Monday during CDC Regina, the teacher that I work with told me she admires me because I never scold the children, I always just smile... while this was very kind of her, it’s not for lack of desire to scold that I don’t, it’s just that I don’t know the words. I tried to tell a boy he was naughty once, and instead called him a monkey, so I think I’ll just stick to the smiling. Monday night after CDC Deepa, one of the teachers who really doesn’t speak much English, insisted that I come to her house, which Kingsley surprisingly gave in to, perhaps because it was a “walkable distance” means like 12 feet. He gave us half an hour, but after visiting every person she’s ever known and eating the strangest assortments of food ever, I came back about 2 hours later. That man didn’t even care.
Tuesday was a big Hindu holiday, so the kids didn’t have CDC, and Kingsley, for some reason I cannot understand at all, decided I should go nose ring shopping with Deepa and Regina!! By foot!! However, due to the fact that I was wearing a shin length skirt and t-shirt, I had to change... inappropriate you know. This will always be one of my favourite memories of India, the “pillar of Aubrey”, each girl (they’re the same age as I am so I don’t really know what to call them) on either side of me, holding my hide, and continually telling me how “jolly” they are... happiness is so simple here. After buying my new nose ring, they had a series of whispering conferences, and took me to this shop to buy me SO much jewelry that I never would have picked for myself but really is beautiful... I should be giving them things, but here they are, buying me anything they think I could possibly want! We went to have tea afterwards, because that’s just what you do, and I swear they asked me if I wanted every single thing in the little stall. When I would say no thanks, Deepa would get very angry looking and tell me she hated my words. Oh goodness I will miss those 2!
Wednesday I finished my last book due to the fact that the power was out all day, and prayed that Mumbai would be full of things to do, because as much as I’ve come to appreciate relaxing, having nothing to occupy my interest still scares me, I think lonliness itself scares me. But I think God heard my prayers in a different way than I meant to pray them, because during CDC Kingsley called me to the window to tell me that Raj will be busy this week and I can no longer go to Mumbai. Which means I basically forfeit almost all of the money I paid for the tickets, and go with him to Kotagiri, but really I don’t care, in fact I can really see a lot of good in it. God is in control, and I have no doubt that He has my best interest in mind, so it’s actually better than ok! In Kotagiri I’ll get to help Kings finish painting his church, help him pick out some new sound equipment, visit that CDC again, and attend a wedding of one of his friends! And when I’m leaving I’ll only have to wait in the airport alone 2 hours instead of the 6 I would have had to had I gone to Mumbai!
I also got to chase chickens with an old woman today... just delightful really.
Thursday, today, I was just overwhelmed by the way God has worked here, by the certainty that I have regarding the fact that I really was called to India for the last 3 weeks, for SO many reasons... But blessings tend to be forgotten if they’re not shared, and I think that’s something else I’ve been increasingly aware of while I was here... accountability isn’t just about keeping one another doing the right things morally, it’s also simply about sharing in the ONLY things that REALLY matter in this life...I read today in “Follow Me to Freedom”, a book I would recommend to anyone, “we begin to heal when we share in one another’s pain...”. So so true.
As I said goodbye to the kids tonight I thought it would probably be easier this time, because they didn’t throw a big celebration like last year, it was just another night at CDC, but really it was harder, because the kids just kept coming back to kiss me and tell me goodbye one more time, to hold my hand, and to tell me they love me through tear filled eyes. One girl told me I should come back next year, and my reply was something along the lines of lots of money. She thought for a second, and her eyes lit up as she told me “Jesus will help you!” Just beautiful.
But I can’t wait to be home, I can’t wait to share with each one of you in this journey we’re on! I love you all so much!
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Monday, August 2, 2010
more than enough
Well it’s once again been far too long since I’ve blogged for how much I have to say, but I think today I’ll break it down into days. This way, if you become too fatigued, you can take a rest between days.
