On our bus ride I put my camera down and tried to really take it all in. There are so many hard working people here. They set up shop early with fruits, vegetables and fish. Seeing the cats crouched on the bench near the fish made it obvious why we were told not to eat anything out of a street vendor.
The colors are so amazingly vibrant. Tomatoes and mangos are deep red colored-- without dye! With the exception of the meat, everything is beautiful. The colors and designs of the fabric reflect the beauty of the natural surroundings-- flowers, plants, birds..
But the day had a different kind of beauty as well. Playing with and teaching the children, aged 6 to 14, was such a joy. They were all smiles and hugs today-- wanting autographs and telling the women they were beautiful.
We also had the opportunity to do another home visit. Today a group of us went to the home of a young boy who lived with his parents and grandparents. He is an only child. The five of them live in a one room house which they had six of us ushered in to. We sat on their bed and leaned up against the family bicycle while the boy told us that he enjoys the Bible stories and playing games with his friends. He wants to work in an office when he grows up.
The most touching part of the visit was at the very end though. As we began to leave the grandfather began to cry. The translator said he was upset because his family was too poor to afford seating for all of us. He asked that we pray for his family to have a better life.
After all of the ups and downs of the day we returned to the CDC. One of the staff members gave us an amazing handmade cross before we left. Her picture is below. She has such an amazing ministry to the children though her crafts. Please pray for her for continued blessings upon her.
so glad you put your camera down so you could take it all in. we all get snap happy at times and but miss the essence of the experience---and regret it. you look relaxed in this photo. good. interacting with the children must be unbelievably rewarding. Too bad too many American children do not crave education as the Indian children do. However, American children do crave the constructive and recreational face to face time with adults-even if the kids would deny it. American families may be suffering from attention deficit because we allow ourselves to be overcommitted to obligations that take us outside our family.
ReplyDeleteThere is no tangible item that can mitigate lost time.
Please continue to allow yourself to absorb the culture and people,those will be the memories.
Love, Mom & Dad
This is such an amazing experience for everyone involved. I've been praying for you and for all you meet and for all that went with you. I can understand the grandfather's emotions. You are a wonderful person, Diane.
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