Down to two weeks in my city. I've been feeling so overwhelmed as I strive to finish projects, say goodbyes, and continue to share truth with friends. In my mind, there's no way I can get everything on my list done. But the Lord so faithfully ministered to me tonight through this song and Scripture.
"I Am" by Ginny Owens
No Lord, he said, you've got the wrong guy
Simple conversation gets me tongue-tied
And you're telling me to speak with a maniac king
Or could it be I've lost my mind
Besides, I am weak, don't you want someone strong
To lead them out of Egypt when they've been there so long
And anyway, they wont believe You ever spoke to me
It's not your problem, God replied
And the rest is history
Cause there's a bigger picture you can't see
You don't have to change the world, just trust in Me
'Cause I am your creator, I am working out my plan
And through you I will show them, I Am
Now Lord, are you sure? He's just a shepherd boy
Too small for battle gear with a giant to destroy
What on earth can he do with five stones and a sling
It's not your problem, God replied
'Cause I can do anything
There's a bigger picture you can't see
You don't have to change the world, just trust in me
'Cause I am your creator, I am working out my plan
And through you, I will show them
I am the first, I am the last
I am the present and the past
I am tomorrow and today
I am the only way
Great Lord, she said, I'm just a simple girl
You say that I will bring your son into the world
How can I understand this thing You're gonna do
It's not your problem, God replied
'Cause, there's a bigger picture
And you don't have to change the world (oh no)
I'm your creator, I am working out my plan
And through you, I will show them
There's a bigger picture, you can't see
You don't have to change the world, just trust in me
Cause I am your creator, I am working out my plan
And through you, I will show them, I Am
I Am
"What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ- the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith. I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his suffering, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead. Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." Philippians 3:8-14
Instead of feeling overwhelmed by tasks and stress, I am overcome by His grace and favor and willingness to use a broken vessel. I'm so blessed to have been given the opportunity to see Him at work here and get to be a small part of it.
My goal is no longer to check everything off the list. It is to be faithful to what He has called me to do. And doing that fills me with more joy than I could have ever imagined.
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Thursday, June 17, 2010
The Last Few Months
I had really great intentions of blogging about all the incredible and entertaining things that have happened in the past few months. I recently came to the realization, however, that it will never happen.
But I have a solution. My roommate, Megan, is an incredible blogger for several reasons. Number 1 is that she's a good writer. She blogs like she is sitting across the kitchen table telling a story. And I'm speaking from experience. This is a daily occurrence at our apartment. She also writes about the funny things that happen in every day life. I can't read her blog posts without laughing out loud. The best thing about her blog is that it is updated often. She doesn't wait months before writing a post like her procrastinating roomie. Instead, it usually happens the same day as one of our crazy adventures.
So now that I've done an infomercial for Megan's blog, you should go to it. And laugh and be moved and hear about the incredible things God has allowed us to see and experience over the past few months in South Asia.
www.megannarrative.com
P.S. I was granted permission to share this after our delicious and comforting Mexican meal tonight. Thanks Megan!
But I have a solution. My roommate, Megan, is an incredible blogger for several reasons. Number 1 is that she's a good writer. She blogs like she is sitting across the kitchen table telling a story. And I'm speaking from experience. This is a daily occurrence at our apartment. She also writes about the funny things that happen in every day life. I can't read her blog posts without laughing out loud. The best thing about her blog is that it is updated often. She doesn't wait months before writing a post like her procrastinating roomie. Instead, it usually happens the same day as one of our crazy adventures.
So now that I've done an infomercial for Megan's blog, you should go to it. And laugh and be moved and hear about the incredible things God has allowed us to see and experience over the past few months in South Asia.
www.megannarrative.com
P.S. I was granted permission to share this after our delicious and comforting Mexican meal tonight. Thanks Megan!
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Still Here...
... and planning to update very soon. It's just been crazy and there's more in my heart than I can get into one blog post. So keep praying.
I'm down to less than a month in my city, and I have no idea how to fit it all in. Pray we are wise stewards of our time as we start to wrap things up. It's going to be tough. My heart breaks thinking about saying goodbye to this season, to this place, and to these people.
I'm down to less than a month in my city, and I have no idea how to fit it all in. Pray we are wise stewards of our time as we start to wrap things up. It's going to be tough. My heart breaks thinking about saying goodbye to this season, to this place, and to these people.
