There are many joys in this world but I never thought I'd say one of
them was a child, or in this case many children. Tons of kids hang out
at Ba Teeny's house but not all of them are "my kids." Only a select 6
of them get to call that privilege their own.
In
my previous life I wasn't a kid person and while I still wouldn't say I
am, these 6 kids have wormed their way deep into my heart to a place of
love I didn't know was possible. These kids are what keep me smiling
day after day. Yeah they drive me crazy sometimes but they can be a lot
of help and are always good entertainment. I think sometimes people have
the visual in their head of African children as sad, hungry, sickly
children from the "sponsor a child" commercials but this couldn't be
further from the truth. These little smiles and constant giggles and
laughter are enough to melt even the coldest of hearts. Yeah they are
dirty and sticky but once you get to know them their personalities
override any mishap in their appearance.
These
kids are on my porch first thing in the morning and last thing in the
evening. I find myself calling out for them by name like a bamaayo to
give them something or ask a question. These kids are so patient with my
horrible bemba and will wait 5 minutes, continually repeating a word
for me while I attempt to look it up. They bombard me with requests from
dawn to dusk and yet somehow I don't mind too much. I've taught them to
say please when they want something and answer my "what's up" with a
"not-y much." They help me with yard work and were an excellent
demolition crew this past week when we had to remove an old fallen
roof. They all look about 2-3 years younger than they are due to poor
nutrition but they are clever and inventive kids.
 |
| Porch Dwellers |
Joshua pushing Calvin on the swing.
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| Roof Demolition |
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| Teen with Calvin, Maggie, Joshua |
Elvis
is the oldest and is in 4th grade. He regularly teaches me new bemba
words and relays messages to the others when he understands. He is a
huge help and the only one who doesn't tire out in two minutes when we
are doing a project. He has learned to throw a Frisbee quite well. He's
also become my expert photographer and can operate the camera and phone
camera, which is quite a feat here. You would be surprised how many
Zambians can't get a clear photo. He's always looking out for the other
kids and has a heart of gold.
Elvis
Joyce is next
in line and though only in 1st grade she has a very mothering and
playful spirit. She loves to dance and will often ask me to play my
bemba music, while she circles her hips with adult like expertise song
after song. She likes to test her boundaries often and I tell her no
more than any of the other kids, but I applaud her for not giving up.
Joyce
Calvin
is not yet in school but he is a sharp kid and picks up on things
quickly. He is so sweet and loves to high five and snuggle. He's very
independent even at such a young age and can often be found caring for
his younger sister, Maggie.
Calvin
Joshua has the
biggest toothless grin you will ever see and I'd challenge you not to
smile when he flashes it. Probably the most photogenic of my kiddos, the
lens loves him. He is energetic yet very observant. He is sometimes
the only one on my porch and can found just watching the world around
him in silent awe and bliss.
Teen and Joshua
Maggie was very
shy at first but has warmed up to me and can be heard repeating "Ba
Teeny" as she runs to the house with a grin on her face. She loves
sweeties and never hesitates to ask for them even though she knows she's
not supposed to. She loves to giggle and follow the older kids around.
Calvin and Maggie
Baby
Beverly has just started walking and might be the only Zambian baby to
not cry at my presence. Every time she passes by on her mother's back
and isn't fast asleep I always receive a large grin and wave of her tiny
hand. Sometimes she accompanies her older sister over to my house with
the rest of the kids and watches them play from the shade of the porch.
These
are my 6 porch dwellers as I fondly call them. My ewes, my kiddos, and
definitely my buddies. I built them a tree swing and taught them how to
play war and throw a Frisbee. We sing, laugh, and dance together. When I
come back from a trip I can almost always rely on their little feet
carrying them as fast as they can down the path to greet me with hugs
and carry any bag light enough. A sight that always warms my heart.
This
morning I received news that the family comprising of Elvis, Joyce,
Joshua, and Beverly are moving. The news crushed my spirit in a way
completely unexpected. I've never really loved kids before so I couldn't
explain the tears filling my eyes and the sorrow filling my heart. The
thought of not having them around is almost overbearing. I spent the
whole morning with tears constantly welling up as I tried to imagine
life without their presence. Luckily, Calvin and Maggie will still be
around but it won't be the same. Often times these kids make me forget I
am in a foreign land and this coupled with the fact that some of my
best adult friends in the village have moved away just serves to remind
me of how lonely this place can really be.
The
love these kids show me day in and day out is almost unconditional.
Even if I'm having a bad day and am harsh with them they will be back
first chance possible. I think Calvin sensed my sadness when I heard
about the other kids leaving and with great intuition, that evening, he
gently gave me a kiss before saying goodnight and running off. Never
before have I had a desire to want to know the love a child can give but
these little guys have shown me what it really means to love with all
your heart. I think the beauty of their ability to display love so
freely lies in their innocence. They, unlike adults, don't focus on the
color of my skin but rather on who I am to them. I still don't want
kids of my own right now but at least I feel like if it were to happen
one day it might not be worst fate. And hopefully I can take a page from
their book and love with a little more blind faith.
Elvis
Calvin and Maggie
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