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’!