A Better Day

Today was one of the first days where the kids actually interacted well. I have been teaching them itsy bitsy spider, heads and shoulders, row row row your boat, and ring around the posey. Of course they do not know what I am saying, but they say a few of the words as I sing and are actually doing some of the hand signs. The ones that normally cry most of the time are starting to get used to me...it makes the day easier.

My father gave me the book Desiring God by John Piper...I know that a lot of people have read it. I find myself captured by what he is saying....I love it. I want my hearts desire to be God and out of that love to flow the compassion, love, mercy, worship....I do not want things to be a duty. Of course I haven't finished reading it, but I find myself wanting what he is talking about but struggling with actually being there...and yet, I know that I can not work to find it. I try to hard...I just need to sit with my God. The fun thing is that He has been meeting me...I am amazed by the people of this group and how encouraging it is to hear their thoughts and struggles. There are a number of people who are just done...they have experienced and are now ready to go home. There are people frustrated with the organization and how things are run and rightly so...they don't come from the same background and they don't have the same beliefs but they are very accepting. It is like we have become a family that is leaning on each other...it amazes me the engrained comrade characteristics of all people...they constantly ask how I am doing and mean it...it isn't a "fine" answer they are looking for...

Tonight I got to talk with a girl and speak some truth into her life...it was quite fun...we discussed perceptions and motives. I love being able to do that. And she is from Cyprus....it is fun to engage in her and her culture as we engage in the struggles of India. I also got to hear a guys heart for helping clean up the environment...he is staying for eight weeks and hopes to really get something accomplished by creating groups and awareness while he is here...I am so impressed with his heart. I realize that I have struggled to see people's heart here...heck, I have struggled to find my own. Probably doesn't help that I can not understand anyone.

As there is only a week left, I find myself wanting to give something to the families of the children I am teaching...something to get a step up...but everyone says that gifts and money is not the best thing. Part of me truly is beginning to wish I would have been able to interact with this culture in an area that is more my passion. Something like teaching people how to manage their money or run a business...skills that will help them survive...and yet I realize that my skills are very specific to the American culture. Part of me things that would have helped my experience...it is hard to be the rich person....it is hard when you don't like how you react to people...it is hard when you want more for people but don't know how to help them...

You know I realize that these people live like this everyday...they can't get away, but it is truly hard when you can see the potential and don't know how to get them there or if it is even possible. Not that you want to change their culture...that isn't it but I want more for them that they can not even see....more physically, emotionally, and spiritually...truth be known I want more for America too.

I think I have rambled enough...enjoy your day :) Thanks for your prayers.