One of the busiest weekends yet has recently been wrapped up! It was filled with work at the talibe center, a missions meeting, dinner with friends, and the first ever Village Walk and Talk. I'm a bit tired now, but it was worth every minute!
During my visit last summer, I spent some time at the boarding and day school called Dakar Academy. The majority of the students are missionary kids from Dakar and different parts of Africa. Some were born here and have spent very little time in the States. Africa has become their home. I quickly made several friends and it has been such a blessing to have them here. They are a group of young students who are thriving for God and instantly made me feel welcome.
Over time, I discovered something I would have never expected to find. As I talked with the students and got to know them better, I became aware at how little they know about the environment they are living in. School and the activities that revolve around it has become their world. I was shocked when I realized I know more about the culture and customs of Senegal than some who have spent their entire life here.
God laid it on my heart to give these students the opportunity to get involved in a ministry. There was already a program called Walk and Talk available, but only for their neighborhood. Walk and Talk is a way of outreach where the students simply walk around the neighborhood, hand out food, and make friends. I considered expanding this into the villages. I didn't know for sure what this would look like or how it would work. But I went ahead and took the next step. I contacted a teacher and received permission to take a small group of students with me into the village. I spent the week preparing and inviting people to come.
Saturday morning I arrived at the school at 10:00 to take everyone in taxis to the village. I wasn't sure how many people would want to come because it was what DA calls a free-weekend. On free-weekend the school is not allowed to plan any activities and there are no games, so it gives the students a chance to rest. Still, 4 students showed up right on time and ready to go. We all piled into a taxi and headed to the village, Yoff, which is one the largest villages in Dakar and one of the most spiritually oppressed.
We took a soccer ball and bubbles and spent the day playing with kids on the beach. Kids were smiling and laughing like never before. It's not every day that a bunch of white people will come into their village to splash in the waves and crawl on their hands and knees building sandcastles with them. While I was in the water holding a smaller child, I turned around to the sound of boys yelling out. Lemme tell you.....the sight of little Africans chasing a crab up and down the shore with a bunch of American teenage boys running along behind them hunched down and joining in the shouts of joy is HILARIOUS! One thing I have learned is that boys will be boys no matter what country you're in.
After we all decided that we were tired and sandy enough for the day, one of the students bought water for everyone and we spent the afternoon visiting with the children's parents. They were very thankful that we had spent time loving on their kids and invited us to come back soon. I definitely feel like doors are being opened and some great relationships are being built. I'm hoping to continue this and make it a monthly event. The students agreed and others have said they would love to come along next time. Praise God for the successful Village Walk and Talk #1!
