Interruptions

Has anyone had a class interrupted before? At the university last week, my classes were interrupted several times. A couple times by a student activist group giving us information about the school and a few times by a poor woman and her disabled son asking for change.

I've seen beggars before. It's not uncommon. Sadly, the poor are everywhere, we just often look past them. But having someone like that interrupt a university class was something else. That's bolder to me than say, standing on a street corner asking for change. When I go to the bank downtown, there's usually always someone sitting on the steps begging. It's not something that would happen in the US I don't think. Similarly, one morning at 8:30 (a bit early for Argentina) and old lady rang my doorbell and asked me for old clothes or money to give her as well. To be honest, these situations make me uncomfortable because I don't know how to handle them. I do my best to give, but if I gave to everyone who expressed a need, I think I would have to go around asking for help myself. This goes back to ideas and questions I still have about finances: how to be responsible with the resources I have and how to trust God to provide. I know the Bible teaches we should give generously, but I don't want to be an enabler to someone who's going to spend the money on drugs or something. It's tough. Being selfless is not never saying no.

As someone coming from arguably the wealthiest country in the world, poverty is an interruption to my comfortable life. It makes me pause and even shiver. When I see the faces of the poor, I can't turn away and cover my eyes and pretend like it's a problem far removed. It's too big for one person to handle. It also gets me thinking about how we define poverty. When we think of poverty, we usually think of a physical problem. People can be just as poor spiritually and relationally. They may have the appearance of wealth, but are begging for a little exchange of love inside.

I don't know why, but part of the reason why I was surprised the woman came to the university asking for money is that students are not known for having money. They can't work much because of class or for very much because they don't have a degree yet. I have to admit though, I have been amazed on several occasions by the generosity of students giving. A little bit can go a long way. We tend to underestimate our own power and abilities or overestimate in some areas too. Trying to find the balance,
Kelly