New Year's Day

New Year’s Day is most Togolese favorite holiday of the year. Each family cooks a big meal, everyone buys a new outfit, and they will go from house to house saying hi to all their friends. At some point throughout the day, the extended family will sit down together and talk about any problems that might have occurred throughout the year. They will fix any of these problems within the large group of people.

This year we invited 4 guys over for lunch that would not have had anywhere else to go. (2 are orphans and 2 are abandoned) We had a blast eating southern bbq pork, baked beans and sweet corn. Melissa even made some hommade chocolate pudding for desert. After lunch we watched two movies together. Invictus was the one that provoked the most thought and conversation. We in Africa must practice forgiveness at so many different level. Nelson Mandela (debately a Christian) lead his nation from turmoil to the growing nation that is part of the B.R.I.C.S.

We talked about what each person had accomplished in 2011 and what they planned to accomplish in 2012. Some goals were financial such as buying a pair of shoes and saving to pay a dowry when ready to get married. Others were spiritual such as being more respectful at home and sharing their faith more consistently. One guy said he has done a great job to stop lying in 2011. Most Togolese do not talk about their feelings openly, so I was very pleased to see how candid they were.

The guys all thanked us for the great day before they left. One in particular thanked us for the advice. He says that not everyone takes the time to teach others. I believe this appreciation should be passed on to those that enable us to do what we do.

We appreciate the opportunity to mentor guys such as this. We would never be able to live and invest in Togo if it were not for people sacrificially giving. We truly appreciate each person, business, and church that contributes to allow us to make an impact in people’s lives. I believe these guys will go on to impact many lives themselves.