Decker Update August 22

Decker Update

Dear friends and family,
Greetings from HOT, HUMID Senegal! We are in the hot months, knowing that in November a breeze will blow away the humidity... but until then, we sweat, drink lots of water, and try to stay cool!

We are so thankful for the many ways God has blessed us over the past months! We were blessed by Mark and Andrya from our home church, who loaned us a car for our time in Minnesota. We were blessed with frequent flyer miles so that we could get up to Minnesota after Danny's wedding in Miami. We were blessed by Lee and Tracy loaning us a cell phone with unlimited minutes for our time in the States! We were blessed with time together with our extended family and time to relax at my mom's cabin. We were blessed by the gift of a hotel room in Appleton Wisconsin where we were able to attend the wedding of Cal, son of one of our support team families! These and many more blessings encouraged our hearts during our time in the U.S.

We loved staying in Miami with the Prinz family, the parents of our new daughter-in-law, Leah. Our two families enjoyed being together and developed friendships that will last a lifetime, and we're so glad! It was wonderful being with Danny and Leah. Danny drove us around and took us shopping more times than he would have preferred-- out of love and service to us-- as we re-stocked things we'd need for the upcoming year in Dakar.

Danny and Leah's wedding was beautiful. It was held in an "ancient Spanish monastery"-- and was a joyful time of celebration with family and friends. We ask your prayers for them as they begin their married lives. Danny will finish college this semester, if all goes well with his schedule! Leah is taking a semester off from her college course, and is teaching music on a part-time basis.

Joey is back to John Brown University for his senior year, and has been accepted into the Navy Officer Candidate Program and Flight School after he graduates. He is very excited about this, and we are thankful that his hard work and dedication is paying off. We trust that God is leading him into this program, and have seen evidence of this in many ways. Please pray for Joey this year as he works as an R.A. in his dorm, and finishes his college studies.

Jacob is also a senior this year-- in high school at Dakar Academy. He has enjoyed the first days of school, and has a very challenging class-load but is loving it. He is beginning the process of college applications. Pray for Jacob to continue to grow in the way God is leading him. We're excited to watch and encourage him as he grows!

Today is the first day of Ramadan, the month of fasting for the Islamic world. Here's a little information about Ramadan: " Fasting is one of the Five Pillars of the religion of Islam and one of the highest forms of Islamic worship. Abstinence from earthly pleasures and curbing evil intentions and desires is regarded as an act of obedience and submission to God as well as an atonement for sins, errors, and mistakes. Muslims fast during this holy month from the moment when it first starts to get light until sunset. " For more information, here's a helpful source, with a 30-day prayer guide for this month as well.

In a practical sense, this is a very difficult month for people living here. It's beginning to be the hottest part of the year, yet they will continue their normal work and school, while fasting from all food and water between sunrise and sunset. As sunset draws close, people are exhausted and often grumpy. It's not a good time to be trying to take a taxi, or even driving somewhere because the other drivers are often irritable and worn out.

Please continue to pray for young Christian believers during this time, who may face grave difficulty with their families because of their choice to follow Jesus. For updates on the situation we asked you to pray for with the specific young man, please continue to check the Garretts' prayer log.

Many blessings to you as you pray and partner with us, as we seek to follow Jesus here in Senegal, day by day in the hottest months, with or without electricity!