After 3 weeks traveling, we are on our way home. We had a great couple of days in Delhi. When we first arrived in India, everything seemed so daunting. 3 weeks here has changed our expectations. We have been able to get around a large busy crowded by ourselves. Chris decided today that whatever the rickshaw driver said he would bargain for 10 rupees less. It made me laugh as I saw my wonderful husband trying to work his magic. It worked, but I think it's because they already charge Westerners about 200% more. In that case, what's 10 rupees to them.
We have had some great and hard conversations over the past 2 days. We have seen a lot during our time here. People have been vulnerable with us. We have seen real life. It makes us excited to return someday, but it also made us realize there is much to think about and process. Fortunately, we still have 3 years ahead of us in the States.
We went to a market today and bought some fun things. Our last purchase was a wall tapestry. I realized that I neither needed or truly wanted it. But, as I was in the heat of bargaining I realized I couldn't walk away. So, I add to my list of things $20 less and one more wall tapestry. Fun times in India.
We are ready to come home. 3 weeks has been enough time to travel around India and ask questions of ourselves. Today, we were sitting in a park here talking about some tough issues. We leave India with more questions than when we came, but we pray that we will continue to ask those difficult questions.
God has met us here during this time. Chris and I are good travel friends. We have laughed a lot...thought more...and realized that we are blessed to have each other.
Every journey starts with a single step. May we always be willing to take those single steps.
8.11.2008
8.07.2008
Believers reaching their homeland
We had a great experience yesterday. We were able to spend time at a seminary here. There is a man from America (who actually went to Trinity too) who is teaching a class at the seminary. Chris and I were able to go and visit. It was amazing to see students from all over India who want to reach their country. North India is known as a land of Hindus and Muslims. There is less than 1/10 of 0.1% known Christians here. And yet, in the foothills of the Himalayas, Indians are being trained and studying God's Word. It was encouraging to see this. It also encouraged Chris because he would like to teach at such a place down the road. It gave him hope as he begins 3 years of intense study.
Last night, we had an amazing dinner. We finally had some meat!! We haven't eaten any meat in the past few weeks. Chris is suffering from meat withdrawal. This restaurant had cozy circular booths, calm music, and a KEBAB CART. We loved it. We had great conversations with the families here. They both have lived in India for more than 5 years, and it was refreshing to reflect on both the good and bad.
TONIGHT 8/8/08 at 8:00 we will be watching the opening ceremony to the Olympics. The kids are very excited!! We only have 2 more days here, and then we will be traveling back to Delhi to leave on Tuesday. This has been a great trip for us. I am realizing that if do come and live here it will be much more challenging than I thought. At the same time, we know that if God is calling us here he will give us the strength to sustain us. We are ready to come back. This time away has given us increased perspective for our work at home.
Last night, we had an amazing dinner. We finally had some meat!! We haven't eaten any meat in the past few weeks. Chris is suffering from meat withdrawal. This restaurant had cozy circular booths, calm music, and a KEBAB CART. We loved it. We had great conversations with the families here. They both have lived in India for more than 5 years, and it was refreshing to reflect on both the good and bad.
TONIGHT 8/8/08 at 8:00 we will be watching the opening ceremony to the Olympics. The kids are very excited!! We only have 2 more days here, and then we will be traveling back to Delhi to leave on Tuesday. This has been a great trip for us. I am realizing that if do come and live here it will be much more challenging than I thought. At the same time, we know that if God is calling us here he will give us the strength to sustain us. We are ready to come back. This time away has given us increased perspective for our work at home.
8.04.2008
To the mountains...
We have arrived in another city. It's much more north and only a few hours from the Himalayas. We can see them in the background. We're surrounded by small towns and tea gardens. I had spent time here 3 years ago, but now Chris is able to share the experience with me. The family that lives here is great. Some of my favorite people in the world. Right now, we're in the library while the mom is homeschooling 2/4 children. Again, we're with a family that has 4 children. I used to say I wanted to have 6, but I am realizing very quickly that 4 may be my max!! God knows...
