An Encounter

Two weeks ago as I was walking up the street from Bottom I noticed a woman also walking in the same direction struggling with her two year old who fought in her arms kicking and screaming. I gave her a small smile and as we walked side by side for a pace she held him out to me saying, "Mzungo, tengani mwana ali mavuto kwambiri." (Take this child he is such a problem.) She passed him to me and I carried him on my hip a few paces. Startled mute he stared at me in shock, everyone around us broke into laughter, and he remained quiet even after I passed him back.