On Tuesday our time was up in Spain. It was difficult to say goodbye to the staff at the Villa because they had all been VERY hospitable, and had become like more family. I can't put to words how much they helped us by passing on their passion for the North African world. So when we left I knew that we were prepared to enter Tunisia.
About 9 hours later we arrived...
Many students thought "Toto we aren't in Kansas anymore..."
They spoke very true words, first the first time since leaving the country I truly felt like I was in another country. We were now in a man's world. Meaning the number of women we saw were like maybe 1/4 of the men. It was interesting to see the vast variety of how traditional the people in regard to the strictness of their beliefs (because here you can notice their beliefs based on how they look). Once we went through customs, we then had the task of haggling for the price we would pay for our journey to the hostel. Finally we were loaded and ready, and of course the price changed like 2 times. Either way the owner of the Hostel met us where we were dropped off. He walked us through the winding streets (all being dark alleys) to where we finally can to our hostel, and we could get settled in.
The first night was very hard to sleep, our minds were going at rapid rates, and of course there were so many new sounds we weren't used to. At sunrise, we experienced for the first time what the call to prayer sounds like. When it went off I just said a brief prayer over our team then went back to sleep. When it was finally time to arise, we went and got breakfast which is a piece of bread and butter and jelly. Very simple but satisfying.
On to our first team meeting, we had a time of worship and intercession, then discussed the previous nights experiences and then on to what we have for the day. For lunch we were going to go find a local place to eat then afterwards wander the city. During the day we got to experience both extreme kindness from the people, but we also had one of the students have his necklace broken off his neck by someone trying to steal it, and 2 occasions where we were being followed. If anything it taught us what we should carry on us, and the kind of things to keep our eyes open for.
We did however have a few incredible conversations with some locals about our amazing God. I personally really enjoy talking with the women who have children alongside them. The children always provide an open door to communicate.
I know I am leaving out A LOT of details. I just wants to give you a little taste of what it has been like.
Blessings!
About 9 hours later we arrived...
Many students thought "Toto we aren't in Kansas anymore..."
They spoke very true words, first the first time since leaving the country I truly felt like I was in another country. We were now in a man's world. Meaning the number of women we saw were like maybe 1/4 of the men. It was interesting to see the vast variety of how traditional the people in regard to the strictness of their beliefs (because here you can notice their beliefs based on how they look). Once we went through customs, we then had the task of haggling for the price we would pay for our journey to the hostel. Finally we were loaded and ready, and of course the price changed like 2 times. Either way the owner of the Hostel met us where we were dropped off. He walked us through the winding streets (all being dark alleys) to where we finally can to our hostel, and we could get settled in.
The first night was very hard to sleep, our minds were going at rapid rates, and of course there were so many new sounds we weren't used to. At sunrise, we experienced for the first time what the call to prayer sounds like. When it went off I just said a brief prayer over our team then went back to sleep. When it was finally time to arise, we went and got breakfast which is a piece of bread and butter and jelly. Very simple but satisfying.
On to our first team meeting, we had a time of worship and intercession, then discussed the previous nights experiences and then on to what we have for the day. For lunch we were going to go find a local place to eat then afterwards wander the city. During the day we got to experience both extreme kindness from the people, but we also had one of the students have his necklace broken off his neck by someone trying to steal it, and 2 occasions where we were being followed. If anything it taught us what we should carry on us, and the kind of things to keep our eyes open for.
We did however have a few incredible conversations with some locals about our amazing God. I personally really enjoy talking with the women who have children alongside them. The children always provide an open door to communicate.
I know I am leaving out A LOT of details. I just wants to give you a little taste of what it has been like.
Blessings!
So proud of you!!
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