The White Goat

There is an expression here among the locals that goes something like this, “You should squeeze (or milk) the white goat until he is dry.” Guess who the white goat is? While we were warned about this principle when we first arrived, it quickly became a point of frustration for me (Tim). It is most evident in the ricksha drivers (a covered scooter for 3 riders plus a driver).

Ricksha’s are the most economical and convenient way to get around, so we use them often. We quickly discovered that every time we used one, we paid different prices to go to the same locations. We would sometimes negotiate a price and then get to the destination and the drivers would demand more. At first we thought, “what’s 20 more rupees, it’s only 50 cents to us.” However, when we realized that the drivers were trying to squeeze every possible rupee out of us, I got frustrated. Battling corruption here is difficult, but it begins in small situations like these. We can argue with the drivers, call them names and build animosity between us, we can give in to their demands and reward their evil behavior, or we can lovingly explain biblical principles of honesty and integrity and stand firm in truth. It is much easier to just give them a few extra rupees and go about our day, but such action would not be living out the kingdom of God. Now take this principle of milking the goat and apply it to the purchase of large machinery, exporting containers of manufactured goods, getting vaccinations for HIV children or even getting cable TV hooked up and you have a small understanding of what Frank and Nicole (our hosts) have battled the last 6 years. We are called to be salt and light on this earth, we are fortunate to be in daily situations where we can do that. Please pray that we would remember our need to be light and not get frustrated or angry with those who try to take advantage of us. Pray we will have the compassion and love to stay our ground and not respond in anger.