Eye-Catching Wallpaper

The story is about two brothers who moved houses several times. In their new home, they decorated their bedroom wall with eye-catching wallpaper and then they painted a prayer wall on it.

Ages

Primary Years
Middle Years

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Wallpaper li Jiġbed l-Għajn

“Ma rridx nitlaq minn din id-dar jien. Għalfejn ser nerġgħu nitilqu minn din id-dar biex immorru noqogħdu f’dar oħra u f’post differenti? Hawn irrid nibqa’ ngħix jien. Nobogħdok! Itlaq ’l hemm,” beda jgħajjat Manwel waqt li beda jsabbat saqajh mal-art.

Manwel, li għandu disa’ snin, beda jgħid dan il-kliem iebes lil missieru għax kien qed iħossu rrabjat u mbeżża’ ħafna. Din hija t-tielet darba li hu u ħuh iż-żgħir ser jitilqu mid-dar tagħhom biex imorru jgħixu f’dar oħra.

L-ewwel darba kienet meta marru jgħixu man-nanna għal żmien twil sakemm il-mamà tagħhom kienet l-isptar għall-kura minħabba marda serja.

It-tieni darba li marru jgħixu f’dar oħra kienet wara l-mewt tal-mamà tagħhom.

U issa ser jerġgħu jitilqu mid-dar biex imorru joqogħdu f’dar ġdida fil-kampanja qrib l-għelieqi u l-istalel taż-żwiemel li għandu l-papà tagħhom.

Manwel u ħuh ħassewhom imdejqin ħafna għax bdew jinkwetaw li fil-kampanja mhux ser jiltaqgħu ma’ tfal oħra tal-età tagħhom ma’ min jilagħbu, u li mhux ser ikollhom il-ħwienet favoriti tagħhom minn fejn jixtru ġelat u xi ikel li jħobbu huma. Beżgħu li fl-iskola l-ġdida li sejrin fiha ser ikun hemm min ma jifhimhomx meta xi drabi jmorru l-iskola bla ħobż, bl-uniformi xi ftit maħmuġa jew meta jkunu għajjenin ħafna.

Li jmorru joqogħdu f’dar differenti kienet tfisser li kellhom iħallu dak kollu li kienu diġà draw u jridu jerġgħu jadattaw lilhom infushom. Riedu jidraw jgħixu f’ambjent ġdid qalb l-għelieqi, jidraw is-sistema ta’ skola ġdida u riedu jagħmlu ħbieb ġodda.

Din l-esperenza kienet qed taffettwalhom l-iżvilupp u l-imġiba tagħhom kemm fid-dar kif ukoll l-iskola.

Missierhom, li kien iħobbhom ħafna, fehem il-għala kienu qed iħossuhom imdejqa u rrabjati. Beda jgħidilhom li hu wkoll kien ser iħoss in-nuqqas tal-ġirien ħbieb tiegħu. Huwa qawwielhom qalbhom u qalilhom li ser ikunu jistgħu jistiednu xi ħbieb ġodda mill-iskola l-ġdida li ser jattendu fiha u li ser ikunu jistgħu jiġu jilagħbu fl-għalqa magħhom u juruhom iż-żwiemel.

Biex aktar iferraħ lit-tfal tiegħu u għax jaf kemm huma kreattivi u mimlija enerġija, il-papà qalilhom ukoll li biex iħossuhom komdi u siguri fil-kamra tas-sodda l-ġdida tagħhom, jistgħu jiddekorawha kif jixtiequ huma.

Wiċċ it-tfal xegħel bil-ferħ kif semgħuh jgħidilhom hekk.

U staqsewh,“Pa, pa, nistgħu nwaħħlu wallpaper b’xeni ta’ annimali, tal-isports favorit tagħna, jew ta’ xi karattru tal-films li nħobbu?”

“Iva, mela, tistgħu,” weġibhom il-papà. Kif rahom daqshekk ferħana, dak il-ħin stess baqgħu sejrin għand tal-ħanut biex jixtru l-wallpaper.

Wara li xtrawhom, marru dritt id-dar il-ġdida. Kif waslu, niżlu mill-karozza, fetħu l-bieb tad-dar u daħlu sparati fil-kamra tas-sodda tagħhom. It-tfal fetħu roll wallpaper b’xeni ta’ annimali tal-ġungla u bl-għajnuna tal-papà bdew iwaħħluh ma’ parti tal-ħitan. Imbagħad fetħu roll wallpaper differenti b’xena ta’ briks u waħħluh mal-kumplament tal-ħajt.

