Merry Christmas! (Or Merry Christmas Eve, depending on when you read this…)
In light of Christmas I’ve posted some new pictures, mainly of all the Christmas programs we’ve attended recently. (Click on the link on the right of the blog). You’ll be able to see pictures from our Noida ladies retreat that was conducted at the beginning of December. We had the opportunity to visit one of Aunty’s adopted daughters, Tannu, at her college, so there are pictures of her… and no, I’m not a giant, she’s just tiny! We also recently attended the grand opening of a Career Center in Delhi, so you will see pictures of the women and children I met there. Another program WINN hosted took place at the local Chrystalia – I’ve included pictures of their Christmas pageant and Philip distributing gifts. My favorite Christmas program thus far was the program for the slum children in my neighborhood. I’ve included tons of pictures of their sweet faces! I had the privilege of telling them the Christmas story, handing out presents, and playing games. The last round is from Aunty Janet’s Christmas program – she wrote and directed about 27 neighborhood children in a Christmas play put on for the entire block – about 100 people attended. It was marvelous! And I’ve included some of the family and church as well.
I hope that you are all enjoying a blessed Christmas celebration. I pray that the magnitude the of incarnation will hit you afresh, and that as a result you will magnify the Lord and experience renewed joy at your salvation. With love for you…! Duffy
Ephesians 1:1-14
“Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God,
To the saints who are in Ephesus, and are faithful* in Christ Jesus:
2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, 4 even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love 5 he predestined us* for adoption through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, 6 to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved. 7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, 8 which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight 9 making known* to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ 10 as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth.
11 In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will, 12 so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory. 13 In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, 14 who is the guarantee* of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it,* to the praise of his glory.
Sunday, December 24, 2006
Thursday, December 14, 2006
Odds and Ends, Exciting Tid-Bits, and What's To Come...
Greetings from frigid Gurgaon, India! I apologize for taking so long to update you on life here; though we now have an internet connection at home, we’ve been very busy in the past few weeks combined with the fact that most times I determined to post something, the electricity had other ideas!
What a whirlwind of opportunities we’ve had in the past weeks! I’ve met and shared with Aunty’s various friends so often in the past three weeks. We’ve attended retreats, Bible Studies, youth groups, and programs in different parts of Delhi meeting with all types of people – from those in a drug rehabilitation center to a group of young call center workers. My favorite foray, however, was our week-long trip to Pune. Not only did I get exposure to a different side of India (geographically and culturally), but I also got to meet the last of the Massey sisters – Aunty Dolly. As there are 5 sisters total (and one brother – Uncle Sonny), I consider that quite a feat. As with all the other family, Aunty Dolly, her son (Arun) and daugher-in-law (Serena), and her grandchildren (Neha and Natasha), were lovely, warm, welcoming, and all together delightful.
So why was Pune my favorite? If you visited Pune you might accuse me of liking it only for the balmy weather. Or perhaps, if you experienced the feel of the city, you might be tempted to say that I obviously liked Pune for its safe, college-town atmosphere—Pune is considered to be an academic center in India; some of their most prestigious colleges, universities, and seminaries located there. Unlike Delhi, it’s quite safe to meander around – even for a girl. And if you visited Naturals (a delectable ice cream shop that uses fresh fruits to make their flavors) or one of the two Baskin Robbins locations (“hip hip hooray” for chocolate and fudge), you’d be convinced you’d identified my reason for liking Pune.
Although I appreciated all of those things (who wouldn’t?), what I liked – no, loved – about Pune was the fellowship of the believers and the ministry going on in the WINN Pune Counseling Center. The center ministers to all types of women – some of my favorite ministry moments at the center were praying earnestly with three women from the slums, feeding some street children at the center, worshiping and sharing with a group of counselors and ministers (each one works hard in different ministries, but they come together to encourage and learn from one another), and diving into the Word with a group of retired women, self-labeled the Naomi group. Serena, who runs the counseling center, was also a treat for me as she unconsciously modeled servant leadership by hospitably welcoming, wisely counseling, and graciously loving each woman who walked through the door. She and I had some sweet times of conversation and I was blessed and strengthened by her openness and care for me. I haven’t even mentioned another amazing part of the Pune time – the church! I had an opportunity to spend Sunday morning with the most robust youth fellowship group I’ve seen since I arrived. To make my day completely satisfying, I ended Sunday by participating in the church’s equivalent to Grace Groups… something they call cottage worship. We squeezed 40+ families, youth, retired people, etc into Arun and Serena’s living room for a time of energetic worship, small group prayer, a short message, and discussion, all followed by family dinner time. What an ALIVE body of believers. I get so disappointed with this medium of sharing with you all because I find I can’t adequately express feelings, lessons learned, etc, nor can I give you all the details of testimonies I heard, encouraging conversations, etc. I hope I’m at least conveying that what I ran across in Pune was a unique set of believers who love the Lord, each other, and their neighbor. Seeing their practiced faith and participating in ministering to them and with them made me so excited – God is doing great things; His Spirit is at work!
I’ve posted just a few pictures of my time in Pune (apologies for my lack of photography skills). I think you’ll enjoy the ones of just a few of the groups I met with. There are also pictures of a day-long adventure Serena, Neha, Natasha and I took to Mumbai, formerly known as Bombay. We saw such sites as the Gateway to India, the Hanging Gardens, Juhu beach, and we took a boat ride in the Arabian Ocean. But no, we didn’t go to Bollywood,; I’d say we paid our dues it by watching a Hindi movie titled Ramji Londonwale later that night.
It’s almost Christmas time and many people have asked me what it’s like here in India. It’s not celebrated as voraciously as it is in the US, but there are some evidences, everywhere. Divalli, a Hindu festival celebrated in October, is a much bigger celebration. My two favorite evidences of Christmas in India have been the special programs we’ve attended and the Christmas caroling. Only two nights ago we attended a Christmas program put on by the Bible Society of India. It combined the traditional Indian dance Bharatnatyam with Christian Christmas Carols to retell the story of the night of Jesus’ birth in a culturally appealing way. Caroling is another staple of celebrating the season. Beginning at around 10PM, groups of people go to various homes and sing a set of carols (I should say “exuberantly sing” – their enthusiasm is evident in the one picture I’ve included). Everyone then comes into the home for tea and food before moving on to the next house on the list – sometimes they don’t end until 6 AM. Yes, that means that they are descending on homes at 2 or 3 in the morning and waking up the occupants (and probably their neighbors)...but believe it or not, it’s sort of a fun, random, middle of the night event.
Up until Christmas I’ll continue on in much the same way as the last month – meeting lots of Aunty’s friends, working a bit in the office, helping settle the house (it’s amazing how long it takes to get details in place after a move), but after Christmas my life in India will shift gears again. On December 26 I will join my dear friend Lahki for a 2 day train ride down to the south of India. We are attending the country wide Youth For Christ conference, DIVE. When we get back on January 3rd, I’ll join Erik, Donna, Anna, and Jessy (a team from my church) for a 3 week stay at the YWCA. They’ll be here to encourage others and do some academic work and I get the opportunity to tag along and be encouraged by a visit from friends. It will be a busy but blessed next month or so!
