He's Just Been Circumcised

He's Just Been Circumcised

Ouch, Ouch, Ouch

Serengetti, Tanzania

February 2016

We stopped by the side of the road and got out o the truck to stretch our legs. It was hot, buggy and quiet.  Suddenly a boy called out to us.  He was running towards us. He ran with a purpose.

"He wants something", my friend tells us.  I hand him a few coins. 

 "What do you think he is going to do with that," she wants to know, "The Massia are nomads.  They don't have any use for money.  Do we still have any apples left from lunch.  Let's give him that."

"Then how do they pay for their cell phones that I see some of them using?" I ask in retort to her question.

"You have not?" she responds.

"Oh yes, at the last stop, some of them were on cell phones."

We don't continue the conversation because we are now drawn to the markings on his forehead.

"What do you think that means?" I want to know.

Our guide tells us that this young boy has just been circumcised and he does not have to do any work while he is healing.  As long as he has these markings, he may wander around the village, sort of carefree of any responsibilities.  Personally, I think I would rather work than have someone circumcise me at age 13.