Kif il-kamra kienet iddekorata lesta bil-wallpaper, il-papà refa’ liż-żewġ subien tiegħu, wieħed fuq kull id u bieshom waħda kbira filwaqt li qalilhom, “Araw kemm ġiet sabiħa l-kamra tagħkom! Issa nixtieqkom iġġibu marker tal-kulur favorit tagħkom u pinġu jew iktbu xi ħsieb sabiħ li tridu intom fuq il-wallpaper biss li għandu xena ta’ briks. Tajjeb?” staqsiehom il-papà hekk kif beda ħiereġ mill-kamra biex imur isajjar fil-kċina.

It-tfal għamlulu sinjal b’rashom li kollox sew u bdew ipinġu u jiktbu ħsibijiet sbieħ fuq il-wallpaper bix-xena ta’ briks.

Manwel u ħuh iż-żgħir kitbu mhux biss ħsibijiet sbieħ imma kitbu dak li bdew iħossu ġewwa fihom f’forma ta’ talba lil Alla. Pinġew ukoll emojis biex jesprimu lilhom infushom u kif bdew iħossuhom.

Meta l-papà mar lura fil-kamra tagħhom, baqa’ impressjonat b’dak li esprimew uliedu fuq il-ħajt, kemm bil-kitba kif ukoll bit-tpinġija. Huwa faħħarhom ħafna u ħaddanhom miegħu.

Manwel, ferħan se jtir, qallu, “Ismagħni, pa, xi ktibt jien… O Alla, għinni nagħmel ħbieb ġodda fl-iskola l-ġdida u li ma jkun hemm ħadd li jaqbad miegħi. O Alla, jiddispjaċini meta ngħid kliem iebes u li jweġġa’ lill-papà tiegħi. Aħfirli.”

“U dawn it-tpinġijiet xi jfissru? staqsa l-papà.

Ħu Manwel iż-żgħir pront wieġbu, “Ara, pà, jien pinġejt lill-mamà għax qed inħoss ħafna n-nuqqas tal-mamà tiegħi. Nixtieq nitlob għaliha. U dawn huma bandli. Pinġejthom biex ngħid grazzi lill-ħbieb li kelli.”

“Bravi,” qalilhom il-papà.

Imbagħad il-papà ngħaqad magħhom ukoll u kiteb din it-talba, “O Alla, għin lil Manwel, lil ħuh iż-żgħir u lil tfal oħra bħalhom li għal raġuni jew oħra jkollhom iħallu d-dar tagħhom li jkunu draw jgħixu fiha. Agħtihom il-kuraġġ biex jibdew ħajja ġdida f’ambjent ġdid u għinhom jiffaċċjaw dak kollu li għad iridu jiltaqgħu miegħu.”

Il-missier fakkarhom li meta jħossuhom imdejqin, inkwetati, ferħanin jew għajjenin, jistgħu jesprimu lilhom infushom bit-tpinġija fuq dik il-wallpaper u jitolbu lil Alla jgħinhom.

Eye-Catching Wallpaper

“I don’t want to leave this house. Why are we leaving this house and moving again to another house in a different place? I want to stay here and continue to live here. I hate you! Go away!” shouted Manuel as he stamped his foot on the ground.

Nine-year-old Manuel started saying these harsh words to his father because he was feeling very angry and scared. This was the third time that he and his younger brother were leaving home to move to another home.

The first time was when they had gone to live with their grandmother for a long time since their mother was hospitalized for treatment due to a serious illness.

The second time they moved into another house was after the death of their mother.

Now they were leaving home to move into a new house in the countryside near the fields and horse stables belonging to his father.

Manuel and his brother felt very upset because they began to worry that in the countryside they would not meet other children their age with whom to play, and neither would there be any of their favourite shops from where to buy ice cream or food.

They feared that in their new school, there will be those who do not understand them when at times they go to school without lunch, in dirty uniforms or when they feel extremely tired.

Moving to a different house meant that they had to let go of what they were accustomed to and adapt themselves again. They had to get used to living in a new environment surrounded by fields, get used to the new school system, and make new friends.

This experience was affecting their development and behaviour both at home and at school. Their father, who loved them very much, understood why they were feeling sad and angry. He started telling them that he was also going to miss his neighbours. He encouraged them and told them that they would be able to invite some new friends from their new school over to play with them in the fields and show them their horses.

To further cheer up his children, and knowing how creative and energetic they were, their dad also told them that to feel comfortable and safe in their new bedroom, they can decorate it as they wish.

The children’s faces lit up with joy as they heard his words.

They asked him, “Dad, Dad, can we stick wallpaper with animal scenes, our favourite sports or a movie character?”

“Yes, of course you can,” replied their father.

Seeing them so happy, he took them straight to the store to buy the wallpaper.
After buying it, they drove to the new house. When they arrived, the boys got out of the car, opened the front door of the house and ran to their bedroom.

They opened the roll of jungle animal wallpaper and with the help of their father, they stuck it on parts of the wall. Then they opened the brick wallpaper and stuck it onto the remaining wall.

