Compassion and detachment

Beloved --
I woke up early on the 12th wrestling with the ideas of compassion and detachment. (One needs a lot of both to be long in India.) So I asked myself "did I accomplish compassion and detachment with my Habitat for Humanity trips to the Gulf Coast? Will Anna accomplish those two as a volunteer at Little Lambs?" Then I realized that throwing in the word 'accomplish' negates both compassion and detachment. If I analyze my actions, I have undone detachment and contradicted compassion. It's not compassionate if you label it compassionate, because your ego is suddenly there. You are not detached if you think about what you are doing even for one second. Jesus said, "Don't let your right hand know what your left hand is doing."
Compassion and detachment don't appear to be States of Being, but rather Paths to Follow. . . .joyfully taking each new step.
So here's a typical challenge: A lot of the kids here have learned--and learned very young--a good scam. "Two rupees, sir, for a 'school pen.'" From what I've been told by both teachers and school administrator's, pens are provided! How to respond?
Change of topic--
The three day harvest festival of Pongal is currently underway. Today, Thursday, is the day that the cattle are decorated as part of the celebration. Anna and I are going out for a city tour and hope to get some good pictures to share.

I love you and miss you all,

Jim