Friday, May 14, 2010
A Need
Some of the sweetest times I have experienced so far in South Asia have been working with a local slum ministry. The directors have become incredible friends and mentors over the last few months, and I have fallen in love with they kids they welcome into their home each day. Each week, I am able to spend time teaching verses and lessons from the Word or praise songs to some of these children. I have been amazed and humbled by their prayers and faith that God will move.
That faith is on display right now. School starts again in just a few weeks, and the directors have no idea where the money for the children's schooling will come from. But they are trusting Him and stepping out in faith.
To hear it in their own words, here is a letter they recently wrote concerning the need.
About the slum kids:
Bangalore we have Slum children’s Ministry there are about 220 children, in this some are orphans and some are semi orphans (only one parent is alive). For some children though they have parents they are like orphans, only few children have parents.
All the children come to our house at 4.00p.m and stay till 8.30 p.m. During this time we tutor the children and help them in their home works and studies and they eat dinner. The children come in the morning for morning Devotion and then they study for some time and then they get ready and go to school.
When we first met these children they were not going to school at all and all the children aged from 8 to 10 years and above were addicted to drugs and alcohol. At that time we had heart for these Children. So we started with the Sunday school for them and after few weeks we started every day evening tutoring and then we put all the children in the school.
None of the parents are interested in sending the children to school because if the children grow little bit they can sent the children to work. The Girls can go for house work and the boys can go for the building labours and through this they end up with different bad habits. But we have encouraged about education to all the children and the parents and now we have all the children going to school some parents are supporting them.
For Slum Children Education:
Most of the children have no support at all for their education. If we help them then they will go to school every year if not they end up roaming in the slum and get along with many bad friends and start their old habits like smoking, alcohol, drugs stealing and so on.
Every year we have been relaying on our friends and well wishers to help these children in their schooling. This ministry is completely depending on God by faith.
This year 2010 March these kids were promoted and they are so excited to go to next class. We have 4 children who got 1st rank in their classes and majority have passed in 1st class.
In these 220 children we have 127 orphan and semi orphan children for them we have to help in their school fees, books, uniform etc. For other children we somehow encourage their parents to help the children go to school. Every year we struggle to raise money for these children schooling if not they will not go to school. Then their life will be miserable. Same way this year also we are praying for somebody to come forward to pay these children school fees. For each child it cost Rs 6,300 ($ 147 USD) for one year of schooling. This is one help which is in need very much because the children are starting the school on 24th May 2010.
It has been such a blessing for me to see God move as they pray in faith. I would love for you to join us in lifting this need before the Father and trusting Him to work in incredible ways. School starts in ten days. I have no idea how He will choose to move, but there is so much joy and peace in serving a big God who is more than able to meet all our needs (Philippians 4:19).
If you feel Him leading you to partner with this ministry, please let me know, or visit karunyaministries.wordpress.com.
"Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen." Ephesians 3:20-21
That faith is on display right now. School starts again in just a few weeks, and the directors have no idea where the money for the children's schooling will come from. But they are trusting Him and stepping out in faith.
To hear it in their own words, here is a letter they recently wrote concerning the need.
About the slum kids:
Bangalore we have Slum children’s Ministry there are about 220 children, in this some are orphans and some are semi orphans (only one parent is alive). For some children though they have parents they are like orphans, only few children have parents.
All the children come to our house at 4.00p.m and stay till 8.30 p.m. During this time we tutor the children and help them in their home works and studies and they eat dinner. The children come in the morning for morning Devotion and then they study for some time and then they get ready and go to school.
When we first met these children they were not going to school at all and all the children aged from 8 to 10 years and above were addicted to drugs and alcohol. At that time we had heart for these Children. So we started with the Sunday school for them and after few weeks we started every day evening tutoring and then we put all the children in the school.
None of the parents are interested in sending the children to school because if the children grow little bit they can sent the children to work. The Girls can go for house work and the boys can go for the building labours and through this they end up with different bad habits. But we have encouraged about education to all the children and the parents and now we have all the children going to school some parents are supporting them.
For Slum Children Education:
Most of the children have no support at all for their education. If we help them then they will go to school every year if not they end up roaming in the slum and get along with many bad friends and start their old habits like smoking, alcohol, drugs stealing and so on.