First, because this does not fit into any particular day, I would like to tell my mother that she would hardly recognize me... I have become obsessively clean. Like I can’t leave my room without it being completely straight, my suitcase entirely organized, and my blanket folded. Get up off the floor momma. Strange things just happen to me in India.
I think quizas I left off last Wednesday, but my quizas reminded me of another story that just needs to be told before I even get into what’s happened since I last blogged. The work and witness team consisted of a very diverse mixture of people, one who happened to be named Eva... Kingsley called her the naughty filipino. I think I may have talked about her in my last blog, but come to find out, while she was trying to invite everyone to the church dedication, she was inviting them in Spanish! Which she doesn’t even really know, but tries to know. Bless her heart.
Wednesday- I had been looking forward to CDC, as I do everyday, and just as I was about to get ready for it Kingsley’s dad told me to be ready in 15 minutes because we were going to Trichy... over an hour later we left, and I was less than pleased. But it really turned out to be wonderful, mostly because it allowed me to really interact with Kingsley and his family, especially Sweety, who is just extremely shy! She was telling me that at her college a lot of professors will come from other countries and teach courses for just 1 month, then go home... I like this. More thoughts on that when I get home.
Thursday- The teachers at the CDC decided they wanted to take me shopping, but Regina goes to school during the day, so it would have to be on Saturday. They were too afraid to ask Kingsley, so I told them I would ask them, which they found to be”so so so bold”. They then insisted I come up with a plan that instant, so I did (mostly it consisted of a long drawn out please and slightly flirty eyes), but then they decided it must be carried out immediately. Since Kingsley wasn’t home we called him on Regina’s phone (resulting in a lack of flirty eyes) and he said yes, but he needed to talk to Regina 1st. I handed her the phone, which she promptly threw in Deepa’s lap and ran from the building... I don’t know why these women are so scared of that man! A plan was drawn up, but due to factors that I’m not altogether aware of, but may have something to do with the fact that Regina went to dance class instead of coming to teach the next day, I never went shopping with them. Oh well, the planning was delightful, and there’s nothing I really need in India that I do not already have! Side note: my plane ticket to Mumbai has finally been secured as of about 5 minutes ago... I’ve been working on it since the day I got here, but due to Indian’s complete disregard of timeliness, it was impossible to get Kingsley to purchase it til today. This has resulted in a dramatic increase in price, but life goes on, and money is just money, and will be acquired again.
Back to Thursday... I must have looked extremely hungry in the morning, because I was given 4 pieces of French toast, at least 4 eggs, a glass of whole milk and sugar sprinkled with tea double the normal size, and a pancake thing bigger than my plate with vegetable sauce. For dinner, since my lunch had been similar in size, I asked if I could just have crackers and peanut butter, to which I thought Kingsley’s father responded yes, but perhaps I was wrong, because he then brought out a special treat for me... a mcdonalds “hamburger” loaded with mayo, cheese, and fried chicken, at least 20 dark meat chicken nuggets, and fries. But you know, I just ate it, and praised the Lord that eating here is just so different, so wonderful, and something I actually enjoy... maybe some of you know what I’m talking about, maybe you don’t, but this in itself is one of the biggest freedoms and blessings India has to offer.
Friday- Kingsley finally came home... he had been mia for multiple days, but he came back finally, and he hugged me!! With no prompting!! I really miss touch here...
Mother, just to let you know, we have found someone who loses more things than I do.
Saturday- I don’t say a lot about days here, because to the average person they’re just so not exciting, and probably would make people think I’m lonely or something, but the greatest thing is, I’m just not... They are so FULL of relationship, a relationship I far to often neglect in America, because I can get direct responses from anyone around me at any moment I desire, but here, He truly is my BEST friend, and he DOES respond... He is my greatest distraction. I’ve been reading Romans,Peter, Luke, “Follow Me to Freedom”, and the Mark of the Lion Series, and the ways they all correspond with one another and enhance the reading of the other has just been so beautiful... not to mention the amazing peace I’ve been given about where I am in my life, the plans God has for me in my current job, my major, my relationships... God has placed me where I am for a reason I absolutely CANNOT deny! I just cannot express to you what a blessing this has been... PLEASE ask me about this when I get home, there’s so much I want to say to each one of you, so much truth God has spoken into my heart!