You can be praying…
… for the Christmas programs we are hosting, as well as the various WINN ministries
… for my health, as I’ve caught a tenacious cold
… for safety as Lahki and I travel… and also that I will be intentional, loving, and encouraging to Lahki during my time with her
... pray for the dear women in Pune; pray particularly for the Dalits in their community (read more about the currently explosive situation here: the Christians need real wisdom and true love to respond to these happenings)
… for my continued spiritual health*
… for relationships that I’m seeking to deepen, particularly with four women: one of the staff members, one of the youth from church, Lahki, and Aunty Sheila
* Each time I’ve met with Aunty’s friends I’ve learned to rely more heavily on my savior. It has been a stretching, growing time, and one that I would not have gracefully survived were it not for my renewed dependence on and knowledge of the Word. (I can't wait to tell more details when I'm home.) You can be praying that I will love, pray for, encourage, and speak wisely to all the women I encounter. Please also pray that I'll be daily renewed in my thankfulness for my salvation... that I will be bold and discerning... and that I will continue to love and serve Aunty Sheila well.
I'll try to post again before I'm off on my late Dec/January adventures. I love you all dearly! Thanks for your encouragement and prayers.
Duffy...
What a whirlwind of opportunities we’ve had in the past weeks! I’ve met and shared with Aunty’s various friends so often in the past three weeks. We’ve attended retreats, Bible Studies, youth groups, and programs in different parts of Delhi meeting with all types of people – from those in a drug rehabilitation center to a group of young call center workers. My favorite foray, however, was our week-long trip to Pune. Not only did I get exposure to a different side of India (geographically and culturally), but I also got to meet the last of the Massey sisters – Aunty Dolly. As there are 5 sisters total (and one brother – Uncle Sonny), I consider that quite a feat. As with all the other family, Aunty Dolly, her son (Arun) and daugher-in-law (Serena), and her grandchildren (Neha and Natasha), were lovely, warm, welcoming, and all together delightful.
So why was Pune my favorite? If you visited Pune you might accuse me of liking it only for the balmy weather. Or perhaps, if you experienced the feel of the city, you might be tempted to say that I obviously liked Pune for its safe, college-town atmosphere—Pune is considered to be an academic center in India; some of their most prestigious colleges, universities, and seminaries located there. Unlike Delhi, it’s quite safe to meander around – even for a girl. And if you visited Naturals (a delectable ice cream shop that uses fresh fruits to make their flavors) or one of the two Baskin Robbins locations (“hip hip hooray” for chocolate and fudge), you’d be convinced you’d identified my reason for liking Pune.
Although I appreciated all of those things (who wouldn’t?), what I liked – no, loved – about Pune was the fellowship of the believers and the ministry going on in the WINN Pune Counseling Center. The center ministers to all types of women – some of my favorite ministry moments at the center were praying earnestly with three women from the slums, feeding some street children at the center, worshiping and sharing with a group of counselors and ministers (each one works hard in different ministries, but they come together to encourage and learn from one another), and diving into the Word with a group of retired women, self-labeled the Naomi group. Serena, who runs the counseling center, was also a treat for me as she unconsciously modeled servant leadership by hospitably welcoming, wisely counseling, and graciously loving each woman who walked through the door. She and I had some sweet times of conversation and I was blessed and strengthened by her openness and care for me. I haven’t even mentioned another amazing part of the Pune time – the church! I had an opportunity to spend Sunday morning with the most robust youth fellowship group I’ve seen since I arrived. To make my day completely satisfying, I ended Sunday by participating in the church’s equivalent to Grace Groups… something they call cottage worship. We squeezed 40+ families, youth, retired people, etc into Arun and Serena’s living room for a time of energetic worship, small group prayer, a short message, and discussion, all followed by family dinner time. What an ALIVE body of believers. I get so disappointed with this medium of sharing with you all because I find I can’t adequately express feelings, lessons learned, etc, nor can I give you all the details of testimonies I heard, encouraging conversations, etc. I hope I’m at least conveying that what I ran across in Pune was a unique set of believers who love the Lord, each other, and their neighbor. Seeing their practiced faith and participating in ministering to them and with them made me so excited – God is doing great things; His Spirit is at work!
I’ve posted just a few pictures of my time in Pune (apologies for my lack of photography skills). I think you’ll enjoy the ones of just a few of the groups I met with. There are also pictures of a day-long adventure Serena, Neha, Natasha and I took to Mumbai, formerly known as Bombay. We saw such sites as the Gateway to India, the Hanging Gardens, Juhu beach, and we took a boat ride in the Arabian Ocean. But no, we didn’t go to Bollywood,; I’d say we paid our dues it by watching a Hindi movie titled Ramji Londonwale later that night.
It’s almost Christmas time and many people have asked me what it’s like here in India. It’s not celebrated as voraciously as it is in the US, but there are some evidences, everywhere. Divalli, a Hindu festival celebrated in October, is a much bigger celebration. My two favorite evidences of Christmas in India have been the special programs we’ve attended and the Christmas caroling. Only two nights ago we attended a Christmas program put on by the Bible Society of India. It combined the traditional Indian dance Bharatnatyam with Christian Christmas Carols to retell the story of the night of Jesus’ birth in a culturally appealing way. Caroling is another staple of celebrating the season. Beginning at around 10PM, groups of people go to various homes and sing a set of carols (I should say “exuberantly sing” – their enthusiasm is evident in the one picture I’ve included). Everyone then comes into the home for tea and food before moving on to the next house on the list – sometimes they don’t end until 6 AM. Yes, that means that they are descending on homes at 2 or 3 in the morning and waking up the occupants (and probably their neighbors)...but believe it or not, it’s sort of a fun, random, middle of the night event.
Up until Christmas I’ll continue on in much the same way as the last month – meeting lots of Aunty’s friends, working a bit in the office, helping settle the house (it’s amazing how long it takes to get details in place after a move), but after Christmas my life in India will shift gears again. On December 26 I will join my dear friend Lahki for a 2 day train ride down to the south of India. We are attending the country wide Youth For Christ conference, DIVE. When we get back on January 3rd, I’ll join Erik, Donna, Anna, and Jessy (a team from my church) for a 3 week stay at the YWCA. They’ll be here to encourage others and do some academic work and I get the opportunity to tag along and be encouraged by a visit from friends. It will be a busy but blessed next month or so!
You can be praying…
… for the Christmas programs we are hosting, as well as the various WINN ministries
… for my health, as I’ve caught a tenacious cold
… for safety as Lahki and I travel… and also that I will be intentional, loving, and encouraging to Lahki during my time with her
... pray for the dear women in Pune; pray particularly for the Dalits in their community (read more about the currently explosive situation here: the Christians need real wisdom and true love to respond to these happenings)
… for my continued spiritual health*
… for relationships that I’m seeking to deepen, particularly with four women: one of the staff members, one of the youth from church, Lahki, and Aunty Sheila
* Each time I’ve met with Aunty’s friends I’ve learned to rely more heavily on my savior. It has been a stretching, growing time, and one that I would not have gracefully survived were it not for my renewed dependence on and knowledge of the Word. (I can't wait to tell more details when I'm home.) You can be praying that I will love, pray for, encourage, and speak wisely to all the women I encounter. Please also pray that I'll be daily renewed in my thankfulness for my salvation... that I will be bold and discerning... and that I will continue to love and serve Aunty Sheila well.
