Change of Pace

It was about this time last week that we (mostly Jane and Antoinette) were running around figuring out last minute details on how to pull off another Talibe Day at the Phare.
Not a task for the faint hearted or the faithless.
That Thursday night a plane carrying nurses, doctors, a dental tech., a pharmacist and a few volunteers landed in dusty Dakar ready to work the very next day on potentially 250 grubby little boys who's ailments ranged from dry skin to hernias.
Jane had a notebook packed full of scribbles, notes, pictures, names, and dates, detailing every last possible scenario of the upcoming day’s events.

A map was drawn and redrawn a few times describing where each person would stand at the ready to usher in 'the lost boys'; directing them from point A (breakfast) to point B (showers and worm meds) to point C (medical evaluations) to point D (see doctor) to point E (vaccinations and get vitamins) and finally beloved point F (PLAY).


When the day came the campus was all 'a twitter' with expectation. Being my FIRST Talibe Day, I was particularly syked. I had seen these boys on the side of the road daily, walking in and out of traffic, carrying around their red tin cans, woefully looking thru my window asking for 'alms'. Because of Jane's influence I've made an effort to look these little ones directly in the eyes when they come my way. Acknowledging their personhood to not only myself but to them as well, as if to say "Yes, I see you. I know that you are a unique, interesting, little person dearly loved and masterfully created". It’s amazing how the facade of who they are on the streets seems to evaporate in that moment and once again they are what they were meant to be. Little boys.
Moving on. What a BLESSING that day was! These kids just waltzed in like they owned the place. They were well behaved, orderly, POLITE even. Not bad for a bunch of boys with no mommy’s around.
They lined up and reluctantly took what was coming to them...SHOTS. Some cried, some threw punches (ok..that kid wasn't so polite, but can you blame him?) When the final kid came thru we counted 179 kids were vaccinated that day! AWESOME! After they got their multi-vitamins (Thanks, Wheels 2 Africa!) they went outside for a rousing game of soccer. Some showed their more artistic side and painted on t-shirts. I got the privilege, and oh, it was a privilege, to help scrape yellow paint off of a 4yr olds grimy feet. He melted my heart..sigh.
Christ in action, folks. Hands and feet, needles and lotions, soccer balls and puffy paints, Jesus Films and stickers. We bless the Lord for this day because He made Himself evident to us, and we pray He did the same for them.

Place to celebrate!

In a city like Dakar, where unfinished buildings and sand dunes mixed with trash line the streets, one has a hard time imagining where one could hold a picturesque wedding reception for several hundred guests? You could try one of the fancy hotels but that would be way expensive. Hey, what about the Phare? Lots of space. Nice view of the ocean ( as well as an unfinished hotel..grrr), good landscaping, great accommodations..and CHEAP! And so it happened that Eglise Evangeliques very own Pastor Timothy's daughter had her wedding reception on the Phare grounds last month. With a few small touches, the property was turned into a perfect place for a bride and groom to celebrate their union with their friends. Lights were strewn, a stage was constructed and chairs were set out under the shade of the Baobab.
Again, another way that God has blessed the christian community by providing this property and the facilities.

Have you met the Quenums?

Well, if you haven't then here is your chance. They are a very special couple that have been working here for a year and a half. Herve runs the place. His responsibilities are many and he does a fine, fine job. He's very methodical and takes great care in making the right decisions in all matters Phare related. Along with managing the general operations of the property (which is huge) he also takes care of the bookings, the scheduling, the employees, etc. His wife, Patricia, is a formally trained nurse who has given up the profession for the moment to be at home with her two boys. She has turned what was once just a hobby to a booming business with her in-home catering service "Chez Tantine". What does she NOT make is the question. From breakfast, to cakes, to European dishes to African dishes, this lady does it all. And so, so tasty! AND, its so convenient for those staying at the center. Just order, and voila, you've got this homemade yummy meal delivered to your room or conference. Very cool. We're all so grateful that God sent this family this way. Their unique gifts have made a great difference at the Phare.