Finally Some VooDoo

We got to go to Ouidah- the birthplace and center of religiously practiced vodun. The people of the Dahomey kingdom started to worship the first and most powerful voodoo god here many hundreds of years ago- the snake. A temple has been built around the tree where every year thousands come and sacrifice blood to the snakes so that they will be protected throughout the upcoming year. The temple has a couple hundred large pythons that live there are in the surrounding town that are free to come and go. So when we went there I didn't want to sacrifice any of my blood, but I did lay down in the pit of snakes and then kiss one and wear her around all day (see the dope attached photos). After that we walked on the trail of no return. The heart of the slave trade was here and so we took the same long walk that all slaves took before being loaded onto ships to be sold. At the beach there's an arc called the point of no return, if you weren't able to escape before going through, a life sold into slavery or dying along the way was certain, for many it marked their last steps of "freedom". Some pretty interesting and sad history but that's just what it is- history. All the locals now celebrate their own lives and are thankful that the practice of owning slaves ended a long time ago. Anyway enjoy some cool pictures of me clowning around and hope you guys have a great week.

Old Friends, New Roads

Transition. That's a nice way of usually saying that you're leaving what you know to be put into uncomfortable situations. I remember pushing my forehead on the back window of my dad's truck and it staying there because of the cold, sitting in one of those tiny somehow legal stowaway seats leaving our grandparents'' home in Littleton Colorado the 21st of December back in 2007. We were in California 6 months before this making a similar move; but I remember much more distinctly moving from Littleton to Castle Rock because I felt like I had just found friends, was fitting in my class, and all that work was white-washed. All of us go through these awkward transitions in our lives; moving, going to college, marriage, a new job, etc. Out here we move around a lot, always changing our circumstances. I think the two biggest things that I've learned from this are 1) New experiences and unfamiliarity will help us grow and will be great memories so we should always look to try new things, talk to new people, learn new skills 2) Everyone in life is always experiencing change so when you find friends that will be there even after circumstances for them or for you change you should make an effort to keep them in your life.

Out here in Benin we're going through a transition here too. All of the missionaries who have been out here longer than me are all going home at the end of the month. Thursday was the last time we all will see each other in person. I've shared a lot of good memories with all these guys since I've gotten here but now new missionaries are coming and they'll be transitioning back into normal life. I'm thankful I got to make some lifelong friends and memories with these guys. I am excited to make new memories with the new guys and the new areas I'll be in for the next 9 months. I'm also thankful for everyone that has stayed in touch.

1) The Tahitians

2) Gramps & I (Kipoy)

3) New Roads