"Who are those guys?' I whispered to Boaz in church. We were visiting this church so the kids could see some of their friends. On the very front row sat two visitors. Someone was translating for them, and by the way they were dressed I assumed there were American. But who?
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| Alex and Boaz working on the truck |
There was fellowship dinner that day. Boaz took the opportunity to go visit with the two men. Thus began a friendship. They came to Dakar intermittently for work. Occasionally we shared meals. Boaz connected them with a school to learn French. One of them came more often than the other and brought a few care packages from Boaz's mom. He soon became a family favorite. He introduced Bashir to his world as a pilot through his flight simulator and other apps. We all missed him when he wasn't here and looked forward to his next time in Dakar.
Sadly, all things go through transition. His work moved him to another location. We silently felt the familiar sadness of goodbye. Then we got good news! He would be back one more time! It was great timing too, as his mechanical experience and helpful advice was encouraging to Boaz as he delved into some of the issues our truck is having.
As he prepared to leave, he promised to send a care package. He asked us again and again what we wanted. A few things came to mind--more duct tape, smoked Tabasco sauce, reading glasses for Nini, a better leash/harness/collar system for the dog, etc. Bashir's request was a can of peaches and/or fishy crackers. Yet he clarified he really wanted the peaches more than the crackers if push came to shove.
A few weeks later Boaz went to the airport to pick up a suitcase sent via the company plane. Wow! A red towel and a pink towel, that Lika and Litsa respectively claimed. Duct tape, vitamins, pain killers, Calamine lotion, some items for the car, the dog leash, Tabasco sauce, and much more! He included a favorite book of his on flying for Bashir, and peaches. Not just one can, but 12!!! AND fishy crackers. Not just one small bag, but several Costco size bags!!!
Bashir's eyes widened. He was speechless and just kept looking at it all. Then he said, "I only asked for one--and at that, one or the other! I didn't expect both! Much less getting so much of each! Wow! He sent all this?!"
A few nights later Bashir was still overwhelmed by the generosity of this dear friend. Just then a beautiful illustration of God's character was revealed. God says to ask and you will receive, do good and it will come back to you packed down and overflowing. (John 16:24, Luke 6:38)
Thank you Alex, for being a living, tangible example of the love of God in the life of a 10 year old boy far from his home country and extended family!
~~LaRae
~~LaRae
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