Beauty

is the way that she picks up any child that is crying or hurt - but especially the two that might be her brothers.

is the way that George doesn't know that there was another little boy that hid his cheek in my chin, his eye on my lips, his forehead on my nose - just in case i might feel like kissing.

is the way that my time with George convinces me that I will love again like I loved for the first time - and there will be no lack of affection for the children in my future, because of the child I loved in my past.
is the lines in her face

is the way they stick out their bums while swinging - and learn to share in the middle of dirt and squeals, scrapes and shoves.
is the way that Bobby stops crying, but won't wipe the tears of his face - an auntie must.
is when Marvin finally looks at me, takes his fingers out of his mouth, and laughs or says my name.
is my roommate - and her gentleness with others
...her passion to make sure that she is giving as much of herself as she can.
is the way they climb on me for a picture - and the red footmarks left when they leave
is the way I can cradle George between my legs and my belly - and how he will stay there for hours - come what may.
is Weiss, and the way he calls me "Auntie Shanalee!"

is Francis - and the nickname Diana and I gave him - Donald - because he sounds just like Donald Duck!
is Sharon when she's playing - and not attached to someone's hip.
is the contrast of baby Katie's African skin against mine, and the way she loves to cuddle beneath my arm and suck her fingers.
...the way she wears her overalls
...the way she eats her eggs.

is the way she waits for porridge
is the way he turns when I call his name
is the way they laugh and scream and splash at water - and the way we can't control them in it.

is the sunlight on his hair at breakfast

is the kisses that I get from him on demand.
is the way she always disobeys in just this one way - because she loves to see over the wall!
is how much she laughs, despite what's happened to her.
is how she focuses on things - like food, like stories - like laughing or playing - or screaming this morning for over an hour.

Sometimes i feel like a princess here - getting kisses and having my name called as I walk by - cooking in our kitchen in Africa - looking out at my Lake Victoria view - hearing Nathaniel yell and being able to pick his voice out from all others - watching progress - hearing the birds at night that sound like they are growling - preparing for a safari on Sunday - drinking Ugandan coffee...