I know I’m not supposed to have favorites when it comes to people I love, but I could not help it this time. What I mean is, that I think these favorites are the people that God highlights for you. Maybe, I don’t really know for sure…but anyhow my favorite pair to spend time with are Rosal, 5 (later I learned her name is actually Roxanne) and Koffi,10.
They are a feisty pair. All the kids in the village of Assafou are pretty tough. ( It’s Africa guys). I mean they play on giant old and dry banana trees that would otherwise terrify and cut the delicate skin of our over protected 5 year olds in the U.S. Not these two though. Rosal is the tough girl in me. She sticks up for herself. She’s always on her own and if boys (I’ve seen up to 5 at a time) pick on her, she shuts all of them up defending herself in an instant. She is sooooo sassy!! I do love her.
Koffi, oh man that kid! He walks with such confidence. He’s named Koffi after his father, Koffi because he was born on Friday and Franck is his last name. Koffi Koffi Franck, what a name! He’s so attentive to all of our needs and is oh so servant hearted. He plays the “tam-tam” (African drum) during prayer/worship/church times. Koffi is a natural born leader. He isn’t afraid to talk to the younger kids and teach the what they should or shouldn’t be doing. He isn’t afraid to yell at one who does something they aren’t supposed to! (Including me.) His servant heart, courage and gift of leadership will make him a great missionary one day.
Koffi looks up to us world racers so much. It’s such an honor to think that such an innocent, strong child thinks so highly of me. Finally, Koffi and I have full on Baule and English conversations. He understands what I say and I understand what he says. It’s the most interesting thing I have ever experienced.
Now, my favorite things about both of them is that they both sing and dance their little hearts out every single church service, worship session, outreach time or prayer time. Rosal dances like it’s her favorite and only purpose. She always falls asleep and takes a nap on my lap during these, (girls am I right?) but as soon as she hears Koffi playing the tam-tam once again she’s up and dancing! My heart fills up with joy and love every time I watch her do that.
Both of them were fighting yesterday as we watched Mady playing soccer. Rosal picked up a stick as big as big as she is to defend herself from whatever Koffi was yelling at her. So what does he do? Instead of easily taking it away from her and hitting her, he grabs the stick and throws it as far away as possible. He then just held her and carried her until she was done trying to hit him and then brought her to sit on my lap. He knew enough to know that she likes me, therefore she would stop fighting with him if she sat with me. These kiddos are something else!
I love them guys. There I said it! In all honesty I had no clue what people meant by having Africa steal a piece of their hearts. Well, I found that out this month. These two little ones have taken a piece of my heart and now I’ll have to leave it here in Assafou. Every single day Rosal and Koffi greet me with “Meh-Weh” and a tiny wave, and still every single day my heart fills up to the brim!
God is so good! This month had a lot of tough moments, but with my two lovely sidekicks I had joy all month long. I cannot wait to share with you all the plans God has promised these two. My God, the keeper of promises has so much of his goodness for my two kiddos. Stay tuned!
Don’t forget to share and please, as always let me know if you have any questions! I love you all!
