I know this may seem a little backwards, but I wanted to fill you in on some experiences in India before arriving to our ministry site in Bangalore. Enjoy!
We arrived in Delhi, India around 11:30 pm May 3. Men in uniform with big guns were swarming the airport. I don’t know if this was supposed to make me feel safe or, well, the exact opposite. It reminded me of Morocco in that respect. After about an hour and a half or so we finally met up with another team’s contacts who’d be housing us until we could get transportation to our respective ministry sites. May is a big travel time for Indians so it is rather difficult for foreigners to get tickets for any mode of transportation, especially the cheaper ones. We drove in a bus for over an hour that had us all believing we’d be out back pushing at any moment. First stop was a hostel where all the boys would stay and all but about 15 of the girls. We waited for only moments less than an eternity in the mosquito infested bus while the contacts figured out some logistical matters. Thankfully it was 2 am by this time so the city had really cooled down. Instead of being 110 degrees, as is the average high during the day, it was a mere 95-96 degrees. Once all of our men had left us, we set off for our next destination: Asha Children’s Home.
Most of Wednesday was spent recovering from Tuesday and despereately trying to escape the heat, which I found is next to impossible in Delhi, especially in May. We had some amazingly delicious meals at the children’s home where we met some zealous believers. One night after dinner I realized that they were all missing and it was rather quiet. Too quiet. I went to their rooms only to find them all laying hands on each other and praying with strong conviction and passion. Did I mention that these friends are the children who live in the home? They are 5, 7, 10 years old and all ages between. They are not singing kid’s songs, they’re singing Chris Tomlin and Hillsong. They aren’t praying for sweet dreams and protection from the boogie man, but for healings and dreams and visions. Praise God! These children reminded me of two things in the short time we were with them: first, a child’s faith is innocent and love is unconditional and second, to never underestimate what children are capable of. Jesus says in all of the gospels that we are to receive the little children into the Kingdom and even have faith like theirs. And to me, this isn’t some childlike naivety, but rather, an unadulterated passion. I want that faith, I want that passion. And like I said, this was only the first three days.
We also spent a day at none other than the Taj Mahal, and it was awesome! My team and I joke that there are some other teams that must have checked a box on the application for the tourist package on the World Race because their ministry always seemed to take place in the touristy areas like the beaches of Thailand or the Great Barrier Reef. Well we finally got our turn. We were able to only buy train tickets in increments of eight, so we sacrificed and let the other team headed out to Bangalore leave first. And you know God always honors sacrifice. Because of our train delay we were able to stop on over at this hidden gem. Okay, not so hidden, but exciting nonetheless.
Friday evening our team set out for the train station and gave Delhi our last glances and thoughts. Just as that city housed us for three days, this train would house us for two. Forty-three smelly, sweaty, laugh til you cry, cry til you laugh hours later we arrived in Bangalore. And my heart has never been the same since.
