walking in the midst of abject poverty. Earlier this year, I visited three of our projects in Delhi, India. This past week, I just returned from visiting those same projects again. I was prepared this time for what I was going to see – I had already seen it. But, it still hits you in the gut. The smell, the garbage, the tiny lean-tos that many call home.
I read an article that stated that 52% of the population of the Delhi region – estimated at over 17 million people – live in the slums.
Over 2,000 people per week move into the area, hoping to find factory work. Some are lucky enough to pick up low paid day labor jobs. Many have to find other alternatives. The area we visited is the ragpicker area. People from the slums head out early in the morning to pick up garbage. They bring the garbage back and sort through it to find recyclables and other things to sell. Children are a necessary part of the economy. A child picking through garbage can earn $1 a day or more. That’s why many families struggle to send their kids to school – they lose income. But, unless we educate the children, they are destined to follow in their parents’ footsteps in poverty.
This trip had some special highlights. One of the couples that joined us sponsors 97 children in one project.
What an awesome thing it was for them to meet all of those children at the church, where the kids put on a special program for their sponsor. Then there was time afterward for the sponsors to give each child a gift. From there we headed out to see where the children lived. That’s when the impact hits you. We were walking in slums and went to the school where many of these children attended. This particular school has the only bathroom facilities in the slum.
I also had the chance to meet the young girl that my daughter Emily sponsors through her business. Her mom was there, and we met her sister, as well. Her sister was one of the 97 children that was sponsored by our companions.
We also spent time with the Medical Mercy team. It is always a joy to watch them in action. They saw hundreds of children throughout the week. They also took information on each child that will allow them to study the needs of the children. Many from the slums appear to be undernourished, so Dr. Beyda, the director, will devise a plan of action for our projects. Several days their plans were changed because the kids just kept coming. They would plan to leave by 3 or 4 pm, but end up examining the children until 6 p.m.
Oh, did I mention the heat? Oppressive, which made our trip into the slums even more emotional. We got to go back to our air-conditioned hotel, but these families live in this oppressive heat daily. One day it was 107 degrees with over 85% humidity. Since it snowed in Colorado Springs the day before we left, this was like walking from the freezer into the oven!
I can’t help wondering which one of these kids would end up being a great teacher or a pastor. I’m sure there were nurses there, as well. God only knows what His plan is for each of them. But I know that each child has value and is worth the effort. For those of you who sponsor a child – thank you! For those of you who don’t – why not start now. Just go to www.missionofmercy.org and find a life to invest in. Remember, One Child Matters.
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1 comment:
Great stuff Marco!
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