I have written about most of Kaiden's in Panama, the highlights that is. But there are many small things that happened that made each day special. One of those moments took place on the beach. Kaiden had to walk each day there and pick up rocks. shells and sea glass and he loved low tide when he could scramble across the rocks and walk as far as he wanted ( and often times too far for my comfort).
We had reached the far end of the beach and all of a sudden this group of young boys was near us- they looked to be around the 10-12 age range and for some reason I just felt uncomfortable and called for Kaiden to come beside me. Meanwhile the boys were around us speaking in fast Spanish and I realized that they were asking for money . I have to admit a few thoughts of uh-oh this could be bad. So in a polite way I grabbed Kaidens hand and started walking. I made it clear we had no money that I just had the plastic bag for the sea glass and my camera - which I slipped around my neck and held firmly.
The boys then became very chatty and one did speak enough English that we could communicate. I found out that it was one boys 12th birthday and this was his party. They walked back with us and I still was not totally comfortable but was less tense. They wanted to see what was in my sack and when I showed them it was the glass they took off like little crabs across the sand finding all kinds of pieces. Most I knew were not the best and would have not kept but how could I tell theses boys with their smiles no, and so my sack got fuller and fuller. We kept walking until we were back to the area where there are people around and I felt totally comfortable, By then Kaiden was one of the "guys" so I sat down and let them run . I pulled out the camera and started taking pictures and they started posing. Then they wanted to take pictures - it was a moment to make a decision - did I trust them - could I trust them, and I did as they took turns taking pictures of all of us in a group.
They wanted Kaiden to go with them when I decided it was time for us to leave- which of course was a big NO so they tagged along with us as we headed back home.When we got to the door they all wanted to come in - wanted a drink of water - you get it anything to just get behind the doors of homes that I am sure their homes are nothing like. I firmly said no - unlocked the door and receded into the entry way. Once again our lives had been touched by the youth of Panama. I do not know if these boys lived in the squatter homes that are behind wooden doors and bars with staircases barely held together or if they had homes with a full family, or if they lived with numerous other families. What a do know is that they ended up being normal curious young boys with smiles that would light up any ones day. I wish my Spanish could have been better or their English but it wasn't and I had to take the day as a gift and move on. They are the next generation of a growing country and if they are any indication Panama will be in good hands.
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