Two Roosters and a Grandma

The other morning Rachel and I were enjoying our quiet time when all of a sudden a couple of roosters flew over our fence and began exploring our yard. To us it was no big deal. It is pretty common for chickens to come over for a while to scratch around for something good. They usually leave after a while. Well, this morning was different. The grandma living directly behind us poked her head over the fence and made gestures like she wanted us to catch the roosters and give them back. Our dog was tied up, so we weren't too worried about it. Rachel didn't quite understand them. So she just smiled, then went back to putting breakfast on the table. Then another grandma showed up, and did the same thing. They were very nice about it, but felt quite sure that the roosters were in danger or something. Maybe they thought we were in danger. Maybe they thought...well, we're not sure what all they were thinking. Except that it became obvious that they wanted them back. So, with breakfast on the table...we began our chase. These roosters are big! They have long legs and run not a little like a small ostrich. Picture if you will, Rachel and I trying to corner these big guys, then pounce on them, not loosing a feather. All the while both grandmas are watching. One is wringing her hands and the other is clapping and cheering us on. Finally, the bantams ran under some bushes and I was able to slide an arm under and grab for a drumstick. Squawk!!! Success! One down. One to go. Around the house, up on the porch, over by the dog... back up... dart this way, that way. Finally, it tried to squeeze into our garden. Squawk!!! Mission Accomplished. Grandma 1 thanked us and bowed very honorably. Grandma 2 smiled and basically thanked us for the entertainment. We sat down to breakfast. Such is cross-cultural ministry. Our days are full of experiences like this. We never know if we are doing it quite right. We just pray that as we interact with our neighbors that we will learn their culture, and obey the promptings of God's Spirit. God is at work here, and we are always looking for ways to join Him. Even if it means catching a phantom bantam. martin.