A little happy news for a change!

I don’t want to over load your e-mail boxes, but it seems that news these days rarely brings a smile and I made a discovery this morning that I think will brighten your day. Yesterday, I sent my personal prayer list a picture of a little girl that I spotted while we were in Kitale (western Kenya) this past weekend so that Jack could lead a Church Planting Movement training and I could take pictures and find new ways to raise prayer support for Kenya. I had snapped three pictures of this little girl who posed for me and as I scanned the pictures more closely today, I realized that in addition to the little doll tied to her back, she had a small set of binoculars around her neck! It appears that not only was she playing “mommy,” she was also playing a favorite game of my kids when they were little – actually a favorite game of most African Missionary Kids – TOURIST! No offence to the many of your who have been volunteers, but we all have been entertained at times by “tourist watching” and many, many missionary kids have (or have had) toy binoculars, broken cameras, and safari hats, etc, among their toys for use when they include being a tourist to their repertoire of playing teacher, doctor, cook, etc!

Sometimes playing tourist comes with a little extra! When our son was four, we heard him talking on our balcony with three other people – one with an English accent, one with an Indian (Asian) accent and one with a distinct Kenyan accent. This was a little confusing as our apartment was on the second floor and we were certain that John was alone on the balcony. He was alone, but was trying out all the accents he was hearing in our multi-culture new home! We later realized that this is another common source of entertainment of Missionary Kids – perfecting and using new accents! AND YES, more than one missionary is also a pro at this!

Have a good day, Bert
(For the screensaver of the little girl, go to http://bertandjackyates.blogspot.com)