Top 10 Things I Learned on our Hike to Bevahazo

10 – If, at age four, your teacher has to have a chat with your parents to let them know you will never be a gymnast, permayhaps you shouldn’t attempt to cross a slippery log bridge in the rain.

9 – The top four shameful things in this area are: nakedness, women wearing pants, having a dirty yard (which I don’t completely understand since they are all mud!), and not greeting your elders.

8 – A good sleeping bag and hiking shoes are vital to survival.

7 – Most people around here don’t know what happens when you die. Answers we got included: heaven, the sky, paradise, wherever they want to go, they just walk around somewhere, to your dreams.

6 – Ponchos are not flattering on anyone.

5 – You same gender twins are fine, but since brothers and sisters are not supposed to sleep in the same bed, if you have boy-girl twins, you must put those twins in the stomach of a newly-slaughtered cow.

4 – The people here have decided that Heather comes from a cold place in America and I from a warm place because she has brown hair and I am a blond.

3 – Don’t let your Malagasy friend, Fred, translate. I said, “Please tell the people thank you for answering our questions and they may ask us any questions if they have them.” Fred translates, “They (Heather and I) say thank you for answering their questions and you may ask any questions if you have them; for example: would you like to be my wife?” NOT OKAY!

2 – It’s a hard hike through the mud and rain for many kilometers to get to people, but when you get there they are VERY interested to hear what you have to say, for why would someone come this whole way unless they had something amazing to tell?!

1 – All the momentary discomforts are completely worth it!

Thank you so much for your prayers. There’s more info below if you’re interested, and as always, feel free to ask any questions!

I love you all!
Cara :)
Philippians 1:3

PRAISES!

Our friend Mirana found a house and we have moved her in. Our relationship with her is developing well. She is such a sweet girl.

God has also blessed us with some insights on certain villages. The people in Bevahazo were very receptive to learning about Jesus. They really don’t know much (if anything) about the Bible and the Truth therein, so I think it would be great if we stayed there for a longer period of time to really teach what it’s all about. The trail to get there is quite difficult, and when the rainy season comes they are pretty much cut off from the rest of the world. We also saw quite a few medical opportunities in another village, so praise the Lord for His guidance!

PRAYER REQUESTS:
That God would continue to make clear the path set before us.

For continued unity and growing friendship for our team.

And a few Malagasy proverbs for the road...

Cross the river among a crowd and the crocodile won't eat you.

However little food we have, we'll share it even if it's only one locust.

Other people's children cause your nostrils to flare.