I don’t like the word “slums.” I can’t figure out if that is what it’s actually called or if it’s a term that’s less than respectful. Unfortunately, I have yet to find another accurate or politically correct word to depict this place of community, love, and beauty.
Upon my arrival to the slums, I was wandering my mind to find out if there was a place like this in America, or one that’s at least relatable. I came up with nothing. I couldn’t think of a comparison because I’ve never intentionally sought out people and places in my community that could be struggling financially, hurting in unhealth, or have different cultures and religions than I. Of course, I’ve seen the homeless, fed the hungry, and worked in different ministries, but my sole focus has never been to pursue certain people groups with just a pure agenda to go love them. To say that was convicting doesn’t even do my feelings justice in that moment.
The slums were a large, outcast area of Pokhara, Nepal, of government housing that is less than kept up, dirty, and chocked full of humans. Playing cards, going to school, cooking, fixing cars, and talking was what the streets were filled with. People were always in community, not because they had an excuse to show or do something, but because they know they need each other in every season to get through this life. I had an odd sense of feeling right at home. I made it my goal to look every person in the eye that I walked past, give them a smile, and offer a, “namaste.” The reactions were overwhelming as their reserved and confused faces turned welcoming, bright, and alive.
My friend and I were talking and meeting with so many great people, when at the end of our time, we congregated with random passersby at a popular house. It’s a beautiful thing to create relationships and share love among people when you can’t understand a word of each other’s language.
A man eventually showed up who began speaking to me in English, and very well at that. When he asked where I was from, I responded with my typical side smile, long blink, and head nod as I said, “America.”
My new friend went on to say that it’s hard to talk to English-speakers, especially Americans, because they speak way better English than any Nepali, and they’re often unapproachable, anyway. The locals don’t want to get in the way of foreigners on vacation, and it makes tourists mad more often than not when they’re interrupted. What’s more is vacationers don’t often know the circumstances of the country they’re going into, let alone desire to visit the slums, of all places. After hearing this, my heart sank down into my ankles, I think.
Pokhara is an incredibly popular tourist area as it houses the Himalayas, endless adventures, incredible people, and superb food. The amount of foreigners in town seemingly outnumbers the locals somedays. I never want to just be one of those; a tourist, or even a foreigner. My heart desires to create relationships with locals, support their businesses, and learn about their lives. I’m not sure I can really even get the full experience of a new place unless I’ve made a local friend and authentically experienced their culture. I am angered that these people have an idea of America as the land out-of-reach, and we that dwell in it cold and distant.
After briefly talking about America, and I trying to change the subject, he went on to ask me what my purpose of being in Nepal was. I told him about our mission and that we are just seeking people out to love and share Jesus. His next words humbled me. He said, “I have been watching you love these people. You are making a difference and doing a good job here.”
I didn’t really know what to say, so I smiled and thanked him, wondering if I’ve failed as an American in other countries, if not Nepal.
Basically, I think I’ve realized that just by being American, we have a large capacity to influence people around the world; good or bad. As I, first and foremost, represent Jesus, I know it matters how the Gospel is lived out through being American. People won’t even listen to our message of they have had other negative experiences with individuals we share nationalities with. I’m grateful for the opportunity we can have to positively impact peoples’ perceptions of both America and Jesus, and I will absolutely be more conscious of my intentions with local individuals around the world.
