And naan, and dosa, and gulab jamoon.
It was an awesome month, but it was hard. And the one big thing I learned during our time in this amazing country was this: love now. It took some huge events in India for me to finally see that we never know how much time we have with the person that’s right in front of us.
I remember at the start of the month, as our squad parted ways at the airport, a friend said in passing, “See you in 3 weeks!” I didn’t think twice about it. Now I’m not sure I’ll ever see her again.
And I remember the week we’d visited a clinic where I met the most incredible person in India. He was young, tall, smart, and he knew how to crack a good joke. He made it easy to forget that behind his dressy button-up shirt that I’m guessing he used to wear to work, there was now a man who was very ill. His body was emaciated. His bones could fracture with the slightest movement. He could barely gather up enough strength to sit himself upright or to hold a conversation for more than a few minutes But, he was still able, in his weakest state, to choose joy. There’d be moments I’d forget he was sick. Then reality would hit as I remember the particular section of the hospital where his room sat. I remember his meal tray at lunch barely touched. And each afternoon I left wondering if he’d still be there the next day.
Then, at the end of the month in India, yet another blow as Team Unveiled (aka P squad dream team) got dismantled during month-four team changes. Part of me still misses the fact that it’s no longer the six of us packed into the 1 room, having to use that 1 bucket for showers, and hurrying to be the first up in the morning to actually get a shower or do laundry (in said same bucket) before water ran out or our bucket got stolen. I miss it all. I don’t like goodbyes. But I’m grateful the Lord brought those exact five girls into my life even for a season. And I’m thankful how He used each one of them to hammer away at the walls I’ve long built and taught me how to love now.
Looking back on India, it’s amazing how the Lord prepares and equips us with what we need at the exact time it’s needed. And as it is, here we are in Nepal, with such an opportunity to love now.
