If you come to India, wear white pants. You will not be culturally relevant or stay
cool in the day. They will tarnish. They will make you stand out. This will
come as a welcome and laughable disappointment as it serves to remind you that
through grace alone your rags have been washed clean, compelling you to be
unashamed of His power.
Over the weekend, we decompressed with time alone to study,
give thanks, set objectives for this summer, and sing together (Rebekah leads
because when she opens her mouth, I feel compelled to shut mine.. so, so good).
We did make it out to the park for a camel ride (these walk down the street
though, no bid deal), bumper cars, and Frisbee. Kelsey celebrated her birthday
on Sunday and what a perfect day for it to fall on! We sang happy birthday to
her and some new friends when we met in the evening. It was as tender as a
butterfly with sore feet on a gentle breeze gingerly seeking a soft place to
land (true statement).
In following days we have transitioned out of orientation
into a new routine of study/teaching (Papa Heath!), outings, and event time
each day. Monday was the first day following this routine. I experienced it
sick in bed but with meds and prayer, was better the next day (Hallelujah!).
The guys met one of our local brothers/translators and caught up over chai and
the girls did outreach and prayed over the city from the heights of the mall
roof. Evening was an adventure as everyone went to Inspiration school where Rachel
presented on family life. We also presented on American culture, education, and
leisure acticities. Travis and Alecia (who has now made it into this blog)
demonstrated how to shag! Then we broke into smaller conversations with the
students, which was somewhat overwhelming. So many questions!
Tuesday morning, Carly had a waffle for breakfast and
thoroughly enjoyed it (best she ever had). A few of the girls met with some
students from Inspiration and the others met a local sister, whom they were
able to begin teaching and to greatly encourage. Also, Mary Emily was able to
return 4 Rupees that she accidentally stole. The guys traveled to Rajwada to
meet a man Heath knew 2 years ago and hopefully we will eat with his family
soon. We walked slowly through the frenzied market streets p-walking and stopped
in a music store our local brother frequents. We spoke at length with the young
employees and neighboring shop owner sharing the good news. In the evening we all returned to
Inspiration where the students presented to us on traditional Indian dances and
things that could only happen in India. The best part of the day was back at
home when our local brother played his newly repaired guitar and we sang
together!
On Wednesday, the guys met another brother and his friend in
the mall and after much debating discovered we each had brothers in the other.
It is so uplifting to find someone with sound beliefs living here. The friend
was from one of the cities we are visiting next week so hopefully we will see
him again! The girls were in the mall coming down an escalator with such grace
and style that they stole the attention from a cricket trophy photo shoot! They
were flattered but humbly and politely declined, walking on un-phased. At night
we attended a local gathering of the body, personally one of the most
encouraging things on our trip yet! To hear them singing in their native
language was phenomenal. Being with them and hopefully encouraging them is why
we are here! We concluded the day with a family dinner at pizza hut and walked
home from the mall in the cool evening air (which occasionally carries a whiff
of stank). So far the week has gone well and the work is going well. We are so
excited for what more is to come for us and the people of this city. We give
thanks for you and your on-going support!
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