Women serve the men. The women cook, clean, do the laundry and care for the kids. They walk down the streets with things balanced on their heads, a baby strapped to their back and bags and bags in both hands. These women hold their own yet even are expected to give up their seat on the bus for a man of higher standing. Specifically, at the ports women are not treated respectfully; I can see it in their eyes and just imagine how they are treated with all these male truckers around. After this realization, God gave me a bit of hope.
Her name is Marianna and she is a wife of one of the truckers we chatted with last week at the ports. She was cooking a huge pot of rice and fish sauce (typical african meal) for the men just next to us, on the outskirts of our circle, while we were sitting in the middle of these two trucks. I specifically made eye contact and said hello to her. I felt drawn to include her in our conversation and make her feel valued. She listened intently while still focusing on cooking and she ended up saying the salvation prayer along with a few of the men including her husband! She even asked how to continue to learn about Jesus and what she should do now that she has been made new. I passed her the next few days while going to the port and always made sure to say hi, smile and give her a hug. Even though we didn’t speak the same language she lit up every time I saw her and I knew she felt God’s love. One of the last days I saw her before she left with her husband and their shipment she asked if I would go back to Mali with her. That would be an adventure! I am thankful for God being able to use me to provide a bit of joy in her life and give her encouragement as a beautiful daughter of Christ.
I have felt the call to empower the women down here not just the men. I wanted to make it my mission to seek out their hearts and care for their worth. Who is caring for them? They need the gospel just as much as the men here. Bringing this idea up to my team and ministry host made a ministry day possible to go and talk specifically with the women at the ports. I also reached out another day to a few women while at the ports. I made it my mission to show them just as much attention and love as the men we were ministering to. My team and I started to till some untouched soil with these conversations. Breaking ground involves digging up the rocks; rocks of distraction, interjection and fear are definitely evident. I am encouraged however and can see hope for these women to gain a voice and a feeling of value. It all starts with an acknowledging smile 🙂
Fun Fact:
How to obtain a traditional African skirt. 1) find a seamstress 2) pick out the style/pattern and be measured 3) find a local that sells fabric…who is willing to cut just one piece to sell since most African wear is whole outfits which requires three pieces so many sellers do not like to sell just one and mess up the count 4) pick out your fabric…after looking forever just go with your gut bc you will always find another that you like just as much 5) bring the fabric back to the seamstress 6) wait. 7) go try on finished product and make any alterations needed
Viola! We fit in just a tad bit more 🙂 and to think this skirt only cost me 4,000 franc- about $8
We are so happy Claudia made us gorgeous skirts!
Modeling my authentic African skirt!
