Questions.

"I am involved in each moment of your life. I have carefully mapped out every inch of your journey through this day, even though much of it may feel haphazard. Because the world is in a fallen condition, things always seem to be unraveling around the edges. Expect to find trouble in this day. At the same time, trust me My way is perfect, even in the midst of such messy imperfection. Stay conscious of Me as you go through this day, remembering that I never leave you side. Let the Holy Spirit guide you step by step, protecting you from unnecessary trails and equipping you to get through whatever must be endured. As you trudge through the sludge of this fallen world, keep your mind in heavenly places with Me. Thus the Light of My Presence shines on you, giving you Peace and Joy that circumstances cannot touch."

                                                                                     - Jesus Calling Devotional Book 

This is how my morning began from my devotional book and I made sure to read it both Jen and Emily before we began our day. I should have known that waking up feeling a little off and a little agitated and not seeming like we were leading off our day on the right foot would lead to the day that I had in store. To cut to the chase it went a little something like this:

- a mouse walking on the back of the couch I was sitting on while interviewing the headmaster of the school I was working in

- playing with students who were abandoned by their teacher.... get to more details below.

- Taxi cab overheating and the driver not wanting us to leave, followed by not being able to get out of the car because the car door was stuck [lesson learned: most taxi operate better if you shut the front door first, then open the back]

- trying to get lunch before the call to prayer... [yes we did it]

- headed to Goree Island we hopped in a cab and got lost the driver didn't know French that was a nervous adventure

- missed the ferry by two minutes had to wait and hour

-on the way back the ferry was late so we talked and were mauled by the students that were on a trip there

- our room key was missing

- the water wouldn't turn on to shower...

I questioned humankind today, I truly did. I do not understand why people are okay with how people are living in this city. I went to the school that I am working in today and heard one thing and saw the complete opposite. I have tried writing this part on several occasions and I am not quite sure how to put it... I working with children who are so special and their eyes are from above. Their resilience to situations is unmatched and unlike any I have ever seen before. I questioned humankind today because I would believe that people would not allow children to be left if their urine, and bowel. I would believe that people would not allow to go to school to be unattended to by their 'teachers.' I would believe that people wouldn't allow children with missing limbs to walk on bare floors where mice and rats roam. I would believe that people would not allow their children to have to rely on their classmates to get them to and fro places. The children are precious they have so much potential but here the resources are limited and people believe that the children with disabilities are part of the devil.

And what hurts the most is that this is normal. This is life. This is what each day brings for these children and it is accepted... What hurts the most is that this is not a problem that one person can change, it would take a collective group of individuals if not a world to change the sights and sounds I have witnessed. I am soothed by the resilience and ability to persevere through situations that make me break down, the children and people of Senegal have something so great to offer and offer great life lessons, they have the ability to break me down, but they are all helping build me back up and help me focus my attention on the important things in this one life we have.

This song reminded me of a moment today right before the students were leaving to head home. Since the school doesn't have enough wheelchairs a little boy, which by the way his smile lights up the room and his eyes speak wonders, was sitting at his desk sobbing. And since the rest of the morning did not go as expected I went over to him and asked him what was wrong all he wanted was to go home.... but there wasn't a wheelchair for him. My heart broke. Luckily his classmate came running with a wheelchair he was lifted in a ran out to the bus only get his 'backpack' caught around the tire causing it not to move. I got on the ground to untangle the backpack and was on the verge of tears but pulled through out of the grace of God. He was falling out of the chair and had no belt to keep him attached and no tires, just rims to move the chair. I lifted him up to get into the chair better and he was dead weight --- it broke my heart because back in the states with some PT and OT things could be potentially so much better for him. But the potential for all the students at the school that I am working at and the children in general in Dakar is so high, but hidden by peoples inability to want to change and adjust to meet unique needs. I want to wrap every single child in Talibo Dabo up and bring them home with me and shower them with love and affection -- I will stand by them.

Please continue to send your prayers and well wished to us over here, we are trying to be so strong, positive and take every situation as a learning experience however we still question so much and are torn by the sights, sounds, and situations however I am so blessed to be here and feel this is where I belong despite feeling empty right now. Please pray!