In addition to the rowdier drumming groups, groups of kids walk around quietly with a candle in a box looking to make some Christmas money. The kids with candles only come out at night so usually find me and Jen at home. Sometimes they sing. Sometimes they announce themselves by saying “ko, ko, ko”, the Beninese equivalent of knocking on the door. Sometimes they stand quietly and say nothing. Jen and I have been in our house cooking dinner when one of us notices a candle floating outside our door. It is too dark to see the child. How long have they been there? 10 seconds? 10 minutes? We are ready with our small donation before the floating candle and (presumably) the child move on.