I'll try to post again before I'm off on my late Dec/January adventures. I love you all dearly! Thanks for your encouragement and prayers.
Duffy...
Tuesday, November 28, 2006
Internet and Pictures
Dear Friends -
The title tells it all: we now have internet at our home AND I've managed to post pictures of my first months in India. Though I have lots of other pictures to sort through and show you all, I hope the few I've chosen will give you a taste for the family I've found, the people I've met, and the places I've been. Just click HERE or go to http://web.mac.com/duffygirl. I'll also make it a permanent link on my blog, so that you don't have to find this post to access it.
In other, internet related news, I've got Skype: DuffynIndia.
Disclaimer: as with everything else, internet access is subject to electricty and (probably) a multitude of other unforseen issues. Don't get sad or scared if I'm still not able to be a consistent, faithful blogger/writer.
I am thankful for this incredible, instant connection called internet. I hope you all enjoy my pictures...
More to come soon regarding our lives lately, I just wanted to get this "business" out of the way.
With love,
Kar
The title tells it all: we now have internet at our home AND I've managed to post pictures of my first months in India. Though I have lots of other pictures to sort through and show you all, I hope the few I've chosen will give you a taste for the family I've found, the people I've met, and the places I've been. Just click HERE or go to http://web.mac.com/duffygirl. I'll also make it a permanent link on my blog, so that you don't have to find this post to access it.
In other, internet related news, I've got Skype: DuffynIndia.
Disclaimer: as with everything else, internet access is subject to electricty and (probably) a multitude of other unforseen issues. Don't get sad or scared if I'm still not able to be a consistent, faithful blogger/writer.
I am thankful for this incredible, instant connection called internet. I hope you all enjoy my pictures...
More to come soon regarding our lives lately, I just wanted to get this "business" out of the way.
With love,
Kar
Monday, November 20, 2006
Thankful!
Friends -
It is almost Thanksgiving, but I'd nearly forgotten! I do have so much to be thankful for, though I must admit that at this moment the two things I'm thankful for are you and the internet!
I’m so thankful to be posting these updates! I hope that, though long, they will be an encouragement to you. I wish that I had had the opportunity to post on a more regular basis so that I could share the daily details of what God is doing…and the random experiences of living in India. For now, I’ll be content to share my thoughts from early November and thank you for your continued prayers and notes (or calls) of encouragement. Your prayers and support have strengthened me so much through this first month!
So you have some insight into my current heart, here is the passage I'm in the process of memorizing:
We ask you, brothers, to respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, and to esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves. And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all. See that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone. Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophecies, but test everything; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil. Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it. – 1 Thessalonians 5:12-23
Pray that this would be true of me; I trust His faithfulness!
With thankfulness,
Duffy
It is almost Thanksgiving, but I'd nearly forgotten! I do have so much to be thankful for, though I must admit that at this moment the two things I'm thankful for are you and the internet!
I’m so thankful to be posting these updates! I hope that, though long, they will be an encouragement to you. I wish that I had had the opportunity to post on a more regular basis so that I could share the daily details of what God is doing…and the random experiences of living in India. For now, I’ll be content to share my thoughts from early November and thank you for your continued prayers and notes (or calls) of encouragement. Your prayers and support have strengthened me so much through this first month!
So you have some insight into my current heart, here is the passage I'm in the process of memorizing:
We ask you, brothers, to respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, and to esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves. And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all. See that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone. Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophecies, but test everything; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil. Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it. – 1 Thessalonians 5:12-23
Pray that this would be true of me; I trust His faithfulness!
With thankfulness,
Duffy
Pell-Mell
Written November 15: Aunty says India is like this – you come zealous to “get things done” and God slows you down. Then, when you’ve had some “ah-ha” moments in connection with the snail pace and your far from world-changing existence, the pace quickens as He provides opportunities for you to share and serve, beyond what you would have been able to bear before your forced rejuvenation period. Here’s a rundown on our current activities…
We’ve moved! We spent our first night at our new residence on November 15th. This move has taken all of our time and energy for the past several weeks, and we’ll probably continue to finish up various projects. We moved all the furniture by rickshaw or our van. The big things came by rickshaw. Yes, I have pictures, and I hope to show them soon. My favorite is of our dining room table and 6 chairs perched precariously; you’ll have to see it to believe it. Our move means I have my own room on the 2nd floor. I love the 2nd floor, as it has a large balcony that gets the morning and afternoon sun. It will be so lovely to sit out there in the wintertime. It’s not quite winter yet, though it is getting cooler in the mornings.
“Ek, dos, teen, char, paunch, dus”… Beginning next week, I will join 10-12 slum children (ranging in age from 6 to 10) for Hindi lessons. Mrs. George, a kind, retired teacher and principal who runs a Hindi/English school for the purpose of educating slum children, has agreed to allow me to sit in on the Hindi portion in exchange for my help teaching the English portion. An 8-year-old girl named Lahlti, who lives near Aunty and I will hopefully be attending with me. She is a curious girl who would love to study but has never been given the opportunity. I must admit I’m a bit nervous for my first day of “school” and look forward to having a friend!!
Life seems to be piling up fast! Specifically, I’m sharing with some of Aunty's friends on November 25th. Please pray for me. Then again on December 2nd I am sharing about self-worth. And a few days later, I get to travel to Pune and visit with with more of our friends at the counseling center. In addition to sharing, I have begun interacting with some of the young nationals. There are about 150,000 young people coming to our neighborhood to work in the call centers. (Yes, the young people who call you during the dinner hour). The call center industry is rapidly growing and, because of the high pay and prestige of the position, drawing many in. However, the suicide rate among these people is skyrocketing. It’s a social dynamic that I don’t yet understand, but I definitely know it is a group that needs hope.
Please pray for us!
edited as of 11/22/06
We’ve moved! We spent our first night at our new residence on November 15th. This move has taken all of our time and energy for the past several weeks, and we’ll probably continue to finish up various projects. We moved all the furniture by rickshaw or our van. The big things came by rickshaw. Yes, I have pictures, and I hope to show them soon. My favorite is of our dining room table and 6 chairs perched precariously; you’ll have to see it to believe it. Our move means I have my own room on the 2nd floor. I love the 2nd floor, as it has a large balcony that gets the morning and afternoon sun. It will be so lovely to sit out there in the wintertime. It’s not quite winter yet, though it is getting cooler in the mornings.
“Ek, dos, teen, char, paunch, dus”… Beginning next week, I will join 10-12 slum children (ranging in age from 6 to 10) for Hindi lessons. Mrs. George, a kind, retired teacher and principal who runs a Hindi/English school for the purpose of educating slum children, has agreed to allow me to sit in on the Hindi portion in exchange for my help teaching the English portion. An 8-year-old girl named Lahlti, who lives near Aunty and I will hopefully be attending with me. She is a curious girl who would love to study but has never been given the opportunity. I must admit I’m a bit nervous for my first day of “school” and look forward to having a friend!!
Life seems to be piling up fast! Specifically, I’m sharing with some of Aunty's friends on November 25th. Please pray for me. Then again on December 2nd I am sharing about self-worth. And a few days later, I get to travel to Pune and visit with with more of our friends at the counseling center. In addition to sharing, I have begun interacting with some of the young nationals. There are about 150,000 young people coming to our neighborhood to work in the call centers. (Yes, the young people who call you during the dinner hour). The call center industry is rapidly growing and, because of the high pay and prestige of the position, drawing many in. However, the suicide rate among these people is skyrocketing. It’s a social dynamic that I don’t yet understand, but I definitely know it is a group that needs hope.
