A Marathon of Sorts…
This month in India, I have been working on an orphanage, using some electrical skills I’ve acquired over the years (thanks, dad!). While I’d like to say that I’m an electrical expert and can figure anything out, I’d be a liar if I said that…instead yesterday I got zapped with 230v of electricity as I attempted to get a simple ceiling fan working. While I’d also like to say that I’m doing this in a safe way, the truth is that I was standing on top of a chair that was on top of a table that was wobbly. The day started out with 1 light and 2 fans working properly in their main gathering area…it ended with 3 lights and 4 fans…I conclude that it was a good day!
Of course nothing is exactly easy in 93 degree heat.
I like the fact that I’m once again using some of my talents in the world. Some days I’ve had to question my purpose on the World Race as many ministries stretch and challenge me. Working with electricity has always been a passion of mine, one of my favorite jobs while working for my dad. At this orphanage I realized the need to help when I saw that they have to turn the fans on with a pen to avoid getting shocked, or when it rains the metal roof gets electrified. Seeing the rats nest of wires going every which way prooves the need for someone like me at this place…and the fact that there is little way of knowing how to turn off the electric to work on this stuff only makes me happier.
I have to say, however, that I’m feeling like a marathon runner at the moment. Everything…EVERYTHING is getting to me. Delhi is a tough place to be at this point in the race because it’s a noise pollution definition. A simple walk to the corner store to get something to drink involves getting honked at from 3 motorcycles, 2 cars, and 3 rickshaw bikes must ring their annoying little bells all right in my ear…in case I didn’t know they were there. While my ears continue ringing, I step over cow poo, walk around a cow, and smell some really nasty scents. I am over it. I think it’s funny, still. I must admit that after yelling at the drivers to shut up and stop honking at me, I laugh. What if I brought this culture to the States? What if I decided that the lines in the road were optional? What if I took 1 million cows and released them in New York City, declaring that you couldn’t so much as touch them? What if I honked at everyone just to let them know I’m around them…every car, bike, pedestrian, cow? What if I busted up the road to make them so pothole covered that you needed a 4×4 to go anywhere? What if I took away all the Wal-Marts and malls and replaced them with mini stores that you could get 3-4 things on your shopping list at any store and had to go to 4 stores to get all the things you wanted for dinner? What if?
I’d leave…that’s what.
I laugh at it, it’s the 3rd world I’m living in right now. The place where I get on the back of a bike and have some guy pedal me around for 30 minutes for 30 Rupees (about 75 US cents). At the end of the ride your insides are jolted around so much that you are looking for a bathroom every time you stop…it’s to the point where every bump I hit, every horn that’s honked, every person who begs, I’m ready to go off on. It’s not the right attitude at all, I know. Jesus, I need an adjustment (but not to harsh, please!)…I need an attitude adjustment…I need an outlook adjustment…I need a patience adjustment.
I must keep going though. The race has turned into a marathon. A race is exhilarating, quick, and the end is in sight…but right now I feel like I’m in the Boston Marathon with wet soggy shoes…and because of the fact I have to hand wash my clothes, the soggy socks are from days ago! It’s hard. I could be sitting in a chair (no chairs here) at home in air conditioning (none of that here) with freedom to do what I want (yep, lost that too)…but still, I choose to be here. I want it. I love it. While nothing much makes sense in the 3rd world mentality, there’s something about it that’s comforting. When I figure that out, I’ll be sure to let you know!
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PS…I still need about $600 support to finish the race, THANK YOU to all of you who support me through prayers or finances, especially now, as the race draws on and times get tougher!
