As I was writing in my journal this morning I realized that I only have 19 days left here. Something about being in the teens shocked and surprised me. I can't believe that I have such little time left already. It seems like it's been only a few days.
Sometimes I don't know exactly what I'm doing here. There's not any real schedule or calendar for a person like me, I just kind of make my own. Sure, I'm teaching English and Piano and Guitar, but they don't really need that. They really have a solid organization over here. They have teachers, housemothers, wardens, etc. all of whom fill the role of leader and disciplinarian. What the children need is love. What the children need is family.
I cannot fill this void and while the Indian government remains the way that it is, this void may never be filled. I am not trying to be critical or disrespectful of the government, I am only speaking from observation, the little that I see and understand. But I see children with lonely eyes and broken hearts. I see children who have come from destitution, poverty and yes, even from the gutters.
Sometimes I don't know exactly what I'm doing here. But I know that God can show me what to do. And I know that God is mindful of every one of his children. Even those who are sleeping in the gutters.
Thursday, August 4, 2011
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Paparazzi
These kids were nearly impossible to take pictures of. I pulled out a camera and they all swarmed. I guess it's something about never having had their picture taken, or having had it taken very rarely. I took over 250 pictures just yesterday afternoon. They are truly beautiful people.
Eat Play Love
Mary taught me two important lessons yesterday.
First of all, she taught me how to eat with my hands, which is a hugely important skill here.
Secondly, We were talking about what I've been doing here and I mentioned teaching or something and she said "Nah, you play with the children."
I was a little confused and said "All the time?"
She responded "When Prasad asks what you are doing, you say teach guitar, english, piano. But you play with the children. You have one month. You play with the children."
First of all, she taught me how to eat with my hands, which is a hugely important skill here.
Secondly, We were talking about what I've been doing here and I mentioned teaching or something and she said "Nah, you play with the children."
I was a little confused and said "All the time?"
She responded "When Prasad asks what you are doing, you say teach guitar, english, piano. But you play with the children. You have one month. You play with the children."
Monday, August 1, 2011
Virtue
Sundays have always been beautiful to me. They are peaceful and uplifting and full of people that I love.
I was uncertain as to how I would spend Sundays here. I was hoping to attend church somewhere, but I didn't know where or how or if it would be held. I was grateful to find out that church is held here, at Pathway, with a congregation full of children. I was also happy to find out that I would be put to work. It's always good to be busy and feel needed. I played the piano in the meeting and also spoke for about 15 minutes. I was grateful that God gave me these opportunities, but was then prepared to sit back and enjoy the rest of the services silently observing. Prasad surprised me, however, by asking me to teach Young Women's. So with about two minutes and a lot of help from the spirit, I began to teach on Virtue. We discussed what exactly Virtue is and why it is important to have "high moral standards" in our lives. I spoke a little bit about how this applies in my culture and then turned the time over to the girls.
I was touched as they shared their beliefs and feelings. Here in India, it is culturally accepted that a man should not "touch" a woman before marriage. Modest dress is expected in all occasions and in all places. Dating starts at age 18 and many Christian religions don't allow even ear piercings.
Though different from some of the standards I've traditionally seen and lived by, I was greatly inspired by the faith and the commitment to Virtue of these Indian people. I began to cry as I realized that these girls are already worlds ahead of where I am in their understanding of Virtue and Purity.
Something else I've learned (though seemingly contradictory):
Everyone needs to be touched. It's something about being human, I guess. It shows us that we are literally and physically loved. A hand held, an arm around, a brush of the cheek, little little things mean so very much.
I was uncertain as to how I would spend Sundays here. I was hoping to attend church somewhere, but I didn't know where or how or if it would be held. I was grateful to find out that church is held here, at Pathway, with a congregation full of children. I was also happy to find out that I would be put to work. It's always good to be busy and feel needed. I played the piano in the meeting and also spoke for about 15 minutes. I was grateful that God gave me these opportunities, but was then prepared to sit back and enjoy the rest of the services silently observing. Prasad surprised me, however, by asking me to teach Young Women's. So with about two minutes and a lot of help from the spirit, I began to teach on Virtue. We discussed what exactly Virtue is and why it is important to have "high moral standards" in our lives. I spoke a little bit about how this applies in my culture and then turned the time over to the girls.
