Abe

By Mara, on mission in Senegal

Of the many children that come through our doors daily, Abe is one that called my attention more quickly. A little rougher around the edges, he can be more violent than the usual rough-and-tumble way of most children here and has difficulty to listen or focus. After discussing in community what we could do to pay closer attention to him, I went with Maria to visit his family just a couple blocks away.

It was a beautiful afternoon. Abe led us down the street proudly with his head held high, while (as always) a dozen other rambunctious kids followed along. Abe looked like he couldn’t believe we were coming to visit him – his house, his family! The experience of being seen, and not only being seen, but having your presence sought, is powerful. Our presence here is meant to be a sign of Christ’s Presence, who sees each person with a gaze of love, with all of our struggles and pain, and seeks our company, our friendship.