Last Wednesday, I was blessed to attend one of the greatest games I believe to have ever been played in all of Dakar, Senegal. Four of us were able to go to a football (American soccer) game that seemed to stop time. The two teams were Italy and Senegal, and the competitors were phenomenal. Big and small men alike showed up to play in the heat of the day. I watched carefully as Italy huddled together preparing their attack against the newly put together Senegal. Just the same, Senegal got warmed up and ready to go full force! The teams were in line, the whistle blown, and the great game began.
These two teams, small in stature yet mighty in strength, consisted of about twenty young Talibe boys. Ages ranging from approximately seven to fourteen years, the boys teamed together to play for one short hour during their busy day. The smiles were big and the competition gentle, even in the midst of a tied game.
I loved each and every minute watching these fella's play. The decision was made and Meredith and I were allowed to be their goalies (Meredith for team Senegal and myself for Italy), and I could not have been more honored. Before the game began, I took my place at the goal and was advised with a smile, by my friend Usman, to take off my flip-flops so that I could move better. It was true. I moved much more hurriedly with my shoes off, but not because of better mobility. It was more the heat of the desert sand than anything. I am still amazed at how these little boys can play so freely and run so quickly without protection on their precious, little feet.
Clearly the inexperienced one on team Italy, I began to make friends with a small boy that stayed by my side during the majority of the game. He saved the day a few times, and no goal had been made after what seemed to be 15 minutes. But before I knew it, team Italy was steadily rushing toward the opponent's goal. Two seconds later, I heard boyish cheering. We scored the first goal!! Time to celebrate! We ran around with our hands raised, high-fiving each other, smiling as if there were no other care in the world. Before long, I was quickly escorted back to my position by one of the older team members. Time for business again…
At the end of the hour, the two teams had equally scored three goals each. The game had ended, but only for this week. Another match is yet to come this Wednesday. I'm positive team Italy will be pumped and ready to take on their fierce competitor.
Although the game was a memory that I shall never forget, it wasn't even the greatest part of our time with these beautiful, young boys. After the game, David (a Senegalese believer) sat with them and shared the story of creation. When he finished, questions were asked, and the boys began to answer. Initially the answers came hesitantly, but by the end, the football stars were shouting out various things that our God had created, and announcing facts about Adam and Eve.
This is one of many stories that the Lord is allowing me to be a part of. I cannot tell you how blessed I am to be here working amongst these people. It seems with each day, the Lord is revealing Himself in a different way.
Mondays and Thursdays: working with the young basketball teams is amazing! Please be praying for these young girls. Meredith and I have invited them over to our apt in the next week so that we can chat and share truth with them in a different setting.
Tuesdays: I love, love, love this family that we are storying with! English class is always fun, and we have been asked to begin reading the story in Wolof each week. Please pray that our words would be spoken clearly and they wouldn't hear us but rather Christ in us.
Wednesdays: Work with the Talibe boys is wonderful. Please continue to pray for the Maribu. The church that introduced us to him (IBC) had their 25th anniversary on Sunday, and the Maribu attended the service. Pray that the relationship between IBC and the Maribu would continue to grow strong in Christ. Also, English class is continuing to be a great blessing! The stories are being shared and by the grace of the Father, English is actually being learned.
Fridays: Kids Club is so much fun! The past two weeks have been music weeks. We have been dancing and singing around the park without reservation (which I'm sure is quite entertaining). Not only is David reading the story to them, but they are beginning to ask more and more questions.
Please know that I am so grateful for your prayers. I believe I realize more and more each day how much Dakar has infiltrated my life. I do ask for your continued prayers as our time here has dwindled to about one month, but praise the Father even after my time concludes here, He remains.
Thank you for your encouragement and support! I miss you all, and don't worry.
I will keep you posted on this week's big game!
Grace and peace,
Tiffany
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