Fun Names Rule and Love is A Beginning

Written Tuesday, November 13.

I love the names of the kids in my creche. Half of them are nearly impossible for me to pronounce, but the kids help me try. There is a girl who's name begins with a clicking sound. The name is spelled 'Xolelo.' (She is the one wearing her mask-- one of our crafts this week). I tried it twelve times today. After each she would laugh at me and cover her face and shake her head, then pronounce it beautifully again. The sounds are so nice and so difficult for my thick American tongue. One of my favorite little boys (he has such personality!) is named Gift-- it's pronounced 'Gift-ee.' (He is the boy in the photo on the bottom). When the names are English they are often words we wouldn't use for names in America. There is a beautiful girl named Memory (she is in the middle of the three girls with their dolls). Surprise is another favorite choice. Anyway, I'm coming up with loads of new ideas for when I have children. For years I've wanted to name a boy River and give a girl the middle name of Darling. Now my poor future husband will be stuck with a child named Surprise Darling or some such absurdity. I love it. :)

Today was a good day at the creche, and a long one. It was so hot and I came back covered in dirt and snot and sweat and food, but you don't really mind when you are surrouned by such lively, bright children. I am becoming very attached to them already. I've only spent a few days with them, but they are so open with their personalities and feelings that you really begin to know them so quickly. I already fear the last day I will see them-- In early December. Because it really will be the last day ever. And then I will only be able to hope and pray for them-- that their futures are a bright enough match for the shining spirits they so trustingly and lovingly put into the world today.

You know how most adults lose the shine that most children have? I really believe we can keep some of it-- even as we experience the difficulties life always has to offer. These kids are up against a real challenge, but what I want for them is a chance to keep some of that shinyness-- some of the hope and excitement for life that spills out of them today so freely. I think encouraging it in them is a start.

I try not to focus too much on all the disadvantages most of these kids are up against. I mean I know and acknowledge the truth-- they live in poor conditions, many are HIV positive but receive little medical attention, the education offered to them is limited. I acknowledge these things because I (we) must to do anything productive. I acknowledge them because empathy is important and often the first step toward productivity. But I cannot dwell. There is much life and hope in the township, as well as poverty and struggle. These kids are resilient and I really must believe that they are able to overcome their circumstances. They may not overcome them. But they may.

Hope is important. For me doing what I can, even though at the moment it is quite limited, is important. Even simply opening our hearts is important. These kids have open hearts. The love that exchanges spaces between us all in the dusty hot fly-ridden rooms of the little creche, on just a typical Tuesday morning in Olievhoutbousch is something. Love is always a beginning. And a good one.