Benin Bethel

We visited the Bethel this week, located in Calavi. We were warmly greeted at the gate and asked if we were Katie and Rebecca. We had taken a bus that morning to Coutonou, where we were jammed in the backseat with our oversized backpacks. In Coutonou we caught a taxi to Calavi. We shared the front seat of a Toyota Corolla for an hour. Our friendship has gone to a whole new level. When we arrived our appearance was more than slightly disheveled, thankfully we could use the bathroom. We noted the sign hung in the bathroom with clear users instructions, and followed them to the letter (note the picture). We were sure not to do any of the things "interdit" (forbidden), like standing on the toilet bowl. We had made it this far in life not knowing these toilet options existed, and now were tempted to try them out. We resisted the temptation, and met the sister for our Bethel tour.
Our tour was very nice. We were expecting it to be very short, but we met so many people, and visited with everyone, so it took 2 hours. We were shown to our room and then went to lunch. The lunch was very good, but the company was better. We sat with a couple who have been serving in Africa for over 40 years. We talked like we had known each other for years, not minutes. We met a very nice couple who are serving in Nigeria. They are International Servants from Germany. The husband, Thomas shared a treasured tidbit of knowledge with us. He informed us that here in Africa you can slap someone on the back and then be thanked for your efforts. In fact, the harder the slap, the more gratitude you receive We were incredulous to this and told him he was joking. With a wide grin he told us his wife hadn't believed him either, but he had demonstrated for her by slapping a brother on the back at a meeting. The slapped brother immedietely turned around and said "merci". We were very curious to know why someone would be thanked after slapping another person. Well, the insects here are so determined and numerous, the slapped person thinks that you are getting rid of a fly or mosquito. We are eager to try this out. Hopefully we won't get slapped back.
That evening we attended the Bethel family study. We were informed about 30 minutes before the study, that the whole Bethel family, including guests, is allowed to answer. This gave us some trepedation, but it turned out quite nice. After the study we had been invited to our friend Gerard's room, along with a couple from lunch (Pall and Vita), who are originally from Denmark We had wine and little snacks that Gerard had made. These brothers carry so much responsibility, yet are some of the most gracious, down to earth, and humble people you will meet. We are grateful to be part of an organization that encourages humility and hospitality, and hope to continue to be shaped by these qualities.


Bon Toilet



Gate to Bethel

Pall ,Vita, Us, and Gerard

We departed the next morning. Our stay was short, yet sweet. The brothers deposited us at our next taxi station to go to Ouidah. Oh boy, we get to share the front seat again, but it's a Celica this time!
posted by Rebecca and Katie