't feel too bad, so we were surprised when the test came back positive. Often, missionaries will have symptoms and take the test kit without actually getting tested. Since he wasn't having strong symptoms beyond the fever, we got it checked out. In addition to malaria, he also had a bacterial infection (to which he said "Everyone here constantly has a bacterial infection"...also slightly true). Once we got his medicine and got him home, he went back to bed and I left to teach ESL. He successfully stayed in bed until this afternoon (40 hours later) when he came all the way to the couch...and fell asleep for 4 hours then went back to the bed. Bless his heart! He says this is the worst he has ever felt. And I believe it! He wakes up shaking, has a fever that bounces around constantly, and lacks energy to walk to the kitchen. The treatment packet lasts 3 days, and he will take his last dose tonight. Hopefully tomorrow he will feel a lot better!

Unfortunately, malaria is all too common in this part of the world. As you can see by the map below, it is all around us. According to the CDC, over 207 million people got malaria in 2012 (they need to update their website). When given treatment, the sick person will recover in a matter of days.  Seth said it feels like a bad case of the flu. Often, people do not get tested because they cannot afford the test. Also, they often cannot afford the treatment.  It is a very serious disease that is not to be taken lightly.  Luckily, we do have the $9-10 to buy the treatment and Seth is on the mend. Since it is common here,  treatments are readily available. In fact, most expats say they would rather have malaria here than in the States because doctors are so familiar with it in BF. 

Photo courtesy of CDC website

Please continue to pray for Seth! He has been a champ through this whole thing. We have a lot coming up with closing out the semester with our students, and he needs his strength to do that.

Check out these sites for more details:
http://www.cdc.gov/malaria/about/facts.html
http://www.who.int/features/factfiles/malaria/en/

J'ai gagné!

You are looking at the proud winner of a brand-spanking-new mixer! I know gambling is wrong, but a little raffle once a year doesn't hurt. Seth and I bought some "tombola" tickets at the annual ISO fair and walked away with one of the grand prizes. A fancy red mixer. This gem is as deluxe as they come. It can shred my cheese (I currently decide on recipes with the minimal amount of shredding possible), make pasta, grind meat, blend smoothies (with blender attachment), stir/mix/knead anything. I'm a happy girl. Can you tell?

Since arriving in Burkina, we have inherited a lot of kitchen goodies. What we didn't inherit, we bought. Quality is not always worth writing home about.  But this new machine. It is also made of plastic, but it will certainly last me until June. Yippee! I'm retiring my spoon stirring until further notice. I've got a machine for that. I've been looking at recipes all day thinking how I'm going to use it. Most likely Christmas cookies for my youth girls! And icing of course!!!

Home Sweet Home

Our porch that we had screened in when we moved in.  We also have a small sitting area with some chairs and a table.  This is a great place to sit during the cool months (December and January). It is also where our night guard sleeps every night.

Since moving to Burkina, I've gotten a lot of questions like "What does your house look like?", "Do you have a bathroom inside?", and "Do you live in a hut?". Happy to answer all of those questions, I thought I'd throw in some pictures to help your general idea. I usually say there are many different kinds of houses in Ouaga, such as simple brick homes with dirt floors and cut outs for windows and ventilation, two or three room homes, compound homes, Lebanese style homes, Embassy homes, government homes, and the President's palace. It is certainly a fine example of diversity.  We live in a Lebanese style home, or so our landlord says. It follows typical European styles such as a small kitchen and separate toilet/shower rooms.  Our home is 4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. It is way bigger than we need, but it is often difficult to find homes with one or two bedrooms because families are often very large. We would need to look at apartments, and there are not many in the city.  One interesting tid-bit about West African living is the walls. Homes are sectioned off by 9-10 foot walls on all four sides. Everyone has some form of a "courtyard", a terrace/porch, and then the inside of the home. In the back of the compound, there is often a "maison d'independance" for laundry and a spare bathroom.  Often Burkinabe families will have a compound and slowly add on rooms/small buildings as the family grows. Talk about love! 

