School Visits

He wore his navy blue shorts as if they were pants, much to large for his little body. The sun beat down from above; students had been lined up waiting, waiting for the arrival of the Mzungo. He stood front and center, using every ounce of strength to stand still. Hands in the pockets. Hands out of the pockets. Turn around and look behind. Pick up a stick. Roll eyes as the white people talk on and on.  I could tell by watching him that he was a handful!

I realize that there are some things that are common to all children no matter where you are. One can spot their growing personalities from far away. The shy ones who aren’t comfortable smiling; the older girls slightly embarrassed or unsure of themselves, the wild little boys, or the outspoken ones ready to volunteer at any moment.  Across culture and continent children are children, it occurs to me that we have more similarities than differences.  The children here laugh and are quick to smile. They can be shy and cautious. They love to be in school, to read, to write, to play games…. We are more alike than we think.