My Own Little World

My Own Little World - Matthew West

Source: http://www.cassindia.org/

In my own little world it hardly ever rains

I've never gone hungry, always felt safe.

I've got some money in my pocket, shoes on my feet.

In my own little world,

Population--me.

                            I try to stay awake during morning church

I throw a twenty on the plate, but I never give till it hurts.

I turn off the news when I don't like what I see

Yeah, it's easy to do when it's population -- me

Source: http://www.cassindia.org/

What if there's a bigger picture?

What if I'm missing out?

What if there's a greater purpose?

I could be living right now
Outside my own little world

Often-times I feel like I live in my own little world. Don't get me wrong, I do love to help others in any way that I can. However, I do so only when I find it most convenient for my schedule, and thus, I continue along within my little bubble. Even after spending one month in Kerala this summer, I quickly returned to the routine of my day-to-day life.

My trip to India was completely unexpected. Ever since freshman year, I had considered the summer after junior year a very important time that could make or break me. It was my one chance of securing a full-time position in the business field after graduation. However, when presented with the option of traveling to India instead, my choice was obvious... ;)

This trip was unlike any other I had had in the past, because after spending two weeks in Kerala with my parents, they returned home, leaving me behind, to spend two weeks there on my own.

So after they left, I literally planned the remainder of my trip one phone call at a time. I found myself in a lot of expected places....

participating in a week-long MGOCSM leadership camp (COLT)...

 

hiking up a mountain in search of the footprints of St. Thomas....

.....spending time with some dear friends 

.....and finally spending a night with two sisters who work with families affected by HIV/AIDS.

Sr. Carmel's beautiful depiction of an African Mother Mary & baby Jesus. She spent several years of her life doing missionary work throughout Africa.

Far left: Sr. Dolores & far right: Sr. Carmel

Sr. Dolores' glowing smile and myself, working the frizzy hair look.

This last adventure of mine was the one that placed a lasting imprint on my heart, because there, I met a remarkable woman named Sister Dolores. Sister Dolores is one of the most inspirational individuals I have ever encountered, I would go as far as to call her a "living saint." And though I know it's not appropriate for me to make such a declaration, I don't think there is a better way to describe her. She has dedicated much of her waking life to the service of others, something I can't even imagine. 




 Fourteen years ago, when she had already reached an age at which most Americans have retired, Sr. Dolores paired up with a group of women in order to start CASS, the Cancer and Aids Shelter Society. In a state where those affected by HIV/AIDS often find themselves isolated and ignored, these women fearlessly work on their behalf. 

A group of women who truly understand what Christ meant when he told his disciples, "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few." (Matthew 9:37) 

Serving nearly 100 families, they provide home nursing and medical care, organize regular family visits both to homes and to hospitals throughout Kerala, provide shelter to those in need, spread awareness about HIV/AIDS to the general public, and empower women through teaching them different job skills such as candle and soap making.  
 
I was lucky to visit the CASS house ( a beautiful, three-floor house used for different gatherings and fund-raising activities) on the day of  their monthly get-together, which happens on the second Monday of each month. On this day, all of the families meet together for a meal as they share in one another's struggles and joys. Although I arrived late to this gathering, I was blessed to meet a few of these families before they returned to their homes. Sadly, in my excitement and my spurs of broken Malayalam, it did not cross my mind to take pictures of some of the beautiful ladies I met (many of their husbands, sadly, had already died from HIV/AIDS). 

I was really touched by the excitement on the faces of these women at the opportunity to share there stories with someone new. As I began by talking with one woman, a few more drew closer to listen in, asking  one another if I understood Malayalam. The woman I was talking with joyfully replied, "Well she can't speak well, but she laughs a lot and she understands everything!" Another woman said, "Wow, we will never forget your big smile." (These are just translations, as they were speaking in Malayalam).

Meeting these women was an extremely humbling experience. Looking back, I feel a bit ashamed knowing what a five minute conversation that I have so quickly forgotten must have meant to these women. Just to see a bright, smiling face, eager to speak with them and eager to hear what they had to say. I think sometimes we all have to remind ourselves not to underestimate what a simple smile could mean to another person.

A few of the families, during the early years of CASS (Source: http://www.cassindia.org)

And now, here I am, sitting in my house struggling to explain the experiences I had. I can only pray that my story is enough to touch another's heart, because I have a humble request. I ask for you to help support these families. Even if you're just a broke college student like me with little to give, just bless them with your prayers. Although they are blessed to receive the medication they need from the Indian  government (which they will have to take for the rest of their lives--their is no cure) many suffer daily with the side effects of these medications. And if dealing with their disease wasn't hard enough, the struggle to provide for their children is even harder. Although Sister Dolores and the CASS Team do everything they can to help, they now face a new challenge. When they began serving these families, most of the children were young. Now, more than a decade later, many of these children have reached college-age, but don't have the money to pursue an education. It's extremely unfortunate, since many of them have gained acceptance to study in challenging fields such as medicine, engineering, and business.


Maybe you are thinking -- there are many rich people in Kerala, why aren't they helping to support this organization? How can we, as Americans, assist an organization that is half a world away? Even today, there is a stigma that exists amongst Indians in regards to individuals suffering from HIV/AIDS. Many lack understanding on how it is transmitted, or blame women as the cause of transmission, and thus have no interest in supporting the cause. 

That is why we, us spoiled Americans with our laptops and I-Phones and desperate need for wi-fi even in the most remote places, can make a huge difference by giving up one Starbucks run each week and putting it towards a worthy cause. So now you're thinking -- what the heck Sonia?! I don't have an I-Phone, I have an Android phone, I only buy coffee from Dunkin' Donuts, and I have survived without wi-fi before! Yes, yes, I understand. But all the more reason for us to look outside our little bubbles, and see the world of need that surrounds us.

Let me emphasize that I am NOT someone who is comfortable asking anyone for money, no matter how worthy the cause. On the contrary, I was the shy Girl Scout who stressed out about how she was going to sell enough cookies to support her troop. (I am not joking. I was a proud Girl Scout for 7 years.) Anyways, my point is, I am not asking you to give up coffee for the rest of your life in order to support these families. Of the many things I learned after staying with Sister Dolores, I learned that God WILL provide, even when our feeble human minds convince us that all hope is lost.

If you do feel the desire to help support these families, please, let me know. Sister Dolores has been exploring all options to raise money for these families. One of them, was traveling to small villages throughout Kerala and buying handmade jewelry from them, made from the resources of the land. Another, was to design beautiful greeting cards with hand-painted pictures of the CASS house and other designs. All of these things, she has asked for me to sell on her behalf. I plan to post pictures of the items as soon as I can, along with the different prices. Nothing costs more than a few dollars, and every little bit counts. If you are interested in buying something, please let me know. And if not, please, just keep praying, because with God, NOTHING is impossible. (Luke 1:37).

be blessed & be a blessing,
sonia