One American in India - December 31, 2006

Simple things that bring deep thoughts.

It's my second day in India and the last day of 2006. It may be just the jetlag that caused me to awake so early this morning, but my spirit is stirring with wonder and deep thoughts this morning. Things of life, people, situations, problems, solutions, relationships.. simple things that have deep truths Journey with me a few moments while I muse at the events and situations of today and earlier visits to India.. I'm learning and going deeper in who I am as the result of many ordinary and not so ordinary things I'm experiencing. As you read this, maybe you will look at your own world in a new and more appreciative way.

I awoke about 6:15am to the sound of a train whistle. This would on other occasions been annoying except for the fact that I was greeted by the misty glow of a red sunrise. The whistle was not the big note collage that makes us think of a powerful locomotive; but rather a single tone that speaks of the simple worker who must catch the sunrise express that has carried millions of laborers for more years than many of us have lived. Though the train, and many of it's temporary residents, probably should have retired years ago, it maintains it's faithful route to service the millions of inhabitance of this vast land.

I've swayed on these trains myself many times during my stays in India. The barred but open windows give the opportunity to 'experience' the land and people as the train dances down the ancient iron path. Accompanying the ride is always the memorable baptism of fragrance of incense and spices, countered by the stench of smoke and slums...miles and miles of slums. I've observe the colorful daily rituals of life both in and outside the train with the same interest as a multimillion dollar Hollywood film; then realized that I am also part of their amusement as well. I

It's hard as an American to not stick out like a 'sore thumb'. What are they thinking as they stare at me? And they DO stare!! They don't know that I've spent thousands of dollars, miles, and hours seeking their benefit. It has truly been a privilege to give communion to the poor in a slum church, pray for India's sick children, sing my heart out to them in concerts and be a guest in their homes.. Am I an oddity and a 'Sore' thumb to them because as an American, my appearance speaks of wealth, power and freedom to do what I want and go where I please? I do have on my nice sports shoes, am taking photos with my digital camera and have more money in my wallet that many of them will make in a year. I doubt that many of them believe that I DO care for them. Nevertheless, The God I serve teaches us that to whom much is given, much is required. I HAVE been given SO much. So I, along with many other Christians from around the world and here in India, will continue to seek ways to show them the love of God.

There's a phrase we often use when a challenging situation comes along which says 'It will either make you or break you.' I do believe that difficult circumstance can be used to build your character or discourage you so much that you give up; but I?m also learning that the process of 'being made' into a person of character often involves being broken and humbled. It doesn't take too long before you encounter heartbreaking and patience breaking experiences here. One heartbreaking experience today was in a small local shop close to the YWAM base in Lanavala where I have come to help get the School of Music in Missions started. Since my luggage has decided to take it's time getting here (I've been told it will be here in two days..I'm praying for that!), I've had to buy some basic necessities to get me by. After I bought my items the young shop keeper asked me where I was from. I told him I was American. He then showed me an Indian newspaper that had a photo of Sedam Husain on the front page. He said, 'He will be hanged tonight. The Americans are killing him'. I replied, 'He was tried in a court by Iraqis' The young man angrily said 'But he had no chance to defend himself with a lawyer. Only his own words. With others the Americans capture them and only give them six hours before they kill them.' I could see that it was no use at that point to try to defend my government when he went on with further comments like 'Bush is a murderer!'. I tried another approach and asked, 'Do you believe it's wrong for Sedam to die' Do you think he should still be in power' He then commented that the point was that the US had no right to take over another country and tell them how to run things. He didn't seem to hear or agree that other nations besides the US were involved in Iraq. At that point I said 'I think you are not getting the whole story' and said thank you for the products and left.

So... What do I do with that?.. and the beggars on the streets? and the systems that often have much red tape and slow results? and the other angry people around the world who love American money but don't really like us because of our political policies. Only one thing I know of that can give me peace though all this and keep me motivated. Follow the example of Jesus.. see their confusion and pain, not their anger.. seek to heal their wounds, even when they continue to give you some new ones?. Know that in a hundred years, what they said to me today doesn't really matter, but where THEY are spending eternity does. Jesus hung on the cross being spat upon and being tortured and ridiculed and said 'Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.' May I always chose the greater grace that will give me the heart and wisdom to make the right decision towards people.