Meet Emma. She is the precious, middle daughter of Joe, the pastor at Nord Foire. Her English is limited to "How are you doing?" Emma and I had several hours together on Friday afternoon, and I wanted so badly to be able to tell her how much she fascinated me. The only thing I could think of was 'parfait' or perfect. She pointed to herself with questioning eyes.
"Oui, Emma. Parfait," I said.
Running after Emma, learning about roof-top gardening, watching young women graduate from the Methodist Women's Skill Center, talking to people about who they are and where they're from: this is why I do this. This is why I give up air-conditioning and comfort. This is why I walk on the sewage-lined, sandy streets of Dakar. It's because I see Jesus in people like Emma.
Listen: Thirsty, by Chris Rice