Bagamba works with us in Congo. He is specialist in all things socio-linguistic. That is a big word to describe something very important to our work. He does research to answer questions such as:

• How many languages are there and where is each one?
• Are languages in Congo disappearing?
• Are the Bible translations being used?
• What is hindering the use of the translations?

Photos from top: Lab tech drawing Maziga’s blood, Ed and Bagamba at our place, Maziga doing a puzzle in our living room.

Bagamba is on his way to an international meeting of others doing the same kind of research around the world. His eight-year-old daughter, Maziga, has had persistent and undiagnosed stomach pain. So he brought her as far as Nairobi to see if the more advanced medical services here can diagnose the problem.

They are both staying with us; Bagamba for a few days and Maziga until September 23. So we are parenting again. Or are we grandparenting for the first time? Maziga is a very gifted girl. She loves puzzles, so she and Dayle get along famously over a 1000 piece puzzle!! Maziga put together all the water and the castle. Phenomenal, at 8 yrs old. So methodical and patient with the puzzle. Maziga and Dayle might also do some baking.

Saturday September 12: We got the results of the first round of tests and Maziga saw the doctor a second time. Her stomach problems are parasites which are easily treated. Great news. More tests still coming…

Monday September 14: For over six months, Maziga has been having what are either fainting spells or mild siezures. She has had treatment and has been siezure free for over two months. The neurologist ordered an EEG because she had never had one. So we found photos on the Internest of an EEG being done, showed them to her and explained what would happen. Maziga sat through the EEG like a trouper with Dayle there for support. It came out normal. The neurologist believes that she will just grow out of the siezures/fainting spells.

One of Bagamba’s research projects is trying to get information on the use of the Bibles translated into local languages. He has developed a research instrument and trained data collectors. They are gathering information and that will accelerate in November. Personally, I am really looking forward to getting the results early next year. Making decisions is a lot easier when one has good information. Right now we don’t really know how widely the translations are being used, in what ways and what is hindering their use. We want to do all we can to get the Bible into the languages and hearts of as many as possible. After all, God intended his Word for everyone.

Sunday September 20: Bagamba arrives back from his conference late this afternoon after traveling since about 6 PM yesterday. He will be dog tired. After church, we took Maziga out for a little treat and then Dayle took her “window shopping” in an outdoor crafts market called the Masaai Market. She is looking forward to her dad coming back.

I (Ed) am the “Tickle Monster”. Maziga loves a little tickling even reminding me if I have not tickled her yet that day. Our dog, Oreo, get jealous and tries to get in between us.

(This was originally posted on a different site. It was republished here in March 2012.)