A Colorful Lunch...

Yesterday, the boys needed to get out of the house. I took them to McDonald's so that they could play in the play area. I have been frustrated lately because Cairo is seriously lacking of good parks and play areas. With 2 small boys, running around is a must! We ordered lunch and sat outside to wait for our food.

As soon as our food came, a little girl, maybe 2 or 3 years old, sat down on the wall beside our table. I thought she was just curious about "the Americans" and tried to ignore her. 'Maybe she belongs to that woman a few tables down', I thought to myself. After a few minutes, I realized she didn't. She sat in silence watching us eat. I wondered if I should offer the little girl food right away or wait until she asked.

I have found that there is something about someone watching you eat that makes you less hungry. My burger stuck in my throat and I attempted to wash it down with a gulp of Diet Coke. Maybe she wasn't hungry, maybe she just wanted to make a new friend with my son. After awhile a cat came and sat down under my chair.

I tried to talk to the girl in Arabic "where is your mother?"...she said nothing. "What is your name?", she replied, "Selma". Later, I tried to call her by that name but she didn't answer. I don't think that was her real name. Anyway, there they sat, her and the cat, for about 30 minutes just staring.

I finally asked her if she was hungry and extended my son's uneaten hamburger. He was off having the time of his life playing with a group of Jr. High Sudanese school girls that overtook the play area. She look around, as if she felt guilty, and then took it and left to sit at an empty table. When a McDonald's worker came around to clean the floor, she quickly ducked into the play area to remain unseen. Then, when the coast was clear, she returned to her table. The crumbs on the floor were swept up by the worker, and the cat left too.

As a mother, my heart went out to her. My children needed a "Play Area", she needed food. Here was a little 3 year old girl helping me put my attitude and priorities of life in check. I know nothing of her life or what her life will be like as she grows up. She did have on clean clothes, but no shoes. It was obvious that someone cared for her, but where were they? It saddened me.

I thought to myself, even though I might not know here real name, I know of someone who does. People, like Selma, are always adding new colors to my picture of life here in Egypt. As do the Sudanese girls that played, so lovingly, with my little guy. Even the street cats add a bit of texture. Someday, I hope to see the final work of Art...I bet it will be beautiful.