Hellooooo City Life!
Here I am in the New Dehli, India. What’s it like, you ask? Well, I will admit that Hollywood’s representation isn’t too far off from the neighborhood we are staying in. I thought I was going to die at least 13 times on the cab ride from the airport, the streets are that insane. I really have no idea what system everyone is following, but it doesn’t appear to be signs, lanes, or speed limits! Don’t get me wrong, I loved every second. I’m pretty sure if you were born here you might not know what grass is, and bold-colored buildings of all shapes and sizes wouldn’t phase you. Vendors are everywhere, and my favorite one comes by at least three times a day singing, “bananas!” in his authentic Indian accent.
Treats of the Month
We pulled up to ASHA Missions, the orphanage that we are working at here, to find we’d be staying in a small apartment right down the street. We have running water, beds, a refrigerator and most importantly FANS! I haven’t stopped sweating since I got here, haha. In addition, toilet paper is obviously not in abundance over here, but our contact pulled through and was able to find a place that we could buy it. No left-hand rule necessary this month, thank the Lord! Once again we have been provided for.
The Daily Routine
From the few orphanages I’ve seen, structure is huge. Here are ASHA it is no different. The kids are up at 5am to get ready for school, and we walk them to the bus stop at 7:15. Our team meets at 8:30 for breakfast, and then helps out with any cooking, cleaning, laundry, or just hanging out with the Sharma’s and Roma.
At 12:15 we walk the kids back and have lunch.
The next few hours we use to prep for activities and Bible lessons, and rest. When 4:00 rolls around we help the kids with their homew
ork. Then it’s playtime at 5:30, and prayer from 7-8pm. This prayer service consists of us teaching a Bible lesson, verse, and song to the kids. I think this will be challenging for us to keep this “fresh” because we do this every day, and these kids have already worked with five other World Race Teams and know a ton of English songs and stories. I’m also impressed with their scripture memorization and earnest prayer. You cannot capture their heart on paper, it’s too great. Sorry!
So now it’s 8pm and dinnertime. Do I have to explain what we’re eating? Rice and curry of course! Every meal, and yes it’s amazing! Too good I might say, but at least we serve ourselves so we can keep the portions under control! After dinner Emily and I try to get a little rooftop workout in (it’s a pretty sweet view that I’ll have to capture for your sometime) and then its shower, feedback and bedtime
To Sum It Up…
I love it here. Love the kids, love ASHA’s mission. Love everything that’s different here. My challenges will be to avoid getting burnt out and stir crazy. I’m a person that likes to mix things up and get a little wild sometimes and I’m not sure that’s going to happen here. However, I do love a challenge and can’t wait to see how we’re able to make this month for ASHA and love on them in new and meaningful ways!
