Wednesday, September 17, 2008

Questions about skin color

First off, this is Mia next to her new best friend, Kira that cat.  Melody was initially very scared of the cats but over time she has gotten used to them and now she loves Kira.  Kira is a very lazy, very laid back cat that lets the kids pet her, tug at her, sit next to her, and squish her and she generally doesn't care.  Mia really likes to pet her and talk to her.  This is a pic of Mia laying next to her, watching a cartoon.

Mia has recently started asking me "Mom, what color is my skin?"  "What color is your skin, is it white?"  I kinda assumed that she probably noticed the difference before she said anything because of being in Uganda where the contrast between the Ugandans and the mzungu seems pretty pronounced.  I tell her that her skin is dark brown and mine is a very light color and that there are all kinds of people with all different shades.  She asked me why and I said thats the way the Lord made people.  I am sure this is the beginning of many conversations over the years.  I kinda look forward to it though b/c its a demonstration of the unique and beautiful way the Lord has constructed our family!

5 comments:

Our Little Blessings said...

My daughter started asking me the same question a couple years ago. It was always a joke that she had a chocolate spot on the back of her neck. She now doesn't think that is funny. She tells me she is not made of chocolate, she is just brown. :)
When she first started asking I told her that is the way God made you. She just wishes she could have freckles like her mom. :) You never know what they are truly thinking and what their next question will be. :)

Amy said...

I haven't gotten that question yet but I know it's coming! Thanks for paving the way!:)

Karla said...

You can always use me as an example of another shade of brown.

Unknown said...

cool!

Dori (Aviva's mommy) said...

I found your blog...I am white and my husband is black from Jamaica. My DD is 7 1/2 and would say I am yellow, she is brown and daddy is black. And we left it at that. I do not think she notices much. But loved her thinking.