Beautiful India
The weather has been gorgeous, 70-80 degrees and sunshine every day. It reminds me of southern California. It has been a nice break from the clouds and cold of central Ohio in January.
I have also been struck by the vibrant colors women especially wear. When visiting the churches on Sunday, the colors of the clothing of the women and girls was beautiful; very vibrant colors.
But, beyond the colors of the clothing and the beautiful weather, the people here have shown me the beauty of the Indian people through their kindness.
Maybe it's because I am an American or at least a guest visiting this country, but the people here are the most gracious and humble people I have met in all of my life, whether they be man, woman, or child.
The last couple days when I have left the Moriah Home to walk to the seminary to teach, children will greet me with "Hi! How are you?" Or they will say, "What is your name?" Their smiles cover their entire faces. If I stand long enough talking to another adult and kids see this, they'll sneak over and wave whispering, "Hi". It almost becomes a game for them. I am amazed by their courageous welcome. Don't they know it's not good to talk to strangers? Kidding.
If we stand around long enough, graciously, someone will set out chairs for us to sit upon. At each break in the class day, one of the students gets me and the other teacher, an Indian man, something to drink: coffee or soda.
I am really taken by one young man studying in the seminary. Each day I have taught, he has made it his responsibility to carry my bag for me back to the Moriah Home. I said to him, "No, I'll carry it," but he refused to allow me to carry the bag myself. So, he and I walked back to where I am staying. When we got to the stairs, he went up with me and then went inside with me placing my bag in my room for me. I never asked the young man to carry it for me, nor do I expect him to do so. He is, out of the graciousness of his heart, willing to serve and carry my "load," my bag. During class my dry erase markers fell off the table sitting in the front of the classroom. He got up, made his way to the front, picked up the markers for me and after setting them back on the table, went back to his seat. In America, first, a person wouldn't do such a thing. Second, if he or she did, they probably would want something in return from the recipient of such a kind act: a tip, a favor, something. The only agenda I can tell from this man is grace and kindness. What a refreshing surprise. I have seen and experienced the beauty of India.
I have also been struck by the vibrant colors women especially wear. When visiting the churches on Sunday, the colors of the clothing of the women and girls was beautiful; very vibrant colors.
But, beyond the colors of the clothing and the beautiful weather, the people here have shown me the beauty of the Indian people through their kindness.
Maybe it's because I am an American or at least a guest visiting this country, but the people here are the most gracious and humble people I have met in all of my life, whether they be man, woman, or child.
The last couple days when I have left the Moriah Home to walk to the seminary to teach, children will greet me with "Hi! How are you?" Or they will say, "What is your name?" Their smiles cover their entire faces. If I stand long enough talking to another adult and kids see this, they'll sneak over and wave whispering, "Hi". It almost becomes a game for them. I am amazed by their courageous welcome. Don't they know it's not good to talk to strangers? Kidding.
If we stand around long enough, graciously, someone will set out chairs for us to sit upon. At each break in the class day, one of the students gets me and the other teacher, an Indian man, something to drink: coffee or soda.
I am really taken by one young man studying in the seminary. Each day I have taught, he has made it his responsibility to carry my bag for me back to the Moriah Home. I said to him, "No, I'll carry it," but he refused to allow me to carry the bag myself. So, he and I walked back to where I am staying. When we got to the stairs, he went up with me and then went inside with me placing my bag in my room for me. I never asked the young man to carry it for me, nor do I expect him to do so. He is, out of the graciousness of his heart, willing to serve and carry my "load," my bag. During class my dry erase markers fell off the table sitting in the front of the classroom. He got up, made his way to the front, picked up the markers for me and after setting them back on the table, went back to his seat. In America, first, a person wouldn't do such a thing. Second, if he or she did, they probably would want something in return from the recipient of such a kind act: a tip, a favor, something. The only agenda I can tell from this man is grace and kindness. What a refreshing surprise. I have seen and experienced the beauty of India.
posted by Mike Weaver at 8:40 AM
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