BEFORE you read this, read this.
Done? Good. Now, here are some things that are true about India that you DON'T normally hear:
The people are incredibly friendly. I can't even walk down the street for 5 minutes without a group of children coming up, saying hello, and wanting to touch my hand. It's not just the children, either. The other day, Abby and I were out in our saris and got beckoned over by a group of women who proceeded to fix the pleats on hers. People smile and wave, or head bobble in this case. It reminds me of home and it's comforting.
They're also amazingly hospitable. Most people in India don't have much, especially in the villages we visit; but what they do have they are proud of and generous with. At practically every church we've been to we've been offered drinks and/or snacks. We've been invited into numerous homes to be given the same. Every time we're in a village, meals are cooked for us and we are served with service that rivals any restaurant I've ever been to. We don't ask for these things or this treatment, obviously, but the locals give and serve and love with JOY.
And they're also hungry for Jesus. We encourage and pray for masses of people every day, in churches and on the street. You pray for one person, you better have the time to pray for at least 3 more because they line up. We've seen proclamations of faith. We've seen people confess of their idols and their desire to turn away from them and turn to Jesus. People worship and serve many gods here because they have yet to find fulfillment from any. They're hungry for Jesus, the one true God who fills those voids and makes us whole.
The food is spicy and delicious. Okay, maybe you do hear that one, but I had to throw it in there. There aren't a ton of options near us, but the options are all so, sooooo good.
It's one of the most beautiful cultures I've ever seen. There are bright decorations everywhere, especially in the churches. The women are decked out in jewelry, and a lot of it jingles. Worship is active and exciting. Punjabis and saris are made in every color and pattern you could imagine. And have you ever worn a sari? I totally understand why the Indian women wear them all the time; they're super impractical but you get to feel like a princess EVERY DAY. Awesomeness.
GOD IS DOING HUGE THINGS HERE. The Gospel is being preached to entire villages via loud speaker. Souls are being saved. People are growing in their relationships with the Lord. Disciples are being made. Idols are being cast down and demons are being cast out. Ordinary people are being empowered with the Holy Spirit. Widows and orphans are experiencing love. Eternities are being re-routed. Praises to the King are being sung in a Hindu nation. We are coming alongside these people and living out the book of Acts.
I know what you're thinking. You're looking at these blogs and seeing that the bad stuff about India appears to outweigh the good. Wrong. That's only true when you choose to focus on the negative parts and ignore the rest, because if you look at how radically the Lord is moving, you'll realize that seeing that and furthering the Kingdom here makes all the struggle worth it. At least it has for me. Jesus is fighting for India, re-claiming this land for the Gospel, and we're in the battle on the front lines. For me, I can deal with the grey boogers to be allowed such an honor from the King of all Kings.
So, the truth is, that yeah, life in India can be difficult; I don't understand a lot of the culture and get easily frustrated with stuff not working properly, but when push comes to shove, I love it here. I love the people. I love the colors. I love the food. But more importantly, I'm in love with the work that the Lord is doing here and with being a part of it-squatties, sweat, beef deprivation, and all.
