Sharyn’s Village Family

When Sharyn came to this community 20 years ago she was adopted by Joelle, one of the elders.  It is necessary for a woman to belong to a family.  Joelle and his clan have been a great blessing to her.  When Sharyn has a need, they are always ready to help.  


When we arrived in the village we went to greet Joelle, as well has his son Nombe (Nombey) who showed us that they had just brought in the cotton harvest.  His shed was full!  

On Saturday night (Nov 3) we were invited for tea to Nombe's home. Sharyn calls him her “little brother"  though he is about 6 foot 3!  We dubbed him the gentle giant.  As we sat in the courtyard visiting, he took much time to prepare the traditional “three cups of tea!”  We love listening to Nombe talk because he has a delightful high-pitched chuckle.

The amount of tea for each person, is very small, very strong and very sweet!! 

Meanwhile, the women were cooking.  They presented us with TOH (toe) and sauce and chicken.  As with all sauce, they first pour a small amount a green mixture into each of our wide flat plastic bowls.  It is made with okra and baobab leaves.  Then they add to each bowl a small amount of the meat broth.  Now we are ready to start dipping the  TOH – the white and very hot stuff that looks and tastes like dollops of cream of wheat.  We are also offered the meat to add to our dish.  All this we eat with our right hand! 

We has come for tea in the late afternoon.  At 6 it became dark.  We continued visiting until supper was served.  After the meal we had 2 more rounds of tea.  The strong sweet minty tea tasted terrific, but it did affect the sleep! 

Next day after church they asked us to take family pictures – Sharyn with her village family – her father Joelle, her mother, her “little brother” Nombe, and the rest of the clan.  Sharyn’s sister Marianne, was invited into the picture, because, by extension, she is part of the clan too.  Later Nombe came over to sit under the thatch and visit. .