A Joy Ride in Bangalore

--by guin, posted Apr 28, 2009

I have recently been volunteering at a center for high-risk kids who live in the slums in Bangalore. These children now have a place to hang out, play and learn in a peaceful way.
   I was generally lending a helping hand wherever I could -- teaching one child to read English, reading Sleeping Beauty to a group of kids, or playing blind man's bluff with some others.
As I got out when the center closed, my aunts' Honda Civic car (In India Honda cars are fancy) stood outside.
   The children were completely awestruck. They hadn't been so close to a fancy car. The chauffeur/driver got out and opened the door. They examined the inside, exclaiming that it was the coolest thing they had seen. I asked them if they wanted a ride.
Four little girls were jumping up and down, so excited that they could barely contain themselves and sit in their seats.
   I took them for a ride around the neighbourhood and some places close by. The chauffeur suppressed a grin; he had never seen such a happy bunch of little people traveling in this car provided by the big corporation where my aunt worked.
Little pleasures like feeling the cool air of the air conditioner or pushing a button to see the window automatically open or close lit up their faces.
   They got out near their homes, faces shining, giggling and waving till I was out of sight. I knew that I would never forget that ride in the Honda, and the simplicity and joy of the beginner's mind of the children.

1926 Reads

Posted by guin
Apr 28, 2009
Comments (8)

Readers Comments

Sanyogita wrote: Awesome. Smiles everywhere.

Children won`t forget the beautiful ride. It may be their one of best moments of life.

sathsath wrote: Very kind act indeed! Not just their faces showed shine,giggles they shrugged,i could clearly see those distances removed from thier heart,which may be inhibiting them.A single pleasing incident in those lives would trigger a push to improving their lots,just watch.

JuneBug wrote: I agree with sathsath! You don't know what you did..You may never hear about it, but know you did more than you will ever realize! :)

wayfarer wrote: Hey, Guin! Aurelia and I were wondering wher you'd been! You've been missed and it's great to have you back!

lovebug wrote: I think you planted a seed of hope in there heart, because you were kind, you have opened the way to conversation, the next time you see these children a few might ask if you had any ideas on how to improve their life, children always seem to be open to suggestions.

MakeSomeoneSmile wrote: I agree with everyone else, nice going!

tressyanne wrote: those children will always and forever remember that special thing you did.
good for you. you are a blessing to those kids.
have an awesome weekend!
tress

AURELIA wrote: Hi Guin!!! I am smiling to see you back and because you are still looking for ways to make someone day!!!! Thank you for volunteering your time to make a difference in a child's life. The car ride sounds great, but the reading those stories to them sounds even better. I'd love to sit and listen to sleeping beauty be read by you. :0) Smiles are Contagious...~Aurelia :0) :0) :0) :0) see I told you!!!!

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