May 20
Divine
It is better to be a poor but wise youth than to be an old and foolish king....
Ecclesiastes 4:13 (NLT)
Divine is 9-years old now, and though he lost his parents to AIDS, his Aunt Philomena has adopted him as her own son. Life is not easy for a young boy and his single mother in south India. The average monthly income for a full-time laborer is only $20 US, and since mom only works part-time ... well, you can imagine! I have been allowed to help and it has been my joy to sponsor Divine at the child development center. As I have corresponded with Divine, these two have become my heroes.
While Divine is studying hard and learning to read and write English as well as his native Tamil, Philomena works part-time at the school helping to feed the hungry students. She recently splurged and took Divine to a wax museum where he discovered likenesses of the influential leaders of India—both past and present. The wax figures included Mother Teresa, M.G. Ramachandran, Mahatma Ghandi, Bharathiyar and Dr. Abdul Kalam. Divine seemed most interested in them and I sensed there may be some leadership talent here too.
Whenever I read Divine’s letters three things stand out. First, how much he enjoys eating! I recently sent a little extra money to the family and they bought a pressure cooker. Divine says the chicken and rice is most excellent! And when they are not cooking, they store water in the steel pot. Having food is a big deal, and having tasty food is a real treat. Second, I’m learning just how little they possess. Earlier in the year, I sent Divine a few dollars for his birthday. Can you guess what he bought? I was surprised to learn he had purchased a suitcase. He bought it so he would have a place to put his clothes rather than leaving them on the floor. Their's is a simple life, and I continue to learn from them. The last thing that stands out is his thankful spirit. In every letter, he expresses thanks and not just for the money or education he receives. He enjoys life. He is a happy, well-adjusted kid in spite of his poverty. In addition, he is spiritually in tune and closes every letter with prayer.
I love Divine and I am so proud of him and Philomena. He inspired another poem....
Divine
It is better to be a poor but wise youth than to be an old and foolish king....
Ecclesiastes 4:13 (NLT)
Divine is 9-years old now, and though he lost his parents to AIDS, his Aunt Philomena has adopted him as her own son. Life is not easy for a young boy and his single mother in south India. The average monthly income for a full-time laborer is only $20 US, and since mom only works part-time ... well, you can imagine! I have been allowed to help and it has been my joy to sponsor Divine at the child development center. As I have corresponded with Divine, these two have become my heroes.
While Divine is studying hard and learning to read and write English as well as his native Tamil, Philomena works part-time at the school helping to feed the hungry students. She recently splurged and took Divine to a wax museum where he discovered likenesses of the influential leaders of India—both past and present. The wax figures included Mother Teresa, M.G. Ramachandran, Mahatma Ghandi, Bharathiyar and Dr. Abdul Kalam. Divine seemed most interested in them and I sensed there may be some leadership talent here too.
Whenever I read Divine’s letters three things stand out. First, how much he enjoys eating! I recently sent a little extra money to the family and they bought a pressure cooker. Divine says the chicken and rice is most excellent! And when they are not cooking, they store water in the steel pot. Having food is a big deal, and having tasty food is a real treat. Second, I’m learning just how little they possess. Earlier in the year, I sent Divine a few dollars for his birthday. Can you guess what he bought? I was surprised to learn he had purchased a suitcase. He bought it so he would have a place to put his clothes rather than leaving them on the floor. Their's is a simple life, and I continue to learn from them. The last thing that stands out is his thankful spirit. In every letter, he expresses thanks and not just for the money or education he receives. He enjoys life. He is a happy, well-adjusted kid in spite of his poverty. In addition, he is spiritually in tune and closes every letter with prayer.
I love Divine and I am so proud of him and Philomena. He inspired another poem....
Divine John Samuel
Lion of inspiration to me
Young man studying, working, trying so hard
Pursuing that light that makes us free
Divine John Samuel, not an empty boy, but
A young man full of grace and truth
A strong voice and able hands set free
Divine John Samuel—my friend, my hero
Divine John Samuel ...
Lion of inspiration to me!
Father, guard and guide Divine and Philomena. Give them enough and a little more. Grant them Your divine joy in abundance. Amen.
posted by Craig Soderquist at 9:38 PM
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