Saturday evening we had martial arts, during which I was called back to the house just to drink tea, but I wish I had not returned... basically it was an Indian disaster... It started off humorous and ended just entirely uncomfortable due to my flexibility and the instructor’s fasicnation with it.
Sunday- I was so blessed to be able to preach at a church that we painted last year with Beyonce... it’s now decorated beautifully, with a Santa Clause mask hanging directly above the podium.
I spoke on the hope that I have, living out of that hope, and accountability with others in our journey... probably other stuff too, but the Spirit was so faithful, and really just let the words flow.
But really, I think I may have been preaching to myself just as much as the Indian people, to see them worshipping and praying, their hope is just so evident...
Sunday was honestly kind of hard though in the afternoon, because I really missed my Sunday dinner time, and community in general. But then Kingsley and I started talking, and he suggested we watch the church service online of the work and witness team and my dear friends Tiffany and Dan... I first I wasn’t particularly excited about it, but I’m so glad we did!! I got to hear Tiffany play a flute duet, and it was such a wonderful service, and amazing to hear the team’s views on India related back to the church in America. Apparently after I left (the team stayed for 3 more days) about 20 kids were saved... and to think that I was questioning the team... I still wonder how the children will be discipled, but I know transformation has to start somewhere, and God is bigger than anything I can imagine... please pray for these kids though.
Also, one of the songs they played has kind of been my song for the trip... “You’re more than enough for me, Jesus you’re all I need, You hold my world in your hands...” Coincidence? Probably not.
Well you should probably go take rest now... Not sure if I’ll get to blog again before I get home, since I don’t know what my computer situation will be in Mumbai, but I love you all!
First, because this does not fit into any particular day, I would like to tell my mother that she would hardly recognize me... I have become obsessively clean. Like I can’t leave my room without it being completely straight, my suitcase entirely organized, and my blanket folded. Get up off the floor momma. Strange things just happen to me in India.
I think quizas I left off last Wednesday, but my quizas reminded me of another story that just needs to be told before I even get into what’s happened since I last blogged. The work and witness team consisted of a very diverse mixture of people, one who happened to be named Eva... Kingsley called her the naughty filipino. I think I may have talked about her in my last blog, but come to find out, while she was trying to invite everyone to the church dedication, she was inviting them in Spanish! Which she doesn’t even really know, but tries to know. Bless her heart.
Wednesday- I had been looking forward to CDC, as I do everyday, and just as I was about to get ready for it Kingsley’s dad told me to be ready in 15 minutes because we were going to Trichy... over an hour later we left, and I was less than pleased. But it really turned out to be wonderful, mostly because it allowed me to really interact with Kingsley and his family, especially Sweety, who is just extremely shy! She was telling me that at her college a lot of professors will come from other countries and teach courses for just 1 month, then go home... I like this. More thoughts on that when I get home.
Thursday- The teachers at the CDC decided they wanted to take me shopping, but Regina goes to school during the day, so it would have to be on Saturday. They were too afraid to ask Kingsley, so I told them I would ask them, which they found to be”so so so bold”. They then insisted I come up with a plan that instant, so I did (mostly it consisted of a long drawn out please and slightly flirty eyes), but then they decided it must be carried out immediately. Since Kingsley wasn’t home we called him on Regina’s phone (resulting in a lack of flirty eyes) and he said yes, but he needed to talk to Regina 1st. I handed her the phone, which she promptly threw in Deepa’s lap and ran from the building... I don’t know why these women are so scared of that man! A plan was drawn up, but due to factors that I’m not altogether aware of, but may have something to do with the fact that Regina went to dance class instead of coming to teach the next day, I never went shopping with them. Oh well, the planning was delightful, and there’s nothing I really need in India that I do not already have! Side note: my plane ticket to Mumbai has finally been secured as of about 5 minutes ago... I’ve been working on it since the day I got here, but due to Indian’s complete disregard of timeliness, it was impossible to get Kingsley to purchase it til today. This has resulted in a dramatic increase in price, but life goes on, and money is just money, and will be acquired again.
