Wonderful Neighbors

Now, I totally admit I don't know most of my neighbors. We lived in our large apartment complex for only a year, I work full-time and when I'm not working, I'm usually out and about. I'm definitely not a homebody. But, one of my favorite things to do is walk my dog, Bella,  around the half-mile pond that is out our back door. And it's there that I am getting to know some of my amazing neighbors - whether it's personally or just by recognition. But God has given me a heart for all of them. Here's a list of them. Some of them I know their names, some I don't and some I've just made up names for. Each is an amazing creation by God.

• Sucre and Faati - two under 10 Somalian boys who love to run circles around my dog, always just out of reach of her leash. They laugh and say "Chase me, chase me, Bella." Their glee contagious.
• LaKeesha - a 14ish lonely young lady who seems to always be out by herself. Give her a chance, and she'll tell you fantastical stories of the horrors of her life in a voice that is so matter-of-fact, that she could be reading a grocery list.
• Three Wise Men - three old Somalian men who walk so slowly around the pond, they seem not to move at all. They discuss serious issues in expressive voices I don't understand, yet grant me kind nods and smiles when I pass them by over and over again.
• Two Girls from Ghana - When we see them riding their bikes I always warn Bella, "Look out dear, you're going to be pounced!" They run to her full speed, sliding on their knees as they approach so they can scoop her up and hug her like a rag doll. Each time, I ask their names, each time they tell me and I can't understand. "Don't worry," they say. "No one here can say our names." And then they proceed to ask me all kinds of unique questions about Bella - "Is she a puppy?" No. "Do you think she wishes she were a puppy?" Maybe. And on and on it goes until I explain I need to keep walking.
• Larry - oh how I love Larry. Continually walking, morning, noon or night. A tall lanky retired man with a penchant for sweets (Or so he told me, thus all of his walking). Always ready with a short but entertaining story, Larry talks to everyone.
• Ali - a Middle Eastern man who strolls around with a mug of coffee (or so I assume) looking for people to chat with.
• "Dreads" and "Blondie"  - sweet young couple that walk their little girl around the pond as she rides her bike with training wheels. Always up for a friendly hello, his long dreads reaching down his back and her easy smile make my day.
• Confused old lady - loves to sit in the shade of the trees.  But if you happen by close enough, she'll trap you with tales of gophers eating her "pickle" plants in a heavy Norweigen accent. She wears her housedress and looks like an overstuffed pillowcase.
• Gang banger wannabes - sitting at the picnic table, talking in hushed tones and looking at you out of the corners of their eyes. But if you shout hello and wave, their faces lift up into the light and their smiles shine.

And let's not forget us:

• Me - walking my little dog around the pond as fast as my short legs will go. Happy to say a quick hello but just as happy to keep moving. Laughing at the duck butts that continually bob in the pond.
• My oldest daughter - known for taking her guitar, sitting on the grass along the path and playing worship music. Smiling at all that pass by. Her dreads catching the sun and blowing in the breeze.
• My youngest daughter - loves to sit on the swinging benchs with her notebook and pen, doodling, writing and always singing/talking to herself.