perspective

it was just one week.  seven fleeting days in Africa.  another continent that seems worlds away from cozy, safe, secure Sarnia.  it wasn't like this was some long-term mission commitment.  no relocating was required.  no change of address.  no major language or cultural training.  no tearful goodbyes or missed holidays with family and friends. no...none of that.  no real sacrifice on my part.  seven days away that felt more like a vacation.  thanks to an amazing group of young Ethiopian children, however, i was given some fast and serious adjustment to my perspective...

maybe it was the tin shanty homes they lived in, with open running sewers outside their doors.  when the soccer ball would fall into the wet sewage the kids would hop in, straddling dry spots to retrieve the ball.  no problem!  if the ball would then be kicked to hannah and touch her pants, one of the dear girls came over to brush off hannah's jeans.  so concerned that this might bother the pale-faced foreigner, but she didn't think twice of holding the same ball with her own hands.

maybe it was the feet scrunched in shoes that were easily two sizes too small, and long toenails and ashen feet from constant dirt and sand beneath them.  no warm soapy bubble baths, but rather basins to spot clean with instead.

maybe it was the runny noses, chest coughs, facial burns from accidents by a cooking fire.  maybe it was the scrapes and cuts.  these kids have a harsh existence and are so tough and resilient. 

maybe it was dirty stained clothes, or the boy adam's age wearing a size 6 girl's top with a ruffle.  he seemed oblivious.  besides, he could do front flips and the splits...maybe it was little mickey (below on the left, flexing) in pink winter boots on a warm day.  maybe it was athletic and charming fikru (above, white hat) who cried when we drove away to the airport.

maybe it was seeing the pure delight as we shared some silly bandz from my fabulous kidjam class.  or the way i'd be standing there and suddenly there would be a little hand grasping mine. 

maybe it was their ability to create fun, day after day on a dusty street. no extracurricular activities~ music lessons, sports teams, etc... no play structures, no trampoline, no green grass, no swimming pool, bikes, etc....just one soccer ball and eachother.  hours of fun. 

maybe it was their infectious smiles or their beautiful determined spirits.  whatever the case, i see things differently here.  my perspective has changed.  i'm glad it has. 
S.