Global Urban Trek 2008
City of JoyJune 30, 2008
Upon entering Kolkata our director said that for many us, our first day here would be an assault to our senses. He was correct.
The taxi ride from the airport to the guesthouse was incredibly overwhelming, and it was only an introduction to the city. As we walked by countless children half-naked, begging and walking barefoot on the dirty roads, my heart grappled with emotions. As I saw mothers sleeping on sidewalks with their infants braced to their chests, I could not help but cry.
We passed by houses made of plastic bags, dogs laying listlessly every few steps as though all hope was gone, goats and cows digging through garbage, men bathing publicly in the streets, open sewages and garbage at every corner. The air is polluted and the traffic is chaotic. Never have I seen a cycle or hand pull rickshaw before. The trains and metro are packed with more bodies than seats. Never have I bonded with Indian women more.
Living here is hard. My heart cringes as I walk through the streets and amidst all this, I find myself asking, “Jesus, where are you?”
There is no escaping the poverty. Every corner echoes its desperation, destitution, hopelessness and an aching thirst for Jesus. My teammates expressed feelings of callousness, and struggled with how to deal with the reality of Kolkata both emotionally and physically. With prayer and patience, we sought Jesus in every moment and encounter.
My brothers and sisters shared how their heart breaks every time children would tug at their shirts begging for food or money. As each day goes by, we daily ask ourselves why we are here. Why have you brought us here, God? Can’t you see we are struggling? We have the hope and joy of knowing that we only have a few more weeks to survive Kolkata. What about those living here? This is what they call life.
Yesterday we worked with women at Sisters of Charity. We helped feed them, massaged their legs, painted their nails, and just listened to them. The first hour was difficult.
I met a woman named Malati. As I approached her, I saw her eyes light up. She is a Bengali woman who has been fighting breast cancer for five years. She told me of her story with the little Hindi and English she had known.
After hearing her story and seeing the joy that she had in Jesus, my soul was lifted. I allowed Jesus to restore my hope and joy that I had abandoned in the streets of this city through the interaction with these women.
I met another woman who taught me a song in Bangla. Upon my leaving, her eyes filled up, she kissed my hands and asked me to come back. “I have no family; I love you,” were her words.
God is faithful. No situation is ever hopeless. Lord, thank you for gracing my life with your people.
- Rajee
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