A lifesaving football

While passing through a village today, I noticed two little boys waving at our vehicle. They both had catapults in their hand which is commonly used to hit birds. They were shouting something which was unclear. When the vehicle stopped, they were surprised. Scared perhaps with apprehension. 

After a little small talk about their school and education, I gave them a Football with a caveat that they will not shoot down birds anymore. They were happy for getting a Football. I was happy too, hoping that the other side of the deal will be kept. That the glorious flights won’t end. That the melodious chirpings would continue.

Humbling Saturdays

As we trekked towards the village, a middle-aged woman passed by. She was carrying fresh vegetables in her kokcheng(Local bamboo basket) perhaps to sell them in little market along the highway. Her young daughter marched alongside carrying her textbook from school. She kept looking back at us surprised at the entourage going the other way. 

At a distance, an old man was seen ploughing his field. A family was taking rest in the adjoining plot amidst the paddy harvest. A boy had climbed on top of their mud-house to repair the thatch. A group of kids ran across the field with a make-shift football prepared from scrap. They all had their issues, but they all had a smile on their faces. All week long, I simply look forward to the next village visit, to be among the genuine smiles, to be a part of the modest ways and to the humbling saturdays.