Poverty

One of the biggest struggles I personally have here in Lima is the poverty. Do I mean that I struggle being poor? NO! I certainly am not poor by Peruvian standards. I struggle with knowing when to meet a need and when to look the other way. Or do I never look the other way because Jesus commands us to help the poor? In one day, I am approached by at least 15 different people for money. Often times, little children ranging from 5-8 years olds will come up to our car window, stop us while we are walking or they will hold a cup on a busy street corner begging for money- and there is usually no parent in sight. Last week, we had 3 little 7 year-old boys (I often ask their ages) juggling in the middle of a busy highway during red lights for money. John and I have a stash of change we keep in our pockets or car and we eagerly give to the children, the elderly and the handicapped. But I ask myself, is it wrong when I just say no cause I feel like I've given enough. Does Jesus ever say "enough?” Is there even the word ENOUGH in God's economy?

The other day I bought a Starbucks coffee and a woman came up to me and asked me if she could have it. I was truly flabbergasted that she just wanted to take the coffee right out of my hand. I told her no, but I gave her money to buy her own coffee.

Well, last night I took Ally on a date to Bembo's (yes, that's actually the name of a burger place) and the same lady was there and she asked me if she could have the food I had ordered. I was standing at the counter waiting for it and she was right next to me. She said something very quickly and I replied in Spanish, "I don't understand." The truth is that I didn't understand EXACTLY what she was saying, but I know she was asking for my food or for me to buy her some food. This was after she had asked the restaurant for food and they said no.

So, I'm standing there in awkward silence trying not to look at her thinking "There are so many needs. When do I say no? When do I say yes?" Should I give this lady money again or give her my food?" I stood there waiting while I had an internal conflict that I'm surprised no one could hear. I didn't do anything. I just took my food and left and watched as she went to the next person.

Of course I ask myself: Can she work? Is she doing drugs? What will she do with the money? Will she sell the food for money to buy alcohol or drugs (this is common too)? How many people has she swindled today? Am I helping her or enabling her? I can't afford to help every needy person, right (especially when it's every few minutes)? Do I just give freely all the time no matter the personal cost? Isn't that what Jesus did?

I still don't have an answer. I am praying for God to show me. We really try to give and give, but it seems that the needs are much greater than I can give or want to give. And then I wonder if God is asking me to sacrifice more! I don't know! If there was an ever an area that I felt lost or confused in, this would be one of them.