A Sunday Visit to the Balo Family in Binabougou

This morning we drove out to Binabougou for church. We were a little early, so we made a few phone calls to make sure everyone was coming. When we called the Balo family, Famoussa told us he had to go to the village today to visit family there, so we asked if we might come right away to greet him and the family before he left. The last missionaries we had here were teaching Famoussa and two other related families here. We wanted to help re-establish that connection so the Elders can come back to teach them again.

We walked up the mountain side to the Famoussa’s compound. Several families share this compound. They are a happy bunch and were excited to see us. The children loved the Elders and gathered around us. They were all busy getting ready to go sell at the small local market. Everyone here helps to support the family.

Chiaka came with us and we had a wonderful visit with Famousa and Nicole. They have 5 children. Famoussa is a teacher at the public school in N’gomi. We talked about Catherine’s death 2 weeks ago. Famoussa is her uncle. We read a few verses from Alma 11:42-44 about what happens when you die. It was a beautiful little lesson that comforts all of us.

Here’s a look around the compound at all the industrious things going on this morning–

This young boy was in what I’ll call the blacksmith’s shop. He was surrounded by tools and things being repaired.

Here’s the cooking area:

These girls were getting ready to take some piles of laundry to a small stream quite far away to do the washing. They bundled everything up and put it on their heads. The youngest carried the washboard. Everyone helps.

Here are the heads of the 3 families (from the left): Chiaka, our group leader; Famoussa’s 2 brothers whose names are Pascal and Ungolo; Famousa and Nicole with their youngest and oldest and Elder Lewis. Pascal, the brother next to Chiaka is the father of Catherine, who died.