Since my Bonus Boys have been asking for chores to do, I gave them a few jobs. They want to feel helpful around here, and I want to let them. So, their jobs are watering the potted plants and the donkey and chicken care.

It’s been impossible so far to impart to them only to water to potted plants, so all of my landscaped beds are getting water twice a day along with the potted plants. Everything is very lush and green, especially for July in Texas. It’s really cute watching the attention to detail, making sure every plant gets a healthy drink. 

Yesterday, Gus walked down to water the donkeys, who were acting scared of him. I was watching from the porch as he then grabbed a long stick in each hand, and started running after the donkeys. It made me nervous, as I isn’t sure what he was doing, but I stood still and watched.

My 85 year old neighbor was sitting on his riding lawnmower, watching as well. Gus ran and ran, waving the sticks, shouting in his native tongue. He finally cornered the donkeys, started speaking softly to them, and then began to feed them grass from his hand. It was fascinating, seeing him in his previous role as a shepard, watching his innate understanding of livestock and how they operate, watching him earn their trust.

It was equally interesting to observe my elderly neighbor as he tried to make sense of what was going on. He was leaning on the steering wheel of his mower, mouth hanging open, stock still. While he knows we are a foster family, I don’t think he understands that we are hosting an Eritrean shepard boy who is four weeks into his stay in America. Perhaps a phone call is in order.