When the room was finished with the decorated wallpaper, the father held up his two sons and gave them a big kiss and told them, “Look how beautiful your room is! Now, I want you to get your favourite colour marker and draw or write a lovely thought on the bricks wallpaper only. Okay?” Then he walked out of the room and into the kitchen.

Manuel and his younger brother not only wrote lovely thoughts but also their inner feelings in the form of a prayer to God. They also drew emojis to express themselves and their feelings.
When their father came back to their room, he was impressed with what his children had expressed in drawing and writing on the wallpaper. He praised them and hugged them.

Manuel was delighted and told his dad, “Dad, listen to what I wrote: Loving God, help me make new friends at the new school and may there be no one who picks on me. Oh God, I am sorry for saying harsh and hurtful words to my dad. Forgive me.”

“And what do these drawings mean?” asked their dad.

Manuel’s younger brother promptly replied, “Look, Dad, I drew my mother because I miss her a lot. I wish to pray for her. And these are swings. I drew them to say thank you to my other friends.” “You are amazing,” their dad told them.

Then he joined them and wrote this prayer, “Loving God, please help Manuel, his younger brother, and other children who for some reason have to move to another house. Give them the courage to start a new life in the new environment and help them face the uncertainty.

“Remind them that whenever they feel sad, worried, happy, or tired, they can express themselves through drawing on the bricks wallpaper and ask God to help them.”

Carta da parati che attira l’atenzione

“Non voglio lasciare questa casa. Perché stiamo lasciando questa casa e traslocare di nuovo in un’altra casa in un posto diverso? Voglio restare qui e continuare a vivere qui. Ti odio! Va’ via!” gridò Manuel mentre batteva il piede sul pavimento.

Il novenne Manuel si mise a proferire queste parole aspre dirette verso suo padre perché si sentiva arrabbiatissimo e sgomento. Questa era la terza volta che lui e suo fratello minore cambiavano casa.
La prima volta era quando erano andati a stare con la loro nonna per un lungo periodo poiché la loro madre era stata ricoverata in ospedale per una grave malattia.

La seconda volta che si trasferirono in un’altra casa fu dopo la morte della loro madre.
Allora lasciavano la vecchia casa per trasferirsi in una nuova casa in campagna vicino ai campi e alle stalle che appartenevano al loro padre.

Manuel e suo fratello si sentivano molto turbati perché erano tormentati dal pensiero che in campagna non avrebbero incontrato i loro coetanei con cui giocare, e non ci sarebbero stati i loro negozi favoriti per comprare il gelato o la merendina.

Temevano che nella nuova scuola ci sarebbero stati coloro che non lo avrebbero capito quando a volte sarebbero andati a scuola senza il panierino, con l’uniforme sporca o quando si sarebbero sentiti esausti.

Traslocare significava dover abbandonare quello a cui s’erano abituati e adattarsi ancora ad un altro nuovo ambiente, questa volta circondato da campi, a un nuovo sistema scolastico, e a nuovi amici che si sarebbero fatti.

Questa esperienza incideva sul loro sviluppo e comportamento sia a casa sia a scuola. Il loro padre, che li amava assai, comprendeva il motivo della loro tristezza e rabbia. Si mise a confessare loro che anche a lui sarebbero mancati i vicini di casa, allora, per incoraggiarli, disse loro che avrebbero potuto invitare alcuni nuovi amici della nuova scuola a giocare con loro nei campi e mostrare loro i loro cavalli.

Per rincuorare di più i suoi figli, e conscio quanto fossero creativi e vivaci, il loro padre aggiunse loro che, per sentirsi comodi e sicuri nella loro nuova camera da letto, potevano decorarla come volevano.

I loro volti s’illuminarono di gioia mentre ascoltavano le sue parole.
Gli chiesero, “Papà, papà, possiamo attaccare carta da parati con scene di animali, con il nostro sport preferito o con un personaggio del cinemar?”

“Certo che potete,” rispose il loro padre. A vederli così contenti, li portò direttamente al grande magazzino per comprare la carta da parati.

Compratala, ritornarono in macchina alla nuova casa. Appena arrivati, ii ragazzi scesero dalla macchina, aprirono la porta principale della casa e corsero verso la loro camera da bangno.

Svolsero il rotolo della carta da parati decorata con scene di giungla e di animali, e con l’aiuto delloro padre l’attaccarono su alcune parti della parte. In seguito aprirono. In seguito spiegarono la carta da parati con disegni di mattoni e l’attaccarono alla parete rimanente.

Una volta che la stanza fu decorate con la carta da parati decorata, il padre sorresse i suoi due figli, diede loro un bacione e disse loro, “Guardate com’è bella la vostra camera! Ora, voglio che voi prendiate il vostro pennarello preferito e dipingiate o scriviate un dolce pensiero sulla carta da parati con le scene dei mattoni. Va bene?” Poi uscì dalla stanza e s’avviò alla cucina.

