Oppression.
Growth.
Beauty.
These three words help me shine light on what India was like for a month. It would be unfair to sugarcoat my experiences and claim perfection because that’s not the case. The reality of it all is that India was difficult. I felt a lot of pain in my heart because of the injustices women and children face but I also felt joy like no other as I grew in my understanding of God and what true servanthood looks like. It’s this weird mixture of emotions that makes summarizing my first month on the race pretty much all over the place.
I struggled a lot with the realities of inequality among women and young girls. When it comes to village life, women’s lives are often confined to their homes. They are expected to wash clothes, have children, and take care of house duties. While these things are not bad, it’s the only option many of them have. Education and job opportunities are not available. I met women who felt unseen and unaware of their true worth. I prayed over women who genuinely did not understand just how loved they are. It’s these injustices of life that I have a hard time comprehending and acting on.
I have little answers. Just a lot of thoughts. So if anything, I just want people to know that oppression is real and it’s painful. It’s dehumanizing and deeply engrained in this culture. Although this doesn’t mean there isn’t hope. I met wonderful men and woman who are making a difference. My hosts wife, Diamond, is head of a church in an all Hindi neighborhood. She is inviting in groups of people and leading them to live a life in love and authority in their identity in Christ. She is empowering women to know their true worth. There are ministries in place that are raising kids to treat one another with equality. They’re teaching the importance of love and how to truly care for each person. Cities are progressing and enabling awesome things to happen regardless of certain stigmas.
Throughout the month I was pushed to rely on God in a more significant way because of all of these emotions. That’s where growth comes in. The Lord showed me His great power and protection over things I have no control over. He made Himself so present to me that I felt comfort even in times of tears. Whether it was frustration, homesickness, or complete and utter joy, God pushed me to seek His heart out and feel peace like no other.
There really is beauty all around and I’m learning to take it to heart. India is full of injustices but it’s also full of the most hospitable and loving people. God is making Himself known and Love is sprouting up all around. Small neighborhood churches are overflowing in prayer and praises each day. Believers are changing their communities and bringing light where it has never been before. Hearts are being transformed and molded into new life. This is a whole lot to celebrate!!
So while this first month caused a lot of pain, I wouldn’t take any of it back. I learned to rest in God and His protection and faithfulness over everything I have no control over. I felt my heart expand to know Him better and to recognize both the good and bad around me. There’s a lot of freedom in that and I’m thankful.
My weekly update. It’s a lot of unfinished thoughts and emotions, but it’s where my heart is. I am currently in Nepal at debrief. I have four days to reflect and process everything that’s been going on and it is quite the process. Through it all, I am loving where I am. Nepal is absolutely beautiful. Living in community and being surrounded by friends is sweet. Having time to just rest with God and take time to listen is the best. I know I say it a lot, but I really am just thankful. This life is funny and weird at times so I’m just here to take it in.
