Chaos, Curry, and Children

Before visiting India I had many preconceived notions based on books, pictures, and stories from others.  But India cannot be captured by words or pictures, it must be experienced.  I cannot adequately describe here the sights, sounds, scents or tastes of India on our recent visit to our daughter who is serving as a nurse at Sarah’s Covenant Homes (SCH) an orphanage for over 100 special needs children.  But there are a few experiences worth sharing.

The sights and sounds of India include:  lots of people, cattle in the street, and women in beautiful saris and kurtas, as well as the crazy chaos of all kinds of vehicles in the streets (I cannot believe I would ever drive there) constantly honking their horns.  The smells and tastes include burning incense, as well as wonderful foods (Dal, Naan, Biryani) spiced with curry (and lots of other spices which can be overpowering if you do not tell your waiter to keep it to “medium spice”). 

 Like everything else in India SCH cannot be described but must be experienced.  The “ayas” (house mothers) and nurses provide a home in each of the apartments for a family of 8-9 children.  The “volunteers” (several young women including my daughter) have come to sacrifice 6 months or a year to live with, give love, and care for these children, “wanting” those who were “unwanted” and “touching” those who were “untouchable” being the hands and feet of the Savior.  Receiving the satisfaction of following Him.  Of course, the children cannot be explained, but meeting them was a great experience.    They were warm, friendly, inquisitive, each a unique personality.  I will always think about Aaron a young boy of 10 years old who has cerebral palsy who does not talk but was not shy and wanted to play with my backpack and even to be held.  I am saddened to think that he has no constant male figures in his life.  Despite the shortcomings of living in the orphanage  all of the children appear to be thriving on the love and care given to them and they love in return.  At each apartment they warmly welcomed us. 

I am still pondering our visit to India, the sacrifice of my daughter and the other volunteers, as well as the experiences with the children, and expect that there will be significant impact to my view of life in the future.