Bulb's are blooming in Mali just as they are in Oklahoma!

Although the bulb might be different, there are certainly some similarities to the developing democracy in Mali with the wonderful spring blooms happening back in Oklahoma. Our day took us through major parts of the city of Bamako. If you merely stare at the desolate housing and shops, you can quickly lose sight of the beauty of this budding democracy, its people.

Every one we have had contact with while in Mali have been respectful and polite. Even at the airport when we first arrived yesterday, the mania that ensued to get our luggage and get out the door was just plain madness. People everywhere with carts seeking to help. It truly was a miracle we made it out of the airport door with all our belongings. Once outside, we began "the walk." The rush of warm Malian air almost took me back as I took my first step. Step two required me to cough a few times as I inhaled Malian dust for the first time. Yes, it is dusty here. By the end of a day it looks like thick fog engulfing the city. As we approach the end of the sidewalk there are many people waiting. My first thought was that they were waiting for family or friends. I quickly realized their mission was much different. As we neared the end of the sidewalk, I heard many saying "Americans, Americans, Teobobu (Bambara for white person) Teobobu." An alley quickly formed as the masses spread for our walk to the taxi. Once in the alley, we were asked, nudged, encouraged, begged to allow them to help in any way they could. All of them!! They followed us to our vehicle. Our interpreter, Assoumane, worked hard to push them away, but they came from every angle. At first sight, this was overwhelming. However, in hindsight it was merely a way of life for society members in one of the poorest countries in the world. We quickly loaded into a taxi and motored down the road toward the city (leaving behind some luggage, two team members and our coordinator because not everyone would fit on the first trip). Of course, I will have to let Jeremiah or Jim blog about their experience and the flat tire story!

Today, we met with Stephanie Syptak, the public affairs officer for the U.S. Embassy in Mali. "Welcome to Mali" she said as she started her conversation with us. It was an honor to hear her share important information about the culture and social makeup of Mali.

Later in the day, we had an opportunity to take a taxi downtown to a market. This ride provided probably the most visual perspective of this country. Again, however, looking past the desolate architecture and landscape, you quickly see the beautiful people dressed in richly colored attire working and playing and socializing with each other.

Today was just the first of many positive experiences we will have while in Mali. We have a lot to learn and a lot to share as we move forward with this project. I am so excited about tomorrow, I find it hard to stop writing this blog. However, the time has come that I must stop and get some sleep as morning will come all too soon (it is now midnight in Bamako, 7 p.m. for those of you in Oklahoma who are struggling to get the kids ready for baths and bedtime).

I ni wonla!

Bonjour!

Goodnight!