Please pray for us!
edited as of 11/22/06
Culture and Theology 101
(So I’m finally posting! As you can tell, my access to internet has been limited ever since I moved in with Aunty Sheila. As of December 1 that should change a bit, with us having an internet connection at our home. I look forward to being able to update you all more regularly about what God is doing in my heart while I’m here in India. For now, I’m going to post a couple of things that I’ve written over the last month to catch you up on what’s been going on!)
Written November 1: Everyone has stereotypes about Americans. It’s entirely fair, seeing that Americans have stereotypes about everyone else. In the game of pinning labels on one another, U.S. residents get tagged with characteristics centering around being task-oriented, driven, a go-getter, and being busy. It’s not really a label I would have stuck to myself, though. Oh, I know I love tasks and the lists that accompany them, and I’ll admit I relish the thought of checking a check box and charting my progress. I’ll even admit that I’ve been known to add things to my checklist, after doing them, just so I can check them off. But the real “drive” to accomplish anything and everything, being fanatical about accomplishing tasks…well, I just didn’t see that as me. Until now.
You see, I don’t think it would be possible to maintain sanity and a checklist here in India. Reason number one: electricity. During our day (7 AM until 10 PM), we typically don’t have electricity for 4-8 hours of that time. When inverters (back up power) only will last for 2-4 hours, well, you can see how that might pose a problem to one’s typical working day. Reason number two: things take time. Getting from point A to point B is a difficult proposition in the congestion of Delhi traffic, and the petrol prices discourage long journeys. National holidays, strikes, and problems caused from lack of electricity all contribute to simple tasks (such as running errands, visiting a ministry, etc) take a whole day’s time.
People here are not lacking in character – Brejan, Sibu, and Aunty Sheila are all amazing examples of diligent workers, highly capable, creative, and organized. But when you can’t determine how long a task will take, whether you have the resources (equipment, electricity, information, people) to accomplish it, and you don’t know how you might be asked to serve on a given day, you simply can’t have a checklist. Well, you can have one, but you’ll end up being frustrated at the end of the day.
It’s also not the case that you don’t accomplish anything; it’s that you most likely won’t accomplish what you “planned” to accomplish that day. As an example, some days we get up preparing to go into the office for the morning, run errands in Delhi in the afternoon, then work on the house in the evening. Instead we’ll spend the morning preparing for last minute lunch guests, take a series of counseling phone calls, visit with the guests, work on house projects because the painter came today instead of tomorrow, etc, etc, etc.
The point being – I’ve realized I love my checklists! In this India world I felt list-less (that was for you, Molls). I like being able to accomplish things; I like feeling organized, empowered, and, frankly, in control of my life. The question that came out over and over in my first weeks in India was “What am I doing here?” (emphasis on the doing). Since I wasn’t going pell-mell 24-7, I felt perhaps my ticket had been wasted. What good am I if I can’t be checking off lists? What good am I if I can’t even make the list because I am that clueless about what’s going on and what’s needed? I felt like 100 times a day I was going to Aunty and saying, “Is there anything I can do for you?” “What would you like me to do?” Then I realized that she was grinning every time I used the word “do”.
So, my first weeks with Aunty I sat and rested and thought and read and I began to realize my checklist mentality had affected my spiritual life as well. I like going to God and waving my checklist around. “See what I’ve accomplished. Come on, I really deserve a pat on the back for everything I’ve done!” But in all honesty, one of the reasons I love my checklists is because it helps prove my worth, right? It helps establish my maturity in Christ, my level of spirituality, my commitment to my faith. It’s evidence of obedience and hard work, those little check marks. Right?
Clearly not a good way to be thinking; as I examined my own heart I realized that, though part of my anxiousness to fit in and be serving was born out of an honest desire to love people well and serve Him, the other part of my anxiousness was a desire to simply get something big accomplished for the sake of accomplishment… and my checklist.
So when I sat down to write this blog update, I at first was quite beside myself. What am I going to say I’ve done, I thought. I haven’t really done anything, and (horror of all horrors) I don’t even know if I’m being helpful! But God did something beautiful with my time and with my heart. As I realized my own silly motivations, I began to enjoy the rest time I’d been given and began learning from the different pace of life.
I stopped fretting at our daily interruptions and began to delight in the visits and phone calls we get on a daily basis, a cultural and spiritual lesson. People who are involved in other ministries and churches frequently come into our home to share what God is doing in their ministry, hear what God is going in our ministry, then pray for India and ministry as a whole. It’s not unusual for someone to stop by to say “did you hear what God is doing in the North?” or “I wanted to rejoice with you over God’s protection during your surgery” (to Aunty Sheila). I feel like I’m living in the book of Acts, with intentional Christians who are encouraging one another, praying for one another, and strengthening each others’ faith. How beautiful these believers are!
In the midst of many unknowns, I’ve also seen Christian Indians demonstrate a sweet reliance on prayer and a hearty recognition of the work of the Holy Spirit. Daily plans, cares, worries, and needs are brought before the Lord in prayer; they beseech him for answers and guidance and then quietly wait on Him until He directs. When any opportunity – whether it is what was in mind or not – comes into the picture, they respond with willing obedience.
Personally, I began spending more time in the Word and realized that my appetite for it has increased since I’ve been here. I love God’s Word! I’ve struggled with memorization the past few years but that struggle has been completely taken away. As it’s become more precious to me, I’ve found it easier to hide it in my heart. I’m saddened that my checklist mentality in the past has hindered my time in (and my love for) God’s word; I’m excited that my renewed love for the Word is making me more passionate about obediently and boldly serving Him.
I guess my conclusion is that God’s done a lot; I haven’t crossed off what I thought would be my checklist, but I have visited various ministries and began to gain a more informed compassion for the people here; I’ve dusted and packed and learned to make proper Chai tea; I’ve grown accustomed to a mosquito net on my bed, to chilies in my food, and to military showers; I’ve ridden in rickshaws, seen the Taj Mahal and been to a famous cultural event, the Flower Festival of Delhi (as a VIP… accidentally). I’ve gardened and learned Hindi; I’ve read lots of books, especially biographies; I’ve made a few new friends. I’ve learned I should have brought less clothes for winter, that lunch is the biggest meal, that it can take up to 3 hours to get out of Delhi, and that it takes 3 months to recover from an angioplasty. I’ve been interviewed on national television, fallen down a flight of stairs, learned the intricacies of cricket, and made a cake from scratch in a pressure cooker. I’ve learned to love my India family, Aunty Sheila, Sibu, and Brejan and to speak a smattering of Hindi. I’ve also re-learned that the Word is precious, salvation is astounding, and that it is a necessary understatement to daily declare “to God be the glory, great things he has done!”
Written November 1: Everyone has stereotypes about Americans. It’s entirely fair, seeing that Americans have stereotypes about everyone else. In the game of pinning labels on one another, U.S. residents get tagged with characteristics centering around being task-oriented, driven, a go-getter, and being busy. It’s not really a label I would have stuck to myself, though. Oh, I know I love tasks and the lists that accompany them, and I’ll admit I relish the thought of checking a check box and charting my progress. I’ll even admit that I’ve been known to add things to my checklist, after doing them, just so I can check them off. But the real “drive” to accomplish anything and everything, being fanatical about accomplishing tasks…well, I just didn’t see that as me. Until now.
