New Kids On The Block

When we first moved to Africa, I was surprised at how unwelcome I felt.  I had always heard that the Africans were so friendly and love fellowship-which I have now found to be true once they get to know you! It took about a month or so, but the new kids on the block are finally not so "new"! Now that school is out and it is summer for the Kenyans, we have been able to hang out more with the local neighborhood kids. Whether it is having them into our home, Paul playing "futball" with them, or Micah and me sitting outside on a blanket with them, we are feeling a sense of belonging. 

Behind our apartment is a rather large area of grass where there is always some kind of activity going on. My kitchen overlooks this area, and it is fun to sit back and observe. It has been a great way of getting to know the local children. As a way to get to know some children, I decided to bake some cookies and give them to them while playing. I have done this a few times, but this past week went a slight bit differently. I gave out some cookies to about 5 girls who were playing, and boy did the news spread fast! For the next couple of hours my doorbell would ring periodically and a new kid would be standing there asking for a cookie. I just had to laugh at what I had started! It didn't take long for that batch to disappear and Paul was not too happy :) Guess next time I'll just have to make more!

This picture says it all-and these are just a few of the local children. Anytime we step foot outside, Micah is swarmed with love by his "girlfriends". These little girls just adore him-probably for the sole fact that they have never seen a "white" baby before :) But whatever the reason is, it is too cute. He enjoys going outside, crawling around on a blanket, being held by them, and watching them play together. It never fails that sometime during the day one of these girls will come to the door or window and say "can Meeka (aka Micah) come out and play?" Paul and I always laugh at the different pronunciations that Micah gets called, but today I think I heard the best..."Meeker". Too funny!

They girls are really good with him-for the most part. However, last night we had our first real scare! We had several of the neighborhood kids in our home playing Wii with Paul and helping me with Micah. Three of us had just given him a bath and an older girl (around 12 yrs old) had asked to hold Micah while in his towel. I handed him to her and went in the next room to grab a diaper...and that is when I heard a thud and heard Micah start wailing. Never a good thing!!! Apparently, the 12 yr old handed Micah over to a younger girl (7 yr old)...and yes, she dropped him!! Paul and I quickly ran into the room and grabbed Micah. The little girl was so embarrassed and upset-I think Paul scared her even worse by his reaction! It is tough to know what exactly happened-since 8 month babies do not talk, but we are pretty sure he hit his head. She told us he fell on his "back"-but we aren't quite sold on that one. Thankfully, he is okay and calmed down after a few minutes. And don't worry, I also got a little scolding from my husband! Needless to say, we will have some new rules with his girlfriends!! 

Paul enjoying his new Wii friends. These boys knocked one day and asked if we had a Wii. A few days later Paul invited them in to play. They played several hours and as they left they said, "see you tomorrow!" They had somehow heard about Wii, but never had played before and they were just fascinated. It was so fun to watch their excitement as they learned to play. 

Another crazy day at the Akin household. The kids have been back a few times, and we have a feeling that this is just the beginning :)