A Good Night and......a Better Picture

I  posted an awful picture the other day claiming it was wonderful, because of the night it represented.  I tried to write more of a story to go along with it but there isn’t really much of a story.  It was a simple night.  We didn’t share fancy food or drink.  We had Coke and crackers. We didn’t go anywhere. We just sat and talked.  But it was just one of those nights where things click. 
After a month of building relationships - there comes a time when it just works - and conversation flows freely (translated easily) and laughter happens.  We talked about the work happening in her life and how amazing it is.  We heard how her life is being transformed from sad and heavy to joyful.. and then, I guess, I asked a forbidden question.  I asked her to tell her “love marriage” story. When I wasn’t satisfied with the one sentence version I pressed for more.  With nudging by her niece, she relented and shared - with giggles escaping.  Her smile is infectious.. I think we all love that about her.  You just feel comfortable in her home. I could comment about the home to give a clear picture of the setting  but I won’t because that really wasn’t the important part.  The important part was the sharing and the friendship built a world away.  We stopped for a just a quick visit but lingered past dark and then walked home. We all had hearts full and our souls were fully encouraged.. that’s the important part. 

UPDATE

Lauren has been out of communication for a bit due to no internet/no electricity. Wants everyone to know that she is doing well and has many stories to share. (mom)

The Good Stuff

This year I thought I would only post good pictures… this clearly is not a good picture..but it captures the best of nights.  So that makes it wonderful!

Why Do You Teach?

This year, I am finding teachers in need of encouragement.  They often leave home to live in other states and/or travel long distances to teach some very needy children.  I hope these words encourage their hearts... Really, it is true for all teachers. 

Why Do You Teach?

I am not sure why you do this job

You make such little pay.

You have to teach so many children

And travel far each day.

It certainly can’t feel worth it

When students don’t seem to understand -

When they haven’t done their homework

And nothing goes as planned.

Most parents never help them

Those kids are the most frustrating kind

They have no shoes, wear dirty clothes,

And they never seem to mind.

But I am guessing just like me

Those aren’t the reasons that you teach.

I am guessing that you dreamed

Of the lives that you would reach.

I am guessing you felt called  here

He only asks the best

To lead and guide his children -

You must have been up for the test.

So when I watch you teach

I want you to know what I see

Sometimes you need to be reminded

By an outsider like me.

 

I see children

Each with a story to tell.

Some already have it difficult,

Life may not have started well.

Sometimes it’s the ones

That seem the hardest to teach

Who are the ones

We most need to reach.

For when they come to school

They have the chance to learn something new,

Not just reading and arithmetic

But that they’re valued too.

 

I see teachers

With lessons they must teach

And every word that they speak

Affects the lives they’re sent to reach.

Little eyes are always watching.

Little hearts sense your love.

The way that you conduct yourself

Is the first example of your compassion and love.

I see hope!

As hopeless as it once seemed -

With an education anything is possible

And kids can dream any dream.

Each child is different.

You teach and they will grow.

Some will struggle but don’t give up,

Who knows how far they’ll go.

  

Of course some days are difficult

And you wonder what you're doing here.

But nothing is impossible

And God is always near.

Just meditate on His word

He has called you to this place

And what once seemed impossible

You will find you are able to face.

I am privileged to share the title of “teacher” with so many amazing people who educate children.

Dancing

I searched everywhere for a peacock with its feathers up.. I was told peacocks only dance where they feel safe… only then will they feel comfortable enough to live in the glory for which they were created.  True.. isn't it?

Road Trip

This is the road trip for which we left a day late…

 due to my fever they said we should wait.

This is my travel companion thank goodness she came… 

without a friend on this journey I just might complain.

This the spot where one hour in.. 

the vehicle stopped and would not start again.

This is the hose that sprung the leak.. 

causing us not to reach the school till mid week.

But while you are waiting - might as well meet someone new, 

which is especially easy when everyone’s watching you.

So these are the women planting the rice, 

who stopped for a photo.. Wasn't that nice?

These are the men who offered to help push the car,

 but it was not possible 6k is just too far.

This is the balloon we hoped would mend the hole 

but the balloon and the tape couldn't accomplish the goal.

With the help of the balloon we moved a few feet

 but when we stopped again we were smack in the heat.

With water low and heat so very hot.. 

I wanted to guzzle but I tried not to drink a lot.

This the shop where we went and sat.

 We found water and chips.  I was so thankful for that.

There was other food they said that I shouldn't try.

 If you watch the cooking process long enough you will understand why.

This is the driver who tried to save the day. 

  He thought he could fix it so he sent the rescue car away.

More time passed and it was not to be.  

So he called them again and we hope they reach us by three.

So for now people watching is all there is to do.. 

and to record this adventure and tell it to you.

So this is the story as we sit here and wait.

 Adventures in India are always great.

Who's Coming to Dinner?

So here are my thoughts.. it’s a swirl of things wrapping their way into one. 

I am reading a book called Bread and Wine. It’s about the life, laughter and the friendship that happen when you join together for a meal, around a table.  It is inspiring me to want to do that more...to have a house where old and new friends gather to cook and share a meal. This book makes me want to savor foods and savor life.

Paralleling that, I have been witnessing a beautiful thing in India, where I am staying.  Each week a group of people visit neighboring slums.  They visit, talk, and encourage.  Many of us try that.  We step into circles (different than are own) and engage in a “service project” for a little while before stepping back out and going on our way.  But what I am observing here and what I love is that the involvement doesn't stop there.  It is much more inclusive.  Meals are shared, kids play together, and homes are visited.  The walls that divide shrink.  When you eat and fellowship together - the walls that divide begin to crack. I like that.. and I love watching it.

I woke up this morning to unending news feeds about the Trayvon Martin case.  Since I am currently in India I have not had much access to U.S. news so I have heard nothing of the trial. All I know is what I am seeing on Facebook and I know the trial has raised a lot of questions and here is mine. How do we change our communities? I am going to suggest something that may seem insignificant in light of a much larger problem…but what if it starts with having dinner… because I believe this....

"Peace cannot be kept by force; it can only be achieved by understanding."  –Albert Einstein. 

I have to imagine that understanding begins by talking - and where better to talk than around a table filled with food. I am hoping this is not a passing phase in my heart.  Soon school will start and busyness will begin.  It is easy to settle into a routine.  But I am praying my routine begins to include more meals around my table with old and new friends. 

So, who’s in… who's coming to dinner?