You see, I don’t think it would be possible to maintain sanity and a checklist here in India. Reason number one: electricity. During our day (7 AM until 10 PM), we typically don’t have electricity for 4-8 hours of that time. When inverters (back up power) only will last for 2-4 hours, well, you can see how that might pose a problem to one’s typical working day. Reason number two: things take time. Getting from point A to point B is a difficult proposition in the congestion of Delhi traffic, and the petrol prices discourage long journeys. National holidays, strikes, and problems caused from lack of electricity all contribute to simple tasks (such as running errands, visiting a ministry, etc) take a whole day’s time.
People here are not lacking in character – Brejan, Sibu, and Aunty Sheila are all amazing examples of diligent workers, highly capable, creative, and organized. But when you can’t determine how long a task will take, whether you have the resources (equipment, electricity, information, people) to accomplish it, and you don’t know how you might be asked to serve on a given day, you simply can’t have a checklist. Well, you can have one, but you’ll end up being frustrated at the end of the day.
It’s also not the case that you don’t accomplish anything; it’s that you most likely won’t accomplish what you “planned” to accomplish that day. As an example, some days we get up preparing to go into the office for the morning, run errands in Delhi in the afternoon, then work on the house in the evening. Instead we’ll spend the morning preparing for last minute lunch guests, take a series of counseling phone calls, visit with the guests, work on house projects because the painter came today instead of tomorrow, etc, etc, etc.
The point being – I’ve realized I love my checklists! In this India world I felt list-less (that was for you, Molls). I like being able to accomplish things; I like feeling organized, empowered, and, frankly, in control of my life. The question that came out over and over in my first weeks in India was “What am I doing here?” (emphasis on the doing). Since I wasn’t going pell-mell 24-7, I felt perhaps my ticket had been wasted. What good am I if I can’t be checking off lists? What good am I if I can’t even make the list because I am that clueless about what’s going on and what’s needed? I felt like 100 times a day I was going to Aunty and saying, “Is there anything I can do for you?” “What would you like me to do?” Then I realized that she was grinning every time I used the word “do”.
So, my first weeks with Aunty I sat and rested and thought and read and I began to realize my checklist mentality had affected my spiritual life as well. I like going to God and waving my checklist around. “See what I’ve accomplished. Come on, I really deserve a pat on the back for everything I’ve done!” But in all honesty, one of the reasons I love my checklists is because it helps prove my worth, right? It helps establish my maturity in Christ, my level of spirituality, my commitment to my faith. It’s evidence of obedience and hard work, those little check marks. Right?
Clearly not a good way to be thinking; as I examined my own heart I realized that, though part of my anxiousness to fit in and be serving was born out of an honest desire to love people well and serve Him, the other part of my anxiousness was a desire to simply get something big accomplished for the sake of accomplishment… and my checklist.
So when I sat down to write this blog update, I at first was quite beside myself. What am I going to say I’ve done, I thought. I haven’t really done anything, and (horror of all horrors) I don’t even know if I’m being helpful! But God did something beautiful with my time and with my heart. As I realized my own silly motivations, I began to enjoy the rest time I’d been given and began learning from the different pace of life.
I stopped fretting at our daily interruptions and began to delight in the visits and phone calls we get on a daily basis, a cultural and spiritual lesson. People who are involved in other ministries and churches frequently come into our home to share what God is doing in their ministry, hear what God is going in our ministry, then pray for India and ministry as a whole. It’s not unusual for someone to stop by to say “did you hear what God is doing in the North?” or “I wanted to rejoice with you over God’s protection during your surgery” (to Aunty Sheila). I feel like I’m living in the book of Acts, with intentional Christians who are encouraging one another, praying for one another, and strengthening each others’ faith. How beautiful these believers are!
In the midst of many unknowns, I’ve also seen Christian Indians demonstrate a sweet reliance on prayer and a hearty recognition of the work of the Holy Spirit. Daily plans, cares, worries, and needs are brought before the Lord in prayer; they beseech him for answers and guidance and then quietly wait on Him until He directs. When any opportunity – whether it is what was in mind or not – comes into the picture, they respond with willing obedience.
Personally, I began spending more time in the Word and realized that my appetite for it has increased since I’ve been here. I love God’s Word! I’ve struggled with memorization the past few years but that struggle has been completely taken away. As it’s become more precious to me, I’ve found it easier to hide it in my heart. I’m saddened that my checklist mentality in the past has hindered my time in (and my love for) God’s word; I’m excited that my renewed love for the Word is making me more passionate about obediently and boldly serving Him.
I guess my conclusion is that God’s done a lot; I haven’t crossed off what I thought would be my checklist, but I have visited various ministries and began to gain a more informed compassion for the people here; I’ve dusted and packed and learned to make proper Chai tea; I’ve grown accustomed to a mosquito net on my bed, to chilies in my food, and to military showers; I’ve ridden in rickshaws, seen the Taj Mahal and been to a famous cultural event, the Flower Festival of Delhi (as a VIP… accidentally). I’ve gardened and learned Hindi; I’ve read lots of books, especially biographies; I’ve made a few new friends. I’ve learned I should have brought less clothes for winter, that lunch is the biggest meal, that it can take up to 3 hours to get out of Delhi, and that it takes 3 months to recover from an angioplasty. I’ve been interviewed on national television, fallen down a flight of stairs, learned the intricacies of cricket, and made a cake from scratch in a pressure cooker. I’ve learned to love my India family, Aunty Sheila, Sibu, and Brejan and to speak a smattering of Hindi. I’ve also re-learned that the Word is precious, salvation is astounding, and that it is a necessary understatement to daily declare “to God be the glory, great things he has done!”
Saturday, October 14, 2006
Loving India!
I'm not sure how many of you are familiar with Cademon's Call, but they have an excellent album entitled, Share the Well. The album is a compilation of songs inspired by their trips to India and South America. While I've always loved the CD, it is quickly acquiring a more significant place in my heart as the lyrics ring true to my experiences. In many ways, the lyrics are an outlet for my daily increasing love for this country; they not only describe the culture, but convey a serious desire to see God known and glorified by the Indian people -- from the little beggar girl to the wealthy business man, from the modern Hindu to the strict Buddhist.
One thing that is helping me increase my love for this culture is just being in it. Specifically, I got the chance to explore New Delhi on my own today and really relished the experience. I will admit that walking the streets alone was a bit of an... "adventure", but the people watching and cultural observation was worth it! I set off from the YWCA and walked past a monument that is on all the maps. To be honest, I don't quite understand what it is, but I was told it helped to tell time in ancient days. Again, I didn't quite get it, but was pleased that I'd found and checked off an historical, tourist landmark. I walked down a street (the wrong one, it turned out) that was full of people who are paid to protest various political bills. Between noon and 3 on various days they gather and demonstrate.After walking down this street twice (like I said, it was the wrong one), I finally made it to the Imperial Hotel, one of the oldest and most beautiful hotels in all of India (according to their brochure). I was asked for my autograph there (I don't know why; I guess we can chalk it up to a "Karisa Experience"); no, I didn't give it! I then went to the Januper Market area, a place with many outdoor shops and ended up at a McDonalds for my ice cream fudge Sunday fix. I completed my time with a walk in a "park", where I sat on a bench and observed people in the outdoor market, before hiring a rickshaw to take me home. During this ride I learned the valuable lesson that rickshaw drivers are paid commission to take you to shop locations, as my driver tried to take me to several before taking me home. I believe that in the future I should be firm about my destination before I hop in!
