This past week my parents traveled half way across the world to do ministry with me right here in India. After trekking for over 20 hours on flights, they arrived in Hyaberdad.
Day 1: our first full day together we go to explore! I took my parents to the “downtown” market area near Charminar. Mom & dad’s favorite part was getting there in the Uber [sike] they have no rules here on the road so every ride was filled with high stress. We walked around the market and were asked to take numerous selfies with locals. If you’re white you’re automatically famous here in India. After we got to explore Chowmahalla Palace and then ended our day with some good food… hamburgers!! My parents finished their nights with bucket showers- I’m proud of you both!
Day 2: we started off the day with worship before heading out for our first day of ministry. We traveled all the way to the village I’m currently staying in to put on a VBS for the children. When we arrived we were greeted with flower petals showered over us. It is a memory I’ll never forget. They welcomed our families with so much love and honored us so well. This culture is big on honor so before we started the VBS they gave us each flower leis. We taught a VBS on the 7 days of creation filled with songs, crafts, and games. The kids had an absolute blast. My parents got the full world race experience – meeting my host family, eating with their hands, and using squatty potties.
Day 3: we got to spend this day exploring more of Hyderabad together. We went to Golconda Fort which absolutely blew our expectations. It had incredible architecture and amazing views. The hike to get up wasn’t easy so we definitely worked up an appetite. For lunch we were really adventurous and went to Hard Rock Cafe and got [you guessed it] hamburgers. If you haven’t noticed I really have missed beef. In the evening, we spent it at a traditional Indian market bartering for some souvenirs. At night, we came together as a squad and worshiped with our parents. We got to share testimonies about the goodness of God we have experienced in these first 7 months with all our parents – such a sweet night.
Day 4: the dad’s started out the day with a workout – pushing our bus because it wouldn’t start. When it got up and running we headed back out to the same village to throw the children a Christmas party. The welcoming this time was just as special as the first filled with flower petals and leis. We got to share the Christmas story with the kids and then they had performances planned for us. We sat back and watched performance after performance of dances from the children. After they asked if we had a performance, we didn’t – but we got up anyways and danced to Drummer Boy by Justin Bieber, what else. They ended the day with presenting us a beautiful cake and singing happy birthday to Jesus.
I may not get to be home for the holidays this year but seeing my parents in India for just a week was such a gift and something we will remember for the rest of our lives. Love you mom and dad!!
