We reached Hollywood... the Arabic Hollywood. Our friends from North Africa greet us while the sun is rising despite the heat of 86 degrees Fahrenheit. We are greeted by the talent and perseverance of the locals to bargain for everything and also by the politeness of male men giving up their seats to the women while riding the subway.
At some point, we were wandering and asking for directions, and people were ready to go an extra 2-3 stations away from their destination to make sure we are in the right place.
Eleven Romanians from Bucharest, Codlea and Ploiesti were united by the same Spirit to follow the traces of the Holy Family, that fled here 2000 years ago.
Gold in the Mud
We get to other refugees - the Sudanese - fleeing Sudan from the civil war for a better life ... Kids wearing slippers and trousers that lighten at the sight of a foot ball and a piece of string used as a jump rope.
"How many children are at the stadium?" - one of the Romanian volunteers asks. "There are 75 and an extra 20 will come, but it would be nice if we could handle over 100" said a local.
You can come as prepared as possible, but when you serve God, "flexibility" will be your middle name.
We start KidsGames
A remarkable way to share the Gospel for five days through games and the Wordless Book.
After two hours of interaction and attempts to communicate through translators, the Romanians already tormented by the torid heat of 104 degrees Fahrenheit, manage to keep up with all 100 children.
We retreat through the dusty streets full of street trade. We arrive at the school whose class rooms were divided in 2018 by a Romanian team. One hundred portions of kushari (local food) is distributed to the children happy that today they also received sparkling juice.
The first day begins with Gold
Gold is the first color of the Wordless Book that helps the children learn about God's holiness and His uniqueness. The children are standing patiently on the floor while listening about how great is their God.
MAY GOD BE PRAISED AND WE THANK HIM FOR YOUR GENEROSITY TO HELP FINDING THIS PRECIOUS GOLD IN THE AFRICAN LAND.
Rafael N.