Just some Hotwheels...

During the first week we were here, we had some unexpected but welcome company--3 boys from the fellowship --come and play with our kids. The main attraction was Caleb's Hotwheels cars and cartrack, which ended up providing entertainment for several children for over 4 hours. Who knew you could get that many "miles" out of Hotwheels cars?!

It was so much fun to see Caleb connect with the kids, using his limited language to relate and make some new friends.  In the end we were also able to meet the boys' parents and some of our neighbors too. Who knows what will come out of the relationships that all started because of some toys!
We recently learned from a friend here, though, that teachers generally discourage parents from buying toys because having too many toys at home could distract the child from studying and doing homework.  We've found that it's a real treat for kids to come to our house and play.  We always invite kids to come when we return home from playing outside, and since "Hotwheels Sunday", we've had several little ones come in and explore and see what's inside the foreigners' house.  =)

This little guy has come a few times.  We see him out in the neighborhood alot, but have never seen him with parents or grandparents (though we know he lives with his family).  He's really taken to Dave, especially enjoying throwing frisbee and playing ping pong. 
Anyway, it's been fun to get to know these precious kids a bit, and fun for our kids to have little friends around to play with.  We don't mind if our friends only like us because of our toys.  =)