Each time it rains a lot I notice a fear in my mind, I wonder if it is time for the monsoon flooding; and I wonder how I will react to the wading through water sometimes past my knees. Although I’m sure it is something you come accustomed to with some time and encouragement from those who’ve done it many times. I’m not totally clear on it, but it could be that only certain streets are affected by the monsoon waters, streets that have poor draining systems.
Yesterday was fun at SB, I helped check bags – clipped threads hanging on the bags and packaged a few. I had a wonderful assistant, a daughter of one of the ladies who must be about 8. She kept talking to me and I would try to listen for words that I knew, but most of the time I had very little idea what she was saying. I just kept smiling, nodding, saying “hyaN” which means yes. I did try to ask questions about her words but she looked at me like I was confusing. I found out yesterday that she is very ticklish and she loves to play. I wondered if we were going to get in trouble as I chased her around the small workplace.
Yesterday we ate two very nice, big meals. Mutton and rice for lunch (lamb) and for dinner out for a SB staff’s birthday (and friend) where we had several unique chicken sauce dishes, with rice, and roti (bread). It was truly amazing, but we were so full! At Bengali birthdays each person at the table says something encouraging to the one having the birthday. What a great tradition.
I’ve traveled around the city on my own a bit this week. I got lost almost every time I went somewhere new, I recognized a lot of streets they just weren’t the ones I needed to be taking for the particular destination I wanted to reach. But it was a good learning experience. At times I became a little flustered, but it’s this whole grace thing you have to give yourself and just keep telling yourself it’s really okay. So you take a wrong turn and can’t find the coffee shop after 15 minutes of walking from the metro, now I know the right road to take and somewhat of the shops found on the other roads. Though I must say I would rather not have been lost. I would say that I would have preferred not to be alone as well, but there is something in being alone. I’m not sure what it is, a freedom, a confidence that I am forced to have so people think I know what I’m doing (even though they may see me walk past their booth 2 or 3 times looking for my destination… hah that was embarrassing).
In addition to working at SB, I have gotten to go to a children’s daycare and help out a few hours in the afternoon. The kids are sweet, and the ladies working there are kind. The kids are beginning to get used to me, at one point I had two kids crying just because I was in the same room with them; honestly maybe my skin color… that was a sad time. But the older ones talk with me and play. The eldest girl, maybe 10 was helping me write my Bengali letters.
A week from today we leave for Bangladesh, intensive language study. I am going with two staff members of the ministry; I will study for about a month and return to India for further ministry learning and leading. Please pray for my language learning, I am excited to learn more. I just hope I can pick it up fairly quickly, I would love to communicate with the ladies at SB and at the daycare- and there are further benefits of speaking and with anyone in the city and hearing their lives if I only knew Bengali.
Please pray for the staff here, the ministry. They go all day every day of the week; they have a passion for the work they are doing in the city. They want to see more women offered freedom, an alternative work option to selling themselves. That is the problem, these ladies have no way of supporting themselves or their families; and because of the line of work they have been driven into, the culture says they should be rejected forever. The ministry is seeking to change that, and is changing that. You would never know the former lives these women had. Pray now that these women in particular would find spiritual freedom, the Truth we have in Christ.
Thank you for your prayers.
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Oh the luxury of a washing machine...
Today is a day for wash. Though some in Kolkata have washing machines, we do not. That is ok. I am learning what is important and necessary to wash and getting strengthening in my arm muscles as I squish and beat the soapy dirty water out of my clothes :) One new experience found in Kolkata.
Today is a good day as I have it to study language and do some required reading, which could even be called pleasure reading, as well as journal some of what I am learning about ministry leadership. I only need to make it to language class this evening to practice writing and recognizing Bengali letters, right now I am learning the vowels.
I think I will journey to the coffee shop by metro to do my studies. What a joy coffee is and the inviting atmosphere coffee shops bring. We have a new friend arriving in Kolkata today who will join the ministry on full-time staff, I've heard great things about him. He will be journeying with us to language school in Bangladesh in just over a week. 5 hours of rigorous language study a day it will be, for about a month's time. This is exciting as I hope I will be better able to formulate conversations upon returning!
I have met some beautiful people since I arrived in Kolkata. People, some of whom are believers and some of whom are not, but simply have a life that they want to give in service to others. They see the need in this city and see how much they have been given. A non-believer I met last week is here serving in Kolkata, miles from home, a social development graduate--she wants to live unselfishly by serving those who are in need because she has spent so much of her life in selfishness, living for herself in whatever way that came. As a Christian hearing this, I was stunned. I have those thoughts often, of wanting to live unselfishly and wanting to give myself to those in need as I have been given SO much, but I have never acted on it; only thought. And this is what I am called to; to live for others, to consider others better than myself.
Your prayers are wonderful. Thank you for your love and encouragement as I continue in this grand adventure of growth
Today is a good day as I have it to study language and do some required reading, which could even be called pleasure reading, as well as journal some of what I am learning about ministry leadership. I only need to make it to language class this evening to practice writing and recognizing Bengali letters, right now I am learning the vowels.