Every year we have been relaying on our friends and well wishers to help these children in their schooling. This ministry is completely depending on God by faith.
This year 2010 March these kids were promoted and they are so excited to go to next class. We have 4 children who got 1st rank in their classes and majority have passed in 1st class.
In these 220 children we have 127 orphan and semi orphan children for them we have to help in their school fees, books, uniform etc. For other children we somehow encourage their parents to help the children go to school. Every year we struggle to raise money for these children schooling if not they will not go to school. Then their life will be miserable. Same way this year also we are praying for somebody to come forward to pay these children school fees. For each child it cost Rs 6,300 ($ 147 USD) for one year of schooling. This is one help which is in need very much because the children are starting the school on 24th May 2010.
It has been such a blessing for me to see God move as they pray in faith. I would love for you to join us in lifting this need before the Father and trusting Him to work in incredible ways. School starts in ten days. I have no idea how He will choose to move, but there is so much joy and peace in serving a big God who is more than able to meet all our needs (Philippians 4:19).
If you feel Him leading you to partner with this ministry, please let me know, or visit karunyaministries.wordpress.com.
"Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen." Ephesians 3:20-21
Friday, May 7, 2010
The Groom
A few weeks ago, my teammate and I were invited to the wedding of a friend's cousin in her family's village. It was my first trip outside the city and my first wedding in this country.... so there were quite a few new experiences. A few of the highlights were helping to cook 20 kilos of biriyani, riding in a loory, drinking water from a coconut right off the tree, and sliding down the side of a mountain on purpose.
As fun as these experiences were, the wedding itself was a difficult event to attend, and would be even tougher to try to describe.
I was recently asked to share some of the things I'm learning on another blog, and this is my feeble attempt sum up the emotions and thoughts of that day....
Like most girls, I have spent countless hours dreaming about every little detail of my fairytale wedding. In all of my dreams and visions about this day, the only emotions I have felt are hopeful anticipation and blissful joy.
Despite my optimistic expectations, my perceptions of marriage were recently challenged. For the past four months, I have been serving in South Asia, and my ideas about love and marriage stand in direct opposition to many of my new friends’ mindsets. Many people here are in or awaiting arranged marriages. Most are lucky to spend any time with their spouse before the wedding day.
I attended my first wedding ceremony a few weeks ago (photo on right). My heart broke as I watched the sixteen-year old bride cry through each of the pre-wedding rituals. Her fear and stress were so tangible. She even vomited during the wedding ceremony. I found myself wishing she didn’t have to be getting married, but her duty to her family overshadowed any fear.
Instead of this fear and sense of responsibility, I wanted her to experience the joy and excitement I’ve seen on the faces of brides back at home. To know her husband’s heart intimately and look forward to serving the Lord together. To be thanking God for his providence in bringing the two of them together. To be looking at His incredible example for how to love selflessly. But she doesn’t know those thoughts and feelings.
As I shared this experience, a friend asked, “What do you think comes to mind when she hears ‘the bride of Christ’?” I was so struck by this thought and it continues to challenge me.
For the church, thinking about meeting our groom, Jesus Christ, leads to feelings of excitement and hope. He loves us more than we can comprehend, and we get to spend eternity praising Him in the place He has prepared for us. We will finally get to experience His glory and express our love for Him completely. As Revelation 19:7 says, “Let us rejoice and be glad and give Him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready.”
But not everyone rejoices when they think about the end of their life. Instead, there is fear and dread. They do not know Him or what to expect. They question His goodness and wisdom. Their thoughts of Him are associated with duty and rules, not love and freedom.
Our sisters are familiar with the parable in Matthew 25, but it has taken on new meaning for me in the past few months. So many of my friends and neighbors are not ready to meet their groom. They feel just like the young girl who went before her new husband in such fear. Like the bridesmaids in the passage, those that aren’t ready are shut out entirely.
I felt so hopeless as I sat through that wedding ceremony. There was nothing I could do to make her feel better or take away her fear. But there is something we can do for those who aren’t ready to come face-to-face with Jesus. We can introduce them. Tell them what we know of Him and about our experiences with Him. Share about His love. His kindness. His goodness. His grace. And how to know His heart intimately.
As fun as these experiences were, the wedding itself was a difficult event to attend, and would be even tougher to try to describe.
