Reflections

We've just been reading through the blogs together, catching up with people's impressions, highs, lows and inner thoughts. I never really made it into the computer room because of the permanent residents! How can Tim and Laura get there so fast?
I wish I could have recorded some of the conversations we have had during the week, just as we have photos to remind us of the sights. I don't want to forget those chats in the backs of rickshaws ( eyes closed as buses and lorries criss-cross in front of us) as we reacted together to the life going on around us. It made us reflect on the things we are shaped by- the Highway code, health and safety, conformity. And yet, we realised how patient and tolerant the people are here. they don't react when others cut them up at the lights!
On a deeper level we have had long chats (over curries- even the Chinese food was hottttttttttt!) about the rights of the child, social justice, priorities and the asha approach to changing whole communities. We chatted with Kiran about her priorities. Water, education, health, social inclusion. No wonder she said she couldn't sleep some nights with all the ideas flying round in her head.
I was so struck by the way all the children in Ektar Vihar could recite the UNICEF Rights of the Child. They KNEW they were entitled to education, parental love, sex equality etc etc. What a powerful message to give them. As Kiran said at the High Commission, she wanted them to know that it was not their fault they were born in the gutter, that they belonged to the human family as equals. Wow, powerful stuff.
I'm sure we will all have come back different people for this experience, having some of our prejudices stripped away and looking at others through different eyes. I know I've got loads to think about.
Thanks Dick and Julie for making it possible for us to share your passion for the poor. What a challenge!

Sue (Early morning posting!)