We're moving to Senegal

As you may know we are both actively involved with our church, Doxology, here in Corvallis. Scotty's brother, Pete, also the lead pastor of the church, rescently went on a trip to Senegal, Africa where he met with several organizations, asking each of them what sort of practical needs they had that Doxology could partner with them in getting filled. One of the places they visited was in Malika, a suburb of the capital city of Senegal, Dakar. The organization is called the Malika Monkeys and they are a school of sorts. What they do is take in young Senegal men and train them for a period of about 2 years in practical skills that they can use to support themselves once they leave the Monkeys. Here is an example of their classrooms were they teach subjects such as basic business skills and English.Additionally, practical skills such as wood and metal workmanship are also taught so the young men can be self-sufficient. Here is our friend, Walker, learning how to play on the drums the men have made.The leader of the Monkeys, Herma (pictured above), told Pete they needed people with these specific skills to help them as the organization is growing. Specifically they need help in the workshops, help revamping their bookkeeping system, and help teaching English. Pete immediately thought of us as both of us have unique experience in these areas. We will be living on the grounds of the Malika Monkey's. These are huts that short term missionaries stay in at Malika. There is also a house for Herma and another house which is where we will be staying, sorry no pictures of our house.Since Pete first approached us about this opportunity in March/April, then many things in life have been working out so that we would be free of our committments here and be able to go to Senegal to volunteer with the Malika Monkeys. Our plan is to go the begining of October 2008, that's just 3 months from now, and stay for a year.

We have been saving and Doxology will be helping us with a portion of our financial needs, however there is still a need for funds to cover up front costs as well as our monthly expenses. What we need: airline tickets aprox. $2,200 each for a total of aprox. $4,400 to get to Senegal, our monthly expenses will be approximately $$700 a month, this will cover, our food, transportation, rent, medical insurance, ect.

If you would be interested in giving toward our upfront expenses or our on going expenses, or both, OR if you would like to receive regular updates (via email or regular mail), just leave a comment on the blog and we can get you additional information. If you do choose to financially support us, all gifts ar tax deductible and will be routed through Doxology.

We will keep the blog as updated as possible both in the upcoming months and while we are in Senegal. Here are some additional photos of the area to give you a better idea of where we will be.

Hammock between the trees on the grounds.

Malika is close to the beach. It's a nice walk from the Monkey's grounds.

It naturally gets very hot in Malika, the grounds has a pool for cooling off, here is Pete and the rest of the team that went earlier this year relaxing by/in the pool.

The Monkey grounds are enclosed for privacy and security. This is one of the gates into the grounds.