The Indian people, as a culture, are so friendly and helpful! I have been most impressed and encouraged by how readily they extend themselves into conversation with me. It has allowed me to ask lots of questions about individuals and about the culture. It has also allowed me to share easily about why I am here in India -- they are always amazed I am staying so long. I have been presented with numerous opportunities to share openly, albiet briefly at times, the gospel, and I am encouraged, challenged, and joyful for it! Please continue to pray for these opportunities -- that I would be obedient to willingly & readily share my faith.
On a more humorous note (and to return to Cademon's Call lyrics) I spent the day with a certain phrase of their song running through my head. It became an almost anthem, actually, as I "puttered" (that word has not nearly enough action packed into it to be an adequate adjective)around in my autorickshaw. Although I'm forgetting the first words, it goes something like this... "...rickshaws beg the question, 'Are all these red lights just suggestions?' Oh, it's gonna be OK, they know dead men can't pay..." That, my friends, is driving in India.
One thing that is helping me increase my love for this culture is just being in it. Specifically, I got the chance to explore New Delhi on my own today and really relished the experience. I will admit that walking the streets alone was a bit of an... "adventure", but the people watching and cultural observation was worth it! I set off from the YWCA and walked past a monument that is on all the maps. To be honest, I don't quite understand what it is, but I was told it helped to tell time in ancient days. Again, I didn't quite get it, but was pleased that I'd found and checked off an historical, tourist landmark. I walked down a street (the wrong one, it turned out) that was full of people who are paid to protest various political bills. Between noon and 3 on various days they gather and demonstrate.After walking down this street twice (like I said, it was the wrong one), I finally made it to the Imperial Hotel, one of the oldest and most beautiful hotels in all of India (according to their brochure). I was asked for my autograph there (I don't know why; I guess we can chalk it up to a "Karisa Experience"); no, I didn't give it! I then went to the Januper Market area, a place with many outdoor shops and ended up at a McDonalds for my ice cream fudge Sunday fix. I completed my time with a walk in a "park", where I sat on a bench and observed people in the outdoor market, before hiring a rickshaw to take me home. During this ride I learned the valuable lesson that rickshaw drivers are paid commission to take you to shop locations, as my driver tried to take me to several before taking me home. I believe that in the future I should be firm about my destination before I hop in!
The Indian people, as a culture, are so friendly and helpful! I have been most impressed and encouraged by how readily they extend themselves into conversation with me. It has allowed me to ask lots of questions about individuals and about the culture. It has also allowed me to share easily about why I am here in India -- they are always amazed I am staying so long. I have been presented with numerous opportunities to share openly, albiet briefly at times, the gospel, and I am encouraged, challenged, and joyful for it! Please continue to pray for these opportunities -- that I would be obedient to willingly & readily share my faith.
On a more humorous note (and to return to Cademon's Call lyrics) I spent the day with a certain phrase of their song running through my head. It became an almost anthem, actually, as I "puttered" (that word has not nearly enough action packed into it to be an adequate adjective)around in my autorickshaw. Although I'm forgetting the first words, it goes something like this... "...rickshaws beg the question, 'Are all these red lights just suggestions?' Oh, it's gonna be OK, they know dead men can't pay..." That, my friends, is driving in India.
Friday, October 13, 2006
I'm here!
Dear Ones,
After a 21-hour trip, I arrived safely in Delhi, India! I was greeted at the airport by my new friends, Brejun (Sheila's assistant) and Simu (Sheila's adopted son). Since I arrived at 6:15 in the morning (to early to check into the YWCA, where I am staying for 4 days) they took me on a walking tour of the block and showed me the YMCA book store down the street. We hit the ground running, with Brejun heading up us sharing the gospel with a man we met there. Brejun just LOVES talking about the Lord; he gets giddy about it. His joy had an infectious impact on Bruno, the French man we were sharing with, and Brejun will be following up with him again. The rest of the day was spent sleeping off my jet lag and sleeping through the night (yay!).
I have felt fine all day, no touch of jet lag at all and have taken no naps... I will sleep well tonight, though! After a leisurely morning in my room, reading and journaling and overlooking the city (I have a small balcony overlooking a busy street), two co-workers of Sheila's, Christopher and Solomon came to show me more of India. So for the past three hours I've been puttering around in an autorickshaw (they describe it as a gasoline trike... I'll have pictures soon), stopping at the local indoor and outdoor markets to get a feel for Delhi and the culture. One thing I will surely have to get used to is being stared at. Everything about me is odd, from my white skin to my red hair. It makes wandering through the marketplace even more interesting, to say the least.
This afternoon's experience confirmed my fist impression of India... "whoa". Everyone and everything is so unique, busy, different, poor, beautiful, colorful, cacophonous... I hope to be able to give you more specific descriptions soon, but I think I need to process it a bit more. What a combination of life there is here; it's so incongruent, I both appreciate it and am confounded by it.
I am anxious to end my time here at the YWCA (relaxing as it has been) and be with Sheila. I have not seen her yet, as her home is quite a distance from this part of Delhi, and she is not feeling well and has been ordered to rest as much as possible. I will be with her soon, probably on Sunday.
Please continue to pray for me as I settle in here. I've had moments of being overwhelmed, confused, and lonely, but also wonderful times of rest, adventure, and peace. Please pray for my time in God's Word, as today I started a plan to read through the Bible in my 10 months here. Please pray for Aunty (Sheila), as she needs to be resting. Please pray that I would know my place and what it looks like for me to live here and serve here. Please pray that I would love this place and these dear people, and that I would long for God to be glorified more than I would long for the comfort of home or friends and family.
I love you all!
In case you wondered, India is 13 hours ahead of California time. So, if it's 2PM on a Wednesday for you, it's 3AM on Thursday for me. Hope that helps!
After a 21-hour trip, I arrived safely in Delhi, India! I was greeted at the airport by my new friends, Brejun (Sheila's assistant) and Simu (Sheila's adopted son). Since I arrived at 6:15 in the morning (to early to check into the YWCA, where I am staying for 4 days) they took me on a walking tour of the block and showed me the YMCA book store down the street. We hit the ground running, with Brejun heading up us sharing the gospel with a man we met there. Brejun just LOVES talking about the Lord; he gets giddy about it. His joy had an infectious impact on Bruno, the French man we were sharing with, and Brejun will be following up with him again. The rest of the day was spent sleeping off my jet lag and sleeping through the night (yay!).
I have felt fine all day, no touch of jet lag at all and have taken no naps... I will sleep well tonight, though! After a leisurely morning in my room, reading and journaling and overlooking the city (I have a small balcony overlooking a busy street), two co-workers of Sheila's, Christopher and Solomon came to show me more of India. So for the past three hours I've been puttering around in an autorickshaw (they describe it as a gasoline trike... I'll have pictures soon), stopping at the local indoor and outdoor markets to get a feel for Delhi and the culture. One thing I will surely have to get used to is being stared at. Everything about me is odd, from my white skin to my red hair. It makes wandering through the marketplace even more interesting, to say the least.
