I can’t say that I’m one of those people who always had a
huge desire to go to the country of India. As a whole, it’s just not one of
those places that ever held a very special place in my heart. Sure, I always
thought it looked awesome in pictures and the stories of what God was doing
there were really cool, but if I didn’t ever stand in the 100 degree heat
surrounded by women in sari’s and sweat out tons of curry, I’d be alright.
However, after saying that, I CAN tell you that I HAVE always wanted to go very
specifically to the city of Calcutta. And that, my friends, is where God has
brought me.
In case you are unaware, Calcutta is one of the largest
cities in India and is home to Mother Teresa’s Pure Heart Homes (orphanage,
hospital for the dying, home for lepers). Momma T has honestly been a source of
inspiration to me since my early teen years when I started researching her life
and accomplishments. She gave her life away every day for the oppressed,
diseased, abused and forgotten of the world. Does anyone else see some Jesus in
that? I love it!
How are the Fruits?
Busy! This month my team and I are very privileged to be working
with Asha Ministries at a small orphanage on the outskirts of the city. We are
partnering with an amazing young couple Sam and Bayula, who are not only raising
their own 4 month old daughter Gladyss, but 13 young orphaned boys. We are
teaching English and Bible to the boys 6 days a week, and just loving them as
much as we can!
How am I?
Let me be completely transparent: I dislike that the heat index here averages at 120, I dislike the almost
disarming scrutiny that we undertake every day when we walk down the street, I dislike that I don’t have reliable or convenient Internet, I dislike that it seems
like every simple task that my team tries to accomplish is riddled with
language barriers, miscommunications and roadblocks, I dislike the relentless
honking of car horns, I dislike that I literally can’t go anywhere farther than
the bathroom by myself and I dislike that at the end of each day every article of my
clothing is soaked in sweat and literally smells sour. But I LOVE the 13 precious
Men of God that live at Asha. So to sum it up, I’m having a pretty great month!
India never promised to be easy on us, and so far it’s not
letting up! But we’re good with that because we know that the stronger the
opposition the more God has for us and for Calcutta on the other side of that
breakthrough! The enemy of our souls wants nothing more than to discourage,
weaken and separate our team right now, but my God is on our side and with Him
is joy, refreshing and life in abundance! I love being able to share His
Kingdom with this city that is SO in need of Him!
This is Asha – they only have 1.5 floors of this building (2
bedrooms, living room, kitchen) and are currently searching for a new location
Bayula and Gladyss!
Gladyss on Uncle Sam’s shoulder (I don’t know who those 2
creepers are in the background…)
Bird is taking one for the team here and being the loving
individual who plays tug of war (aka rip each other’s arms apart) with the boys
I dare you not to melt about these three. Just try.
When you’re teaching with no supplies (and no teaching
degree!) you get creative/stupid quickly : ) but hey, at least now they know
the difference between curly and straight hair
The matrimonial section in their daily newspaper.
Oooooooooh, India.
Playing makeshift cricket in the driveway
Steven and BabyG just trying to stay cool
Boys, Boys, Boys! (photo thanks to kcb)
This is Soul. I KNOW I’m not supposed to pick… but he is my favorite. (photo thanks to kcb)
More updates as soon as I get more time online! Thanks for all your love!
Peace&Love
Brianna
