Trash, cow, trash, trash, cow, wild dog, cow, trash.
HONK HONK HONK
Generally speaking, this is what my roadside view is (along with the only sound I feel like I hear). Yes, I do live in a city. Well, the suburbs…but the city.
Our time in Bangalore has been excellent. This month, my team and I not only get the honor of living with another incredible tea, Joyous Light, but we have had the privilege of working alongside YWAM Bangalore.
For the first two weeks, my team and I worked at a summer program for children with disabilities. These disabilities ranged from Autism, Down Syndrome, Learning Disabilities, Behavioral problems…and honestly? Some just came back because the program helped them get to be where they needed to be and they missed it. Much like a classroom, we were divided into four, stations: Phonics, Math, Science, & Art/Drama. I had the privilege of working with phonics and well, it was nothing short of interesting.
During our stay in Bangalore we have had the joy of living with and learning from our friend JoJoo. She is a world view teacher with YWAM and is extremely passionate about her topic. JoJoo explained that in India, because of the major Hindu population, littering isn’t a problem because this world to them, in her understanding, is simply a really good illusion. This could simply be this region and is NOT a blanket statement, let that be known. After all, I know several hindus that recycle and care for the earth well. Here however, in how we have heard it explained, It doesn’t matter how we care for the earth because it isn’t forever anyway. It is all temporary.
In the same way, Christianity may be growing here, but too often Jesus is seen as another god, not the son of God. The true God. Jesus is right there beside other gods in their pictures. Heck, even catholic shrines look a lot like Hindu temples. I can’t fault them for what isn’t really explained, after all. Explaining the gospel here doesn’t simply start with the birth of Jesus, it starts in Genesis with God creating the universe and going from there. Those who get it, find it incredible.
I have found myself walking the streets alongside so many beautiful Hindus, Muslims, and Christians. My heart is so full! For me what is so cool to see is what great neighbors they are to one another. Obviously there are exceptions, but generally, its so wonderful! I KNEW I BELIEVED IN HUMANITY AND HUMAN DECENCY! It has been so heartwarming to get to experience such an honoring and hospitable culture.
Over the past week, I have been pondering the “temporary” (as well as mourning that I have to leave this place). I have been allowed some blessed time and space to think and reflect and below are some of my thoughts and things I have learned so far on the race so far.
I want to do ministry. That’s me. I do want to take part in missions, not a tourist with missions on the side. I have found that I want to be in a place to create change, not just a temporary fix or temporary savior. I think the world race can be many great things to many amazing people. However, for me, it has helped me realize that I am called to create change by planting roots, and using those roots to spread seeds.
Missions is and has been dear to my heart. It always will be. However, I have realized that if the Lord calls me to be a missionary, it will be long term. I need long term relationships & long term goals. I have realized that I want to honor the gift of seminary & to use that gift to help evoke change in the church. Most of the churches I have visited on the race have been led or kept running by women, often with a male head. Biblical debate not needed. I’m just saying, I feel strongly about women’s’ part in the church & in this world. I want to use my privilege to help other women find their voice & fully discover who God created them to be. If the Lord allows, maybe especially here in India. Men are important to the church- this is not man-hatin’, this is simply a moment for women. Indian culture is so beautiful and honoring. I guess I just want to help give a voice and honor to the women who have allowed me to hear their voice and treat me with honor daily. Here and around the world.
It’s hard sometimes on the race because I’m not somewhere long enough to really see or feel like I’m making a difference. I don’t feel like I get to fully be involved in what God is doing there; I get a glimpse. Maybe this is something that is being used to humble me. After all, my buddy Jonathan learned 10 new letters yesterday & forgot them all again today. At one point I felt like I helped him get somewhere, and then I felt like my pride was short lived. Jonathan? I want 4 more months to see his progress. I want 4 more months to see his face when he knows that he got something right. I want to see little Amulia (who gives me several of the same facial expressions that the precious girl I work with in Indiana gives me) learn to get past the letter G & over her love of the letter F. She’s got it in her…and she’s got a whole lot of spunk. I love it!
I knew that each ministry could only be “temporary” coming in to the program, but lately I’m feeling it more. Each day, I waiver somewhere between extreme gratitude & mourning. Gratitude for the Lord allowing me to be here & for the wonderful people who love us so well. Gratitude for all the people who loved & supported me in getting here. Mourning for the communities I miss & the time I am missing with my youth girls. Mourning for the time that I won’t get with these new found loved ones and the joys and sorrows we won’t get to share.
This world, this life, may simply be temporary. However, if we believe in the Bible, the Kingdom of God is forever and it will someday return to earth. This is not simply just a dream.
My time in India has warmed and reshaped my heart in ways I can’t explain. I will miss the girls we live with, and I will miss seeing little Sashima come in to Manna every morning right after she has gone to the temple to be blessed. I will miss wandering cows and bobbing my head to say yes. I will only kinda miss spicy food and Rickshaw drivers that try to over charge and being able to give them sass. I will miss black tea made with milk and sweetened in the most perfect way.
I am so thankful for this culture, this place’s history, and the beautiful bright colors that surround me. Also, it has been nice to be in a culture that isn’t confused when I tell them my best friend’s name is Swathi. Just being real here. I am grateful for the love and support given from so many of you at home— thank you!
This week is essentially a week of prayer and of honoring our loving hosts. We will be praying over the city of Bangalore, for the ministers here, and for those hurting and in need. Please join me in praying. I never realized how much I had always wanted to come to India until this month. How incredible.
In less than a week we head north to Nepal. Worry and wonder of team changes have set in, and the anticipation of a debrief is here! Please pray for us all as we transition, and if you feel like it, pray for team Aslan and for God’s good work to be done in and through us, no matter the cost.
All the hugs, colors, spices, and friendly hellos from me to you!
