Monday, May 21, 2012

A Dolly for Praise from Jean

She cautiously approached, with her tiny hydra-like hair braids and big eyes, to shake my hand and kneel. Women and children kneel as a sign of respect in various situations and when children kneel for me I always think how adorable they are with their very good manners. After this first encounter, and her “I am fine” response to my inquiry about her well-being, Praise was more than happy to chitter-chat at me in Luganda as though I understood every word. Praise and her family are neighbors to Augustine and Joel in Kamuli. That pretty little smile followed me all around, peeked in doorways trying to keep track of me, and sending her friends in to greet me as well. I knew that Praise would love a little dolly as her listening companion.