We are so used to living among the Gumuz culture that it begins to feel a normal part of our life. Yet there is always this worry. Are our children experiencing enough of our home culture to be able to understand it? There are aspects of our home culture that our children don't need to accept or practice but certainly it is wise for us to teach and prepare them. And so it was...we decided we should attempt a home cultural experience.
We are not really the kind of family that plays jokes on each other. Boundaries are easily crossed and hurt feelings arise. Best to be avoided has been our general rule. But when our niece mentioned that it was April Fool's day yesterday afternoon, I thought, "It is probably wise to teach our own children something about this day and then decide the value of it." So Karissa and I spent a few minutes scheming.
After the children's company left at 5pm, I called out, "Okay let's head to the classroom for an extra hour of school. Since we are going to Addis next week, we should put in some extra time." Now I did expect complaints but I didn't expect the powerful emotions that would be brought out with such an announcement. (Keep in mind it was still 35C and our classroom is hotter!) Karissa led the way with her shoulders silently shaking. I felt like the meanest mother ever!
Two of my girls were in tears, questioning how we could do school at this hour. Karissa was busy opening windows and my son didn't step into the classroom. We announced it was April Fool's day and that it was the lesson. More tears. "But our family has never done April Fool's day.", "That was mean." Ouch.
Lesson one was accomplished. A trick that causes stress or pain is not worth it. One should thoroughly think about the outcome. And so it was that this hour of the day was dedicated to talking about April Fool's Day.
Well when we introduced the idea of fooling dad, it was not surprising to see the emotions immediately turn around. There was great excitement in the air. You could actually feel it. Brains were whirling and smiles all around. Isn't that exactly how it goes? It is much easier to give than receive (in this case). And so it was decided that all the furniture from the main room be moved outside onto the dirt at the side of the house. (An infestation of fleas?)
Joel ran up the hill meeting his dad saying, "Dad you got to see this! Fleas!" (A common problem.) I wasn't planning on being involved in this event but was pulled in when my dear husband called me out of the kitchen and asked what was happening and where the fleas had all come from. The kids were giggling and all I could say was "Well you said that the bug spray was expensive. We moved the furniture outside!" Then the kids yelled, "April Fool's Day!" and their gracious father threw back his head and laughed heartily. Furniture was moved back in and all was well. Lesson two....easier to give than receive. But isn't it best to play a trick without deception? Hmmm. We may need to make some rules.
A few more harmless tricks were played and it gave us plenty to talk about. And so it was. The Kruse family experienced April Fool's day and decided that we should avoid a few things. Avoid causing anger or fear. Avoid lying. Attempt to make someone laugh. Laughter is good medicine. Leave the fooling to April Fool's day.
It was certainly a time to be remembered. At the very least, our children will be familiar with the day and not be utterly confused by such an event which is actually printed on our calendars! Hopefully they have also learned the potential harm of such a day. Possibly we might learn to "tease" each other in ways that bring laughter and not tears. It takes thought and creativity to do it well. And isn't that the way of life? Our lips are quick to speak a word that harms and it takes great intention to speak a word that builds another up.
