Investing in Neighbor Kids

We have started preparing for our presentations for our time in the States and are looking over the many hard facts about this country. The truth is that the need is everywhere. But as I look over our daily schedule and these many needs, again I am surprised that I believe one of our families' important ministries here at this point is a ministry of presence.

We don't feel it is safe for our children to play outside without us, but of course we still desire for them to have native friends and learn the culture and language. This has led to our family going outside to play 'soccer' after dinner. We have the only ball in the neighborhood that isn't popped and so children come to play.

Some of their smiling faces!

El Padre will throw them up in the air or spin them around. Some of them will build toys out of garbage to show off to us. The older ones will ask us questions. They all want attention. This is a great time to influence these children's lives. Last night we talked to them about hair color and how Smile-On's hair will probably be as dark as his dad's in 30 years. This was so hard for them to comprehend in a place where everyone has the same hair color. We talked about how my hair as a child was called 'red'. The girls talked about their hair being so hard and ours so soft. Great opportunity to bring up how God created us all differently and just right. He loves us all.

This was a really fun night with them
showing off their homemade toys!

Although we may bring in comments about God being the greatest painter in creating that sunset, generally this time is for the neighbor children to know that they are valued and loved. And maybe to learn a little how to value and love each other too.

This is also an important time of greeting our adult neighbors. Some of them on the way to the well will stop and watch us strange adults interacting with the children and yet the smiles creep on their face. If it is children on the way to the well or back, they may join in for a kick or two of the soccer ball.

I often wonder what these children will remember of the strange people who lived across the street? I pray it will be fond memories of acceptance and love. I know that I will remember these children *mostly* fondly.

-- La Maestra