I think I will journey to the coffee shop by metro to do my studies. What a joy coffee is and the inviting atmosphere coffee shops bring. We have a new friend arriving in Kolkata today who will join the ministry on full-time staff, I've heard great things about him. He will be journeying with us to language school in Bangladesh in just over a week. 5 hours of rigorous language study a day it will be, for about a month's time. This is exciting as I hope I will be better able to formulate conversations upon returning!
I have met some beautiful people since I arrived in Kolkata. People, some of whom are believers and some of whom are not, but simply have a life that they want to give in service to others. They see the need in this city and see how much they have been given. A non-believer I met last week is here serving in Kolkata, miles from home, a social development graduate--she wants to live unselfishly by serving those who are in need because she has spent so much of her life in selfishness, living for herself in whatever way that came. As a Christian hearing this, I was stunned. I have those thoughts often, of wanting to live unselfishly and wanting to give myself to those in need as I have been given SO much, but I have never acted on it; only thought. And this is what I am called to; to live for others, to consider others better than myself.
Your prayers are wonderful. Thank you for your love and encouragement as I continue in this grand adventure of growth
Saturday, June 21, 2008
Post 2- Maybe I will come up with better titles as we go
India, India. Calcutta: I am here. It has been nearly a week and a half that I have been swimming around in this new culture. I think I have found a raft that I can float on for a little while, though I know it will only be a matter of time before I will topple off into the water again—it will happen when you enter a new culture.
Just so you know, culture shock is real. When God picks you up and removes you from your homeland, your life you have known the full 20 years of your life and pulls you into a totally new place nearly everything becomes a challenge. But what we must remember when we find ourselves in such circumstances is that although we are pulled into the new place with dragging feet, it is God who is the one who is holding our hand and leading us forward; He is the one pulling. What comfort, to know we are never alone, to know He is not just with but is the one leading. Just as some friends reminded me before I left the States, we are not called to be strong or smart, or to have it all figured out, but are called to follow. Peter walked on the water because he stepped out of the boat. And he was able to continue walking when his eyes were on Jesus. And how cool it is that when Peter looked around and became overwhelmed at what was actually happening and freaked out, Jesus immediately reached down to pull Peter out of the water in response to his cry for help.
And with the standard stress of leaving most of what is familiar in the U.S. creates every challenge to be much larger than it actually is, that is, the actual issue is maximized to a greater degree than what is should be.
Calcutta. Kolkata (proper). So much to say. A friend here described it best as a full course meal. Each meal has salad, rice, a meat dish, another side dish, vegetables, another pile of rice, dessert, and tea, maybe some water or drink as well. EVERY meal is a full course meal. But no one wants a full course meal at every meal time, sometimes we’re fine eating a salad. Or maybe we really just want dessert.
It is a bustling city: full of life. People, Food Vendors, Salesmen, Fruits, Rickshaws, Cars, Taxis, dogs, and a few cows cover the outdoors. I praise God that I get to have my own room in a large flat with 3 beautiful Christian ladies. What an excellent retreat from the busyness of the city.
This week I was privileged to serve at Shishu Bhavan, a home for handicapped children started by Mother Teresa/Missionaries of Charity. Each kid has different needs pertaining to the exercising of their muscles or senses. So we play, eat, and exercise. This was to get my feet wet for my time here in Kolkata. It was a place where I could serve and expend energy and I didn’t have to feel stressed because of much busyness around me. In those moments, it was really about the kids and meeting their needs. They didn’t speak as they were mentally handicapped, so language was not an issue for me. (Though I wonder if they were confused instead…me speaking only in English)
I have been to the business where Sari blankets and bags are produced and have gotten to help out there as well. Most of the women working there are former prostitutes who have left the trade to begin a new life for themselves through being employed at this business. The women work so hard on their products. Everything is handmade. They sit over their blankets nearly all day stitching; their products are beautiful. I was tired from chalking, cutting, and ironing material for a few hours a day… I will be spending much time among these ladies, working alongside them in production, and practicing my Bangla as I converse with them. So far I know my colors, and am learning the parts of the body; in addition to a few common words and phrases.
Please continue to pray for me as I live life here. Pray for my heart to be soft toward the culture when it becomes challenging and that I would look to God as my Stronghold, my Helper, and Protector. I can not say how encouraging it is that all of you are remembering me in prayer, thank you; you are amazing. Please send news by email, prayer requests, anything, let me know of life in the U.S.
It is wonderful to hear from you all of you who have dropped facebook lines or emails… thank you! I love it. Keep em comin’!
