Xiao Shi was the tour guide of our India journey. He is a very simple man who never hides his emotions. Whenever he is happy, angry or sad, anybody can read his mind.

Every time he introduced the schedule in Chinese with a strong India accent, I could not understand what he said. However, he was so sincere that all of us patiently listened to his poor Chinese with a smile. When he talked about his hometown, Rajgir, one of the cities which we would visit the following days, he beamed with joy like a child. In fact, he had no chance to go back home for a long time after he worked in New Delhi, the capital of India. Luckily, being a tour guide of our trip in India this time, he was able to go home and get together with his family.

With the tour bus close to his hometown gradually, the joy shone clear on his face. Before we arrived, he had called his wife to prepare traditional India milk tea for us. And when the bus got to his house, he invited our master and all the people on the bus to visit his home. Worrying about that we might not trust him enough, he told us confidently, “I am poor, but I am a good man.” At that moment, I was so touched by his sincerity. I asked myself if I were in his shoes, would I be brave enough to say the same words. The answer was no.

Although Xiao Shi was a beginner in tourism who was less experienced and not professional, we still liked him because he was kind and sincere. We did not care about those mistakes he made. On the contrary, those small mistakes have become some interesting stories that we recall from time to time after the trip. Anyway, he is such a funny person that we all like him very much.

During the trip, most of the tourist attractions were full of beggars, and some of them were children. I found Xiao Shi gave these children money very often. I intuitively thought that he was a very kind person and I did not ask anything until we were climbing the mountain. The mountain was steep and difficult to climb. Out of concern, I asked him, “Are you all right?” He said, “No problem, it is a piece of cake for me.” Then he talked about his childhood when he was a beggar and used to climb the mountain, so it was not a big deal for him. He usually gave money to the children because he sympathized with those poor children. Listening to his story, I admired him for his kindness.

After visiting the scenic spots on our schedule, we went to Xiao Shi’s house. The moment that Xiao Shi met his family was so touching to everyone on the spot. We also felt happy for adding the special “scenic spot”. Before long, it was time to leave. Xiao Shi asked us if he could stay overnight and keep his family company. We all agreed. Then he helped us check in the hotel. Before he returned home, I gave him my CD player and “The Impermanence”, a CD sung by Master Hong Sheng. I also wished him a happy life forever.

The next morning, when we went to pick up Xiao Shi at his home, he looked very tired and worried. It seemed that he did not sleep well. “What is wrong? “ I asked. He said his baby boy was sick and had a high fever, so he stayed up all night taking care of him. At the thought of leaving his home right away, he was already in tears. In order to make money to support his family, Xiao Shi has been away from his hometown for many years. The experience of being a beggar when he was a child makes him work harder. He does not want his child to live the same life as he did, so he has been saving most of the money that he earned and plans to build a big house with twenty rooms. His son, Yisu, who brings him great happiness, was named after Jesus because he was born on December 25th, the birthday of Jesus.

Xiao Shi seldom got a chance to come back home. Although he was able to get together with his family this time, he was not allowed to stay long. Being a father, he especially couldn’t bear to be parted from his child. Knowing his situation, our master and all the members came to his house again later during our trip. Our master gave Xiao Shi’s family a great blessing and purified their place hoping his family would have a nice life and the child would grow up healthily. Our master’s blessing warmed and comforted their hearts. Our master is always concerned about human being. He helps people all the time, and he never complains or gets tired. During the trip, his words and deeds showed us what a saint’s manner is. I admire our master from the bottom of my heart.

Because of this episode during our trip, Xiao Shi’s house had become the warmest spot in our mind. Besides, at his home, we also experienced the local life, and most importantly we formed a deep friendship with Xiao Shi as well.

During the long trip, we were like a family, Xiao Shi got along with us better and better. Therefore, one day I asked him to choose an Indian name for me in memory of this trip. He said “Sida” without hesitation. I was surprised why he chose this name. He smiled and said,” It is very suitable for you because you have a heart of gold like a monk. You are learning with your master. Your master is a good person, so all of you are good persons, too.” What he said was a great boost to me. From the moment on, I have transformed myself, who used to be worried and unhappy, into a person who has confidence and is easy to please.

On the last day in India, Xiao Shi told us he would miss our master and all of us forever. In addition, he also said when his big house was built, we would be welcome to visit him and stay at his new house.

This long trip in India left us with good memories, and what Xiao Shi said still comes to my mind from time to time- I am not rich, but I am a good man.

Ya-Chung