Knock Knock Senegal Style

What comes to mind when your doorbell rings? When we hear a knock at the door in Senegal, it can be one of about five things:

 

1. School Children: We live down the street from an elementary school, and a lot of kids walk past our place on their way home. It's common practice for children to ask for a drink of water at houses on their walk. I often answer the door with Isabella in tow. The kids love her, and the minute I open our front one of the girls pick her up and hold her while she waits for her water. Our little cutie is a real people person, and considers them all her friends. :)

 

Our front door - Not only a popular place to knock, but also
a beloved shady spot for our neighbour's jersey cows to rest 
Did I mention he's also my dentist?!

2. Street Boys: The streets of urban Senegal are teaming with boys as young as five years of age, holding out empty tomato cans to passers-by, hoping for some spare change. When not weaving through traffic, they can be found going door to door, looking for a gift of food or money. We like to keep Laughing Cow "triangle cheese" around for them (and ourselves!), since they make a healthy, high protein snack.

 

3. Professional Mendicant: This could take a few different forms. One is the sophisticated beggar - she speaks some French, comes with a prescription slip, and recounts a story of how she can't afford to buy her sick child medicine. Upon closer consideration, we often find a hole in her story and realize that she may not be the best individual to give to. The other kind of woman comes with no story, doesn't speak any French, and at times doesn't even speak Wolof. A young child stands beside her and she carries a young baby on her back and a bucket in her hand. She appreciates any food gift to cook for her kids that very day. I usually have some vegetables kicking around to share and do so, along with a blessing in Jesus' name.

 

4. Unexpected Friend: In African culture, if you really care about someone, you don't call ahead to ask if you can come over. You just show up. It could be an elder from our church wanting to discuss theology with Dan or a Muslim friend stopping by to chat. He's unemployed, has a family to support, and ultimately, he is hoping we'll help him financially. It's a difficult situation to navigate, and in another blog entry I'll further discuss the challenge of affluence on the mission field.  


5. Ambulant Salesperson: Whether it's a fishmonger at 11 PM with the freshest catch of the day, or a perfume salesman in the middle of the afternoon, scores of people make their living by roaming residential areas carrying their wares on their head or shoulders. It's often a convenient way to go shopping, as I don't have to leave my own home to pick up some toiletries. But be warned: Once you buy from a guy once, he'll keep coming back almost every single day, no matter how many times you tell him you're good for deodorant for a while! :)

 

That's just a snapshot into our daily life in Senegal.  So, if you think of us next time you hear someone knocking at your door, please do pray for the Lord's work in Senegal.  Thanks!