"If you get most of the questions right on the test,
then you will get a prize afterwards!"
"Miss Teacher, if I get them all right, can I have
them ALL?" Anton holds up the small packet of chocolate candies and raises
an eyebrow expectantly. I smile back into his mischievous eyes as I remind him
again of the rule: only one.
Later I notice a small heap of school-uniform blue on the
ground.
Anton? He has his arm over his head, his face to the
ground. What could have happened? The group of boys playing football (soccer)
seem not to notice as I bend down toward the despondent figure, tapping the
small shoulder. A face pops up, displaying an impish grin. He throws his head
back in laughter as I realize he wasn't crying after all.
I love that boy. I love that roguish, playful grin of
his. Though he is a bit of a rascal, there is something about him that pulls at
my heart.
............................................................................
He sits alone at the desk in the back of the classroom,
quiet and unpretentious. He rolls his eyes at the outlandish behavior of his
fellow students, exchanging with me a knowing glance. While the others continue
their raving madness, this young man voluntarily strides to the front of the
room to help me clean up after class. As he wipes the dusty blackboard, I ask
him, "What's your name?"
"Robert."
I shake his hand and thank him for being my assistant and
for maintaining a calm spirit amidst the chaos. He smiles back, shyly.
Later, Robert meets me as I cross the schoolyard, headed
for the teacher's office. With a furtive glance and smile, he silently takes
the stack of papers from my hands and ambles along beside me, bearing my
burden.
I love that boy. I love his calm, gentle spirit. Though
he is a ready helper, it is his unassuming nature that draws me to him.
............................................................................
Only God could give me the same love for Anton as I have
for Robert...
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