day 4

"The city streets will be filled with boys and girls playing there."

(A promise and description of God's blessing - Zechariah 8:5)

Have I mentioned the children here?  They are beautiful.  They are so full of life, and evidently quite trustworthy.  At least, their parents must think so, as they have very little supervision after school hours.  Within moments of suggesting it, we easily gather a large, enthusiastic crowd for games in the plaza.

Yesterday, we invited kids of any age to join a simple program.  I was struck by a few things that contrast with our lives.  First, children have plenty of time to play, but very little stuff to play with.  My boys, like local kids, have easily adjusted to using rocks and sticks instead of the plastic gizmos that trip me at home.  They're also learning soccer - excuse me, futball - from their Mexican peers, and sharing the joys of chasing a ball around a concrete or gravel field.  So, unlike US kids' programs, which are frought with elaborate props & prizes, this afternoon was very simple.  When our team brought out an inner tube and divided the group into teams for tug-of-war, they were elated. 

The other thing that is quickly apparent is that women - even young teens - have very little time or opportunity for play.  Whenever we organize games, we have to personally invite the girls to participate, and then encourage them to join us.  Once in the game, they are delighted and intensely competitive (much like their US counterparts!).  Mothers, fathers, and curious neighbors watch from the shade as our team instructed the kids in the games.  Within minutes, everyone was laughing and relaxing - poking fun at one or cheering their favorites.  It seems, at least from this observation, that few people ever invest this sort of time in simple fun.

I'm faced with more questions today.  Women, especially, are very curious about me and my children.  What do we do at home?  What do I tell Obi-1 & Obi-2 about the world?  Why would I bring them here - to play with these children?  What could this village possibly offer my family?

The children, too, are full of questions and generosity.  They capture my heart and imagination, and I am reminded that my message knows no boundaries of age or ability.  I'm also learning treasures about this culture: after admiring a boy's necklace, he removed it and offered it to me.  Of course, I insisted I could never take it from him.  It was too special.  I truly had nothing of any value to offer him as a token of trade.  With no addresses or family name, I would have no way to return the favor later.  Certainly I couldn't take something so important from this innocent person!

Instead of the expected relief, I immediately saw a pained look of rejection, hurt, and confusion cover his face.  My translator jumped in to say that the boy truly wanted me to have this gift.  To reject the gift would be to reject the giver.  It is not an offer for trade - it is a free gift.  I can simply receive it with sincere gratitude.

I've had several more chances to share and discuss the most important topics today.   I am so grateful for this moment in time.  It is one thing to tell Obi-1 and Obi-2 that God loves people who live outside of our home or preschool group of friends.  It is simple to tell them that we have received a gift worth sharing with others.  It is quite another to show them - indeed, introduce them personally - to a world of people who are loved by the same Creator.