I know I am a thinking and reflective person. Sometimes this can be a good thing, other times it can be my undoing. Serving here in Cambodia and witnessing things which are not familiar or require change do make the mind wonder into deep thought.
For example when should we give and when should we empower others to provide for themselves? It is the "Give a man a fish…" argument - or in this situation "Give a Grade 2 child a pencil".
Many students in my Grade 2 are contently without pencils (even lead ones), making writing notes in lessons difficult. I have been bringing my own box of sharpened pencils each English lesson, handing out these precious writing instruments and then collecting them again at the end. This has been working rather well. Then I decided, for an Easter gift, I would give each child some lollies and a brand new lead pencil. No need to bring my lead pencils to class each day any more.....right??.....wrong!! The next lesson five students' pencils were half their original size. Within four lessons eight children needed to borrow one of my sharpened pencils as their own one was no more. These children don't need to be given new pencils, they need to be taught how to look after and take responsibly for a pencil.
Giving to the poor can't be a quick fix handout as the life skills and responsibility are not taught. The receiver will just become more and more reliant on handouts and not be empowered to create change. I know I will continue to be challenged in this and learn more and more as I witness the poor and situations that I want to change but am at a lost as to the best steps to take. True giving is giving that hurts. It takes time to walk alongside another for their benefit so they can continue receiving long after you are gone.
