the children

for the most part, the autoshaw is our mode of transportation around new delhi. riding one of these things always makes me feel a tad james bondish, not only because of its small size but because of its ability to zip in and out of traffic. one feature of the autoshaws is that the sides are open, which in general is nice. for instance, the other day a guy passing us had some nice fabric strapped on the back of his motorcycle and i was able to reach out to feel the quality of the fabric.

but one of the difficult aspect of riding these autoshaws are the children.

they are the children of the street. children of the mafia. children of a lesser god- the lowest of the low. their job is to beg and bring money home to their associated mafia.

when our autoshaw gets stuck in a traffic jam (a frequent occurence) or is stopped at one of the city's three stoplights, the children gather around us to sell their wares or simply just to beg. some of them are as young as two or three. some are older (5-8) and have small babies with them. sometimes they tap on you like dripping water until they can get you to look into their haunting eyes.

the first year that i was in india, i would dread the children coming up to the autoshaws. to cope, i stayed in my comfort zone: no eye contact and ignore them. for if i didn't look into the eyes, i did not have to feel shame for not giving or if i gave, for not doing enough.

however, my soul was conflicted, for i am a follower of Christ. and i know the God i serve: He most definitely would not have ignored the children. however, i could not in good conscience give money to children who are giving it back to a mafia that in turn, perpetuates the children's life on the streets.

when i was in india the second year, i had the opportunity to converse with a woman who resides in delhi and her advice was to buy packaged food to keep in my backpack. so this year, when the children beg for money, i pull out small bags of nuts or chips to give to them.

my goal is simple. to love on them for those few moments in time. to remember that love really does cast out fear or in my case, shame. as i give the chips or even when i am out of chips, i am learning to gaze them in the eyes with love. to hold their hands. to stroke their heads. to get beyond my comfort zone. the going is slow but it is going.

some truths really do come out of the mouths of babes.