So we have been in India for 2 weeks but it has felt like a month. The World Race is everything I thought it would be and nothing like I thought at the same time. At our first site, we have been thrown right into the mix of giving the message on Sunday, teaching children’s ministry, and being welcomed into homes of all different religions. The culture and people have their own uniqueness that will be hard to capture but also hard to forget.
We have been visiting villages for the past week, making connections with local pastors, teaching children ministries, taking pictures, and loving on children. We have made friends that I feel like we have known a lifetime, and have had to leave them just as quickly as we came. It has been so rewarding and exhausting getting to know and love the people of India.
We were told upon arrival that the Indian culture is one of the most backward cultures compared to America. They don’t have traffic laws, doing anything with your left hand is seen as taboo (an experience of its own for me as a left hander), and the head bobble have shown me that they spoke the truth.
I have also experienced serious spiritual warfare here. I was told about dark presences in unreached parts of the world but never had a first hand experience until now. The weight and darkness that you can physically feel is astounding. It’s like someone is looming overyour every move just waiting for you to make a mistake. However, even in those dark times you can still feel God everywhere. From the smiles on the children’s’ faces to the grace of our hosts, we are truly blessed to be here.
Even with all of these ups and downs, I love India. The people have shown me what community living and true hospitality actually means. They have shown us love, even as strangers, and grace that you couldn’t imagine by opening up their homes, feeding us way too much food, and being flexible around our non-spicy food tolerating stomachs.
We have just 3 days left of ministry in India, and while I’m ready to go see new places, I’m sad to leave all the smiling faces.
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