*Crickets*

I wish I could just insert the sound of crickets as my blog...It's hard to even attempt to express the feelings that the team and I are feeling. This week has been quite the whirlwind, and we're just getting started. I'm simply in awe of what has taken place here in Manakara the passed few days. 

Following Paige's post, you're all aware that we have been surveying the people here with various questions about religion, culture, and their way of life in general. The answers we have received have been...interesting, to say the least. 

Today, our questions went a little further. Because we are "vahzas," or "foreigners," we are excused when we do something that would normally be considered rude, or even a "fady," if done by a national here. Taking advantage of such a prestigious title (<-- sarcasm), we asked questions that made Mika, our translator, slightly...uncomfortable. We asked who the Vazimbas were, what the "Cucu Lampa" was, and about the Zahanary.  Before the day begun we were briefed.  It was explained to us that the Vazimbas were the first people here, and thereby the oldest ancestors of the Antaimoro people. They are viewed as the protectors. But they were also described as very small.  I wasn't sure what to think of that.  They are very hard to see, and few people have claimed to spot one. So in my head, I view them as little Leprechauns running around Madagascar with bows and arrows. The Cucu Lampa is simply translated as the "Lamp Bird."  It's a Malagasy myth about a bad spirit that takes form as a bird of fire. So for you comic book lovers, think of the Phoenix. And the Zahanary is the general term used for ancestors. 

When surveying the people here, it was fascinating to hear the answers given. Not much was said about the Vazimbas. But there was a general consensus by the two parties we spoke with that they were small, and one lived at the train station here in town. Needless to say our next field tip will be to the train station. We asked one gentlemen about the "Cucu Lampa," and he said that it was a trick and didn't believe in it. We asked these questions along with a lot of the same questions we asked yesterday. 

I could tell you all the answers I have heard over the passed several days, but I think what stood out most was the lack of hope and recognition of Christ’s sacrifice for us.  They recognized Jesus’ name, and some even knew he died on the cross. But they didn’t recognize why, or at what cost He died. It’s like they were given bits and pieces of the Gospel, but the most important piece was left out.

I suppose you could say that it’s better they have heard Jesus’ name, rather than nothing at all. But there is still a lot of work to be done. Please be praying that our team will see the hearts of the people here, and that God will grant us wisdom and discernment. Manakara and the Antaimoro people need your prayer. We are looking forward to see God work here, and feel privileged and blessed beyond measure that He is working through us!