I was recently asked to share some of the things I'm learning on another blog, and this is my feeble attempt sum up the emotions and thoughts of that day....
Like most girls, I have spent countless hours dreaming about every little detail of my fairytale wedding. In all of my dreams and visions about this day, the only emotions I have felt are hopeful anticipation and blissful joy.
Despite my optimistic expectations, my perceptions of marriage were recently challenged. For the past four months, I have been serving in South Asia, and my ideas about love and marriage stand in direct opposition to many of my new friends’ mindsets. Many people here are in or awaiting arranged marriages. Most are lucky to spend any time with their spouse before the wedding day.
I attended my first wedding ceremony a few weeks ago (photo on right). My heart broke as I watched the sixteen-year old bride cry through each of the pre-wedding rituals. Her fear and stress were so tangible. She even vomited during the wedding ceremony. I found myself wishing she didn’t have to be getting married, but her duty to her family overshadowed any fear.
Instead of this fear and sense of responsibility, I wanted her to experience the joy and excitement I’ve seen on the faces of brides back at home. To know her husband’s heart intimately and look forward to serving the Lord together. To be thanking God for his providence in bringing the two of them together. To be looking at His incredible example for how to love selflessly. But she doesn’t know those thoughts and feelings.
As I shared this experience, a friend asked, “What do you think comes to mind when she hears ‘the bride of Christ’?” I was so struck by this thought and it continues to challenge me.
For the church, thinking about meeting our groom, Jesus Christ, leads to feelings of excitement and hope. He loves us more than we can comprehend, and we get to spend eternity praising Him in the place He has prepared for us. We will finally get to experience His glory and express our love for Him completely. As Revelation 19:7 says, “Let us rejoice and be glad and give Him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready.”
But not everyone rejoices when they think about the end of their life. Instead, there is fear and dread. They do not know Him or what to expect. They question His goodness and wisdom. Their thoughts of Him are associated with duty and rules, not love and freedom.
Our sisters are familiar with the parable in Matthew 25, but it has taken on new meaning for me in the past few months. So many of my friends and neighbors are not ready to meet their groom. They feel just like the young girl who went before her new husband in such fear. Like the bridesmaids in the passage, those that aren’t ready are shut out entirely.
I felt so hopeless as I sat through that wedding ceremony. There was nothing I could do to make her feel better or take away her fear. But there is something we can do for those who aren’t ready to come face-to-face with Jesus. We can introduce them. Tell them what we know of Him and about our experiences with Him. Share about His love. His kindness. His goodness. His grace. And how to know His heart intimately.
Sunday, April 25, 2010
A Different Kind of Festival
This culture loves to celebrate. Parties are ridiculous, especially weddings. And there's a festival every other week. Typically these festivals praise the acts and characteristics of one of the gods and come with carnival rides, parades, and lots of flowers and fireworks.
A few weeks ago, I was shopping in one of my favorite stores, where I have gotten to know some of the workers well. It was the day of a festival to celebrate the god Shiva. He explained to me the reasons why Shiva was his favorite god and how he would be celebrating, then asked me about our Christian festivals. I remembered one was coming soon, and started to tell him about Easter and the reasons we celebrate on that day, with a promise to come share more.
This conversation got me thinking about how we could continue to share truth as we celebrated His resurrection, and we decided an Easter party for people in our neighborhood would be a great way to build relationships and tell about our Savior.
We began to tell the people in our building and our other neighbors. Especially kids. There are many that play cricket and cards on our street each afternoon, and we've been able to build relationships with several of them.
As we planned, we had to be careful as to what aspects of American Easter celebrations we shared here. Most of our friends are vegetarians, and do not eat eggs. Some will not even touch them, so many eggs activities were automatically out. Plastic eggs were doable, but finding those here is next to impossible. We did, however, have Resurrection Eggs. This set of twelve eggs contains small items that help tell the Easter story, such as nails, a stone, and a crown of thorns.
The egg thing also made cooking more of an adventure. We were having post-lunch desserts and sweets. Pulling that off without eggs was a challenge. But we did it thanks to some helpful internet sites. We ended up with sugar cookies for the kids to decorate, chocolate chip cookies, an orange cake, brownie pudding, fruit salad, and some local biscuits. Seeing the display on the table was a pretty proud moment for us :)
Armed with coloring sheets, Easter bingo, some relay games, sidewalk chalk, the Resurrection Eggs, and the food, we were ready for our friends to arrive. It was such a blessing to be able to share the reason that we celebrate with the people. Some had never heard, and to watch their faces change as they heard that He had died, but then came back to life was incredible! Because people arrived in shifts, we got to tell the story several times. One of these times, a young friend that we had shared with previously helped me tell the story. He did such a good job!
