It honestly amazes me that I am writing this blog today— February 11. How? How does time pass by so quickly every single day? Coming onto the race I had this unintentional mindset of “I just have to get through this.” I didn’t realize that I might actually love it and thrive. That saying YES to God might actually work better in my favor. Oh, thank you Jesus for being more than any of my own dreams and desires.
Like I mentioned in my last blog, although I chose this exact route because of India, the prior weeks in December before arriving, I was not excited. I liked Swaziland, I really liked Nepal, would I like India then too? Then what about Guatemala? Everybody I’ve talked to loves it, so I figured this would be my hardest country. What a lie to think before I knew anything!
I have formed the deepest connections and relationships while being here. I have not gotten sick which was a big fear for India. And somehow I have not been homesick.. at all. I am exactly where God wants me right now–I am content, I am joyful, I am simply so excited every morning for my day! Ministry this month could look like helping at the local pre school, visiting a rehab center, praying over hospital patients and getting to know the nurses or teaching at a local school! Last week I met a nurse who had been sponsored growing up. It warmed my heart greatly to see how thankful she was for the family who sponsored her from Colorado and how it gave her the opportunity to pursue her dream of being a nurse!
After ministry every day Monday through Saturday I play volleyball with many people in our village from 3:30 until dinner. Sports connect people. Because of volleyball I have formed a plethora of relationships. The first night I played volleyball I knew those guys were special; I prayed that they would be my hardest goodbyes. Our goodbye is three weeks away and I already know this is true.
Two boys I first met at volleyball have become some of my greatest friends here—Jospeh and Fima. Last week a few of us went on quite the adventure into town to find ice cream, which we never found. In our free time between ministry and volleyball we have continually tried to meet up, get to know each other, and mostly laugh with one another. I was able to support Joseph and his other friends at their church choir contest and then their church graduation service of becoming an adult with a handmade, little sign. Just the other night, Tiara and I were coming back from a small church event when we decided to stop at his house to say hello. It was 8:15pm and culturally we had no idea if it was too late or too weird to just knock and say hello. Looking back on that moment I am so thankful we did. He answered the door and next thing you know he invited us in to sit on his couch, poured us some juice, and watch Disney (!!) with him. Three friends sitting in a living room watching tv. . . its been months since that has happened. Tiara and I were smiling from ear to ear. Joseph was thankful too—we took him away from studying.
Kim is another local I want to continue pursuing! She lives quite close to our dorm and always gives us grapefruit. She is a hardworking mom or two, a teacher, and a good friend.
Earlier in the day before Tiara and I stopped at Josephs, my friend and squamate Dan and I were on a walk when one of our hosts Abraham saw us and invited us with him to our other hosts house. We ended up sitting in James’ house, eating an entire fish (Dan even ate the head, eyes and everything) then drinking tea and playing with his daughter.
I love this little village where everyone knows and loves everyone. Where Christs name is freely proclaimed! Each person has welcomed us in with open arms and lots of tea!
These after ministry hours are what I will remember most from India.
I have been blessed so abundantly from these relationships and I can not wait to see what these next three weeks hold.
