Peek-a-boo, Daniel!

Today I went to sell clothes on the street with my "mama". A friend of hers comes with her little boy, Daniel, who is also special needs. I have a big heart already for children with special needs. I instantly love them - my heart is theirs the second I see them, ya know? I can't help it. Well, Daniel's mom and my mom are chatting and I began to talk to Daniel. Quickly learned he was mute as well. I decided to play peek-a-boo with him, throwing my hair in front of my face and parting it and doing the whole peek-a-boo routine we all know. Daniel laughed so hard. After one peek-a-boo, he lunged at me to give me a hug - a really strong hug. He didn't let go and his mom tried to pull him away from me, obviously thinking he was being a bother, and I told her to leave him. We hugged for a good 5 minutes, laughing, him playing with my hair. When it was time for Daniel to go, I said "Ciao" to him and he said "Ciao" to me. Remember how he's mute? His mom stared at me while she walked off with a face of absolute and total shock - no anger, no disgust - just pure shock. My host mom later told me Daniel hasn't EVER spoken since she's lived in Yanacoto. She's lived in Yanacoto for 8 years guys.

It's still giving me goosebumps and I can't wait to tell my mom in the US. The power of love can move mountains and tonight I got to bear witness. Don't forget to give out your hugs. :-)