You really want to know?!!
Well the good stuff is at the bottom…
J
Recap:
Thursday’s RACE to the Taj mahal…
The five teams left at 6am for our race to the Taj.
We had seven pit stops we had to make before we reached the entrance gate.
- hug a water buffalo
- take a picture with a snake charmer (which are actually difficult to find)
- buy a pair of shoes and give them away
- write out 20 scriptures regarding poverty
-
find someone who lives in either a country we have been to or a country where we are heading (we found penny from
Minnesota!)
- order something for each team member from McDonalds without talking or using signs
- find out five things about Hinduism
So, after completing each of these, my team ended up coming in third place…a minute behind yellow team.
We actually were racing each other down the last strip to the gate.
Congrats to blue team for their first place victory!
We were able to go in and see the Taj mahal as well.
Being one of the seven wonders of the world, you can imagine how beautiful it was!
A couple fun facts about the temple:
- 22 years to build…all by hand
- 20,000 workers
- it was built for the king’s third wife after she died
- she was the only one who could bare him children…14 to be exact
- all the stones had to be chiseled by hand
- there are over 64 stones in one little rose
- it is all made out of white marble – with sapphire, diamonds, rubies, emeralds, etc
Friday…PAINTING
Yes.
That is what we did all day
Saturday…PAINTING and
Delhi
We painted from 6-3 and then headed into the city for Dude’s birthday dinner
Sunday…CHURCH and GAMES
We had our church service with the children and a few members from town.
Afterwards we played games with the kids and relaxed.
It was reeeeally nice.
J
Monday…LEPER COLONY
Half of us went in the morning to visit a leper colony and take them clothes, snacks, and eye glasses.
To be honest, I was a little apprehensive about going there.
I guess I really didn’t know what to expect and have only heard these horrible stories.
So, I kind of discussed it with the Lord for a little while, and He told me… “you always tell me you want to feel more of my heart for others, and I love these people.”
When we first walked in, we were trampled by children.
And these were no ordinary little ones.
They looked and acted like they just came out of the Jungle Book.
They were WILD!
I actually think the 4 year old tarzans could probably take me in a wrestling match.
J
So after we made our way through the children, we saw many people sitting around with leprosy.
It was mostly their hands, feet, and some faces that had started to rot away.
The amazing thing was, God gave each one of us such a peace and love towards these people.
We embraced them.
Shook their hands.
Gave them hugs.
It was truly incredible to feel just the tiniest bit of God’s heart.
So that brings us to today…Tuesday.
We have continued to work on our projects we have started…(the painting, sorting, etc) and then had the chance to speak with our ministry partner at the orphanage again.
He stopped by and gave us about an hour of his time for questions and just to hear a bit more of his heart.
Wow.
I am still just sitting here in awe after hearing his speech and just processing the love and devotion he has towards Christ.
This man has three PHD’s.
But in his mind, its only so people will give him the time to speak in their churches or conventions.
He is great friends with some of the most prestigious Godly men and women around the world.
(I said a lot of “no way’s” under my breath while he was talking.)
The best part about this man, is that everything I just wrote about means absolutely nothing to him.
His life is devoted to the Lord and the children.
He has raised, supported, and loved ten thousand children.
They have opened orphanages and Bible schools all over the world and take in more and more children each day.
I admire his balance in life.
He’s not caught up in the denominational race.
He doesn’t care about who gets the credit.
“Anything for the glory of the Lord.”
Isn’t this how we should all live?
He’s still hiding from the Indians right now who want to kill him.
I’ll give you a little more info about why they are after him…
In
India, there is a cast system that distinguishes “who you are.”
In this system there are nine different “casts.”
Its really weird how they relate them to parts of your body too.
For example, from your neck up is the highest class, the ends of your toes is the dilat class which is the absolute lowest.
Well, orphans and lepers are considered the dilats of society.
It’s all assigned by your last name.
And when you have a child, the priest gets to name your child.
This happens so the correct last name and “cast” is given to you.
This minister is in the highest class.
These orphans are in the lowest class.
So when others see him taking these children in (when they are not even supposed to associate with each other), and educating them…they are not ok with the thought of them becoming more intelligent than themselves.
It’s so messed up.
He was giving us the example about how many times in the states, you may find someone whose dad is a doctor.
Well, that kid may be working at a restaurant or something while he is in school.
In
India, that is not acceptable.
You can only work at a restaurant if you are in that “cast” system.
If you are lower, you may have to go to the gas station, or possibly a laborer in the fields.
It’s sort of the same way with religion.
You are not allowed to change your birth religion or that brings up the chance of getting killed.
I never really realized what living in “the land of the free” actually meant.
So, since this is already way too long…I’ll finish up later.
But just be encouraged about the freedom you have in all aspects of life, and continue to pray for those who aren’t as fortunate.
Sacrifice.
Be challenged.
You guys are awesome!
We are feeling your prayers and appreciate your support more than you know!
THANKYOUTHANKYOU!
All my love…jessica
