What does a child in Dhaka dream? What are their ambitions?
I am forced to question this as I see so many of them laying in the street or foot paths... or crying in their mothers' arms as they beg for food... ...
The other day I was walking down Gulshan Avenue (a "major" street here in Dhaka), and children who could not have been more than 3 or 4 years old, just barely old enough to speak, came stumbling towards me with their hands out yelling at me "Madam! Bhakshish!".... which means money in English...
I couldn't really believe it.... children so young.... running in ragged clothes towards me, taught to beg from such a young age.... what do we teach our children of that age? When is it that we start telling them that "they can be anything if they would only put their minds to it?".... or when is it after that that we start asking them "what they want to be when they grow up?".... What does a child in Dhaka get asked?
What opportunity do they have? What are their hopes? What are their dreams? I wish I could understand but I cannot.
I was raised in a wonderful home, with parents who have taught me that I can do anything if I work at it...that I could go to University and take any courses I wanted in any subject and they would be a support and encouragement to me... such big dreams I had... and still do. Even here... but I cannot comprehend those of the children... or those lost in the mothers...
I look at the Rickshaw drivers and wonder if that was their dream... or if somewhere in their mind they are wishing that they could be more like the person who is paying them to peddle their bikes around the city.... if they ever dreamed that life could be different for them...
I was forced to go to scripture and prayer for an answer to this, and I do not think that we are supposed to completely understand God in His ways (Isaiah 55:9 - look it up!!), nor do I question His purpose for our lives...
God states that we are not supposed to have our eyes set on the things of this world.... but on the things above in heaven. (Col 3:1-4)....
I think often in this life we forget that we can't take any of it with us.... that the reason I look at these children and want "more" for them is because I have forgotten what it is like to have less...to not put worth and value and joy in the things that will pass... I will not likely understand what it is like to be a child growing up here, nor will they know what it is like to grow up in the infamous West, the world of opportunity that we present it as...
As I am here in Dhaka City, a metropolis of poverty, I am faced with the question of what exactly I plan on taking away from this experience, and how I am supposed to compose thoughts about these children in the street... I am not sure if I can really pull that together for you, as I feel like it is beyond my current understanding, yet I am changed by it.
More reflections later on, thank you for reading and for your prayers everyone, they are much needed in this challenging place...
In Christ's love,
Corinne
(Psalm 29:11)
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5 comments:
There are some answers that we will never get, this side of Heaven. If you think about God's love, and the fact that He sees what you see, it is sometimes hard to put together how He can cope... but.. we know He is God.. All of the world's suffering is caused by sin of one form or another. His perfect creation, now fallen, and in pain... I suppose Cori, that you are now experiencing some of the sufferings of Christ... as are the little children that you see every day.
Try to keep your eyes on Him.
my prayers, however small, are with you
Thank you Sharon! I really do appreciate your comments and thoughts, and especially your prayers. It is a different world over here... but there are wonderful things too! I am learning as much as I can, and focusing on God with His help. Say hi to Erv and Rhoda for me, I pray for them often...
Corinne
Hi Cori,
I'm sorry that I haven't made it to your blog more frequently, but you make it to my prayers always. Adam is keeping us updated and we are all behind you, and trusting in the Lord's plan for you through each day - whether they be difficult or joyful.
My prayer for the children and people that you are seeing is that they can come to know Christ, and thus realize their great value to Him and in Him. With salvation our eyes are focused ever Heaven-ward and thus whether we drive a rickshaw or run a thriving business we learn to have contentment in Him, and through this fleeting life.
Philippians 4:11-13 "Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whateversoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where an in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."
Pastor Brent
Blessings and strength, Corinne.
Part of your reaction has its roots in your own upbringing and good fortune to have been born in a rich and safe country, to parents who cared and who could provide well for you. Sadly, this is not the "average" for the world. What you see in Dhaka is more normal than you can imagine.
Having got that off my chest, I thank God for your kind heart and for your sense of obedience and openness to new things.
You remain in our prayers and on our hearts,
Stuart
Cori, I am re-reading this because I just mediated a fight between Abby (7) and Serena (6)over the containers used to take their snack in. How ridiculous! I told them about the kids you saw and about how they don't have food at all - let alone pink-lidded tupperware to put it in. I think the tirade fell on deaf ears but maybe the pictures will stick in their minds.
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