Page 296 - Neglected Arabia Vol 2

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NEGLECTED ARABIA 9
milv about ten years old, but she was engaged to be married to a man in 1
Itniiibav. One day she left school and with her family journeyed all the
way to Bombay tor the wedding. But when the man saw her poor eyes
Ik- broke his bargain and refused to have her. So poor M — has ; i
returned rejected and despised. Probably she does not mind it as much H I
us her family do. I think she was glad to get back to school. She likes &
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lu play with me whenever she has a chance. i
One day B------’s mother came to visit school. At recess when the
children went outdoors B stayed with her mother. There was a
picture roll on the wall behind her mother's chair showing the picture of
the willow who gave her two mites. Now B------ will never screw up
enough courage to tell a Bible story before the class, as so many others do,
but do you know she told her mother to look at the picture and she told
her the whole story perfectly.
The newest member of the Kindergarten is M Her mother was
always spanking her, so a friend of the Mission suggested she get her it
out of the way by sending her to school. No doubt it she were so lively i
and naughty she would learn fast. So her mother agreed to let her come.
Arab children do not have homes like American children. Things
like dolls and toys are sadly lacking in Arab homes. There is not much
to play with and not much fun to be had. Children, when little, are petted
and spoiled, but when they get a little older and are naughty they get
culled around and called such names as "Wicked One." "Satan,” "dog.”
etc. (Jut in the street there is nothing but walls and mud. But at school
there is everything—nice desks and chairs to sit in. with plasticine to play
with, and crayolas to draw with, and sewing bags containing thimble,
thread and scissors; blackboards to write and draw on; interesting lessons . £
all day; dolls and toys; jumping rope, and out in the yard a wonderful X,
playground with swings and see-saw and slides.
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The school is a happy place and I am happy to be there. .One thing
worries me though. I am getting old. One of my companions has lost her
limbs. Her arms and legs were hitched with springs and they gave way. f
1 am of a more solid build, but the children love me so hard and so con-
Mantly that I know my bloom is wearing off. I do ho|>e there will he H
another doll to take my place when I am worn out and you know Christmas
i> coining again, too. It is a great calling to l>c a doll in Arabia, either to 1
belong to one little girl or to belong to the Kindergarten. 4
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The Bible says, “A little child shall lead them.” But in Arabia the )
child must be led first, and so often it is a doll like myself who leads a
child into the Mission School, and then the influence of the school can Ik- • :
cairicd into the home.
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I am only a doll. But may it be said of me, "She hath done what she
could.” How about you?
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With best wishes.
The Doll With the Blue-Checked Dress.