Things you learn from a child

If you want to learn cultural norms and expectations, just hang out with the children, because they parrot anything they see or hear. Our neighbor girl, Yami (the “Marshmallow Girl” from March 6 post), is a good example of this. Whenever we go over to their house, her first words to us are, “Pasales; sientense” (“come in; sit down”).

The past few days she has been coming over to our house more frequently- just to play. Friday she came over just after Nick and I got home from town and knocked on our door. She didn’t really seem to want or need anything, so I asked her if she wanted to read a book. We read one, then she went to her house and brought back a stack of her own. After reading “El Patito Feo” (The Ugly Duckling), she invited me over to her house so she could show me all of her preschool projects. She then got out all her stuffed animals to play with. After entertaining her for a while, I excused myself to go up to the clinic to get some medications for our neighbor who was waiting for them. She asked me when I was going to come back and play with her.

The next day she again came over, laden with her books. After reading two she got up and said, “Ya tengo que irme; va a llover” (I have to go now; it’s going to rain). She showed back up a little while later, came in and sat down again. She asked me if she could have a pear. As she was eating that, she asked for a glass of milk. Once she was done, she again repeated, “Ya tengo que irme; va a llover.”

Yami and her mom, Vero

“It’s going to rain,” “it’s raining,” and “it was raining” are all frequently used excuses during the rainy season (which is just beginning here). Not showing up for something because of rain may seem crazy in the States, but when walking (often on dirt paths) is a common mode of transportation, rain and mud do make it more difficult to get around. I’m not sure how valid the excuse was for Yami, however, as it was sunny and clear skies!

It is also very culturally expected to give someone food when the come to visit, no matter how short the visit. It can range from a glass of Coke or piece of fruit to an entire meal, depending on the time of day. It is rare that we visit someone that we are not offered something. Refusing is not an option. They will insist until you take it, or at least take it home with you.

We are learning much about generosity living here. Some families hardly have enough money to put food on the table for their own family, yet when we show up they run out and buy a 2 liter of Coke or give us a portion of the food prepared for their family. It’s humbling and challenges us to be more giving as well.