One dirt road, two activities. One towards death, one towards life. This juxtaposition takes place every day around 5:00 p.m., just down the road from our house.

A group of teenage boys, sporting baggy T-shirts that read “GANGSTER” and flashing other similar emblems, sit perched on their motorbikes, smoking cigarettes and looking at their phones. Obviously feeling very cool, they convene religiously.

The other group consists of several women walking briskly back and forth on the dirt road, sometimes swinging their arms, sometimes lifting imaginary weights above their heads repeatedly as they stride alongside each other. After a while, they will circle up to where the dirt road turns into a grassy turnaround lined with trees. They do squats, lunges, leg lifts, high knees and other exercises. Giggles erupt all around as they laugh at their own clumsiness. Instead of spandex workout wear, most of them sport floor-length, long-sleeved dresses and hijabs. Sweat pours. Cheeks flush. Everyone is revitalized.

You may be able to guess by now which group I am part of. We formed this casual workout club of sorts after a conversation with my neighbor when I noticed her passion for fitness and asked her if she would be interested in meeting up for regular exercise, socialization and motivation. When she enthusiastically agreed, declaring that she could work out for twice as long if she had company, I decided to make it happen. Stephanie and I invited friends from up and down our road.

One woman who started coming was Fari, the local dentist’s wife. She’s fighting breast cancer and has been incorporating exercise into her recovery plan. Her bubbly spirit, despite her serious diagnosis, has been a blessing to me. Another pair that comes regularly are sisters who struggle with anxiety and depression. The fresh air, sunset view, movement and conversation always put smiles on their faces. While we walk, we talk about our lives, and it gives me ideas of how to pray for them.

As I write this article, Fari is in the hospital, recovering from her mastectomy. I have sent her encouraging messages and prayers. She said she looks forward to healing and joining us again.

This new routine has been a blessing to me in many ways. Not only am I benefiting from daily exercise and social interaction, but I am incorporating friendship-building into my daily routine.

Please pray that our yet-to-be-named women’s exercise club opens doors for spiritual conversations as well as increased health for everyone involved. While you are at it, please pray for those gangster boys as well.

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