 As you may have seen in my previous post, I tried my hand at gardening this fall. It was going well, and then it wasn't.  Some strange bugs got into my plant beds and ate away the roots. It was quite sad. So no bell peppers, spinach, or wildflowers for me this year.  My friend Cheryl gave me these planters for my endeavor. They are made from a giant oil can cut in half.  I also bought a few pots for some other flowers. I am sorry to say that all of my green things are dead. Shortly after this picture, I had to pull all the flowers because of insect invasion.

In the event you want to come visit me in Ouaga, there is a master suite awaiting you! But seriously. Our guest room is our master suite. Like I said, our house is bigger than we need. Making the transition from a cozy, 2-room dorm apartment to a 4-bedroom home was an adjustment. We comforted ourselves by hanging a curtain in the middle of the hallway and not using the last 2 rooms for the first 4 months.  We set up the guest room for my parents when they came last December. We took a smaller bedroom in the front of the house. It is slightly cooler because we get a breeze from the courtyard and we can keep an eye on everything.  The picture above is of our guest room and guest bathroom.  The bathroom is large and has an "open concept" theme. Honestly, it gets so hot here that having a shower curtain makes it even hotter. TMI??

 This is our cozy kitchen. Like I said, kitchens here are notoriously small.  It only gets worse when our friends come over because we are all American and naturally hang out in the kitchen.  But not here! It is way too hot! When the oven comes on, the entire kitchen feels the same temperature.  To the left of the picture is my small gas stove and gas bottle. It took some getting use to, and I figured out how to not jump back of fear of the flame.  Also on the left (out of the picture) is our water filter and bottles. We have a "system" of filling our stainless steel, ceramic candle water filter every night, letting it filter water, and filling bottles the next morning to have clean drinking water.  We have a nice fridge that survived the 2013 fire of Apt 3 in the Baptist Guesthouse. The black residue has slowly faded.  In the middle of the picture is our pantry. What a joy! It houses our FREEZER. I never thought I would need a second freezer beyond the top of a fridge. Here, it is necessary. You freeze everything---bread, chocolate, flour, meat, and half-full bottles of water (makes for the coldest water).  We bought the freezer off some missionaries who were leaving and Seth and I promise that it is the best $50 we have ever spent! Also in the picture is our cabinet (yes, the one), sink (we have a double), coffee pot, and utensils.  The kitchen is cramped, but it works. Everything is at an arm's reach! I am always kinda proud of what I create in this kitchen. Goes to prove resourcefulness and creativity go a long way!

Not on topic really, but Maggie is all over this house. Her favorite place is right in front of her "peep hole to the world".  Bless her heart, but the dog doesn't see beyond the walls except maybe once a week. She loves to push her head as far as possible through the little moto hole to see what's going on. It's usually our warning sign when someone comes to the door, like the banana boy, neighbors, or the "daily knockers" (women looking for work, neighborhood kids looking for work, or people checking to see if anyone will answer the door). 

My wildflowers. May they RIP.

Well, that's a general tour of my home. It isn't everything, but I think it gives a general idea. We have been incredibly blessed to have a nice home.  Seth and I are still adjusting to living in a house, but it continues to get better. We are small place people. We live in an African neighborhood, but we have a lot of expats on our street and many of them are our dearest friends. So lucky to have people to call on if I need a cup of sugar!

Maggie Update

 This is my cute dog Maggie. She leaves Wednesday for America with my parents. We are going to miss her terribly! What will we do for our entertainment?! We asked my parents to take her back with them during the "Revolution" (I think that's what everyone is calling it these days). In the event we would ever need to evacuate (very unlikely), we don't know what would happen to her. Also, we have several trips coming up before we leave. Kennels and vet hotels don't exist here, so we rely on the love of friends to care for her. And they do so beautifully. BUT this works out well. Also, we will have a time of transition from our home before we leave Burkina next summer and guest houses do not allow pets. My parents are in for a treat with this 13 pound ball of energy.  She keeps us busy! She is going to celebrate Christmas in America. Lucky dog!

Maggie's usual place during meals. Right beside Seth's chair. Wonder who feeds her from the table...

She's pretty cute.

