Beyond Evanston

A classic family photo. 


This picture of Khadija isn't the greatest, but I like it because of the background action. 


Here they are holding the photos from last time. I can't even describe how happy and excited they were to see themselves in the pictures. I have never heard them laugh so much or for so long. nbsp;


In keeping with the general feeling of insane happiness, baby Abdi attacks his older brother with slobbery love. 


Grace was taking this picture, and I was standing off to the side. Khadija motioned to me to get into the picture; "Africa, Africa" she and Ali said.

Grace and I were pretty confused, but we went ahead and took the picture (and the next). Later Khadija explained to us that she wanted to send the pictures to her mother in Africa.

Two things about this: 1) We hear about Khadija's family for the first time! 2) Khadija's English is getting better! She only used a few words (mostly gestures) but she was still able to communicate. This is good. 


Here's the moment right after that last photo. Some quick thinking by Ali to head off incipient Baby Sadness.

We can't get over how much love is in this family, and how well the brothers treat each other. Sure, the younger ones tussle, but I have never seen anything like the way the older brothers take care of and love the younger ones.  


The three oldest brothers. What fine-looking young gentlemen! 


As we were waiting for the bus to take us back to Evanston, Ali came by. We were able to understand that he was headed toward a nearby park to play basketball.

I love this picture. Grace and I were discussing what a great guy Ali is on the way home. It has to be tough to be in his shoes - the oldest of five brothers, and the only family member who can communicate with English-speakers. It's clear that his mother depends on him a lot.

Yet he doesn't seem to resent the huge amount of responsibility that's been laid on his shoulders, or at least we've never noticed any resentment. His affection for his brothers is obvious. And though we can see that he carries the burden of not knowing anyone at school, of not understanding the language well, of taking care of four children and his mother, he can still smile like this.