Please be lifting up these new friends. Ask that the Father give us more opportunities to share with these families and that He reveals Himself to each of them. How beautiful it would be for them to be believing as they celebrate this Truth next Easter!
The Easter Sunday celebration started at a local slum ministry, where I have been able to spend lots of time the last few months. Some friends and I were asked to help with their church service by coming up with some skits about His miracles. We had a great time and our rendition of these is pretty entertaining. Unfortunately, no one had a video camera to document it, but you can trust me on this. Worshipping on Easter with 200 beautiful children who have so few possessions, but so much joy in Dad was amazing! They praise passionately and give in such faith. I have learned so much from them.
After the service and lunch, we got to hide eggs for the kids' first hunt ever! So sweet to see their excitement! They were told to find one egg each, but a few of the smart ones got the candy out and left the eggs. I guess that's technically following the rules :)
This day was also special because my friends and I wore sarees for the first time. It was a bit of a struggle to walk around with that much fabric, but we had fun and I have even more respect for the beautiful ladies who wear them everyday.
Celebrating my first Easter on this side of the world was wonderful. I can't think of a better way to celebrate than sharing His love and victory with those around us. Thankful doesn't do it justice.
A few weeks ago, I was shopping in one of my favorite stores, where I have gotten to know some of the workers well. It was the day of a festival to celebrate the god Shiva. He explained to me the reasons why Shiva was his favorite god and how he would be celebrating, then asked me about our Christian festivals. I remembered one was coming soon, and started to tell him about Easter and the reasons we celebrate on that day, with a promise to come share more.
This conversation got me thinking about how we could continue to share truth as we celebrated His resurrection, and we decided an Easter party for people in our neighborhood would be a great way to build relationships and tell about our Savior.
We began to tell the people in our building and our other neighbors. Especially kids. There are many that play cricket and cards on our street each afternoon, and we've been able to build relationships with several of them.
As we planned, we had to be careful as to what aspects of American Easter celebrations we shared here. Most of our friends are vegetarians, and do not eat eggs. Some will not even touch them, so many eggs activities were automatically out. Plastic eggs were doable, but finding those here is next to impossible. We did, however, have Resurrection Eggs. This set of twelve eggs contains small items that help tell the Easter story, such as nails, a stone, and a crown of thorns.
The egg thing also made cooking more of an adventure. We were having post-lunch desserts and sweets. Pulling that off without eggs was a challenge. But we did it thanks to some helpful internet sites. We ended up with sugar cookies for the kids to decorate, chocolate chip cookies, an orange cake, brownie pudding, fruit salad, and some local biscuits. Seeing the display on the table was a pretty proud moment for us :)
Armed with coloring sheets, Easter bingo, some relay games, sidewalk chalk, the Resurrection Eggs, and the food, we were ready for our friends to arrive. It was such a blessing to be able to share the reason that we celebrate with the people. Some had never heard, and to watch their faces change as they heard that He had died, but then came back to life was incredible! Because people arrived in shifts, we got to tell the story several times. One of these times, a young friend that we had shared with previously helped me tell the story. He did such a good job!
Please be lifting up these new friends. Ask that the Father give us more opportunities to share with these families and that He reveals Himself to each of them. How beautiful it would be for them to be believing as they celebrate this Truth next Easter!
The Easter Sunday celebration started at a local slum ministry, where I have been able to spend lots of time the last few months. Some friends and I were asked to help with their church service by coming up with some skits about His miracles. We had a great time and our rendition of these is pretty entertaining. Unfortunately, no one had a video camera to document it, but you can trust me on this. Worshipping on Easter with 200 beautiful children who have so few possessions, but so much joy in Dad was amazing! They praise passionately and give in such faith. I have learned so much from them.
After the service and lunch, we got to hide eggs for the kids' first hunt ever! So sweet to see their excitement! They were told to find one egg each, but a few of the smart ones got the candy out and left the eggs. I guess that's technically following the rules :)
This day was also special because my friends and I wore sarees for the first time. It was a bit of a struggle to walk around with that much fabric, but we had fun and I have even more respect for the beautiful ladies who wear them everyday.
