Urchins

Well, we're watching golf on TV. I know some people think it's the most boring thing ever to watch. Partly, but I have always found it calming and quieting. Also, there's nothing else good on TV. And I can't write with other shows on. This is just enough in the background…

So, last night after I blogged I checked out the web site for a soup kitchen that I heard about here in town. It didn't take me long reading it until I was absolutely hopping mad. Just spitting furious. It was the arrogant rambling of yet another "do-gooder" who hasn't taken time to learn the language, culture, or anything about development. He thinks he's feeding homeless street children, but I feel pretty positive he is feeding all the kids from homes for blocks around. He sees himself as the only hope these kids have.  He has never stopped to consider the long-term ramifications of his actions.

And then I asked, why? Why does this make me insanely angry? If he wants to feed neighbor kids, and think he's feeding street urchins, why do I care? If he wants to give flip flops to kids who already have shoes, so what?

I still haven't figured it out totally. It has something to do with exploitation, ignorance, and making my work here (sustainable, responsible, restoring dignity) that much harder. But during devotions today I did get this answer from the book of James:

"…Everyone should be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger; for the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God."

Gotta do something about that anger.

We don't give to beggars. Not even children. Especially not to children. Most of it is a scam, and if everyone stopped making it so profitable to beg, fewer people would do it. Contrary to popular belief, many people DO have other options besides begging.

I rarely even have twinges when I see beggars anymore. Hardened? Some think so.

But I must admit. Today when I was standing outside a restaurant, waiting for Mr. to come pick me up, I soon became surrounded by beggar kids. I talked to them in the national language and explained that I never give to beggars. Some were just entertained that I spoke their language. Others were ticked that I wouldn't shell out money.

Grudgingly, some started shuffling away, but just then the restaurant door opened and out stepped this family. They had 2 small girls, both dressed in frilly, lacy, ballerina-type dresses. And each one had a whole baguette to munch on. And again I wondered why.

Why do those little girls have everything they need, and the street kids don't? Why do those little girls have parents that protect and care for them, and the street kids don't? Why does God allow such disparity? Those well-kept kids did not choose the parents they were born to, nor did the beggar kids. It is through no merit of their own that they are living a relatively privileged life. Nor did he beggar kids earn the life they are leading. Neither, though, has God made any mistake. Baffling.

I don't know. No easy answers anywhere tonight.

Besides that, I just fell asleep while I was typing this update. With my laptop balanced precariously on my legs. It seems very hazardous to me, but I haven't ever dropped my computer. Still… doesn't seem prudent to tempt fate.

Must bring this to a close and get to bed.