It doesn't help that the cattle get in the way too!
When we arrived at the CDC it was obvious that Compassions help is necessary. The slums of India are a thousand times worse than anything I've seen in America and a hundred times worse than what I had imagined. In the actually city of Chennai everything is covered in dust. In the slums they live in it. Their houses look like forts my brother and I would have made as kids.
The thatched walls and roofs sometimes have a variety of materials supporting them. Roofs can also be covered with fabric. Water sits in narrow ditches where men spit and cattle lounge about.
One building can look as though it will topple at any moment while right across the street is an apartment building rivaling the nicest in Akron.
As Valerie, Mary Lu and I wandered, we went down alleys and tried it take it all in. Women and children came out of their homes to have their pictures taken. One woman took my hand and then showed me an injury on her arm. We assured her we would pray for her.
Despite the living conditions the people in these areas are grateful and joyful. They love having their photo taken and want to talk with you. And they ALWAYS smile when you are with them. It is truly incredible.
As an American I tend to think that poverty doesn't impact me individually but today I realized-- as did many of us-- that our poverty is that of excess. We don't truly realize how blessed we are and are missing out on truly being grateful, thankful for all that we have and what we can do with those resources. Our ignorance is where we are lacking-- not food or clothing or shelter-- but our appreciation of all we have.
Today we heard from three leaders of different CDC's and they told us how Compassion impacts about 250 kids in each project but that impact is even wider because I their families and friends and communities.
The people here work for a daily wage. It is truly hand to mouth. Compassion is able to give them resources to develop skills to help them become self sustaining and to save for a future.
The CDC's offer Monday through Friday help for the kids with their school work but also spiritual growth. Thy are also provided with a daily meal. Saturday's are their fun days and Sunday's are days of worship.
The centers also have de-addiction programs-- mainly for fathers addicted to alcohol. It is a challenge to get them to attend though. Those who do complete the program are forever changed and their families are grateful.
There are so many things to learn from these people. Their perseverance is incredible. They do not subscribe to the fatalism they are taught because if the caste system. They recognize they are a new creation in Christ and strive to do things that honor that.
I cannot wait to see what tomorrow brings... We will meet some of the children who attend the CDC and teach, play and eat together.
Please pray for the continued health of our group and the interactions we have in the CDC.
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