Celebrating my first Easter on this side of the world was wonderful. I can't think of a better way to celebrate than sharing His love and victory with those around us. Thankful doesn't do it justice.
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
2 Kings 5
" 1 Now Naaman was commander of the army of the king of Aram. He was a great man in the sight of his master and highly regarded, because through him the LORD had given victory to Aram. He was a valiant soldier, but he had leprosy. 2 Now bands from Aram had gone out and had taken captive a young girl from Israel, and she served Naaman's wife. 3 She said to her mistress, "If only my master would see the prophet who is in Samaria! He would cure him of his leprosy."
I came across this passage the other day and was both challenged and encouraged by the young girl's actions. She was taken captive to a place and people she didn't know. She was away from her family and all that was familiar and asked to serve. She did serve, and went beyond what she was asked to do. She offered what she had to the people who had brought her there. She knew of a prophet and his ability to heal. She completely trusted that he would be able to give that healing to her master. And the master trusted her.
The rest of the passage tells us that Naaman went to the king of Israel in search of this healing. Elisha told him to wash seven times in the Jordan and he would be healed. Though he was initially upset with these instructions, he did as he had been told, and the Word says "his flesh was restored and became clean like that of a young boy".
My favorite part of the passage, though, is Naaman's response to this healing. He tells Elisha, "Now I know that there is no God in all the world except in Israel".
How I long to hear those words! In a culture with millions of gods, even when people hear about Jesus and what He has done, their response is typically to add Him to their list of gods. They may know about Him, pray to Him, worship Him, but not as the One, True God. In a conversation the other day, when I asked about a friend's relationship with the Lord, she told me she had a cross hanging in her pooja room, where she worships her gods. That was enough for her.
Like the young girl in the story, He has given me the opportunity to share what I have seen and experienced. I may have little to give, but He can do so much with my small offering. As I seek to serve them, let these people see a difference.... desire to know why.... hear about the healing they too can have. Join me in praying that they would respond as Naaman did, and worship Christ alone.
I came across this passage the other day and was both challenged and encouraged by the young girl's actions. She was taken captive to a place and people she didn't know. She was away from her family and all that was familiar and asked to serve. She did serve, and went beyond what she was asked to do. She offered what she had to the people who had brought her there. She knew of a prophet and his ability to heal. She completely trusted that he would be able to give that healing to her master. And the master trusted her.
The rest of the passage tells us that Naaman went to the king of Israel in search of this healing. Elisha told him to wash seven times in the Jordan and he would be healed. Though he was initially upset with these instructions, he did as he had been told, and the Word says "his flesh was restored and became clean like that of a young boy".
My favorite part of the passage, though, is Naaman's response to this healing. He tells Elisha, "Now I know that there is no God in all the world except in Israel".
How I long to hear those words! In a culture with millions of gods, even when people hear about Jesus and what He has done, their response is typically to add Him to their list of gods. They may know about Him, pray to Him, worship Him, but not as the One, True God. In a conversation the other day, when I asked about a friend's relationship with the Lord, she told me she had a cross hanging in her pooja room, where she worships her gods. That was enough for her.
Like the young girl in the story, He has given me the opportunity to share what I have seen and experienced. I may have little to give, but He can do so much with my small offering. As I seek to serve them, let these people see a difference.... desire to know why.... hear about the healing they too can have. Join me in praying that they would respond as Naaman did, and worship Christ alone.
Monday, April 19, 2010
Amused
I have been failing miserably at this whole blogging thing. I think about all these things I want to fill you in on, but actually getting around to it is the hard part. Now that the traveling has slowed down a little and I'm back in a routine, I'm going to do my best to catch you up on what's been going on here.
Several weeks ago, one of my students turned five, and apparently a whole hand is a pretty big deal.
To celebrate, 19 Americans headed to an amusement park in the city. I was a little skeptical about what we might find, but was pleasantly surprised. We had such a great time enjoying the park and its South Asian twists :)
First of all, the whole day cost about $10, lunch included. Disney should learn from this place. I almost qualified for a child ticket, which would have made it even cheaper, but I was a couple of inches over the line. We were greeted by a little person in a clown outfit as we walked in. A little creepy, but the kids didn't mind him. A few even danced with him, which was pretty entertaining. Our first ride was a termite roller coaster. When I say roller coaster, I mean slightly fast train ride with a bump or two that is so short we have to go around multiple times. But I still enjoyed myself.
