Lucy

Annikah’s best friend in the world right now is Lucy. She is the daughter of our Mlinzi (guard) family and they play together everyday from when the get up until the go to school and then after they return from school until dinner time. She goes on small trips with us and eats many meals with Anni outside on a mat. Anni has taught her the fine art of dress-up, eating ice cream, how to properly play tea time, how to put together puzzles, and lots of English (including the song from Chitty Chitty Bang Bang which we heard Lucy belting out this morning while she helped her brother wash dishes outside). Lucy has in turn taught Anni how to shake the tree outside just enough to get some fruit to fall, how to carry each other on the back of Anni’s bike, how to hunt for rocks, how to go to the duka to buy yogurt, and lots of Kiswahili. They fight like siblings but love each other so that forgiveness is quickly offered. They love to swing and we often hear them both shouting “sukuma mimi (push me) really high.” A little English and a little Kiswahili. I love it. Perfect if you ask me.

Last week Anni ran inside telling me Lucy fell and needed a band aid. Now, these girls fall at least 10 times a day so I was not super worried but went outside to investigate. No blood, no tears. But still Anni insisted that Lucy needed a band aid so I gave Anni 2 to help nurse her friend back to health. Then about 2 hours later the girls wanted to go for a ride while I ran a few errands. I let them jump out of the car and gave them enough money to each but a small loaf of bread. While they were waiting for their bread I realized where Anni had put the band aids (and of course had to snap a pic to preserve the memory). Hilarious!!

Here is to best friends…that love you no matter what….