Abdou is one example of the ‘gold’ of Mbeabus (Dakar’s main garbage dump that we visit weekly). We visited him shortly after his wife, who lived with him and was very ill, passed away. He took care of her in every small way he could to the end. Tears spilled from his eyes as he told us, ‘God gives the breath to our lungs, and he takes it. He called her when it was her time. Yalla baax na.’ (God is good). ‘I am sad but I have peace. Yalla baax na.’ 

What an example of faith, hidden away in a place no one would ever think to look. These moments in Mbeabus are a powerful lesson to me. God’s glory shines out through broken human lives. The manger, the cross, the garbage dump. When will I stop being surprised when Christ shows his face in unexpected places?