Come with me on an evening walk with our dog Pirate. We go out the front gate and turn right towards the city water station down at the creek. We meet girls with big jerry cans full of water balanced on their heads. We cross the makeshift bridge and greet two gardeners working in their vegetable gardens. Then we turn left and pass the Fulani settlement. When the kids see us they scream, “Bonjour Tanti!” Not once or twice, but 10 times. I answer three times and then decide that this is enough. We move on, and after about half a mile we come to the new mud hut a Fulani man is building for his family. It’s not quite done yet, and I wonder how he and his wife with their infant twins will live in that small hut, surrounded by brush and rocks, quite a ways away from any other settlement and from any source of water or electricity.

Then we are finally out in the bush. No more houses and people around, only rocks, termite hills, trees, Pirate, you and I. I draw a deep breath and take in the familiar beautiful scenery.

My main reason for this daily walk is not the physical exercise for me or Pirate, although it sure feels good to move and be out in nature after a day of sitting at the computer. My main reason for coming out here is an appointment. This is my sanctuary. Here I sing praises to God at the top of my lungs. Here I cry out to Him when things get rough and I feel helpless. Here the Holy Spirit talks to me and directs my thoughts. Out here, away from any distraction and noise, I meet my Savior, and He meets me in a very special way. Even on days when I’m tired and Toussaint offers to walk Pirate so I can rest, I decline. I need this time to calm down, order my thoughts and reconnect with God at the end of the day. 

As we walk back, refreshed and happy, the sun sets behind the hilltop. Tomorrow we will be back for another appointment.

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