Global Urban Trek 2008
Love in KolkataJune 28, 2008
Stop at the end of this sentence to Google a picture of a Kolkata slum.
Now close your eyes and try to imagine the following: this picture multiplied to fill 7/8 of the city. Add 67,000 homeless, those with housing, vendors, chai tea makers, beggars, children running around, stray dogs, and more than seven different modes of transportation honking their horns. Then intertwine the remaining wealth of the other 1/8 of the population.
Now imagine opening each of your senses. Your nose smells the warmth of spices while also smelling the poignant stench of wastes. Your ears ring to the traffic around as your soul fights for quiet within. Your eyes are pierced by the extreme poverty while being lit up by the hospitality given to you. You are startled by the touch of a beggar clinging to your arm as you enjoy the touch of an innocent child hugging your leg. You see a rainbow of hope through the colors of India while seeing the ruins of the city waste away. Now open your eyes…You have seen a glimpse of the contrasts and hope of Kolkata.
Kolkata is such a diverse city with contrasts of diversity, tolerance, enthusiasm, alienation, joy, struggle, richness and hope.
My first day in Kolkata, I was feeling extremely overwhelmed. As a woman, I felt uncomfortable walking down streets, which are predominately populated by men. I struggled to see God in Indian men. I also struggled to see joy in children. The children I interacted with had blank stares and were begging for money. I kept praying that God would make Himself known to me, and He did.
As my group was trying to get an auto rickshaw, we met a man named Pablue and his beautiful daughter. Pablue welcomed us to his city. He genuinely wanted to love us. He told us we would save money if we took a taxi and proceeded to get us one after negotiating for a lower price! While I initially questioned Pablue’s intentions, God slowed my heart and showed me that He was present in Pablue. Our interaction with Pablue was my first step to seeing God’s beauty in Indian men.
Another night walking home I passed a woman sleeping on her side on the pavement. Her baby son was naked and sprawled on top of her legs. He looked as though he had unsuccessfully attempted to climb into her arms. A little farther ahead was a family also sleeping on the pavement. The mother was rubbing her baby’s back as he slept in the midst of the noisy city. The contrasts of these two babies’ realities really broke my heart.
Why can’t every child be nurtured and reminded of the gift of his life? At this, God calmed my heart, reminding me that He nurtures and provides for all His children. God values all more than any parent is capable of valuing and loving his or her own child. God’s love for His children stretches beyond our imaginations!
- Julie
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