This afternoon's experience confirmed my fist impression of India... "whoa". Everyone and everything is so unique, busy, different, poor, beautiful, colorful, cacophonous... I hope to be able to give you more specific descriptions soon, but I think I need to process it a bit more. What a combination of life there is here; it's so incongruent, I both appreciate it and am confounded by it.
I am anxious to end my time here at the YWCA (relaxing as it has been) and be with Sheila. I have not seen her yet, as her home is quite a distance from this part of Delhi, and she is not feeling well and has been ordered to rest as much as possible. I will be with her soon, probably on Sunday.
Please continue to pray for me as I settle in here. I've had moments of being overwhelmed, confused, and lonely, but also wonderful times of rest, adventure, and peace. Please pray for my time in God's Word, as today I started a plan to read through the Bible in my 10 months here. Please pray for Aunty (Sheila), as she needs to be resting. Please pray that I would know my place and what it looks like for me to live here and serve here. Please pray that I would love this place and these dear people, and that I would long for God to be glorified more than I would long for the comfort of home or friends and family.
I love you all!
In case you wondered, India is 13 hours ahead of California time. So, if it's 2PM on a Wednesday for you, it's 3AM on Thursday for me. Hope that helps!
Tuesday, October 03, 2006
7...6...5...
...the countdown has begun! Exactly one week from today I will be boarding a plane for my new life in India; I can't believe how quickly my departure date has crept up on me!
First things first, I survived the triathlon, ankle and all! I met my goal of finishing in under 2 and a half hours (I did 2:01:48) AND of not being the last person in my age group (it should be noted that I was the next to the last person. It was difficult, but exhilarating, and a beautiful time of fellowship, actually, with my "teammates". We all can't wait to do it next year. I hope to post pictures soon, but haven't figured out that aspect of my blogging life.
I have felt very supported -- through individual visits with family and friends to my church's prayer time for me on Sunday -- these past several weeks. I am so sad to be leaving home, but so joyful to be moving forward with what I am confident is God's gracious plan for me. I've appreciated everyone's prayers and expressions of love.
Please continue to pray for me as I plow through details... here are some specific items:
* I'm sick, and need to see my doctor, but am having trouble with insurance
* Financial concerns: It looks like I'm just under $1,000 short of my budget
* Saying goodbye... and saying it well. I want to say goodbye in a loving, encouraging, excited way, NOT a stressful, selfish way
* Packing: Jessy knows I'm the world's most optimistic packer, and I usually make it work, but fitting everything in my 2 suitcases is going to be a test for even the mighty optimist packer. Please pray that things like medicine and books will fit in easily without adding too much weight
* My computer: I'm currently in Biola's deep dungeon, waiting for the outcome of a computer test. Please pray that it will be fixed easily so that I can take my computer to India.
* Spiritual preparedness... as I prepare to leave, I want to be ever mindful of the blessings of the Lord and of his faithful, continuous work and hand in my life. Pray that I will daily rejoice in my salvation and that I will be motivated to leave for India based on a desire to proclaim his name.
Thanks for your prayers...I love you all!
First things first, I survived the triathlon, ankle and all! I met my goal of finishing in under 2 and a half hours (I did 2:01:48) AND of not being the last person in my age group (it should be noted that I was the next to the last person. It was difficult, but exhilarating, and a beautiful time of fellowship, actually, with my "teammates". We all can't wait to do it next year. I hope to post pictures soon, but haven't figured out that aspect of my blogging life.
I have felt very supported -- through individual visits with family and friends to my church's prayer time for me on Sunday -- these past several weeks. I am so sad to be leaving home, but so joyful to be moving forward with what I am confident is God's gracious plan for me. I've appreciated everyone's prayers and expressions of love.
Please continue to pray for me as I plow through details... here are some specific items:
* I'm sick, and need to see my doctor, but am having trouble with insurance
* Financial concerns: It looks like I'm just under $1,000 short of my budget
* Saying goodbye... and saying it well. I want to say goodbye in a loving, encouraging, excited way, NOT a stressful, selfish way
* Packing: Jessy knows I'm the world's most optimistic packer, and I usually make it work, but fitting everything in my 2 suitcases is going to be a test for even the mighty optimist packer. Please pray that things like medicine and books will fit in easily without adding too much weight
* My computer: I'm currently in Biola's deep dungeon, waiting for the outcome of a computer test. Please pray that it will be fixed easily so that I can take my computer to India.
* Spiritual preparedness... as I prepare to leave, I want to be ever mindful of the blessings of the Lord and of his faithful, continuous work and hand in my life. Pray that I will daily rejoice in my salvation and that I will be motivated to leave for India based on a desire to proclaim his name.
Thanks for your prayers...I love you all!
Wednesday, September 20, 2006
...and in non-India related news...
September 24th (countdown: 4 days) about 8 friends, my brother Ryan, and I are all participating in the Long Beach Triathlon Sprint. You can check out the course at this site. If I don't die in the ocean, am able to finish before the sun sets, and keep from falling on my face, I'll consider this a highly successful event! :)
October 10, 2006
I've got a fun announcement! I've confirmed my plane ticket; I'm leaving for India on Tuesday, October 10th at 9:30 PM from LAX.I'll have only one stop over, in London, England (where I hope to get out, stretch my legs, and visit some of my "old" haunts) before arriving on October 11th in New Delhi, India.
Since it's been a while since I last posted, let me catch you up on some of the blessings I've experienced in the past month...
... I received my long awaited visa!
... financial support and thoughtful gifts (such as a sleeping bag, backpack, and theological resources) have all been kindly given to me
... I am finishing well at work --my last day is Friday, September 22-- and have been extremely supported by my company as a whole; not only are they offering me substantial financial support, but they've allowed me to share my heart with the entire staff
...I have spent sweet times with friends (camping in San Luis); I'm looking forward to more of those before I leave
Thanks for your continued prayers. I'm incredibly thankful for them!
Oh, and thank you SO MUCH for the comments on the last post, Jerilyn, Steve, and Grace! They made my day. :)
Since it's been a while since I last posted, let me catch you up on some of the blessings I've experienced in the past month...
... I received my long awaited visa!
... financial support and thoughtful gifts (such as a sleeping bag, backpack, and theological resources) have all been kindly given to me
... I am finishing well at work --my last day is Friday, September 22-- and have been extremely supported by my company as a whole; not only are they offering me substantial financial support, but they've allowed me to share my heart with the entire staff
...I have spent sweet times with friends (camping in San Luis); I'm looking forward to more of those before I leave
Thanks for your continued prayers. I'm incredibly thankful for them!
Oh, and thank you SO MUCH for the comments on the last post, Jerilyn, Steve, and Grace! They made my day. :)
Saturday, August 19, 2006
Namaste!
I suppose to "have" a blog, one must actually post on said blog. Voila! My first post, for your viewing pleasure!
Most everyone checking out this humble little posting abode are most likely friends interested in my upcoming India adventures - thank you for doing so. I am extremely appreciative of your interest in my plans, your prayers, and your support.
In this first post, I hope to answer some questions I get consistently regarding my upcoming trip. Let me know if you have others!
