Makeshift Movie Theater

Just before Christmas, I decided to surprise the boys with movie night on the beach. We popped Pixar's Madagascar into my laptop, rigged the cord and power outlet so it would charge through my American-voltage plug, and sat back to enjoy the film. The only thing between our little movie theater and the Arabian Sea was a wall full of cooking facilities, including two stainless steel pots, a pile of plates, a gas burner, tumeric, corriander, chilly powder, garlic powder, and a host of other spices.

Amazingly, these boys cook for themselves, alternating days according to an elaborate schedule of duties that keeps the place running. Lately, however, many of them have been able to relax while Parwinder, a tall, thin older boy, has done the daily meal preparation as punishment for arriving late too often. I've observed Parwinder carrying out his sanctioned chores, and from the humming and smiling, I'm beginning to think he couldn't have asked for a more enjoyable punishment.