The kids in my village are nuts about balloons. I mean what kid isn't? Any party I've ever been to instantly kicks up a notch when balloons are brought into the mix. Well kids in Africa are no different, except for the fact that most of them have never even seen one. Any visitors that come and ask what to bring I automatically say balloons. They are cheap, easy to carry and always ALWAYS are a hit. Last weekend I had a crew of kids at my gate, actually, every day I have them at my gate. They are relentless. They knock and knock and know until I finally can't take it anymore and must go see what is so urgent. Nothing ever really is, they are just bored and want some "Jen Fun". So I came to the gate prepared, a bag of balloons!!!What followed was a frenzy of jumps, air punches, high kicks and over excited shouts. They came from all sides, kids I have never seen before, to get their own balloon. The fun lasted hours and the shouts didn't die down until late into the afternoon. They stopped knocking and I was able to get back to whatever it was I was doing. But the joy and excitement that they experienced over one tiny balloon made me envious of simple pleasures and made me want to answer those knocks at my gate.
Jennifer
www.shiningalight.org
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