Slumdog Millionaires

The Mumbai Slums

We visited a church in the slums today. I’ve seen nothing like this before. It was like a giant wasteland, with thousands of black tarps next to each other. We crossed littered creeks and hiked hills to get to small room near the top of the wasteland.

Inside gathered some of the most beautiful people I have ever come across. They were a group of Christians who live in the slums. They sang and prayed and welcomed us with such joy. They were so passionate about life. When I asked one of my new friends which of the tarps was her “house”, she didn’t understand. “Where do you live?” I asked again. “Oh, my room is over there” she beams. Yes her home is smaller than my bedroom, and is right next to another family's "room." She also shares the land with goats, chickens, pigs and stray dogs. But she doesn't complain.

Home in the Slums

It makes me wonder about Western society and how I came over here thinking that maybe I could help these impoverished people in some way. But maybe they can teach me something instead.

It reminds me of when Jesus said, “What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul?” Maybe quality of life is not related to wealth or clean water or hygiene. Because these people have none of this, yet they are happier than what I see at home. They are more grateful than we are at home. They live fuller lives than we seem to at home. Home, where we have everything and more.