You can hear them whispering. You know they are pushing one another, “You do it.” “No, you do it!” And then they all just decide to scream and hit their little fists against the door.
“Auntie? AUNTIE?!?”
Interrupted from my cup of coffee, I open the door to find the sweet faces of 3 boys, all between 5 and 8, staring back up at me with big eyes. “Good Morning Miss,” they utter before they break into a slew of words that I do not understand except for one, patung- kite.
I smile, shoo them into the house and through the back door into the garden area of the compound. Everyday these boys and countless others in the city fly their colorful handmade kites. Made from tissue paper, some pieces of tape, sticks, and string- the wind often carries them away into a nearby tree, garden, or roof.
Together we tramp around the garden looking for their kite (Or perhaps they are looking to see if anyone else’s kite has found its way there). After all, finders keepers. We search ardently.
One of the boys, the oldest, screams something that sounds vaguely like- “Hey check over here, I think I found something!” I walk over and see a hint of purple paper sticking out behind a bush. Standing on my tiptoes I retrieve this lost treasure. With a hurried “Thank You Auntie!” over their shoulders they rush off to the next big adventure.
This interplay happens about once a week, occasionally before 8 in the morning. It’s always the same scenario, sometimes with treasure found and sometimes with a disappointed shrug of the shoulders and a hope that they’ll find it next time.
May we seek God as fervently as these children seek their kites. May we seek to find Him in hidden places, in those around us, in nature, and in all sorts of unexpected places. May we yell to neighbors in the early morning and together search for Truth and Grace.
There will be times where we only encounter quietness and the absence of something- may we not give up hope. May we savor our bits of glory all the more next time. May we find as much joy in God’s presence as these boys do in flying their kites. May we live in the adventure.
Once again, another wonderful blog post. I can’t wait for the book that you should write someday.
That was well written and agree I see a book in you. You are a blessing to me.
I sure enjoyed reading your blog. Reminds me in South Africa us younger kids are taught to call anybody older than you “Auntie” even if they are not your blood aunt! lol.
Kind regards and may God bless you. *Michele*
You are a great writer Caroline, and you are defintely living life by loving others…
Caroline, I had no idea that you were so talented. I admire you for what you are doing with your life. Not many people have the courage to go out into the world and share themselves with those less fortunate. Keep up the good work and may God continue to bless you and all those who are with you. I’ll be praying for you and all those whom you are helping.