I could sit here and write about a number of things. This past week has been all over the place. During ministry I have visited five villages, hosted six church services, played with an insane amount of kids, prayed over people, and witnessed great healing. I have adjusted to living with 40 other people, I’ve eaten rice and curry for sixteen straight days, and I’ve even managed to wash laundry in a bucket everyday. I’ve experienced a lot, both beautiful and heartbreaking. To say that I can make sense of everything would be a lie though. While I am loving each day in India, I am learning that there is so much brokenness and I don’t always know what to do about it.
I hope to touch on both the misconceptions about mission work and the hardships that come with each country throughout my race. But for now I just want to fill y’all in on some random and not so random things that happen here in Eastern India. Some things I love and others not so much.
1. God is moving, a lot. Small churches are being planted everywhere. Villages are beginning to burst with joy in the Lord. In a country with Christianity at only two percent, I have witnessed Jesus come to life and heal the broken.
2. Prayer. My team and I pray for about 100 people a night after church. It is powerful. They seek prayer like no other and this results in such strong faith.
3. Worship is loud. Even in the most tiny concrete churches they have a microphone so the entire village can hear them singing and praising. While it caught me off guard the first time, I am loving it now
4. Animals. Whether it be a cow or stray dog, it’s more than likely I am within 50 feet of one.
5. Trash is everywhere. Have an empty cup? Expected to throw it on the side of the road. Done with your food? Throw it off the side of the porch. This still blows my mind every day.
6. India heat is no joke. This place is hot and humid. Women are expected to wear traditional clothing that cover legs and shoulders, meaning that the heat really impacts day to day life.
7. Equality. It doesn’t exist here. While I hope to write another blog on this, I am heartbroken by the oppression that women endure in India. It’s dehumanizing and difficult to process. I am learning that it is a major problem.
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There’s obviously a lot more going on but it would take all day to list them. This gives you an idea of what life is like. Please keep my squad and I in your prayers as we finish up these next two weeks. Pray for strength, a sense of the Holy Spirit as we serve, and for unity. Life can get really difficult at times but it’s so sweet, too. Also, pray for the women of India and just that they feel have great self worth and feel seen. That is my biggest prayer right now.
Thanks for keeping up with me. While I miss home dearly, I really do love life here. I am excited for everything coming my way! Y’all are the best for constantly supporting me and making it all the way through my blogs. Thank you!!! 🙂
Xoxo
Emily
