Neighbor Kids


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December 12, 2002

Excerpt from letter to Jennifer...

"Denise (neighbor) and I laugh a lot together about the antics of the kids around.  There are six preschoolers in our little group of five duplexes.  They keep us amused!  Efram - her 5 year old, and Ellie - a neighbor who is 3, came by Thursday looking for candy.  I gave them each a piece.  Now, you have to understand that my door was shut, so just by knocking, the kids had broken a rule (a cultural rule).  If Denise had been outside, she never would have let them knock on my door.  

Ten minutes later, another tiny knock and cries of 'Tanti Kate (Aunt Kate)!'  I went back to the door to find Efram and Ellie again.  This time they wanted 4 pieces - 2 more for themselves, plus 2 for Tati and her sister.  I gave them four and told them no more.  I even gave examples - if Deborah wants some - no more.  If the big kids come home from school - no more.  Understand?  Yes, they assured me.  

Ten minutes later, guess who?  This time I ignored the knocks.  They grew louder.  I ignored.  They're beating on my door and yelling 'Tanti Kate' as loudly as little kids can.  I decide to wait them out.  Sooner or later I know Denise will hear them.  Besides, the kids don't know I'm home, right?  I could be napping or I could have left on my bike.  Then I hear Efram saying, 'She's in there!  She's in there!'  Busted.

 I glance up from my work at the table to see a little black eye peering at me through the key hole!  Isn't that funny?  I had to laugh - these kids wanted candy badly!  But, I hollered through the house, 'Efram, I said no more candy!  Go play somewhere else!'  These are the handy phrases you don't learn in the language classes!"  :)