July 25, 2013
Dan: Marino has made a friend with a local boy across the road! Ozni, is the
grandson of Marcel. Marcel is Marino’s 5am fishing partner. It has been really
wonderful to watch the 2 together and these type of relationships are one of
the many reasons why we moved abroad. I’m not sure of Ozni’s financial status
but it is certainly lower that ours. He lives with several cousins, a couple of
uncles, Marcel and his Mom.
Marino and Ozni have had a couple
of full days playing together and Ozni now comes over to our house everyday
after school. They have spent many hours hunting crabs and fishing, and Ozni
has now been introduced to the land of Lego’s. They have also played card games together
which seems like a real novelty and joy to Ozni.
Today it was his birthday and
Marino wrapped up a stack of his Lego “Ninja” cards as well as a fishing hook.
Ozni said it was the only present he got except for something from his Mom.
Their relationship is bringing up
all sorts of cultural things that are giving us a lot to talk about with Marino
and Lucia. “Ozni doesn’t have very much but he sure seems happy.” The very
first day Marino wanted to stay with Ozni at his house while we went out to do
something. I had no good answer why he couldn’t other than one of us needed to
go to his house first before that happened (we still have not made it to his
house). I would imagine that it would be bringing questions up at Ozni’s house
also: “why are the kids brown and the parents gringo’s?”
Most importantly, it has been
wonderful seeing Marino have a friend. When they are together it hard to tell
which is the local boy and which is not. For the past 3 days Marino has made
sure that we are home at 4:30pm to meet Ozni.
Thanks for sharing these thoughts. Yes, happiness is not about STUFF. Although, developed countries seem to think so. I think that what you guys are doing (aside from the adjustments) fosters more happiness than acquisition. The pictures are so sweet. I love hearing from all of you.
ReplyDeleteGreat story, I'm glad the kids are starting to settle in!
ReplyDeleteThis is so wonderful to hear, and the conversations you're having with the kids must be gratifying, since it allows you to discuss existential notions about "stuff" and happiness, etc. I'm sure the notions of class and relative privilege will give Marino and Lucia a lot to think about.
ReplyDeleteGreat photos!