It's hard to imagine...

As we start to cross the final things off our list of what we'd like to accomplish before heading home, shopping for goodies to take back with us was next up.  We began right away this morning and started driving from shop to shop looking for specific "souvenirs" that we had in mind.  The shopping itself was successful, however it's what was happening outside the shops that was so disturbing.  If you've ever watched the movie "Slumdog Millionaire" you might have a better grasp at what went down; if you haven't watched it I recommend it as there is so much it that movie that is true to life here.  Specifically what I'm talking about are the children beggars on the street.  I must say that this is the first time we actually experienced this incredibly depressing situation in Kakinada; not that we haven't had people approach us for money before, but nothing like what happened today.  The amount of young children who were filthy, persistent, and walking around with their hand out was heartbreaking.  And what was so difficult was that they wouldn't take no for an answer; they would follow us right up to the doorway of the store and then wait by our vehicles until we returned.  Some small children held babies, while others pounded on the windows of the car until we pulled away.

Not only did I want to give them everything in my backpack, I wanted to bring them all home with me. :/  We were instructed not to hand anything out to them because it could create an unsafe situation for us, but that is certainly easier said than done.  
I felt so pitifully helpless.

Sadness and guilt filled my thoughts as I struggled with my emotions; how can this be in our world... do these children have parents... where do they sleep at night... is this the same scenario like in the movie... is this a choice or are they forced into doing this... what can I do... this all seemed overwhelming!

In talking about it with Manjula and telling her how I was feeling, she told me that the little girl who we happen to sponsor in the hostel used to be a beggar on the street until she came to live with them.  Suddenly something clicked; it wasn't that I stopped feeling bad for the children we had encountered, it was the realization that as individuals we can't fix everything, but yet we are each called to do what we can to help make this world a better place.   For me, it's not about saving all the begging children from the streets of India, but to do my best to help those within my means.  Through Joyful Journeys Ministry here I think we are making a small dent and I am so incredibly grateful for all who support it!!  It is making a difference one child at a time.  I don't know if that's the right answer, but it's what I'm going with at this point.

This is me with Tabitha, one of the little girls we sponsor. :)  

After spending the morning out and about, we all just needed to regroup a bit back at Novahu's house.  Henna was applied to some, and for fun face masks to others...

Now that everyone was feeling revived, it was decided to take a walk through the village to check out sights; it's amazing the extremes within such a small area.  Here are some of the sights we came across on our trek...

Joyful Journeys Hostel

Burgundy uniforms around the village are how we spot Marshall School children.

New construction around the village

There were 15 children in this auto rickshaw. :)

milking the cows

statue that has not yet been dedicated

this man was ironing clothes on his portable cart

this is a doctor from one of the local hospitals standing outside his home

beautiful chalk designs for upcoming festival

Hmmm, colored chicks!?!?

Sophie's school child and her brother outside their home.
Their dad repairs bikes.

Turkey! We haven't seen those in the village before!!

This man makes these "puppets" to sell

Enough walking for Big Bob; time to get a ride back to the hostel 

Marshall school kids who we met along the way

The man was making a leather couch...incredible!!

We were welcomed into some of the teachers homes; what a humbling experience...

Walking through the village and seeing the different forms of housing, as well as how 
people live can be a bit hard to swallow. But seeing how proud they all are of what is theirs regardless of whatever that might be and experiencing how happy they all are to greet us in the streets helps us to overlook the garbage and poverty and embrace the people for who they are.  

Now for a brief bit of Hunter humor...

To wrap up this day filled with emotional challenges, we had a bonfire with the hostel children; seeing the kids laughing and dancing around the fire with the gals was yet another reminder of the bountiful blessings of being here... Bringing joy and love to these little "shine brites" soothes my soul.

And on that note, I'll wrap this up.  That's my Loobie!! :)

Namaste'

~Jenny