T-Boys through MY (David's) eyes!

Yesterday we all went to the T-boy center. When we walked through the gate to the center i was holding a case full of supplies for the t-boys while Alexis held the other. We came into the main room and i saw a couple of the boys reading from books and writing. Shortly after we had put the cases in the back room i found out that the boys were learning french because their main language was "Wolof." Then i found out that after the t-boys are done here they have to go back to their maribu to read from the "Tora." This really surprised me because it means that some of them choose to learn how to speak french and then go to learn more when they have to read the Tora, even though they could just decide to have fun instead of work. Also the fact that as young as they are they still go our into the streets looking for money, even with all the dangers of their poverty stricken region. This was a real eye opener, and shows how we take normal things for granted. We then talked with the women in charge of the center and heard about the usual schedule of the t-boys and their cup system where they place their earned money in their specific cups to keep it safe. We saw where they kept their extra set of clothes and toothbrushes ans learned more about their hard life, which at some points causes them to refuse help from the T-center even though it is like their safe house. Then we decided to pump up the soccer ball and go play a game. I ended up playing with them and i had so much fun. You could see the enjoyment they all got out of getting to let loose and play a game they all loved. Even the smaller of the kids were able to compete pretty well. Of course me having played soccer since i was three, i was in my comfort zone as well, but there were a few exceptions. One, the feild was a giant sand field so it was a lot different than grass. And two i had no way of communicating with them besides calling out so they would see where i am in order to help them. But when there was about 15 mins left of playing time the ball landed in a puddle of water we werent sure was clean so i ended up skipping out on the last 15 mins of the game, but i think my team won anyways;) They were a great bunch of kids and even though they didnt know me they made me feel at home on the feild, but still gave me a run for my money. Then after the game we went back to the center and they had lunch which consisted of a part of buttered bread and a cup of milk. I wondered how much the actually ate in a whole day and as i helped hand out the bread i thought about how hard it must be for them, but how amazing this center must be for them, and its great help as a christian mission. After lunch was over we got out the matchbox cars that had been donated and we brought along and passed one out to each of the boys. They were exstatic and immediately started running around pushing their cars and trading with one another. It was amazing seeing how something so little and so simple could make so many kids that happy. It felt great being able to help them and even better being able to see their reactions to it. Without even knowing any of them or without any of them even knowing me we thanked one another and being able to see the smiles on all their faces was priceless. Once they got their cars they scattered and eventually all left. Soon after that we left too. Knowing about a place like this shows us how lucky most of us are but how our little contributioins can go a long way in helping thoughs that need it. It was definitly a great experience seeing the T-center and the kids there. Now the next time a missions offering comes around i wont hesitate to support it.

My (Joyce's) note:  Bread & milk was actually their snack.  They could come back for lunch later. They are so goodto the boys there.