Every journey is full of the unexpected.
When we took off for India from JFK I didn’t think we’d have an emergency stop in Norway for a passenger (non-racer) having heart problems. (We didn’t actually leave the plane, just chilled in our seats/ aisles for 4-5 hours. It was pretty random.)
When we left Norway I didn’t think I’d spend that first night in India in a semi-western hotel in New Delhi since we missed our flight due to the precious change of plans. We were blessed with both traditional Indian dinner and breakfast there and got to sleep in actual beds (instead of airport benches).
I didn’t expect to be homesick that first night. As I lay awake in that hotel bed at 2 in the morning the reality of what I’d decided hit me stronger than I’d imagined it would. For the first time I questioned if I should be there (although I think that was mostly due to some stress/travel sickness).
I didn’t expect the sureness I received in that moment of doubt. I was still lacking my usual calm but there was (and still is) no possibility that this isn’t what God has intended for me to do this year. He has made it abundantly clear in every possible way that He is guiding me through this adventure. Knowing that, any cost is worth it. He is worth everything.
I certainly didn’t conceive that we’d still have western toilets at our hostel. I was planning for the least convenience just in case. Hallelujah for toilets, ceiling fans and clean water!!!
We heard that our host at Jirah Children’s Home was going to cook all our meals as part of our arrangement. I didn’t however, realize what extravagance their food would be. Every meal has been about the most delicious thing ever. Think legit Indian curries (not as spicy as I had feared), boiled veggies, fresh fruit and lots of rice (made in a different way almost every time). And their Chai tea is totally different from what you find at Starbucks- way better!
I discovered quickly that the Christians here love to sing praises to God and pray all the time. We meet 2-3 times a day to sing with the children, teach them new worship songs and read scriptures. Prayer is such a normal part of the day, it’s like breathing. I lose track of how often we pray. It’s wonderful. I think about God at a much more constant rate throughout the day. I’m realizing areas of shallowness in my prayers as I hear this group of children pray with heartfelt depth at their young ages. It’s humbling and challenges me to dig deeper in my talks with God and listen to His heart more.
There were a few things I did expect: less sleep, personal time and such; beautiful yet unusual surroundings (it’s still crazy to look around me and see India); and I knew I’d fall absolutely in love with these kids. It has been a blast playing, singing, praying, and just being around them. Their hearts are so big. They are so full of life and joy. It is a blessing to get to know them and share more of Jesus with them as we grow in our relationship with Him together.
India was not what I expected in so many ways but it is such a blessing to be here with team Beautifully Broken. It makes me that much more excited for what lies ahead that I can’t anticipate. God turns everything out for good. I’m just following Him and learning to embrace all that He is.
