Snapshot of a Memory #4
Notice children in the park. They immediately communicate with one another through play. Usually, very few words are spoken. They simply begin a game.
This was my strategy in Africa. It was less of a conscience effort as it was a natural way to break down cultural barriers and allow the kids to feel at ease.
Games with strong body gestures required no need for primary language. We simply played.
Baby Girl and I took every opporunity to leave the appropriateness of the adults' scheduled activities to participate in the spontaneity of play with children. From the Hokey Pokey (picture on the left) to concentrated hand games (BTW - She totally beat me at it!), playful games provided ways to connect to one another in ways that language barriers could not traverse.
A child-like heart and a need to connect gave us ways to commuicate in the universal language children still practice. - playful games. Where did we lose that sense of fun in our ever-so-serious world of adulthood?
See Compassion's website here.
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