We're on the campus of a rural hospital. It's pretty busy. They have multiple departments. I'll be able to spend some time with the ER staff. A little different than CDH. We're hoping for a more restful week and good conversations with the husband and wife here. Chris will be able to go to a local seminary on Thursday with an American who is teaching there. I'm going to hang out with the wife and 3 small children. That seems to be the summary of my trip...lots of time with small children. Definitely makes me excited to be a mom, but not quite yet :)
Yesterday we spent time down by the major river here (the Ganges). It's where people come from ALL over the world to worship it and bath in it. In America, it's easy to many times forget how lost people are. This was powerful. There are idols every where and people blantantly worshiping false things. The Old Testament definitely comes alive. We went on a 3 mile prayer walk, and it broke my heart to think about this place. The man we were with stated there are only a few foreigners working in this part of the world country, but it's one of the places of highest need.
India. What a place. We'll try and keep you updated. Only a week left.
We're on the campus of a rural hospital. It's pretty busy. They have multiple departments. I'll be able to spend some time with the ER staff. A little different than CDH. We're hoping for a more restful week and good conversations with the husband and wife here. Chris will be able to go to a local seminary on Thursday with an American who is teaching there. I'm going to hang out with the wife and 3 small children. That seems to be the summary of my trip...lots of time with small children. Definitely makes me excited to be a mom, but not quite yet :)
Yesterday we spent time down by the major river here (the Ganges). It's where people come from ALL over the world to worship it and bath in it. In America, it's easy to many times forget how lost people are. This was powerful. There are idols every where and people blantantly worshiping false things. The Old Testament definitely comes alive. We went on a 3 mile prayer walk, and it broke my heart to think about this place. The man we were with stated there are only a few foreigners working in this part of the world country, but it's one of the places of highest need.
India. What a place. We'll try and keep you updated. Only a week left.
8.01.2008
We asked for it!
While praying over our Indian adventure for months, Chris and I continually asked God to allow us to experience "real life." We did not want to feel like tourists. We simply wanted a true experience that would help us to better understand our future role here. This week has been just that.
We have been staying with a family of 4 children under the age of 10. At first, we were both a little shell-shocked. They go 100% all day everyday. They are never tired. They always want to play. We have played our share of board games, read stories, truth or dare, and so on. But, God is good. The other day little girl said to me, "Do you know what I think about Heaven?" I was intrigued with what a 5 year olds perspective would be. "You get to swim all the time and you never have to go to the bathroom." Simple faith. These children are small disciples. Their mom is with them in a very difficult city...everyday ALL day. She does Bible lessons with them...she homeschools them...she plays with them. She is one of the most patient and intense people I have ever met.
This morning the mom and I were able to leave the house and spend time visiting with an 8 month pregnant woman. We talked for awhile and heard about her life, struggles, and joys. Then the lady I was with listened to her baby and took her blood pressure. We then prayed with her. It was a good experience to just come alongside someone and spend time sharing life.
We have a few more days here. We'll both be teaching at a seminar for some IT workers here. I'll be teaching about Diabetes, heart disease, and strokes. It'll be good, but it's hard to prepare with 4 children running around!!
We have been staying with a family of 4 children under the age of 10. At first, we were both a little shell-shocked. They go 100% all day everyday. They are never tired. They always want to play. We have played our share of board games, read stories, truth or dare, and so on. But, God is good. The other day little girl said to me, "Do you know what I think about Heaven?" I was intrigued with what a 5 year olds perspective would be. "You get to swim all the time and you never have to go to the bathroom." Simple faith. These children are small disciples. Their mom is with them in a very difficult city...everyday ALL day. She does Bible lessons with them...she homeschools them...she plays with them. She is one of the most patient and intense people I have ever met.
This morning the mom and I were able to leave the house and spend time visiting with an 8 month pregnant woman. We talked for awhile and heard about her life, struggles, and joys. Then the lady I was with listened to her baby and took her blood pressure. We then prayed with her. It was a good experience to just come alongside someone and spend time sharing life.
We have a few more days here. We'll both be teaching at a seminar for some IT workers here. I'll be teaching about Diabetes, heart disease, and strokes. It'll be good, but it's hard to prepare with 4 children running around!!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)