a universal language we all understand, a smile

Walking through the streets and seeing the little kids always makes me so happy. The kids always look at you like they have never seen a white person, some pointing and just glaring at you, and for some it is their first time. But what really gets me is when I smile and wave at them, and then a huge smile is created. It is such a universal language, a smile. A smile can create words, and feelings with out words or understanding of who that person is.

Kara, Karisa, Jenny and I went to Boonabana. It was my third time seeing the kids, but my first time really spending time with them and connecting with  each of them. The kids range from 3-17 and don’t have parents, which makes them orphans. Boonabana provides a place for them that they can call home. The children were all happy to play and just be around us.

One of the girls, Alba said she wants to be a photographer when she is older, so she was making us do so many poses so she could practice! She was so cute as she showed us where to stand, and where we should put our hands. 

A couple of the kids knew two or more languages. I found it interesting that we receive this image of the kids in Africa, thinking they know nothing. And, for some this may be the case, but for others, it is not. These kids have so much potential, and so much life, all they need is an opportunity, and the resources.

The other day we went to Linus’ play, one of the boys at the house. He played Martin Luther King Jr. “I have a dream”, he is so smart and has so much going for him. He knows that there is so much out there, and he just like Martin Luther King has a dream.

All of these kids have a dream, didn’t you when you were younger, or even still to this day?

Coming on this trip I have realized that dreams can come true, and if we believe long enough, it can happen. If these kids strive for what they long for, it can happen. It may not be easy, and they need education and guidance, or maybe they don’t, but it is achievable.

Our dinner discussion got me thinking about Africa, and why I was here. I have been sitting here trying to put it into words, but I don’t even know if I know the answer. I know I am getting to know a small piece of Africa each day that I spend here, and falling more in love with this place.

Africa has always been seen as a dark place that needs help. And yet I wonder if they want this help or change that we want for them. I don’t think that Africa is ever going to be like North America or any other developed country, but is that bad? Definitely not, Africa is a totally different place. If they have the resources and education to make just small differences it can bring change to each city and create larger impact on their development as a whole. But how does this start? Where does this change come from? Us? The people? How is change supposed to happen in such a place? I find myself wondering how I can make a difference in this world, or even in my own city (Abbotsford). It is not only Africa that needs help, it is everywhere, and we have just always placed Africa as somewhere that needs this assistance. Although they do not live in big houses, have nice cars, they don’t receive free education, to name a few (although some do) are they not happy? The people that I have come across, have been some of the most generous, friendliest and compassionate people. So why are we trying to change them. These people are beautiful and so full of life.

That’s just something to think about. I am still not totally sure I understand this whole concept, but it is a learning experience each new day.