It seems normal when you’re there. It almost feels like everyday life is
supposed to be this way, until you analyze it.
Wait, were the toddlers really walking around naked? Did I really see people bathing in public in
a community bath? Was the old lady
really just sitting there spacing out and were those men really passed out
sleeping (or drunk) in the little barracks like that? Well, yes.
The four boys grabbed my arms and briskly walked with me to their drop
in center. These boys are special
boys. They meet each day for a free meal
and then go to the drop in center to spend some time together, either resting,
coloring, or playing games. It’s a safe
haven from the drug addictions that all too often consume their lives.
All four boys were barefoot as we walked for 10 minutes to
the center. “Auntie, papaya! Auntie lock! Auntie watch!” The boys would
yell out English words they knew with pride and excitement as we made our way
through the crowds, dodging cars and all.
My hands were sweaty, but they never let go. One boy on each side and another holding onto
my wrist – we walked on. I could feel my
heart quicken with excitement, and I trusted them to lead the way through
unfamiliar territory, a place they called home.
I was almost convinced these boys weren’t really drug addicts like they
said they were, until I watched them reluctantly toss their glue into a plastic
bag to be disposed of. Of the 20 kids I
was surrounded with, nearly all of the children were under the age of 15 and addicted
to glue or alcohol. The center serves as
a place to provide safety and build relationships, and all boys and girls are
provided with the opportunity to come clean through a rehabilitation home. I was seeing, for the first time, a group of
children for whom the heart of God breaks.
I came to Calcutta with no plans. It was a dumb idea really, but planning that
far in advance when you don’t know what exists in the city is difficult. So I got off the plane and began to process
the ludicrous idea that I could be THAT flexible without a schedule. There is a first time for everything I guess. I had an idea that I would like to visit
Mother Teresa’s ministry, and had heard that the sisters might know of other
good places to visit, so I trusted that idea at least.
By God’s grace (big emphasis here), my host who quickly
became a friend connected me to a place that works all over the city in
community development. This is the most
amazing work I have seen. They have many
different projects around the city and are truly incarnational as the centers
are located within the slums, close to the people. Many of the staff that work at the centers
have gone through similar programs themselves or have had their lives personally
touched by the ministry. Over the last
two years I have been reading about “transformation” but this place lives
it. The community is truly being
transformed by their love and dedication to serve among the poorest of the poor.
One worker invited me to watch him cut the hair of some of
the boys that are addicted to glue; a cheap high for those living in slums or
on the streets. Scissors in hand, he
explained that he once sat where this boy sat, he understands what this boy
feels, he grew up here and was addicted to glue too. He talked about how he now loves spending
time with the boys and girls. “They (the
center) don’t ask me to cut their hair” he said, “I taught myself by watching
the hairdresser cut my hair in a mirror.
I wanted to be able to cut these boys hair too.” It was a simple act of love, and it was
beautiful.
Over these next two weeks I am excited to participate in
some of their activities and to see the ways that simple acts of love can
transform the lives of those the world would consider weak or poor. God sees so much more. This organization has caught a vision of love
and transformation that is inspiring. They
get it, and they don’t give up on people.
I am humbled by what I see. It is
a one step at a time type thing. So here
is to keeping my mouth shut and watching the love of Christ unfold in the slums
of Calcutta.