I was touched as they shared their beliefs and feelings. Here in India, it is culturally accepted that a man should not "touch" a woman before marriage. Modest dress is expected in all occasions and in all places. Dating starts at age 18 and many Christian religions don't allow even ear piercings.
Though different from some of the standards I've traditionally seen and lived by, I was greatly inspired by the faith and the commitment to Virtue of these Indian people. I began to cry as I realized that these girls are already worlds ahead of where I am in their understanding of Virtue and Purity.
Something else I've learned (though seemingly contradictory):
Everyone needs to be touched. It's something about being human, I guess. It shows us that we are literally and physically loved. A hand held, an arm around, a brush of the cheek, little little things mean so very much.
Saturday, July 30, 2011
Receive the Children, Receive the Christ
"And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me."
Matthew 18:5
Children have such great light. I think I knew from the beginning of this great adventure that they would teach me so much more than I could ever teach them. I'm just beginning to learn how true this is.
Matthew 18:5
Children have such great light. I think I knew from the beginning of this great adventure that they would teach me so much more than I could ever teach them. I'm just beginning to learn how true this is.
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Ten things I've learned from 24 hours in Chennai, India
1) Bugs love me. I certainly learned this while in Cuerna Vaca, counting over
50 mosquito bites by my third day there, but I’ve been reminded of it
again, when after only 24 hours (and not very many of them spent
outside), I’ve already counted at least 10.
2) Indian English is not American English. And it is certainly not the
dominant language spoken here. In fact, I’ve been told that each Indian
state has their own language.
3) Apparently, I look like an Indian Celebrity. Her name slips my mind
(starts with a “S” and probably rhymes with something like Bika‐yikanandu),
but apparently I look like her.
4) I am white for a white person. For an Indian Person, I am florescent.
5) Indian spices don’t do good things to my stomach. Don’t worry, all
regular here, I just have to eat very, very slowly.
6) Here, the wealthier you are, the more adept you are at eating with your
hands.
7) You don’t wear seat belts in India, not because they cars don’t have them
(they do, just without the buckle part), but because it is much safer in
India than in the United States.
8) Jet lag is a very real thing.
9) If you live in a rural area, you can expect the power be out more often
than not.
10) If you do not honk your horn while driving, you are doing it wrong.
Also, Indian people are absolutely beautiful. And they are so, so kind.
50 mosquito bites by my third day there, but I’ve been reminded of it
again, when after only 24 hours (and not very many of them spent
outside), I’ve already counted at least 10.
2) Indian English is not American English. And it is certainly not the
dominant language spoken here. In fact, I’ve been told that each Indian
state has their own language.
3) Apparently, I look like an Indian Celebrity. Her name slips my mind
(starts with a “S” and probably rhymes with something like Bika‐yikanandu),
but apparently I look like her.
4) I am white for a white person. For an Indian Person, I am florescent.
5) Indian spices don’t do good things to my stomach. Don’t worry, all
regular here, I just have to eat very, very slowly.
6) Here, the wealthier you are, the more adept you are at eating with your
hands.
7) You don’t wear seat belts in India, not because they cars don’t have them
(they do, just without the buckle part), but because it is much safer in
India than in the United States.
8) Jet lag is a very real thing.
9) If you live in a rural area, you can expect the power be out more often
than not.
10) If you do not honk your horn while driving, you are doing it wrong.
Also, Indian people are absolutely beautiful. And they are so, so kind.
Monday, July 25, 2011
India and I
Chennai, India: Almost 10,000 miles away from San Diego as the crow flies.
Awaiting me there: Pathway orphanage; 200 plus children for me to love, serve and learn from.
I owe a couple thousand "Thank You's" to the men and women who have helped to make this experience possible. Words cannot express the gratitude and excitement that I feel. God has made blessed me greatly and He is ready to open my eyes to something incredible, something that (as of now) I cannot even imagine. I pray that I will be able to follow His spirit and to work through His love to make the most meaningful difference and to form the most meaningful relationships. I am faithful and I am thrilled.
Awaiting me there: Pathway orphanage; 200 plus children for me to love, serve and learn from.
I owe a couple thousand "Thank You's" to the men and women who have helped to make this experience possible. Words cannot express the gratitude and excitement that I feel. God has made blessed me greatly and He is ready to open my eyes to something incredible, something that (as of now) I cannot even imagine. I pray that I will be able to follow His spirit and to work through His love to make the most meaningful difference and to form the most meaningful relationships. I am faithful and I am thrilled.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)