Welcome to India!
What an amazing week it has been, although it’s really hard to believe it’s just been one week. India has been an incredible start to our journey. We have learned so much about the people, the culture, and ourselves. For this month of ministry we have been preaching at village churches. We have been sharing stories about the ways the Lord has moved in our lives, we’ve preached at services, played American worship songs, and prayed for healing. It’s been so beautiful to see the way Indians do life. Their hearts are so open to the Word and worship, they love to serve, and their hospitality is simply incredible. This is the first time we have been to a county where people are persecuted for being a Christian. Honestly, it’s quite convicting. When you see people live in a place where they can be beaten or killed for professing their faith it makes you take a step back and reflect on your own boldness. These people share Jesus and worship knowing it’s literally putting their lives potentially at risk and I fumble over my words when I try to invite a co-worker to church. These people are inspiring. Even though we are the ones preaching, they are the ones teaching us.
So here are some things that we have learned about surviving and thriving in India.
Even if you are left handed…DO NOT USE YOUR LEFT HAND. I learned this the hard way when a village woman grabbed my hand as I was bringing my rice to my mouth and made me drop it immediately. In her broken English she scolded me “NO. HAND. WRONG. WASH. NOW.” She proceeded to bring me a wash bin and made me clean my hand off before I could have any more of my dinner. I’ve never felt more embarrassed. Although it did give everyone else on the team, and the village, a good laugh.
There are cows, goats, ducks, and water buffalo EVERYWHERE. And they don’t move for you, you move for them.
Hand washing your clothes really turns into a great date night activity.
If you don’t like rice you’re SOL
Squatty potties are the real deal.
Indians love selfies. And “just one picture” means at least seven. One night we went to a park to play cricket with some local kids and were bombarded by paparazzi. The guys on our team even got roped into a huge dance circle, and they showed off their American moves, like the shopping cart and the lawn mower.
Sometimes being so far in the bush feels like time traveling back to the old testament. Especially when you get to hang out with local fishermen!
Mosquitoes have no mercy.
Village women love to hang out. Even though they know about two words in English and we know almost none of their local language. It usually turns into a game of language charades. With a lot of acting out and pointing and smiling.
