New Bikes & New Friends

We decided to get the kids some bikes so they could burn some energy. It is the rainy season here, and when it rains, the playgrounds get wet and muddy. We thought they could get some exercise when it rains by riding around on the ground floor garage which has plenty of room. We also have a fairly quiet street, so that is a good place to ride as well. 

When they first started riding in the garage, two sisters from our building saw them and ran to get their bikes. They spoke English pretty well and Brynn was excited to meet some girls from our building. Then Brynn rang the bell on her bike, and when the kids on our street heard, they came running. The kids on our street are children of construction workers, as there are a few constructions sites on our street. Construction workers live with their families in temporary shelters (tents, or cement block huts) built on the construction site. The father is not the only worker, everyone in the family who is able does some type of work on the construction site.  

These kids only speak the language we are learning...no English - other than "cycle."  The kids all yell, "Auntie, Auntie, cycle, cycle." They all want a turn on the bikes. Brynn has been sweet to share, especially when she just got the bike and is dying to ride it. She understands they don't have bikes and has shown some compassion...so sweet. We've already asked our language teacher how to say, "it is his/her turn", "not now", "slow down", "get off the bike", etc. This is a great way for Jimmy and me to practice our language and get to know the kids and their parents. On our second day of the kids riding their bikes we met at least 12 people on our street - not just the construction families. Luke & Brynn are quite the spectacle in our neighborhood since they are the only white kids. The only downside is that they are somewhat mobbed whenever they want to take their bikes out. It's only a small price to pay to be able to interact with so many people and begin building relationships. 

Here are some pics of the kids with their new wheels and their new friends...

Some girls from our building saw the kids riding and decided to get their bikes and join them. They are sisters who live upstairs from us. 

Kids from our street.  These children have the most beautiful, big smiles, but will not smile for the camera.

Luke getting a little help. He's still learning to pedal.

Resting....

Just kidding!

Happy little bugger!  His trike plays music too, and he loves it. The music is only slightly annoying.

Getting a push from his buddy.