The next ride was a dungeon/haunted house. I'm not going to lie. I was a little terrified. Who wants to see skeletons or saris or cobras with red eyes coming at you? And those are some of the things I saw. I think my eyes were closed for the majority of the ride. Thank you Wonder-la for the nightmares.
The rest of the rides were much more pleasant. Bumper cars and lots of spinning rides kept us busy until lunch.
After lunch, we headed to the water rides. This was the first time my legs had seen the sun since I've been in the country. They enjoyed the freedom, but I'm not sure other people enjoyed being blinded by them. It was interesting to see how people chose to dress for the water rides. Some women, like us, went with shorts and tshirts over their suits, while others wore their normal clothes with long, heavy pants, long shirts, and dupattas. Only here...
We went down several slides, and seemed to have issues on every one. We weren't sitting right, or we had too many people, or we needed to scoot back. Overcoming the communication barrier to understand these things became so entertaining, we couldn't stop laughing. I have no idea what the employees thought about this crazy group of Americans.
At 4:00, we headed to the rain disco. And yes... it's exactly like it sounds. Rain falls from the ceiling while lasers and lights are flashing and techno music plays while we dance. Pretty incredible. The South Asian twist is that there are two sides when you go in. One is for women, children, and families, and the other is for men. I was pretty thankful for the cultural differences for those twenty minutes.
The day ended with a couple more dry rides and a cup of chai. We decided to stop at one of the city's three restaurants with beef on the way home to wrap up the time of fellowship and laughter. It was a great day to be with the friends that have become my family while I am away from home and enjoy the culture that Dad has us in. I left Wonder-la loving South Asia a little more than before.
Several weeks ago, one of my students turned five, and apparently a whole hand is a pretty big deal.
To celebrate, 19 Americans headed to an amusement park in the city. I was a little skeptical about what we might find, but was pleasantly surprised. We had such a great time enjoying the park and its South Asian twists :)
First of all, the whole day cost about $10, lunch included. Disney should learn from this place. I almost qualified for a child ticket, which would have made it even cheaper, but I was a couple of inches over the line. We were greeted by a little person in a clown outfit as we walked in. A little creepy, but the kids didn't mind him. A few even danced with him, which was pretty entertaining. Our first ride was a termite roller coaster. When I say roller coaster, I mean slightly fast train ride with a bump or two that is so short we have to go around multiple times. But I still enjoyed myself.
The next ride was a dungeon/haunted house. I'm not going to lie. I was a little terrified. Who wants to see skeletons or saris or cobras with red eyes coming at you? And those are some of the things I saw. I think my eyes were closed for the majority of the ride. Thank you Wonder-la for the nightmares.
The rest of the rides were much more pleasant. Bumper cars and lots of spinning rides kept us busy until lunch.
After lunch, we headed to the water rides. This was the first time my legs had seen the sun since I've been in the country. They enjoyed the freedom, but I'm not sure other people enjoyed being blinded by them. It was interesting to see how people chose to dress for the water rides. Some women, like us, went with shorts and tshirts over their suits, while others wore their normal clothes with long, heavy pants, long shirts, and dupattas. Only here...
We went down several slides, and seemed to have issues on every one. We weren't sitting right, or we had too many people, or we needed to scoot back. Overcoming the communication barrier to understand these things became so entertaining, we couldn't stop laughing. I have no idea what the employees thought about this crazy group of Americans.
At 4:00, we headed to the rain disco. And yes... it's exactly like it sounds. Rain falls from the ceiling while lasers and lights are flashing and techno music plays while we dance. Pretty incredible. The South Asian twist is that there are two sides when you go in. One is for women, children, and families, and the other is for men. I was pretty thankful for the cultural differences for those twenty minutes.
The day ended with a couple more dry rides and a cup of chai. We decided to stop at one of the city's three restaurants with beef on the way home to wrap up the time of fellowship and laughter. It was a great day to be with the friends that have become my family while I am away from home and enjoy the culture that Dad has us in. I left Wonder-la loving South Asia a little more than before.
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