Q: Uhm, I missed something. You're going somewhere?
A: Yup, I'm going to India. Delhi, India to be specific.
Q: When are you leaving? Oh, and how long will you be gone?
A: Great question. So glad you asked... I'm leaving the week of September 24th, most likely the 28th or 29th. I will be living in India for 9-10 months.
Q: What organization are you going with?
A: I'm actually going to serve with an individual, a woman named Sheila Massey. Sheila, a native of India, works with Women's International Needs Network - India (WINN-INDIA).
Q: Why are you going to India, anyway?
A: Sorry friends, but this is going to be a long answer...
...Let me give you a little background: upon graduating from Biola in 2004, I was provided with a position at ECCU (www.eccu.org). I quickly realized that I had been blessed with a salary that, if I lived carefully, would allow me to repay my school and other debt within one year. Through God’s graciousness I was able to meet that goal. As a result, I began to pray about how I – single and unencumbered by debt or other obligations -- might best use the “free time” in my life for God’s glory and greater purpose before pursuing what I believe is His next step for me – graduate school in preparation for full time mission work. I began praying specifically that God would provide an opportunity to serve overseas. I had grown up being involved with overseas missions, specifically missions to Romanian orphans, and my long term goals had always encompassed returning to ministry. At the same time that I began praying in these ways, my home church, Grace EV Free of La Mirada was in the midst of studying Acts. Instead of getting too comfortable with (and dependent on) my community, my home, and my salary (something I was in danger of), our time in Acts each week meant I felt continually convicted and encouraged to pursue praying about boldly sharing God’s word with the nations.
Then, when a team of my dearest friends from Grace went to India in early January of last year, I committed to pray for them daily. As I heard their updates my heart began to grow in love for the Indian people, as well as for Sheila and her ministry. When the team came back and I heard specifically from Erik and Donna about their work, Sheila’s ministry, and the continued needs, I began to see how God might use me there. Through Erik and Donna’s encouragement and God directing my heart, I began to see how my time at ECCU, a place where I’d developed certain administrative and organizational skills, might aid Sheila in setting up and maintaining an “office”. Also, as I learned that some of the other areas in which Sheila could be supported were hospitality, teaching, and gathering stories for the purpose of writing a biography on her life, I saw even more ways that God has been particularly preparing me for this type of service. Discussions with Sheila, Sonny, Erik, and Donna followed, and out of those conversations I watched God faithfully answer my prayers for an opportunity to serve Him with my “free time”.
Q: So what exactly will you be doing?
A: Like it says above, I'll be working with Sheila in her already established ministry. My primarily goal will be to serve Sheila in whatever ways she desires (be it cooking or speaking or cleaning or studying the Word) so that she is freed up for even more effective service. So far it looks like the ways that will most help Sheila are: working with her assistant to help him better establish her office, providing a study partner as she spends time in the Word and prepares for conferences, providing discipleship and hospitality to people in Sheila's life, and writing Sheila's biography. I'll be busy!
Q: What is left for you to do before you go?
A: So MUCH! I'll continue to work at ECCU up until September 22. Meanwhile I've got to be working on the myriads of details that will need to be in place before I leave. The most pressing at the moment are (1) getting my visa, (2) finishing raising support (i.e., sending out a support letter!), and (3) buying my plane ticket.
Thanks again for your interest in my trip. In the future I'll use this blog to keep you updated on my progress towards leaving, and, once in India, hopefully "take you along" on my trip by using comments on this blog as a window from which you can view God's work in my heart and in India.
With love for all of you dear ones,
Most everyone checking out this humble little posting abode are most likely friends interested in my upcoming India adventures - thank you for doing so. I am extremely appreciative of your interest in my plans, your prayers, and your support.
In this first post, I hope to answer some questions I get consistently regarding my upcoming trip. Let me know if you have others!
Q: Uhm, I missed something. You're going somewhere?
A: Yup, I'm going to India. Delhi, India to be specific.
Q: When are you leaving? Oh, and how long will you be gone?
A: Great question. So glad you asked... I'm leaving the week of September 24th, most likely the 28th or 29th. I will be living in India for 9-10 months.
Q: What organization are you going with?
A: I'm actually going to serve with an individual, a woman named Sheila Massey. Sheila, a native of India, works with Women's International Needs Network - India (WINN-INDIA).
Q: Why are you going to India, anyway?
A: Sorry friends, but this is going to be a long answer...
...Let me give you a little background: upon graduating from Biola in 2004, I was provided with a position at ECCU (www.eccu.org). I quickly realized that I had been blessed with a salary that, if I lived carefully, would allow me to repay my school and other debt within one year. Through God’s graciousness I was able to meet that goal. As a result, I began to pray about how I – single and unencumbered by debt or other obligations -- might best use the “free time” in my life for God’s glory and greater purpose before pursuing what I believe is His next step for me – graduate school in preparation for full time mission work. I began praying specifically that God would provide an opportunity to serve overseas. I had grown up being involved with overseas missions, specifically missions to Romanian orphans, and my long term goals had always encompassed returning to ministry. At the same time that I began praying in these ways, my home church, Grace EV Free of La Mirada was in the midst of studying Acts. Instead of getting too comfortable with (and dependent on) my community, my home, and my salary (something I was in danger of), our time in Acts each week meant I felt continually convicted and encouraged to pursue praying about boldly sharing God’s word with the nations.
Then, when a team of my dearest friends from Grace went to India in early January of last year, I committed to pray for them daily. As I heard their updates my heart began to grow in love for the Indian people, as well as for Sheila and her ministry. When the team came back and I heard specifically from Erik and Donna about their work, Sheila’s ministry, and the continued needs, I began to see how God might use me there. Through Erik and Donna’s encouragement and God directing my heart, I began to see how my time at ECCU, a place where I’d developed certain administrative and organizational skills, might aid Sheila in setting up and maintaining an “office”. Also, as I learned that some of the other areas in which Sheila could be supported were hospitality, teaching, and gathering stories for the purpose of writing a biography on her life, I saw even more ways that God has been particularly preparing me for this type of service. Discussions with Sheila, Sonny, Erik, and Donna followed, and out of those conversations I watched God faithfully answer my prayers for an opportunity to serve Him with my “free time”.
Q: So what exactly will you be doing?
A: Like it says above, I'll be working with Sheila in her already established ministry. My primarily goal will be to serve Sheila in whatever ways she desires (be it cooking or speaking or cleaning or studying the Word) so that she is freed up for even more effective service. So far it looks like the ways that will most help Sheila are: working with her assistant to help him better establish her office, providing a study partner as she spends time in the Word and prepares for conferences, providing discipleship and hospitality to people in Sheila's life, and writing Sheila's biography. I'll be busy!
Q: What is left for you to do before you go?
A: So MUCH! I'll continue to work at ECCU up until September 22. Meanwhile I've got to be working on the myriads of details that will need to be in place before I leave. The most pressing at the moment are (1) getting my visa, (2) finishing raising support (i.e., sending out a support letter!), and (3) buying my plane ticket.
Thanks again for your interest in my trip. In the future I'll use this blog to keep you updated on my progress towards leaving, and, once in India, hopefully "take you along" on my trip by using comments on this blog as a window from which you can view God's work in my heart and in India.
With love for all of you dear ones,
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