Manuel e il suo fratello minore scrissero non solo dolci pensieri ma anche le loro emozioni intime nella forma di preghiera a Dio. Disegnarono pure delle emoji con il loro pennarello colorato preferito per esprimere se stessi e i loro sentimenti. Quando il loro padre ritornò nella loro stanza
rimase colpito con ciò che i ragazzi avevano espresso tramite i disegni e gli scritti. Sulla carta da parati. Li lodò e li abbracciò..

Manuel era felice e disse a suo padre, “Papà, ascolta ciò che ho scritto: Dio amorevole, aiutami a farmi nuovi amici alla nuova scuola e fa’ sì che nessuno se ne prenda con me. Oh Dio, mi pento di aver ferito mio papà con parole aspre. Perdonami .”“E che cosa significano questi disegni?” chiese il loro padre. Il fratello minore di Manuel rispose prontamente, “Guarda, papà, ho disegnato mia madre perché mi manca tanto. Desidero pregare per lei. E queste sono altalene. Le ho disegnate per dire grazie ai miei altri amici.” “Voi siete fantastici,” il loro padre disse loro.

In seguito s’unì a loro e scrisse questa preghiera, “Dio amorevole, ti prego di aiutare Manuel, suo fratello minore, e altri ragazzi che per qualche motivo devono traslocare. Da’ loro il coraggio di cominciare una nuova vita in un nuovo ambiente, e aiutali ad affrontare ogni incognita della vita.

“Ricorda loro che qualora si sentissero tristi, preoccupati, felici o stanchi, possono esprimersi per mezzo di disegni sulla carta da parati con le scene dei mattoni, e pregare Dio di aiutarli.”

Resources related to this story

Prayer Spaces

Prayer Wall

In this prayer space one is encouraged to be one of the builders of a wall of faith by writing and sticking his prayer onto the wall.

Mirror

This prayer activity encourages one to identify the positive aspects of oneself as one looks at one’s own self-image created on the image of God in the mirror.

Other Stories from the book ‘Spazju Għal Qalbi’

One World

The story is about a boy who signed up with the football nursery. During the half-time of a game, he stopped to look at a world map on the billboard. Together with his coach and friends, they write prayers for the countries of the world.

Asking Questions Leads to Wisdom

The story is about a girl who is interested in many things and so she likes to ask lots of questions. In the catechesis class, she is given a coloured cardboard paper cut out in the shape of a question mark. She was invited to think about a big question she wished to ask God and write it on the question mark.

Saying Thank You

The story is about a group of friends who accepted an invitation to participate in a celebration that would take place on World Gratitude Day. Through dance and art, the children expressed their gratitude towards their family, friends, pets, artistic talents, and life.

After camping for a week

The story is about a boy who went camping with his scouts’ friends at Għajn Tuffieħa. Amongst the camps that were set up, there was a camp with cushions inside it so anyone who wanted could enter and appreciated moments in silence. The boy recounts how much he felt at peace in the ‘Be Still’ camp.

Sandcastle

The story is about a boy who likes to build sandcastles by the seashore. One day, another boy kicked the other boy’s sandcastle and smashed it. The boy who joyfully built the sandcastle burst into tears. However, he showed kindness to him, forgave him, and continued to play together.

Hold a pebble and let it go

The story is about a family who likes to go for a walk and swim in Mistra Bay. Daddy plans fun games to play with his children like ‘Hide and Seek’ among the reeds and trees and on the sand. Once they played a game with pebbles. First, they thought of people who said unkind words to them and hurt their feelings. Then, they threw the pebbles into the sea as a sign of forgiveness.

Il-Luzzu – My Grandfather’s Fishing Boat

The story is about a grandfather who was a fisherman. He tells his adventures at sea to his grandchildren. One day he told them to get on his fishing boat. When they got off, they created a paper boat and on it, they wrote and drew their fears and worries.

Show and Tell – Maltese Tradition

The story is about children during drama class. While performing a mime with objects placed in front of them, they are reminded of Il-Quċċija – a Maltese tradition. As they look at the dance mirrors, they thank God for their talents and good qualities.

Cardboard on the Pavement

The story is about a girl who travelled to London to watch a musical. On her way to the theatre with her parents, she saw a small boy with his mother lying on a piece of cardboard on the pavement. The girl sought how she could help these homeless people.

In Silence in a Garden

The story is about sixth-grader pupils who went on an outing at San Anton Gardens. They walked along a path full of flowers and trees that led them to wooden benches. They sat in a comfortable position with their backs straight to the bench and carried out a ten-minute Christian meditation.

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