I’m munching on a granola bar on my lunch break, listening to the bustling sounds of the city outside and the conversation of car horns. I should be resting after another morning at the orphanage this morning. But, all I can think about as I eat my snack are the little ones gathered around me this morning like ducks as I handed out little pieces of cracker. I hear their sweet voices still. Sitting on the cold floor I tried to teach them to say please. Seemed like the natural thing to do though it seems sort of funny when I picture them in their very Chinese puffy pants with bare bottoms peeking out.
Say please!
Peez. Peez. Peez.
Little hands all over me wanting those little seasoned crackers.
Then, one little guy looked me right in the eye and gave me a very clear response from the little lesson I had given an hour earlier over cups of powdered milk.
Tank you!
He got it! So simple really and seemingly nothing all that special. But, he got it. It wasn’t at all about teaching him English. He has no need for that right now. But, it meant that I had broken through, that despite the language barrier, my exaggerated animation that leaves me exhausted by 7:30pm had worked. He understood me and engaged with me. That little response that led me to look around at the ayis as I searched for someone to applaud with me, that little response alone would make this trip worthwhile for me.
I’ve got a feeling I’m going to have a lot more worthwhile moments before the end of this trip.
Love hearing about all these little details! Stopping what I’m doing and lifting you and your team up to the father right now!