Soccer with friends

The boys made friends in our neighbors' kids shortly after our arrival here in Segou. These boys are sweet and calm, not pushy at all. We are used to kids yelling at us, trying to touch us, and following us around so it's nice to be with more passive people. Without a doubt that's why the boys took to these kids. They are a family of 7 kids, all boys except the youngest who is a girl (with a twin brother).

Their mom is so incredibly sweet and laughs all the time. I loved going and sitting with her and we could just chat about babies (the twins are 5 months younger than Haven), the weather, or whatever. Because our lives are so drastically different, it is quite hard to find Malian women that I can connect with, especially outside of the hospital/clinic workers. For some reason, she and I really could and it was special. She is probably the best mom I have ever seen here- she doesn't let her kids wander the streets; they cannot leave the house if she goes out and no one can come in; she really watches them and is aware of what they are doing. These seem like obvious things but this is not the norm in Mali.

Unfortunately, accidents happen despite vigilance and her 2 year old fell backwards into boiling water while the kids were playing one evening. He was being treated at the hospital and doing well but apparently became septic because he quickly died. The mom couldn't handle being at their house and they moved literally the next day.

It was obviously devastating for the family. I selfishly was quite sad because their move meant the loss of friendship, for me and the boys, which has been quite slim to begin with. They "only" moved across town but it is not as easy to get the kids to go play when there is a lot more effort involved. We do go from time to time and enjoy it (at least D and I do). K and S always would quit the game earlier than D and just go inside when it was outside our door but when they are over there they have to sit around. 

Here they are playing in the field. The boys are so sweet to mine, they are patient and play gently as they are head and shoulders better than my boys. Dawson has steadily improved though.

Silas was even able to score a goal. His very first. You can tell he is a bit excited.

After playing for awhile, the kids move to shoot outs which all the kids enjoy. Ousmane and D love to do this little dance with each other before kicking, bouncing back and forth to show they are alert and ready. It's really fun to watch.

Me and my dear friend, Djenebou

Haven is into everything when we are there. Puts everything in her mouth. She is a royal mess, that girl. We distracted her one afternoon by a riding in a push cart.