Here and there, we passed by a few items for sale lying unattended alongside the dusty road – a bag or two of charcoal, a few poles (tree trunks) for constructing homes, or a pile of gathered firewood.
Geoffrey and I maintained a fairly lively discussion as we walked. Besides observations about our interesting surroundings, much of the time we talked about God’s Word – a passion for both of us. We walked for over two hours and only encountered five people on the road!
Crossing over a small stream on a newly constructed bridge, I noticed a large tree on one bank. Several men lounged under its shade. Perhaps they were elders discussing a hot community issue. Two of the older men lay on blankets with their heads on a “kaydeke”.
We also passed by a group of young women sitting in the shade of a small tree, grooming themselves for this once-a-week social outing. A few combed their hair while others spread goat fat on their legs and arms. It’s my guess that market day is the only time they do such primping.
When we got to within one mile of our destination we did see more people on the road, likely all heading to Sigor for market day. Most of the women we encountered carried three or four decorated calabashes (gourds) filled with goat milk. They were held against their backs with a leso (piece of colorfully printed cloth), similar to how babies are typically carried.
Twice we heard the noise of an engine. Hopeful it was a vehicle approaching, Geoffrey exclaimed, “What’s happening?” However, both times it was a plane flying overhead. We pressed on, walking six miles before we finally got a lift on the back of an already crowded lorry. The guys we squeezed in with were amazed to see me.
