I will remember the stay with my Uncle in Africa my entire life. Of that I’m sure. Anyways, this blog will be a constant reminder of the most interesting details of that memorable experience. Little Plenjakuša (family nickname) has thus informed you about all kinds of animals, experiences with local customs, Uncle’s constant harassment of his guests, trips to Uganda and Burundi… However, the one thing that will never fade away from my memory are those gorgeous children’s faces whose smiles seem to be a gift from God himself!

Little Rwandans are not extremely pretty. In fact, they’re far from being perfect. However, when they smile, showing their teeth, one stops noticing their imperfections. They are no longer dirty, ragged, sad… With that smile of theirs they cover up all imperfections, inviting you to join them and be like them. I think I will never forget the experience of hanging out with little Rwandans and the way they treat their environment. If nothing else, I’ll stop annoying my parents with my clothing requirements or some other stuff with which I used to make their life miserable.

My uncle often told me that I would learn to value small things in Africa. Of course, I didn’t believe him until from little Rwandans’ smiles I realized what he intended to say. One can be dirty, ugly, hungry and unhappy, but with a smile he can make up for all the material obstacles our world imposes on him. We should smile, smile, and keep on smiling! We’ll have more than enough time for serious things when we grow up anyway...

To be continued...

Yours truly, Antonela
Translated by: fra Branimir Mlakić
Edited by: Valerie Kae Ken