To tell you the truth I was pretty nervous about a month in India.
Before living here, I had very limited knowledge of Indian culture. All I had to go off of were movies like “Lion” and “Slumdog Millionaire”, and testimonies of friends who had visited.
I thought that all of India was noisy, dangerous, and overpopulated.
I figured rice and spicy curry were eternally on the menu, worshipped cows roam in every street, women get disrespected, people are kidnapped to be sold, and the impoverished die in the trash-filled slums.
I‘d heard stories of women being raped in the street as people just shuffled by, and friends getting followed then robbed of all they had. I’d heard people joke about India being a horrible place.
The ‘ole perspective of “I‘ll Never Do It Again” or simply… I’ll never do it ever.
Since this is what my limited knowledge of India consisted of, you can see why I wasn’t too excited about spending a month here.
However, India has surprised me.
My team has been blessed to live life in a tiny, rural village far away from the bustle of the big, stereotypical Indian cities. The houses here are quaint and well kept, with water wells and squatty-potty style outhouses. Farmers climb palm trees to gather their sap, and the vibrant green rice patties stretch on as far as the eye can see.
A refreshing breeze blows through the village at all hours of the day and night. The only noises are the clucking and crowing of rooster and hen, an occasional dog bark, and the sound of buffalo or goat hooves making their way down the road. The sunsets take my breath away as I sip my chia tea made fresh from buffalo milk “buff” as they say.
This month God showed me that India is beautiful, ugly, busy, calm, and utterly broken. It’s all of those things and it’s being redeemed.
Yes, heartbreakingly all of the above things mentioned DO happen, but they don’t tell the whole story of the country.
I witnessed husbands respecting their wives, watched cattle utilized for hard work, sacrificial hospitality, and saw individuals taking pride in the cleanliness of their home. I was mesmerized by the beautifully designed fabrics and cultural song and dance. I learned of incredible Christian missions where the dying are “kidnapped” to be saved and nourished back to health.
India cannot and should not be defined only by its darkness. That is exactly what the enemy desires! To keep passionate followers of Christ out because of their fear, disgust or both.
The population of Christians in India is low, but it is ever increasing. The Lord is moving mountains in this nation, and I was so honored to serve a small role in it.
Please join me in prayer for this unique country that God is working to redeem. Help me pray for more long-term missionaries to step out and go in faith, and for Indian Christians to share the love of God and His good news to those around them!
If you are planning or thinking about heading to India, give it a chance because it just might surprise you.
Over and out,
Julia
