Once again, I'll be journalling and posting to this blog when I have the opportunity (and the electricity) to do so. I am now in the preparation stage for this trip, trying to get the word out so that those that would like to support me and the House of Hope this summer in prayer or financially can do so. Here's the support letter that I've written. If you would like to support me and the boys and the work being done at the House of Hope, that would be a blessing :)
Dear friends and family,
Bonjour from France! I am writing from the city of Rouen in Normandy, where I have spent the last 7 months teaching English in the French elementary schools here. I have had a wonderful experience in the schools and getting a taste (literally, I’m going to miss the baguettes…) for French culture. My teaching contract finished, I am now preparing to spend two months this summer in Dakar, Senegal.
In June I will travel to Senegal to work with the boys at the House of Hope. Last summer I spent 6 weeks with the wonderful children there, who age from 7 to 17. These boys come from difficult and painful backgrounds as talibés. A “typical” talibé was born in rural Senegal but sent at a young age to the city to learn the Koran from religious leaders known as marabouts. Though entrusted to provide for the boys, all too often marabouts exploit their talibés, barely providing for their basic needs and forcing them to beg for money on the streets. If talibés return to their marabout without collecting enough money, they are beaten. Not surprisingly, many talibés try to escape by running away from their marabout, but end up alone living on the streets. I saw these boys every day in Senegal last summer, and the hopelessness in their eyes is heartbreaking.
In the midst of this turmoil and despair, the Maison d’Espoir is shining as a beacon of hope and rehabilitation in Senegal. The two boys’ houses are home to twenty boys who had formerly been living on the streets. Despite a past of neglect and abuse, their lives are being transformed. I was absolutely astonished at the joy, happiness, and friendliness exhibited by these boys. Thanks to the House of Hope, these boys have a caring community, regular meals, clothing, shelter, and access to education. Above all, the House of Hope is a place where they are respected and experience the love of God.
I am ecstatic to be returning to Senegal, to reunite with the boys and the staff that I lived with and learned from last summer. I am eager for the opportunity to continue to develop the relationships that were established last summer. With 7 more months of French immersion under my belt, I am excited to be able to communicate with the boys more clearly. My chief role will be to serve as a big brother and mentor. For these boys who have been abandoned and abused by adults, simply being honest, just, and loving goes a long way.
I am thankful to God for this opportunity to return to Senegal. I feel strongly that my time in France has been a preparation for this summer. I know that I am going to need to continue to seek God and lean on Him to meet my needs and provide direction. Would you consider supporting the boys and me through prayer? Chief among them include good health, safety, relationships and communication with the boys and staff, and good sleep. My experience last summer impressed upon me just how invaluable prayer is and knowing I have a team of people back home supporting us through prayer will be a tremendous encouragement. Furthermore, the cost of the trip will be ~$3000. If you would like to contribute financially, you can make a check out to Rainbows of Hope and send it to the address below.
Thank you for letting me share in my excitement for this wonderful opportunity. I will be journaling from Senegal, and posting whenever possible to my blog at donthasselthehoffinsenegal.blogspot.com. Thanks again, and God bless!
Rainbows of Hope
PO Box 517
