God loves to prove me wrong.
Especially when I allow myself to become wrapped up in my preconceived notions and allow it to affect the way I see the world. He has shown me time and time again of my ignorance by showing me that I can still be filled with wonder and awe in the most unlikely of circumstances.
India being one such example.
I would like to acknowledge that my judgments toward some aspects of this country were remarkably on the nose. However with most I was completely and undeniably wrong.
Here’s how I was right.
Let me just preface with this: New Delhi in particular is everything you could ever imagine of India.
It checked all my India boxes: hot, crowded, smelly, scammy.
Cars are honking incessantly, mopeds with families of five all squeezed on one seat are taking shortcuts on the sidewalk–which often smell overwhelmingly like feces, street vendors are frying fresh samosas or flattening dough for roti, barefoot kids covered in filth are tugging on your clothes, begging for pani (water) or money for food.
I was terrified for India and New Delhi fed into my terror. We were trapped in the sweltering heat and were encapsulated by a thick yellow smog capable of burning the throat and leaving its victims with black lungs and a hacking cough. The poor sun looked like a sad, dying light bulb in the sky.But Delhi is Delhi. And despite its menacing nature and its overwhelming lack of sanitation, it really does hold a certain charm. Something about the madness is exhilarating, and as much as it scared me, the fact that it was different in any way imaginable from what I grew up in was intriguing.
I also think it’s important to mention that other teams that stayed in Delhi fell in love. This city is HUGE and in turn extremely versatile. In short, Delhi has many, many personalities.
Nonetheless, I was happy to get the heck out of there.
Here’s how I was wrong.
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False: India is hot, smelly, and ugly.
It’s freaking BEAUTIFUL!!! Once out of Delhi, India was a mountainous jungle paradise. We were lucky enough to be placed in the mountains of Rishikesh where we got to bask in the cold, misty air of the Ganges, a sacred river for Hinduism. Often when running along the riverside, I would see people bathing in the river, lighting candles, or throwing in offerings to the gods.
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False: monkeys are nice.
They are not. They are exactly opposite from the cuddly creatures Disney portrays in movies like Aladdin. Dude these things are mean. I can confidently say their only purpose on this earth is to wreak havoc and instill fear. One day I thought it would be cool to see how close I could get to one and immediately found myself stressed and sweaty, backing away from a group of them that were hissing and lunging at me.
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False: You will get scammed.
Sure it can happen, and of course be wise. But that doesn’t discount the fact that I have never met more genuine, caring and trustworthy people. We befriended some sweet families in our neighborhood who were devoutly Hindu. They woke up at the butt of dawn to do yoga with us, let us wear their sarees, taught us how to make some authentic Indian chai (the trick is buffalo milk), decorated us in henna, and taught us a whole lot about Hinduism. (They were delighted to inform us that when NASA captured sound waves from the sun it made the ‘om’ sound. Enlightening.)
We put on a church service for them where we made authentic American delicacies–grilled cheese with white bread, American cheese slices, and a whole lot of butter. I am happy to report that our little squares of heaven were devoured in minutes.
We got to pray and worship Jesus with them, and enjoyed a time of fellowship where we discussed how Jesus has worked in each of our lives [side note: testimonies are POWERFUL].
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False: Everyone is Hindu.
Yes, a good majority of them are, BUT the Christian community here, although small, is mighty. These people are on FIRE, man. When you could be persecuted for what you believe, you’ve gotta make sure you really believe it. These people are so passionate and so obedient because Jesus has changed their lives.
We had the privilege of partnering with a host during the second half where we got to work with a Boy’s and Girl’s home. These people are incredible. Government run orphanages in India are extremely corrupt, kids are often trafficked or sent to the streets to beg for money. The homes are run by two sweet young couples who love Jesus a whole lot and treat the kids like their very own. Religious-based orphanages are strictly outlawed in India so they keep their beliefs on the down-low while also teaching the children to walk in confidence and authority in the name of Jesus. 
Ian teaching the kids at the home a line dance to ‘Why Don’t We Just Dance’.
Here’s what I learned.
Stop being judgmental. Harsh but true.
I learned that my Father’s footprint is everywhere and in everything. I find myself blown away everywhere I go because His blessings transcend location, culture, languages, everything. He is showing me Himself everywhere I go, in every person I meet, every sunset I watch, every song I sing; every single new experience has Him written all over it.
How then can I expect anything less than the fullness of who He is?
Update: We are in Ethiopia! I have the incredible honor this month of leading a team during our “gender month” (guys and girls are separated). Please send some prayers over to your girl because I have no idea what I am doing. Holy Spirit all. the. way. Pray for hearts to be open, chains to be broken, and for radical encounters of the Spirit–both within our teams and among the locals we meet.
