When we first arrived in India, we were given a few days of rest. One, because we had 4 plane rides, and then a few hour drive (including an hour stop at the police station to register our passports with the local authorities), from our final airport, to our ‘home base’ in Assam. We would be together with our squad the first few days, and then break up into our teams and go to different villages and towns.
On the third day, we were told that we would be using our squad along with the locals to make a human chain to pass/toss bricks up hills to build a church where no church has been before. It was a new experience for them because most had never seen Americans before, and, they had never made a human chain to toss bricks, but it worked. , That day, I must have had around 4,000 bricks pass through our hands. One pile alone, we counted 500 bricks. It was so awesome getting to literally carry bricks up the hills so that they could build a church. A church that the workers who help build it, can go to. By the end of the day, we were dirty, hot, sweaty, and tired, but it was such a blessing to be able to help.
My team has been in Moulhoi, a small town in the jungle, and in the mountains. This month, we worked at PMS (Partnership Ministry School) with grades 5-10. Sometimes we were given a textbook or at least a little bit of context of what they were learning that day. Sometimes though, you end up with a classroom full of students who are eager to learn, and you just have to come up with a lesson plan with very little notice. I love it though. I love the fact that there are so many students who are so eager to learn. They will sit, listen, and take in any bit of information that you can give them. I love being able to teach them things that I’ve learned, or quizzing them on the things that they are learning.
India has such a rich culture. I’ve heard so many times that we are lucky to live in America. That Americans are the blessed ones. That America is so great and beautiful. What’s amazing though, is how beautiful India is. How blessed the people are here. How amazing the emphasis of family is. India is also a blessed country. It may not be a thriving, rich, first world country… But, India is a beautiful country that is filled with beautiful people who are so loving, caring, and compassionate. There hasn’t been a day that has gone by here where I haven’t smiled. I have learned so much here, and can’t wait I tell you more about it in the next blog.
It’s such an encouragement every single day. We are so blessed with the ministry we are working with, and how awesome our hosts are. The children here are always making me smile. This place has become one of my favorites. I am so thankful for the days that we have been allowed to teach at the school, pray over people in town, and speak at different churches on the weekends. I am thankful for every single day that we have been here. . But on the World Race, you don’t stay in one place but for so long. With that being said, we will head to the airport tomorrow for a two hour flight, then spend around 22 hours in another airport waiting for our connecting flight to Kathmandu, Nepal for debrief, and to begin our month 5.
Thank you so much to everyone who has been supporting me on this journey so far! I don’t believe it’s over yet, but to continue this journey, I am still in need of just under $2,000 into my support account to make the current deadline! Any amount will help. You can donate at: brittanyjohnston.theworldrace.org and click on the ‘support me’ tab. Thank you once again for your prayers, words of encouragement, financial donation/partnership, and all of the support that y’all have given me:).
