THANK YOU, UNCLE! Those were the words expressed by each member of the African Children’s Choir as they exited the diner following lunch one day while they stayed here at Camp Pearl. We enjoyed eating lunch with them, but I must confess, I was busier watching their behavior more than I was in devouring my delicious chicken sandwich. I think I heard more “yeses”, “pleases”, and “thank you’s” as they were going through the lunch line than I ever heard from any group that ever visited Camp Pearl. And that was just the start! “Would you like a cookie”? I asked one as they were headed off to their table. “No, thanks, we can’t eat a cookie until all our other food is gone,” came the unexpected reply. What, an 8 year old bypassing cookies? And all without complaining!
Someone spilled their drink on the table and before an adult could get to the table, the children (remember, these are 8-11 year olds…yes children; although they did not act like children!) were helping the helpless one clean up the mess, politely rejecting the offer of adult help! I meticulously observed their easy-going, fun-filled, laughter-invoked conversations as they ate their food (and all the food on their plates!). I did not see one sad face, one mad look, or one bad attitude among the entire group. I sat with amazement…no one “made” them act this way, and I finally concluded this was not the exception, but rather the rule as to their way of life. And then I sinned. Yes, I sinned as I envied what they had. (But I quickly claimed I John 1:9!)
They were happy, truly happy and blessed to enjoy what they enjoyed in life, which was very little. What they did have was structure, clearly defined boundaries and loving discipline. And they seemed very well adjusted! In my observance, I never heard one adult say, “don’t run”, “keep quiet”, “put that down”, “stop that”, “I said, ‘sit down,’” or “come back here!” No, none of that. I never saw paper cups torn, food thrown, napkins destroyed and…adults forlorn! And as they finished, someone asked if they would like more food, (yes, some had already gone for seconds) but the “3 minute” warning had been given. Hearing the 3 minute warning, each child politely, quietly, and graciously rose from their seats and came over to the table where I was sitting and…each child took their turn in hugging me (as they did all of us there) saying, “thank you, Uncle.” My heart says, no, rather thank you African Children’s Choir for showing me what I thought was something that was no longer true in young children’s lives: humble obedience and thankful behavior. I am still wondering if all this was just a dream! Thank you, African Children’s Choir!
