I want to write about people. Different people. People that aren't like me and probably aren't like you either. They weren't raised in
a cul-de-sac. They have probably never
set foot inside a church building. They
don’t know what Sonic is. But they are
people. I have something very simple to
say about them: They aren't scary.
Here in India I have encountered more variety of
people from more geographical origins and more religious beliefs than I ever
have up to this point in my life combined.
I have watched them. That may
sound creepy and maybe it kind of is, but I just want to share a couple small
pictures with you.
Sikhs
My next door neighbors for the past 3 months are Sikhs. In the few times I have interacted with them
this is what happened:
-The father brought chocolates for Jeremy and
Angela.
-The family attended Jeremy’s birthday party and
gave him one of the coolest toys.
-The youngest son and daughter came to Angela’s
birthday party. While there, the boy
entertained the group of maybe 35 for half an hour with his magic tricks and
antics.
-The daughter always smiled at me and says hello
when she rides past on her bike.
Muslims
On a train to a nearby city, I was able to sit
behind a large Muslim family. Yes the
father was wearing a white tunic and skull cap.
Yes the mother and daughters were wearing burkas. This was probably the cutest family I have
ever seen. The smallest boy was
precious, with his big chocolate colored Indian eyes. The family adored him as they passed him from
lap to lap. The father’s adoration was
most obvious. He would grab the small
boy of maybe three and kiss him over and over and over again as he squealed out
little giggles. Then the father would
point at me over his shoulder (as a white girl, I do stick out). The little boy would grin at me and then dart
behind a family member. This game
proceeded off and on for the next 5 hours.
Precious.
All I have to say is: They aren't scary. They aren't out to get you. There are people. They need Jesus.
Hmm, apparently my comment didn't make it on here last week. Just so you know someone's reading this,these were my thoughts (I think):
ReplyDeleteAMEN! They AREN'T scary. I'm still surprised at some of the reactions I get from some people when I tell them I would love to work in a Muslim culture, as it shifts the gears of the otherwise seemingly pleasant "Oh, you want to be a missionary" dialogue.
Also, I am glad to hear a small update on our dear neighbors. They are the sweetest. Jeremy and Angela are defineitly going to get big chocolate tummies if they continue to live there!
You also made me miss a very interesting train ride we had with some Muslim men from Kerala who were kinda double booked in our compartment.
"They aren't out to get you. They're people. They need Jesus."