Good afternoon. Happy Monday! Since this is my first blog, I will briefly introduce myself. My name is Sara, though many people call me 'Smiles.' I have a sizable collection of Converse tennis shoes -- 40 pairs, to be specific. I love macaroni and cheese, TIME magazine and anything Disney. I am an early riser and I have a bad habit of not checking my voice mail. I am a musician and I believe people can change.
A little over a year ago, I had the opportunity to perform in India...
The days I spent in India sparked life change in me. I saw bare women and children begging in the streets. I felt the stares that accompanied my entrance into any room, venue or airport. I held Indian orphans in my arms. I soon learned that toilet paper is not considered necessary. I met joyful people who possessed next to nothing. I received a business card that had 'prophet' listed as the man's profession, a trend that gives individuals more notoriety in India. I sang on a stage built of bamboo. And the list goes on..
On one particular day, the band was notified that we would be commuting to a camp to play an acoustic set for the people there. The drive lasted somewhere between two-three hours. It was bumpy and at points, nauseating. On our way to the camp, we passed men and women who chiseled stone for a living. A week before, several of these men and women had died from an earthquake that provoked falling rocks. You can imagine I was not particularly thrilled to be driving on a road that bordered 'death mountain'. Regardless, I had no idea people made a living chiseling rock to be later turned into gravel. Unarguably, a dangerous profession that just in case you're wondering -- paid pennies.
When we arrived to our destination, I was silenced. It did not look like a camp at all. I have never visited a commune, but I imagine it would closely resemble this graven place. The children at this place were unlike the other children we met in India. They were not happy, they did not sing. They avoided eye contact and looked utterly afraid. After an awkward presentation given by the leader of the camp, I approached a sad looking girl in the audience.
She was beautiful -- 20 years old, just like me. She led me away from the others and pleaded with me in broken English. "I need help," she said. As I desperately continued to communicate with her, I learned that she was being molested by the leader of the camp. I was speechless, yet unable to help her. You see, she was an orphan and her rights were nonexistent. She called the camp leader her "father." She said he "truly loved her." This conversation shook me to my core. I was a spoiled American who could legally do nothing for my hurting newfangled friend. I left her with my prayers and my yellow jewelry, which was hardly enough.
This story made its way into the lyrics of a song, called 'Color.' You can listen to it at www.myspace.com/chasetheglow if you wish. Not a day goes by that I do not remember her. As the song states, "the only difference in you and me is a lesson in geography." This injustice deserves attention.
Thanks for taking the time to ponder my words. It means a lot.
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i listened to the song. The story behind it brought so much more meaning to the song.
I'll have to listen. I like your story and it pains me to know this injustice still exists worldwide.
Living is easy with eyes closed, misunderstanding all you see.
I had so many experiences like this in Kenya. It really humbles you to see how little other people have and how horrible some of their situations are. I did not know the story behind that song but it makes me love it even more!
Very shortly I am going to listen to the song again. After reading your beautifully written account of some of your India experiences the lyrics of the song will have so much more meaning.
Your character is revealed by the empathy that you express for the people there who are disadvantaged by comparison to what we know here in America.
In my opinion you did make a difference in the 20 year old girl`s life. You LISTENED! That alone was a comfort to her and she was heard! The prayers that you have made on her behalf have value as well. The "yellow" jewery that you left with her will serve as a reminder of your kindness and compassion. Also, her story has been placed by you on the wings of a song. As it makes it`s travels to all listening ears available it is my hope that it is heard by your "newfangled" friend in India. She will know in her heart that it is SARA . . . caring about HER!
Isaiah 55:8 seems appropriate here. "For my thoughts are not your thoughts and my ways are not your ways." God's just full of curve balls. You planned on simply touring India, and he had something much bigger in mind. You thought you were just playing a simple acoustic set at a camp, but He thought something else. Amazing how He puts us right where we need to be at the exact moment in time that we need to be there. Who knows how the days to follow played out for that girl, but I imagine you sparked something in her: hope? Strength? Resistance? Hard to say really, but I'll tell you what isn't: you left more in her hands than your tears and jewelry, and your impact will reverberate throughout her life and the lives of those she meets. Well done.
It is so heartbreaking that this kind of thing is going on in the world, with no one to speak out for this girl! Thanks for bringing this to our attention, Sara...the Bible definitely commands us to speak up on behalf of the poor and oppressed. Thanks for doing that, Sara, with this blog and with the song!! Who knows how far your voice can reach. God sees the whole situation, and I think the biggest thing we can do is pray, like you said!
As we pray, does anyone have any ideas how we can speak up even more for this girl or situations like this? Can we do something else to help?
I was just reading an article in World Magazine (December 13/20, 2008 issue), and it made me think of this. The article was an interview with the president and CEO of International Justice Mission, and it was amazing! IJM works to stop exploitation and abuse by working with local authorities, and then their lawyers bring charges against the traffickers. And guess what? They work in India!! See http://www.ijm.org/ourwork/southasia. Hope this helps!