Children in Lhasa
As you know I'm here to teach oral English to education students, but I can't help but enjoy the hundreds of children that I see on the bus and in the markets. Their ruddy red cheeks, big wondering eyes, and cute giggles make the busy buses fun. Again, most parents don't want their photographs to be taken (they often burn all photos of a person who dies) Here are a few stories:
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| This is Norbu; he lives in our building, because his parents teach at LTC. Last week he proudly showed me his new, fluffy white puppy Xiou bai- "Little white"; such a cute little thing who ran and wiggled and jumped. Later in the week I was talking to our neighbour Mr. Yang (he works in the foreign affairs office) and Norbu came to say hello. Through Mr. Yang, I asked about his puppy. He said very simply "He died". Apparently there was a disease going around, and the little fellow succumbed. I was shocked, but Norbu just shrugged his shoulders. Xiou Bai is on his next life. such is the way people handle sadness here. |
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As we were walking past the Jokhang temple, a young
boy walked along, chatting to my teammate (who speaks Chinese). He explained
that his parents had sent him to Lhasa for an education, and he was earning
money by prostrating (bowing to the ground- earning merit) for others. He
didn’t beg for money, nor did he accept the food we offered but was happy just
to chat with foreigners.
Here are more photos of 'my' foster kids who I visit twice a month, full of energy and ideas. They are picking up English quickly, as well as good book stories that I tell them. They are beautiful -
‘nin do
padu’. I told them a story following Ps 139 – we are fearfully
and wonderfully made, and they taught me the word for ‘special’. It's worth the hour bike ride each way!
Music is everywhere in Lhasa. Here a store had set up a stage to celebrate a big sale. This little girl couldn't stop dancing! She is typical of most little children: wearing fancy sun hat, long leggins and brightly decorated coat.
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