I see your eyes. You hand me a slip of paper. I just wanted to ride the train to my destination, not be bothered. If I don't accept your paper, then I don't have to read it (and translate)and I can ignore the request for a few small coins. Why do they have to train you so young to beg. If Jesus rode the train with me, would he take the slip of paper? Would he give them the coins they ask for? Why is there such disparity and unfairness in the world?
Why do I have food in my refrigerator at home and don't have to worry about going hungry, yet these kids don't know when they will have their next meal? Why is it that deep down I don't want to give you a few centavos? Who am I to judge where the money goes? What if they really do need these few cents to buy bread for today. Jesus, give me wisdom to know when I should face my pride and extend mercy and when it is better not to. I just want to be like you. My students have decided to raise money for Chile after a discussion we had in class about Acts 6 and the widows who were being overlooked in the daily food distribution. I am proud of them. We are going to hold a bake sale the beginning of April for a week and sponsor a jeans day. Students and teachers will have to pay 2 pesos to wear jeans to school that day. We will be sending the money to Eastern Mennonite Missions to be used by friends of mine already doing mission work in Chile who have become involved with the relief in the earthquake region.
The pictures in this entry are from my afternoon trip to Tigre, a town at the end of our train line closest to my stop. It's also along the river, as you can tell.
In contemplation,
kait
5 comments:
K-
I love that you are asking these questions andthat you are honestly seeking Truth. If I remember correctly , when a friend of mine lived in Indonesia as a missionary he always gave something if he had it . I think he felt like he should be merciful ,even if the people might not have been honest. so if he had something,he gave .
It breaks your heart to see such little ones begging ,doesn't it? I can't imagine. UGH!
oh ,thanks for the email
love,
Carolyn
Yes, this is how we should be everyday...asking Jesus what we should do, how to be more like Him, how to respond like He would. It is not easy, but it is possible to become more like Him, if we let Him change us from within. The Holy Spirit speaks to us and can lead us in what to do in a moment. He does that for me and He's doing that for you. Obedience to God's still small voice is the only thing that matters...really!
Wow, In reading this I remember struggling with the same things. pray for that Wisdom girl!!! and if I can I just want to say YAY EMM!!!
Thanks for sharing your stories. May you continue to be open to the leading of the Holy Spirit as you walk through each day...on the streets, in your classroom...where ever you are. Just finished reading a similar story by Max Lucado of a child begging for bread. He took them to a bakery and let them pick what they wanted. Oh how grateful this child was. Couldn't help but think of you. May we all be sensitive to the leading of the Spirit each and every moment of our lives. I love you, Kaitlin. Love, Mom
Dearest Kaitlin..
Your story brings tears to my eyes... and I think you know how infrequent that happens. What a painful and yet deeply honest experience. I remember struggling with similar experiences in Turkey. It is truly heartbreaking. But your Father is good, and if He clothes the lilies of the fields, be sure he knows the needs of these children. Thank you for giving us these pictures into your life in Argentina.
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