When we got to the house, Iranzi was away playing with some friends, and we had some time to talk to his mom and meet one of his older brothers and his youngest brother. Iranzi has eight siblings, ages two to twenty-one! His father was at the market with his two older sisters, so we did not get to meet them. The mother was very kind, and we talked about our kids through an interpreter. The older brother was wearing a Wisconsin sweatshirt with a picture of a buck. We tried to explain that Wisconsin was sort of where we were from, but there was some confusion, and they thought that we owned a buck. I was glad that I had been able to go on another home visit with a friend the day before so that I had good questions ready, but when we got there, conversation was not difficult at all. It was customary for them to ask us what they could be praying for, for us, and in turn we would ask the same of them. I don't do that very often here at home, but since I've been back, if it is appropriate, I have been asking people if there is anything I can pray about for them. Should I be surprised that that question leads to meaningful conversation? Or that there is always something going on beyond the surface of things? After a while, Iranzi and a group of boys came down the hill. I could tell right away that sweet Iranzi was not used to being the center of attention. He is very serious and quiet. His mom was now in the same position I had been in earlier (see Visit Part One), and was sternly urging him to smile and say thank you! He seemed overwhelmed with the attention, so we decided to go inside the house to give them some small gifts. We had brought a bag of school supplies for each of the siblings, and a couple of other special things for Iranzi. We brought a hand powered flashlight for his father, and some lotions and other useful things for his mother. I had brought all of the gifts in a market bag, and also gave that to the mother... I think that was her favorite thing. We prayed together in the house, and I couldn't help but notice that her prayers were all about heaven. Maybe because I have so many conveniences here on earth, I don't think about heaven like she does, but her greatest prayer was that we would all get to heaven, and her greatest thanksgiving was that when we got there, we would be together. What a hope, what a promise. The other thing I noticed is that Iranzi has a hard time keeping his eyes closed when his mom prays long prayers too.
The mothers meet. Sara and Judith.
While waiting for Iranz, Sara and Judith swap kid stories.
All that I am or ever hope to be, I owe to my angel Mother. ~Abraham
Lincoln
Kirby and Iranz: together at last.
Sara talks with Judith inside their home.
Children make you want to start life over. ~Muhammad Ali
