...Share with God’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.
Paul, in his letter to the Romans exhorts us to show love in a variety of ways. In the last 7 days, we have seen so many examples of kindness, generosity and hospitality from the women, girls, and boys of Bethania in India. One could read the verse above and assume that we are the ones who are sharing with those in need, and that the people of Bethania are the ones showing hospitality. But it has worked both ways. They have shared with us, and we are all in need of connection, visions of beauty, and robust singing that assures us of the love of God. And we have shared hospitality with them in the games, treats, laughter and hugs that we have given them. We must not assume that they are always the ones in need and we are always the ones who provide. All of us on this Bethania Journey are richer because of the gifts we have been given here.
On Tuesday, we ventured outside of Kodaikanal into the hill country around Poomari, a “typical” Indian village, according to our host. There is a large central square surrounded by a Hindu Temple. There are at least two mosques. The houses are run down, many without running water, and a polluted stream runs through the middle of the main road, but in the surrounding hills, there are villas. The villagers grow vegetables in neat terraced fields, designed to conserve water and soil through erosion control.
In a room smaller than most American living rooms, Bethania hosts a women’s empowerment program and a day school for developmentally delayed children. The women sew and crochet. The children learn to read and write. Much of the work is done in the community because many Indian parents view intellectually challenged children as a sign of God’s curse on the family. They are reluctant to let the child appear in public. So Bethania goes to them with teachers and therapists. The teachers told us about one little girl, the only one who would not tell us her name. Her mother committed suicide and her father is abusive. Her grandmother cares for her but cannot protect her. If she were not able to attend the day program, it is likely that she would be raped every day by the men in her family. We heard many tragic stories like this, and are so grateful that Bethania is there for children like this.
Paul, in his letter to the Romans exhorts us to show love in a variety of ways. In the last 7 days, we have seen so many examples of kindness, generosity and hospitality from the women, girls, and boys of Bethania in India. One could read the verse above and assume that we are the ones who are sharing with those in need, and that the people of Bethania are the ones showing hospitality. But it has worked both ways. They have shared with us, and we are all in need of connection, visions of beauty, and robust singing that assures us of the love of God. And we have shared hospitality with them in the games, treats, laughter and hugs that we have given them. We must not assume that they are always the ones in need and we are always the ones who provide. All of us on this Bethania Journey are richer because of the gifts we have been given here.
On Tuesday, we ventured outside of Kodaikanal into the hill country around Poomari, a “typical” Indian village, according to our host. There is a large central square surrounded by a Hindu Temple. There are at least two mosques. The houses are run down, many without running water, and a polluted stream runs through the middle of the main road, but in the surrounding hills, there are villas. The villagers grow vegetables in neat terraced fields, designed to conserve water and soil through erosion control.
In a room smaller than most American living rooms, Bethania hosts a women’s empowerment program and a day school for developmentally delayed children. The women sew and crochet. The children learn to read and write. Much of the work is done in the community because many Indian parents view intellectually challenged children as a sign of God’s curse on the family. They are reluctant to let the child appear in public. So Bethania goes to them with teachers and therapists. The teachers told us about one little girl, the only one who would not tell us her name. Her mother committed suicide and her father is abusive. Her grandmother cares for her but cannot protect her. If she were not able to attend the day program, it is likely that she would be raped every day by the men in her family. We heard many tragic stories like this, and are so grateful that Bethania is there for children like this.
We ended the day yesterday with another trip outside of Kodai to the mountainside cottage of Bob Granner, one of the founders of Bethania. Now in his 80s. He divides his time between India and Vermont. His home is surrounded by beautiful wooded terrain and lovely gardens. It was a great evening of conversation, and it included a garden tour by an expert botanist who lives next door. Just down the mountain road from Bob’s cottage is the potter’s shed where pots are thrown and glazed. These are sold in a shop in Kodai and help to support Bethania’s work. We have, of course, carved out time for shopping, and most of us are coming home with at least one piece of Bethania pottery.
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