So, I thought it was just about time I finally posted a blog again, to you, my loyal followers. Seeing as I’m starting month THREE and haven’t yet posted a blog since the day I left to start this journey…
You see, writing and I have had a love/hate relationship over the years: I yearn/long/desire for the release that writing brings, but I allow my own fears and doubts in myself to rule me therefore I never end up pursuing my desires. Let’s view this as a turning over of a new leaf, a repentance of the heart so to speak.
India! Our time was cut too short, dear friend, I feel like we barely got to know each other. It’s not your fault, it was my first month of the Race and I was a starry-eyed newbie(though I can’t say I’ve moved beyond that yet)to experiencing the wonders of overseas travel not to mention thoroughly overwhelmed by the chaos I experienced in Bangalore.
But the people I met there far outweighed your frenzied drivers, frequent power outages, plethora of mosquitoes, lack of a sustaining amount of meat, shady clinics that give you a shot in your butt BEFORE taking your temperature(might still be a little bitter about that one), awkward stares, unspoken and “illegal” caste system, and hordes of ravenous, rabies-infested dogs.
Seriously, my team and I met some amazing people and ministries. Let’s highlight a few, shall we?
SAMSON– He is my good friend; though short of stature he is HUGE of heart and a man of many talents, including but not limited to: epic driving, killer tabla playing, spot on translation, ironic humor, baller badminton skills, generally looking stylish, a hearty laugh, heartfelt ministry, and caring about people. Samson was a steadfast companion during my time in India. Hearing the way that he prayed for people and his desire to build an orphanage in his home town impacted my heart, because it showed me that the love of Christ is in him. This man, who was alienated, chased away, and beaten for his faith has no reason to have the joy that He does, but all he has he attributes to the redeeming love of Jesus.
We met the manager of an assisted living home for those suffering from dementia. This man floored us; he firmly believed that the men and women there were still people, believed that they had a purpose and a reason for life and that God would bless them and use them even still. He prays for them every day during his rounds. It was very hard to see any hope in a place like that, seeing as my own grandmother was a long-suffering victim of dementia, but he was a light and beacon of hope in a sad place.
We were blessed to go to two orphanages while we were in India, which was awesome to show some love to kids that have been forgotten by the world. I can’t stress enough how important and impactful it is to show up and love on some kids, even if you never see them again, because the smiles and joy I see in those few hours speaks volumes. This time was especially rewarding for me; because I’ve always been afraid of being a bad father or caretaker of children in general. Don’t mistake me here, I absolutely love children, but they scare me sometimes. As soon as we started playing a game called ‘Fire on the Mountain’, all the boys ran over to me, laughing and smiling, and didn’t proceed to let me go for the next hour. It made my heart soar.
We also worked at a home for those afflicted with HIV and AIDS. In India, those who contract the disease through any means are practically considered invalids, and are generally shunned by society. During that week we had the privilege of hearing some beautiful stories about the residents and helped them with their farming and cooking duties. It was an honor to serve the staff there and give them a rest as they tirelessly serve the sick.
Some of my favorite times however were spent going door to door to visit the Christians living in various levels of society, to pray for them and strengthen them. I’ve never experienced such love and appreciation for just spending time with people and sharing in their struggles and hopes. It has shown me how alike we all are as this global family, and that we are all missing something at the root of who we are. That we need love, acceptance, and purpose.
I couldn’t begin to detail all that happened to me that first month in a simple blog post, but I can’t wait till I can see you all again and tell you face to face. Just know that people were cared for, children were hugged, healing took place, prayers were answered, hearts were humbled, hope was restored, and that relationships were made by the unrelenting love of our Saviour.
Next up, Nepal!
Much love,
Kyle
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