How fortunate to be able to communicate with these kids in English. I learned there are over 250 spoken languages in India which means that most of the kids and adults in the orphanage would not even understand each other if they were left to communicate in their native tongue -- and they are from the same country! It turns out that English is as vital for them to communicate as it is for those of us visiting.
The older ladies who work endlessly to keep the Home operating on a daily basis are called Aunties, as are any older females who come to visit. Likewise, any older male is called Uncle. Admittedly, it took me a few times before I realized they were trying to get my attention because they called me Jamie Uncle instead of Uncle Jamie as is customary back home. Either way, I love the term because it identifies us as family.
I was so incredibly blessed to meet and get to know four of the oldest boys in the Home: Yongmath (center), his younger brother Tongna (left), Talu (right) and Raja (pictured below in red). What outstanding young men!From the outset, I could tell these boys cherished every moment we had together. This became undeniably evident to me when they asked whether we could meet first thing every morning on the upper balcony outside the staff apartment... and by first thing in the morning, they meant before dawn! Since the kids don't typically have access to the upper floor where the visitors stay, this meant climbing the side of the building to get to the second floor balcony.
Sure enough, I won't forget seeing Yongmath's hands gripping the ledge of the balcony as he had climbed from ground level to share the sunrise with me. After witnessing the appearance of the sun, we continued in a couple hours of conversation and devotions as the rest of the Home began to stir. I have to ask what other 11-14 year old boys would wake up at 5:30 in the morning on their own to spend time in conversation with a visitor!?
As the week progressed, I noticed a joy and peace and level of faith in these boys, as with most of the older kids in the orphanage, that could rival the joy, peace and faith found in some older more-mature Christians. As a result, we were able to talk on issues of our Christian faith and what it looks like for us in our daily walk, wherever God places us.
While I was there, I wanted to encourage these young boys to continue finding the best in their situation for they are part of a home with an extended family like few other kids experience. This sure wasn't a new idea to them, for I found they naturally look at what they have rather than what they don't have. Such a great outlook on life!It is amazing how the younger kids look up to and listen to my guys since they are the oldest and only male role models at the Home. I witnessed this over and over again. It didn't matter when or where, if Yongmath told another child to do something, they obeyed... without question!
One day we were talking and Yongmath provided the perfect analogy: he told me how, years ago, he saw a newly sprouted tree growing crooked -- so he used a rope to straighten it, tying it to the nearby fence. He was proud this tree now stood straight and mature and was one of the nicest trees on the property! I took the opportunity to encourage him that as he helped this tree grow strong, he has been given the responsibility to help guide the younger kids at the Home to grow in the right direction. I hope this tree will be a reminder for him of this responsibility.I learned that Yongmath wants to become a doctor and the others want to go into the police force. This got me thinking that as they move from the Home and get jobs in future years, they run the risk (as we all do) of being lured by the world and its temporary offerings. It is my prayer these kids hang on to Christ, the key, who enables them to live a life of peace and joy as they grow and face many opportunities and challenges. I pray they realize that taking their focus off God and placing it on the world only results in a life filled with loneliness and loss of purpose. As Ravi Zacharias says,
Apart from the reality of God, it is only natural that life will seem meaningless, and a sense of emptiness will come over us because we get tired of the routine. God is not only a never-ending wonder but He offers solid truth that we can count on.
May the wonder I see in these kids' eyes remain focused on God regardless of where life takes them.
How difficult it was for us to say goodbye. I'll never forget seeing the tears in the eyes of these young guys through my own. But as hard as it was to say goodbye, I would not have traded the opportunity to spend time with these kids for anything.Goodbyes are very much part of the lives of the kids at the orphanage. When a friend asked what life is like for them after we leave, Yongmath said,
Well, after the bus leaves everyone is quiet, each going his own way to be with his thoughts, and then gradually after a couple days life gets back to normal.
I pray the time spent with the kids has positive everlasting results for all of us -- which would make the sadness of our goodbyes only temporary and so worthwhile!
