“I wish to meet you again on earth, but if not I am sure we will meet again in Heaven.” -Fima
Manipur, India is amazing for many reasons, but perhaps the most significant reason is the people. They are hospitable, loving, joyous, welcoming, generous, and kind. They know the Lord and recognize Him as the One who provides and the One who first loved us. In my two months in India, I absolutely fell in love with the friends, now family, that God allowed me to cross paths with. I want to dedicate this post to them and just tell you all about who they are. God is so good.
First, I met Sicily. She’s 10 years old, but speaks English as though she’s been studying for decades (with the most precious little accent). She took me on a walk through the jungle to the shop by her home, she taught me some of the Hmar language, she made me a beautiful pearl bracelet, she would run to me with a big hug and we would just sit together and talk about life. The Lord consistently used her to remind me of childlike faith and teach me how to pursue people with intentionality, joy and love. Our meaningful, tearful goodbye is a moment I’ll hold in my heart forever.
Shortly following, about two weeks into our time in India, Peyton and I joined Tiara and Lexi playing volleyball with some locals at the field. Little did I know that those locals would soon become my dearest brothers and my hardest goodbyes. Nehemiah, James, Roa, John, Rama, Joshua, Joel, Henry… and then my three besties. Joseph, Fima and Bryan. These guys, y’all… Joseph is such a character, always making people laugh and lighting up whatever environment he’s in. Wherever Joseph is there is laughter and joy. Fima is very shy, but overtime we saw him completely open up and he is CRAZY! And so so thoughtful, choosing to work all day just to buy special gifts for us girls. His family truly took us in as their own and made us feel so loved, even preparing a special dinner for us all one night! We hung out with Fima and Joseph for the first time on a bridge in the nearby cemetery. That’s when the friendship became very special and personal! Bryan is so unique and confident. He makes everyone laugh and feel very seen. He is always down for an adventure, whether that’s a dance battle or a trip to the river! Us girls spent so many nights with all three guys at Fima’s house with Fima’s sisters, brother in law, and niece. We would watch movies or soccer, play games, listen to music, dance like crazy people, and just laugh so hard. Being with them felt like being with friends I’ve had for years. The Hmar people are so welcoming. We were always given tea and snacks, always encouraged to stay as long as we could, and always reminded that we are welcome back whenever. One day, Fima and Bryan took us to the river and it was possibly my favorite memory of the last two months. Bryan brought music and he even whipped out a bag of Bora that he made for us (one of my favorite Indian dishes!). The guys made a fire from some bamboo and we cooked some clams that Fima found in the river and just chilled together! It was such a sweet memory, with a very funny tuk tuk ride back. From the moment we became friends I knew that the goodbye would be so difficult, and it truly was. We all reminisced on the last two months of memories, shed quite a few tears, and prayed over each other. These guys love Jesus so much and truly loved us like He does. Fima reminded us all that we will certainly see each other again, whether on Earth or in Heaven. Thank you, Jesus, for this hopeful promise!
Then there is Dara. He was the main cook for our squad. He served with such genuine joy and he truly enjoyed being with us. He always knew how to make us laugh and he turned dish duty into a party! He approached me one morning saying that he had a “crazy, crazy dream” that I was sitting down and crying because I never got any breakfast cookies (they are called Good Day Biscuits and we would have them with tea every morning)! He said it made him so sad when he woke up so he gave me a package of 12 packs of good day biscuits! He cracks me up… Also, one day while my team was helping him peel potatoes for dinner, I made a ball of all the potato peels and he let me throw it at his face. It was so random and funny and truly has no explanation. It just shows how goofy he is! He cried today as we all said goodbye. He knows how to invest in people and love them without letting the knowledge of our departure become a hinderance. I pray for the heart of joyful service that Dara has! I will miss him dearly.
About one month into India, I had the privilege of meeting and working with one of the most humble and talented musicians, Bobby! Last month, the church in our village opened a recording studio. Caleb and I have been writing music together throughout the race and we were told that we could record in the studio if we wanted to! We were so grateful that God would open that door for us so we went right away, recording our first song, “Throne Room”. We went a total of six days, always eager to hear Bobby’s advice and watch him work with such intricacy and diligence. He can play so many instruments, all self-taught except piano, and truly has an ear for music. It’s a gift that he is using to glorify God! He spent so many hours with us and did it all for free, assuring us that it was his pleasure. Seeing his joy over the art that God was creating in that studio was so inspiring. I’ll never forget that experience and dear friendship!
Lastly, I met a sweet woman named Kim. I met her early on in India, asking her if I could have some grapefruits from the big tree behind her house. She joyfully gave to me and my friends and invited us to come back sometime for tea. I saw her here and there around the village and she greeted me by name each time. Finally, on our last full day in India, I went to her home for tea. She had bought me a Traditional Hmar necklace and small packets of different Indian spices, saying, “I had a feeling I would see you!” I felt SO pursued and cared for! She gave me tea and biscuits and we talked about the past couple months. She loves God with her whole heart and repeatedly pointed out the love of Christ that allows us to love one another.
Jesus, thank you so much for creating us to be in community. Thank you for allowing me to have fellowship with my brothers and sisters on the opposite side of the world. Thank you for humbling me and showing me what it looks like to always welcome people with joy, generosity and sacrificial love. Thank you for calling me into adventure, silliness, and intentionality. You are too good. Thank you for the promise of eternity; the promise that even though these goodbyes have wrecked my heart, I will certainly see them all again at your feet in Heaven for eternity! Father, please bless these new friends of mine and keep them under your care and provision. I pray that they continue to chase after you and offer their lives as a living sacrifice. Please bless them with joy and, Jesus, please fill the voids in all of our hearts as we are now separated again. I trust you and your timing, Father. I love you and pray all these things in Jesus’ name, amen.
-Anna
