This will be my last post from Saint Louis. Early Sat morning Feluine and I head down south to the capital city of Dakar for the weekend.
Thursday was a full day starting with devotions – the Good Samaritan today. Then back to the other center for the Talibe day. After having seen where and how they live on Wednesday, this was a bittersweet day. I am so grateful that this ministry exists for them and that I got to see it, but their lives are still heartbreaking. Pray for change.
After showers, wound care, games, stories, and lunch, they departed.
Later that afternoon, I again accompanied Feluine to the prison and spent some rich time with the women. It is such a privilege to be with them. And all the plants still blew me away!
That evening I was invited to have family supper with Antoine and Elizabeth and their two little girls. Antoine is Feluine’s eldest son and her second son, Jeremy also lives there. They just live a couple of blocks away so it was a quick walk. Again, such a gift to be invited into their home. The meal was very good and served in the typical communal Senegalese manner. A large cloth was spread on the floor so for this meal, we sat on the floor and shared a couscous, chicken, and vegetable bowl. English is spoken so that was lovely!
Antoine helps his father with the radio ministry and social media. He is also a musician and has a great studio in his home. Elizabeth works with the Talibe boys, preparing their breakfast twice a week and helping on the longer day with them. She is a jewel. And I’m still so grateful to be welcomed to their home.
Today, Friday, is the last full day. I made my last trek to and from the girls’ school. Today, I shared a little of my story and then four girls shared what they had learned from the devotions. The overriding theme was God’s love for them so I hope that came through. Then they sang some songs for me and presented me with a lovely silver necklace! Bounty heaped up.

I think we short timers are a bit of a challenge for the long term missionaries. We come and people make a big fuss over us while they serve quietly, faithfully, day after day. A bit of the Martha/older brother syndrome, with which I am well acquainted. I’m glad to know this and be aware for future travels. However, this is really the first place I’ve been with a number of American missionaries.

After the devotion, I made my last trek back and helped with the final Talibe breakfast. Those faces will always be with me. Then I went back to my place and started organizing things and packing. Later that afternoon, I had a tea party of sorts for my young women that I had taught some English. I like them so very much. A scarf served as a tablecloth, a flowered scarf arranged in a glass was the centerpiece, and mugs took the place of delicate tea cups. I had purchased some cookies and candy on my last trip to the store and put those out on plates along with tangerine wedges. It worked! And I enjoyed this last time with them. They, too, brought gifts. I just wish they knew how thankful I am for the opportunity to be with them. I know I always get the most out of it.
Tonight will be finishing up all the odds and ends and be ready for an early start tomorrow.

Good night from the Toubab