Just so you know, culture shock is real. When God picks you up and removes you from your homeland, your life you have known the full 20 years of your life and pulls you into a totally new place nearly everything becomes a challenge. But what we must remember when we find ourselves in such circumstances is that although we are pulled into the new place with dragging feet, it is God who is the one who is holding our hand and leading us forward; He is the one pulling. What comfort, to know we are never alone, to know He is not just with but is the one leading. Just as some friends reminded me before I left the States, we are not called to be strong or smart, or to have it all figured out, but are called to follow. Peter walked on the water because he stepped out of the boat. And he was able to continue walking when his eyes were on Jesus. And how cool it is that when Peter looked around and became overwhelmed at what was actually happening and freaked out, Jesus immediately reached down to pull Peter out of the water in response to his cry for help.
And with the standard stress of leaving most of what is familiar in the U.S. creates every challenge to be much larger than it actually is, that is, the actual issue is maximized to a greater degree than what is should be.
Calcutta. Kolkata (proper). So much to say. A friend here described it best as a full course meal. Each meal has salad, rice, a meat dish, another side dish, vegetables, another pile of rice, dessert, and tea, maybe some water or drink as well. EVERY meal is a full course meal. But no one wants a full course meal at every meal time, sometimes we’re fine eating a salad. Or maybe we really just want dessert.
It is a bustling city: full of life. People, Food Vendors, Salesmen, Fruits, Rickshaws, Cars, Taxis, dogs, and a few cows cover the outdoors. I praise God that I get to have my own room in a large flat with 3 beautiful Christian ladies. What an excellent retreat from the busyness of the city.
This week I was privileged to serve at Shishu Bhavan, a home for handicapped children started by Mother Teresa/Missionaries of Charity. Each kid has different needs pertaining to the exercising of their muscles or senses. So we play, eat, and exercise. This was to get my feet wet for my time here in Kolkata. It was a place where I could serve and expend energy and I didn’t have to feel stressed because of much busyness around me. In those moments, it was really about the kids and meeting their needs. They didn’t speak as they were mentally handicapped, so language was not an issue for me. (Though I wonder if they were confused instead…me speaking only in English)
I have been to the business where Sari blankets and bags are produced and have gotten to help out there as well. Most of the women working there are former prostitutes who have left the trade to begin a new life for themselves through being employed at this business. The women work so hard on their products. Everything is handmade. They sit over their blankets nearly all day stitching; their products are beautiful. I was tired from chalking, cutting, and ironing material for a few hours a day… I will be spending much time among these ladies, working alongside them in production, and practicing my Bangla as I converse with them. So far I know my colors, and am learning the parts of the body; in addition to a few common words and phrases.
Please continue to pray for me as I live life here. Pray for my heart to be soft toward the culture when it becomes challenging and that I would look to God as my Stronghold, my Helper, and Protector. I can not say how encouraging it is that all of you are remembering me in prayer, thank you; you are amazing. Please send news by email, prayer requests, anything, let me know of life in the U.S.
It is wonderful to hear from you all of you who have dropped facebook lines or emails… thank you! I love it. Keep em comin’!
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Hello to you all,
Car engines, honking, murmur of voices and the tune "God of Wonders" fill my ears as I sit here in our flat just a ways above the noises. From my time here I am finding that the majority of these sounds are unceasing during the daylight hours. Kolkata is full of life.
I have seen much of the city and am slowly, very slowly, becoming acquainted with it. Today a friend began to point out landmarks and routes that I will be taking frequently in moving about the city.
It has been very busy since I arrived a few nights ago, I am looking forward to the rest the weekend will bring. I now understand how tiring it can be entering a new culture.
Monday I will begin language class with a woman who lives just a short distance from us. Much of the language I do not know, but I am picking up some and connecting a few conversations.
I will be back soon to write more of life in Kolkata. We will eat an Indian meal at home tonight so we need to prepare some vegetables... thank you so much for your many prayers. please continue to pray for adjustment to Kolkata culture as I find it challenging. Pray for rest. Pray that my focus is on Christ and not on my self and that any fears/challenges which come my way are thrown down by the confidence that we find in Christ.
you are in my thoughts and prayers as well
much love
Car engines, honking, murmur of voices and the tune "God of Wonders" fill my ears as I sit here in our flat just a ways above the noises. From my time here I am finding that the majority of these sounds are unceasing during the daylight hours. Kolkata is full of life.
I have seen much of the city and am slowly, very slowly, becoming acquainted with it. Today a friend began to point out landmarks and routes that I will be taking frequently in moving about the city.
It has been very busy since I arrived a few nights ago, I am looking forward to the rest the weekend will bring. I now understand how tiring it can be entering a new culture.
Monday I will begin language class with a woman who lives just a short distance from us. Much of the language I do not know, but I am picking up some and connecting a few conversations.
I will be back soon to write more of life in Kolkata. We will eat an Indian meal at home tonight so we need to prepare some vegetables... thank you so much for your many prayers. please continue to pray for adjustment to Kolkata culture as I find it challenging. Pray for rest. Pray that my focus is on Christ and not on my self and that any fears/challenges which come my way are thrown down by the confidence that we find in Christ.
you are in my thoughts and prayers as well
much love
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