I Gave Them Flip-Flops, They Kissed my Feet!

India- January 2014

HIV Clinic Shoe Distribution

When I was planning the India trip I noticed that we were going to visit an HIV  Clinic-  I had received the shoe sizes for most of the other distribution sites but not for this particular one-  When I asked the  Indian Missionary about the shoes for the clinic his response was “Women don’t need shoes”   I was shocked.    I explained again that it is not always about the shoes but our act of servant leadership and we want to serve the ladies-  once more I was told ‘Women don’t need shoes”   Finally on my third ask I was told we could bring the ladies “slippers”  (flip-flops)  

I must say I was a bit irritated- after all we were giving nice shoes to the pastors and the children but only flip-flops t the ladies.  We did however have a large donation of new flip flops in the warehouse so I was able to take them what they requested. 

Once in India- the night prior to the distribution I had an idea!   I asked all the team members to bring any nail polish they had-  We were able to gather several bottles-  Knowing that we were going to distribute flip-flops I thought we could make this more of a “spa” experience and offer a station for the ladies to get their nails painted if they like. 

Once we arrived at the clinic the next day- it was nothing like I had imagined ( I imagined a somber- sterile  dr. office type waiting area-  Instead It was the back yard for a church.   The ladies were already gathered sitting on the ground  The area was  separated by colorful tarps.  They were singing…  I soon learned and saw that this was a very happy place.   Most of theses ladies were considered “untouchables”    They told stories how in their own communities they were not even given a cup of water -  but here at this “clinic”  one day a week- they meet to sing- see their friends share a meal  study the Bible and pray.   This was their happy day and this certainly was a happy place.   The med were in a small office – but all other activities were in this open air courtyard.    They gather once a week and receive medicine, vitamins, , rice and oil- but more importantly they get to connect with friend and encourage one another in their walk with the Lord

I stood in front of about 100 ladies and began to explain what we were going to do-  Immediately they began to share their heads “no”    explaining that they were not worthy- and that they should wash our feet-    I began again- this time making my talk more about “me”   “I” will be so sad if “we” cant do this for you..  ”we” traveled a long way…   My interpreter then when on and on-  I was concerned that  he was not saying what I said !   But the ladies finally consented. 

The water was in a well- too far and too precious to wash feet so  we used baby wipes.   We also had hotel lotions and we offered for them to go to another station for their toes to be painted… ALL of the ladies chose to have their toes painted!   

It was such a joy to see theses ladies-  as they cried while we prayed for them and  massaged their feet.   When the system was up and running I sat down to serve a couple of ladies.   My first two ladies- bowed down  and KISSED MY FEET!!!   I gave them flip-flops! they KISSED MY FEET....

This day it was so not about the shoes-  This was a day  reminding ladies that they are valuable and that God still has a plan and a purpose for their lives weather they are an HIV lady with aids in the middle of India- or a homeless man in Atlanta or a child in North Carolina- God has a plan and a purpose for each individual

As we were leaving I asked the Pastor in charge of the clinic about it’s success.  He replied- Since we began- about 1 year ago we have seen 7 ladies die-  However, they all died with a smile on their  face and the knowledge of Jesus as their savior-  it has been a great success!!   And oh how I agree!!!