Back to Thursday... I must have looked extremely hungry in the morning, because I was given 4 pieces of French toast, at least 4 eggs, a glass of whole milk and sugar sprinkled with tea double the normal size, and a pancake thing bigger than my plate with vegetable sauce. For dinner, since my lunch had been similar in size, I asked if I could just have crackers and peanut butter, to which I thought Kingsley’s father responded yes, but perhaps I was wrong, because he then brought out a special treat for me... a mcdonalds “hamburger” loaded with mayo, cheese, and fried chicken, at least 20 dark meat chicken nuggets, and fries. But you know, I just ate it, and praised the Lord that eating here is just so different, so wonderful, and something I actually enjoy... maybe some of you know what I’m talking about, maybe you don’t, but this in itself is one of the biggest freedoms and blessings India has to offer.
Friday- Kingsley finally came home... he had been mia for multiple days, but he came back finally, and he hugged me!! With no prompting!! I really miss touch here...
Mother, just to let you know, we have found someone who loses more things than I do.
Saturday- I don’t say a lot about days here, because to the average person they’re just so not exciting, and probably would make people think I’m lonely or something, but the greatest thing is, I’m just not... They are so FULL of relationship, a relationship I far to often neglect in America, because I can get direct responses from anyone around me at any moment I desire, but here, He truly is my BEST friend, and he DOES respond... He is my greatest distraction. I’ve been reading Romans,Peter, Luke, “Follow Me to Freedom”, and the Mark of the Lion Series, and the ways they all correspond with one another and enhance the reading of the other has just been so beautiful... not to mention the amazing peace I’ve been given about where I am in my life, the plans God has for me in my current job, my major, my relationships... God has placed me where I am for a reason I absolutely CANNOT deny! I just cannot express to you what a blessing this has been... PLEASE ask me about this when I get home, there’s so much I want to say to each one of you, so much truth God has spoken into my heart!
Saturday evening we had martial arts, during which I was called back to the house just to drink tea, but I wish I had not returned... basically it was an Indian disaster... It started off humorous and ended just entirely uncomfortable due to my flexibility and the instructor’s fasicnation with it.
Sunday- I was so blessed to be able to preach at a church that we painted last year with Beyonce... it’s now decorated beautifully, with a Santa Clause mask hanging directly above the podium.
I spoke on the hope that I have, living out of that hope, and accountability with others in our journey... probably other stuff too, but the Spirit was so faithful, and really just let the words flow.
But really, I think I may have been preaching to myself just as much as the Indian people, to see them worshipping and praying, their hope is just so evident...
Sunday was honestly kind of hard though in the afternoon, because I really missed my Sunday dinner time, and community in general. But then Kingsley and I started talking, and he suggested we watch the church service online of the work and witness team and my dear friends Tiffany and Dan... I first I wasn’t particularly excited about it, but I’m so glad we did!! I got to hear Tiffany play a flute duet, and it was such a wonderful service, and amazing to hear the team’s views on India related back to the church in America. Apparently after I left (the team stayed for 3 more days) about 20 kids were saved... and to think that I was questioning the team... I still wonder how the children will be discipled, but I know transformation has to start somewhere, and God is bigger than anything I can imagine... please pray for these kids though.
Also, one of the songs they played has kind of been my song for the trip... “You’re more than enough for me, Jesus you’re all I need, You hold my world in your hands...” Coincidence? Probably not.
Well you should probably go take rest now... Not sure if I’ll get to blog again before I get home, since I don’t know what my computer situation will be in Mumbai, but I love you all!
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