Turkey Day in Burkina Faso

I have always been a huge fan of those sweet family pictures everyone posts on Facebook on Thanksgiving day. Just so we all know what you look like before you begin racking up the holiday pounds. Jk jk. But I do love them. Kids in matching outfits, couples in matching plaid, a prematurely decorated Christmas tree. Gotta love it! 

As usual, I want to be like everyone else. Here is the Brill family Thanksgiving photo. I blow dried my hair and put on lipstick. Seth got to use his "Mountaineer" beard oil (he's been saving it for the Christmas season). Maggie was Maggie. 

THIS WHAT YOU GET WHEN WE LOOK OUR BEST!

So glad my dad has taken a liking to Maggie. Good thing because she is going back to America with them on December 3rd! She's pretty affectionate to anyone who will scoot over on the recliner and make room for her. I think these two are going to get along great. My parents are going to take great care of my little pup!

 I am extremely thankful to have gotten to celebrate Thanksgiving with my wonderful parents this year. Last year they came for Christmas and this year they are here for Thanksgiving. What a blessing! They are so committed. Seth and I are becoming use to missing holidays with our big family, but having them here eases the pain a little.

In addition to having my parents here, I am also incredibly thankful for the friends as close as family we have here in Ouaga. God has abundantly answered my prayers and given me women as close as sisters for me, men as close as brothers for Seth, and kids like nieces and nephews. I delight in seeing these kids grow in life and they absolutely melt my heart.

My lovely friend Melissa agreed to host Thanksgiving this year at her house. She also hosted last year, but we were putting a team on a plane so we missed out. And boy did we! So glad we got to come this year. It was definitely a highlight from our time here and I will always remember it. 

Melissa is very crafty, whether she believes it or not, and posted this sign for the kids to write on. Just to show how melt-my-heart, every-ounce-of-wonderful, and perfect-little-cherubs these kids are---they didn't say they were thankful for their Wii or cat or iPad or 4-wheeler or awesome something that will break in a week. They are thankful for their new brother. They are thankful they get to spend every holiday with him from now on. If that didn't make me want to cry, I must be stone. 

I would say Melissa went all out for Thanksgiving, but this is pretty typical for her house. However, it was quite a treat. I'm not use to stuffing my face in Africa so my belly gets full way faster than it use to. I went with a prioritizing strategy. First mashed potatoes and gravy, turkey, rolls, and then whatever else I could fit.

It was an absolute treat. Everyone pulled out all the stops. We invited our friend Corrie from the UK. I loved explaining all the weird casseroles, dressing, and "fixins'" to her. She was a good sport and tried everything!
Frank and Janet got to carve the turkey. I sure love turkey and I'm thankful for friends with connections who can get turkey.  It was definitely a treat and so delicious!

My friends have the cutest kids. This little treasure is Mireya. She lives directly across from the street from us. She is ALWAYS happy, rarely cries, and is super cute. So glad we got to celebrate her first American thanksgiving!

 Steve wanted to take our picture. He rounded up all the ladies and began snapping. We got so tickled because his facial expressions were priceless.  What a ham! He excels in the spotlight. He took a lot of pride in showing us his artistic work!

One of Steve's masterpieces!

Steve B., professional photographer

Of course, the night wasn't over until Seth beat up our dearest friends' kids. He was chasing them and vice versa for at least 20 minutes.  Nerf swords, Nerf axes, and Nerf guns were involved. By the end, everyone was laying on the floor.  I'm sure everyone needed to work out after all the food we ate!

I immensely enjoyed this Thanksgiving with my friends and family. It was a sweet moment to savor thinking that this would be our last Thanksgiving together for a while (they'll be our friends for life).  I remember moving to BF and hearing the sad tales of expat life. That it is a revolving door. People are constantly coming and going.  While this is technically true, we have had a core group of people who have been by our side since we've been in BF. It has been one of life's biggest blessings.  I am thankful to have had friends who dig deep and invest in me.  I am always blown away at how much God blesses me!

