I didn't sleep well last night. I was up thinking all the thoughts that I didn't get to think during the day. I have now seen first-hand how far the line is between what we have and "enough" (the basic necessities of life that includes love and belonging)? I rushed to buy the mother's hand crafts yesterday. Did they feel that they really were earning an honest wage or did they feel like Americans who had extra soles in their pockets just wanted to give it to them because they could? I know our hearts were all in the right place, but did that get translated properly?
I think this partially answers the question I get asked all the time, "Why don't you help the people in America who need it?" My answer is that I should and I am or at least I try to. But helping people near me is more automatic-it is responsive to people and situations I encounter every day. I understand more how to care for those around me, because I am in their environment. That is why it is a good thing that the hard-working people who live here in Peru are the ones who are better equipped to lead the projects, because they understand the people, their environment, and what needs to be done. The love they share comes from mutual understanding and with that understanding trust is formed. It really is an amazing thing to watch the kids with the workers. It feels almost like you are visiting a home with lots of relatives!
I think sometimes people who are from influential countries think that those who live in poverty are two sets of people: First, saints who are especially equipped by God with the ability to withstand conditions that those in the developed world can't possess. Second, lazy charity seekers who don't want to make the effort to improve themselves. There may be some of the billions in poverty who fit into these categories, but it is by far the rule. When I was growing up and when I was newly married, we lived on the low end of the median income. Now we live on the higher end. I have more now than I ever thought I could have and don't necessarily desire to have it all taken away, but if it was, would I not still be the same person inside? Could I not find that same ability I once had to be comfortable with having enough. Honestly, after being on both sides, I think having enough versus plenty is sometimes less complicated. There are less choices to make, less options, less ability for greed to develop.
I once heard an LDP student say that one of the hardest things to adjust to when he came to America for study was the amount of options Americans have. He related a story about buying toothpaste & being so overwhelmed by the choices, he just left the store. I also once asked a friend who is a missionary while they were on furlough what was most surprising about how she felt about America when they returned. She said that she had forgotten about how prevalent the proliferation that anyone can be anything - the "American dream". She said that is not encouraged in their ministry country and that paths are set for people before their even old enough to really think about what they want. We are given so much in America, but it can all be taken away so quickly, but would it really be always a negative if it were? Just as a side note, the pastor of the church spoke to us at the program we visited Monday and said they have planted two churches in the outer provinces of Lima, one of which is completely lead by formerly sponsored children who are now adults. It is amazing to see how one act of giving provides for another, and so on. Planting churches is not part of Compassion's ministry, it is just the fruit of the labor shared by the sponsors, church staff, and Compassion staff.
We visit another program today. I decided I am going to sponsor a little girl from there who has yet to be sponsored and I will get to meet her today. I know it will again be an emotional day and I will probably have more thoughts to think, but I know coming here and allowing God to teach me through these experiences was one of the best decisions I have ever made. I can't wait to post pictures. I may try to figure that out if we get back early enough.
2 comments:
Jennifer,
Thank you for making the time to share your experiences through this blog. It's encouraging to see how God is at work through this trip!
It sounds like you're wrestling with all of the right things--and my experience is that it is a healthy tension to have and sometimes a difficult one to retain when you return to the land of plenty--plenty of distractions! We need to be thankful for the blessings we are given, mindful of the fact that they are gifts meant to be shared, and in doing so keep those blessings from becoming burdens or distractions. Not an easy balance to find or keep.
As for the perceptions of the mothers whose hand crafts the group "rushed to buy," my assumption is that the love and enthusiasm with which you interacted with them prior to, during, and after the transactions likely spoke much more powerfully than any other percpetions. When you are purchasing a good they made from hand, it is not simply charity or a hand out, but it affirms their skill and increases their dignity in being able to contribute to the welfare of their families.
God is clearly using you and blessing you simultaneously. Our prayers continue to go with you,
Greg Birgy
You are very right. I just don't want to lose sight of our mission in the passion of the moment. Thanks for your comment. This trip has made me think and feel so much. I wish all sponsors could experience talking to these kids directly and witnessing the hard-work of the program facilitators and staff. The way they run the programs is so efficient and loving at the same time.
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