The first question is this: what ONE WORD best summarizes this day for you?
Awe.
I was in awe of nearly everything I saw or smelled or touched or tasted.
There were a lot of things about today that I'm sure I won't soon forget but two things really stand out in my mind.
The first is visiting Mother's Home. This is the place Mother Teresa worked out of. Watching a young girl sit and pray at the foot of her tomb was sobering. The people of India need another mother. There are so many needs here but the people that we met ask prayers not for their circumstances but for their children and families to know the joy of Christ.
Looking into Mother's room where she lived and then died was amazing. It was as though God was saying "this is it. This is all she needed." She even refused a fan despite the suffocating heat and heaviness. I just stood and stared. To be that dedicated and selfless awes me.
The second thing about today that moved me was visiting the orphanage Mother Teresa worked in.
At first I was excited to visit with the kids and play with them but our first stop at the orphanage was the room for children with disabilities whose parents just dumped them like trash.
Many of the children couldn't walk or had a mental handicap. But the joy they had when we picked them up was amazing.
Some of us just sat on the floor with the smallest ones, rotating their limbs, massaging their palms and the bottom of their feet to stimulate their muscles.
That's where I spent my time. I sat with a sweet little boy who could barely hold his head up. He was probably about 18 months old, maybe older. He didn't change his expression much as I wiggled his toes or massaged his back but every once in a while he would smile.
There is a saying that goes "let my heart be broken by the things that break the heart of God."
That little boy was it. It was heartbreaking to leave and wonder when or if someone would take him home and give the attention to him that every child deserves.
Poverty can have such an impact on a child's life but God's impact is so much greater.
I just sat and stared at your words. There are children all over the world -even in America who are suffering as you have witnessed. We who know and love our lord and know he loves us beyond measure, struggle with the questions that are before you right now. Thankfully He has provided ways for people to reach out in any measure and comfort the suffering as much as we are able. Just know that your group has brought the only gift that matters -your loving touch and
ReplyDeleteprayers that are echoed back home. This mission brings hope to those unable to express it and to those daily caregivers, nurturers, and teachers who are there because Compassion and similar missions are supported by people like you.
It is overwheleming but you all are making a difference.
Love & Blessings Mom & Dad
Hey Diane,
ReplyDeleteYou are changing India. God is using India to change you. It IS more blessed to give than receive. I am moved by you sacrifice and commitment to go.
Grace to you!
Bert
I am in awe that you were where Mother Theresa lived and worked. She was one great, selfless lady who helped so many. For you to help that young boy in the orphanage is carrying out her work. Hugs to you!
ReplyDeleteI loved this entry. You are a good writer! John Dages
ReplyDelete