You have really cool stuff...

Yesterday was a little bit of a Blah day but it ended well with a cup of Cocoa Tea (I just got some more fresh Cocoa sticks from another PCVs who’s Host Mother makes Cocoa Sticks- which one would think, they would be really sweet because it is a Cocoa stick and all but actually the sticks are bitter and do not taste well in their “raw” from it is very disappointing).

About a week ago, my friend Joel, looks at me and says, “You have really cool stuff from America.” We will get back to the statement later but first I need to break Joel down for you. He is my sweet, content, calm, creative, politic, controlled energy, card playing fool, brilliant, competitive, little six year old boy. Most days you can find him sitting at my kitchen table where it looks like the Art Box had exploded all over the table. There is usually paint brushes, paint, crayons, color pencils, color sheets, blank sheets, and ALWAYS and I mean ALWAYS stickers involved! I would not have it any other way because by the time it is time for him to go my table always goes back to its boring self until next time.

It did happen about a week ago, but I have not felt inspired to write about it until now, when I lay in my bed, listening to Dave Matthews Band, and feeling at ease for the first time in a few days. We are playing Uno (which is the FIRST time he has ever played the game but he saw commercials on TV about the game so he just HAD to play). I joyful played with him and explained the rules, after he beat me THREE times (beginners luck), he looks at me with his sweet dark eyes and says, “Miss Michelle, you have really cool stuff from America.” Joel is not talking about my Laptop, an I-phone (that I DO NOT have), a picture book, my DVDs, nothing technical nothing BIG rather he is speaking of the cards games of Uno, Crazy 8, Old Maid, and my Las Vegas M&M cards (Which I do not even let him play with). He is talking about my paint, color pencils, fun shaped pencil sharper, and my random collection of stickers I have.

I tell you all this because his statement and the meaning behind it completely define what my Blog is about, it is the Little Joys! Him coming to my house not only brings him Joy but makes my heart come a live once again and refreshes my spirit. Joel does not need much to bring happiness to him, just some attention and a place for him to express his creative side and my home is his outlet.

Joel may never say Thank You or know I asked and request all of the time for stuff for not only him but for my students when school starts in a few weeks and the other children of the village. He will not know the amount of love, thoughtfulness and passion these items are mailed with. He will never know that many individuals that are my nearest and dearest think about him and the other children while they are shopping, picking out the perfect item to send down, each item is bought with thoughtfulness, each week the “Sales Ads” are go through with a close eye, to find the best deal which allows the most items to be bought. He will never know this but he knows that Miss Michelle has really cool stuff from America. So, from Joel, from me, your items, your time, are appreciated, are used, and bring joy to lives of individuals you may never meet face to face but I hope you meet them, learn about through their stories, through my pictures, through my Blog! Thank You for all that “really cool stuff!”