“We have a bit of a situation,” announces Katie, coming into the kitchen. I put down the dish towel. A situation? I sigh. It would seem that there is never a good “situation” in Africa. “Well, do you have the key to the boys’ room? Because Joseph has locked himself inside”.
Joseph, a dear boy of 7 years, has a knack for getting himself into trouble. Whether stealing sugar, throwing rocks at his friend or urinating out of a window, he loses more TV time than any other child. Most recently, sweet Joseph got his hands on some matches and lit a fire near the soccer field. Well, the African bush during dry season is basically kindling, so it quickly spread. Thank goodness that it was extinguished before it burnt through a nearby borehole line. This latest stunt netted Joseph a full week of restriction. No play time, no walks and no TV. Harsh but fair.
This night, upon hearing the rest of the group laugh at the antics of Nemo (or some other Disney character) from the confines of his bed, Joseph decided that he’d had enough. To show all of us, he locked himself inside his room. Hmmm… So interesting is the thought process of a 7 year old. I mean, really? How does that hurt me at all? But it was enough to send the aunties into a panic. He might lose an arm in there or something! Call in the Cavalry!
Because (of course) we don’t have a spare key for the room, Scott tried to pick the lock with a bobby pin. Well, Scott isn’t exactly Jack Bauer, so that didn’t go too well. He soon fell into the “if you don’t open this door right now, so help me….” spiel. Joseph was unphased.
Or at least we thought he was unphased. Peering in the window, it would seem that Joseph had actually fallen asleep. Curious, given all of the banging on the door, but kids can sleep through anything, I suppose.
After all of 10 minutes of knocking and stern talking, I gave up. It’s fine, I instructed. When he gets hungry, he’ll have to open the door. Until then, let’s just leave him in there. What’s he going to do? I’m tired.
Walking outside, I discover that the aunties haven’t given up yet. In fact, they are employing a most ingenious method for child persuasion. Taping together two brooms, they have fashioned quite a long pole. They stick the rod through the window and poke Joseph squarely in the back. He sighs and continues his slumber. Poking him harder, they practically lift him from the bed. Still nothing. A few sharp jabs to the leg, a tap on the head, repeated swats on his bottom. Finally, some prodding that is strong enough to turn him over completely does the trick. Joseph is awake! 10 voices shout instructions in Tonga at him. Dazed, he makes his way to the door and turns the handle. Crisis averted.
Walk softly and carry a big stick. Seems good advice for orphanage directors too.