Celebration of Thanks: Part 4

November 22: Faith
I am very thankful for my faith. I wouldn't be who I am without it. Not even hardly.  I am so thankful to have a loving Father who never forgets, lacks in love, and chooses favorites. A Father who is jealous for my love. A Provider, Comforter, and Rescuer. I love that I have a personal relationship with a God that is always growing and deepening. I am thankful for a selfless Savior who gave His life that I can have an eternal one. I am blessed, chosen, and redeemed. An adopted daughter of the King Most High. What greater gift exists?!

November 23: A Special Moment in Your Life
I could post any number of selfies with semi-famous people I've met (Chad Michael Murray, Lenny Kravitz, Charlotte from Sex in the City/Kristin Davis, etc), but I'd rather post one of my favorite moments with my best friend Seth. The week after my sister Rachel got married, my parents took me and Seth to NYC for a fun trip. We had the best time, and the week ended with a true highlight: our names in lights in Times Square. I know it is cheesy. It was above the big American Eagle store on Times Square. We waited in line to get our picture made for the billboard and found out at the front you had to make a purchase. So Seth bought a pair of socks and we got back in line. We took a totally typical picture and made my mom stand in the middle of the square for about 15 minutes until it flashed by. It was totally worth it. Sometimes life is all about the little moments...

November 24: Jewelry
Ok...so I hate this topic. Because I wouldn't say jewelry is something I am thankful for. I'm simple like that I suppose. I do love my engagement ring that Seth gave me the night he asked me to be his wife. It's pretty special. I miss wearing it in Burkina, but I've got this picture from the night we were engaged to remind me. It isn't the actual ring, but it is the significance. It is a symbol of being chosen and cherished by my best friend. He picked it out all by himself and worked his tail off saving for it. I'm so thankful for Seth and that commitment made over 3 years ago!

November 25: A Talent You Have
Hmm...a talent. I'm far from athletic. I attempt to be crafty. I'm not especially musical. I was in band in high school, but I was a flag girl. I guess my talent would be hospitality. It is more of a spiritual gift, but I'll count it as a talent for now. I love welcoming people in my home. While this is a little more difficult in BF (my house isn't necessarily the coolest and our furniture tends to fall apart), I like to spend time with people. I love meeting new people and inviting them to things. I love when a new student comes to youth group and make it my mission to make them feel welcome. I remember days in the dorm when we had a constant flow of upperclassmen stopping by the apartment for cookies, advice, and a cup of coffee. I know it isn't really a talent, but that's all I can think of right now...

November 26: A Memory

 So I know how totally random this looks. But today I am thankful for the memory of my first job. You are looking at the faces that molded me as a teacher. My first job was teaching a beginner reading class at Mississippi College's IEP. I enjoyed the experience and took it seriously. When I graduated (much to my surprise), my boss asked me stay on as a tutor. The next year, I began teaching reading and writing. I loved getting to know my students a little more everyday.  I also want to credit this memory to my wonderful co-workers Chaeli, Kendrick, Brittany, and Jenny.  Y'all really helped me figure out this teaching business and loved me in the process. I always say that my first job will possibly be the best job I ever have and I owe that to you!
Please excuse my cheesy Christmas sweater...it was a Christmas party...

November 27: Anything About Fall
I do love fall. Being in the desert, fall has looked a little different the past two years. It hasn't been all about a pumpkin spice latte, hay rides, SEC football games, or crisp autumn mornings. But I did decide to treat myself the other morning to a fall treat and made pumpkin chocolate chip muffins. My friend Molly is all about pumpkin flavored things and they got her seal of approval. They were pretty tasty if I do say so myself. Here is the recipe: Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins

November 28: A Day of Thanks
This year, I am thankful for the actual day of Thanksgiving. I am thankful I get to share it with my husband, my parents (who came all the way from Florida!), and my closest friends.  The plan is to have dinner at the Brooks. The current concern is that we have way too much food planned, but that is pretty typical for any meal we have there. Thanksgiving should not be an exception. So I'm sure I will be as stuffed as the turkey! I love making memories with our community here and am counting each of them as a blessing. I am thankful that God has provided me with a family of sorts here in Burkina and that they love and nurture as well.  I love every minute.