Djo (pronounced “Joe”), his wife and their four kids are our neighbors. We pass by their simple gray block house each day and always look to see if their sweet faces are peeking out behind the door. Recently as I was walking by they invited me inside. The house is just as simple on the inside. I pass a little room I’m told is the “depot” where the supplies for Madame Djo’s small business are stored. Djo must have seen my eyes stall in the corner where only a few empty soda cases sat. Looking down he said, “We haven’t been able to sell for awhile.” Next I passed through a floor less, roof less open space that Djo says “isn’t finished yet” which leads to the bed, bath, and kitchen. There is one bedroom for this family of six. Two twin beds, a curio shelf with a small television and stereo were the bulk of its contents. I glance up to see large spaces where the metal roof doesn’t cover the concrete block sides in several places and imagine trying to sleep there during rainy season. The kitchen galley stands between the bedroom and the “twalet” (toilet room). But there is no toilet. There is no sink or shower either. The “twalet” only contains one single bucket sitting on the floor. I expect it to smell bad. But it doesn’t. The house is actually very clean. The “kitchen” contains a metal stand that cooks food over charcoal along with a few pots and pans hanging neatly on the wall. I thank them for showing me their home.
Continue reading “Djo’s Kids”
