These precious children are with us wherever  we go. See how thin the girl’s arm is and the attempt to brighten themselves with the beads  around  their necks ?  Imagine they where  washed and had new clothes. They are beautiful enough to be in cinema.  Remember the Indian beggar children who  lit the screen in “Slum Dog  Millionaire?”  But come to think of it, they are beautiful in their current  condition. . . .smiling and happy to be photographed.

Last time in India, I listened to the admonition not to give to the beggars but give to organizations who systematically help the poor.  But I was always feeling guilty that they asked, and I gave nothing.  As a Christian, I am told to give my coat , if someone asks for my shirt.  I did give food to some of the hungry last trip and particularly remember ordering and buying a cheese pizza for a little girl.  I gave her the box, she opened it , looked at me wide eyed, looked deep into my eyes,  than took off running .  I hope she and her family enjoyed that strange food!

I learned from the rickshaw driver who kept coins in his dashboard.  This time, I am carrying coins with me  to give to whomever asks.  I also gave two little tykes, not yet school age, begging , bananas.  The usual response was the outstretched hand for money , but as I looked back , they were peeling the bananas.  I know that most of the Hindu and Jain Temples serve one hot meal a day for the poor. People are trying to help them, but there are just so many in this country of 1.6 billion souls!

So  this time, I brought chocolate kisses for the children and give rupee coins, as well.  Is it helping the children and the old women?  I don’t know, honestly. Probably this is only making me feel less guilty  with all that I have been blessed with.  But that is what I am doing this time in India.  And , oh yes, I am praying for the Lord’s mercy and provision both physical and spiritual for these “least among many” in India, who also were created in His image.

This Is Incredible India!

Images from public domain, Google

Your thoughts, please?