BEEP, BEEP, BEEP! The alarm has come far too soon. My eyelids fight back as I try to open them. But then a surge of energy hits me! Today’s the day! Today’s the day! I get out of bed quickly, but quietly as to not disturb my roommates. I shower and get dressed. I have to be well-groomed on this day. It’s been far too long. I run downstairs, two steps at a time, and scarf down breakfast. Joy. Where’s Joy? He’s supposed to get me on my train! I can’t find him! I cannot get there without him. But God finds away to help me out. I find a man who speaks English well and knows exactly how to direct me! So thankful.
So I find Hannah, the person who I chose to come on this journey with me today, and we’re off. We take a van to the train station. Bollywood music blaring and a smile on my face that I can’t seem to control. Today’s the day! Today’s the day! We wait an hour before the train finally arrives. We pile on. Not a square inch of space to move, but I didn’t care, not one bit. So many thoughts going on in my head. Will it be awkward? Will there be food? Will I recognize them? They surely won’t recognize me.
After a train change and an hour and a half ride, we make it to Boriwali Station. Now where are they? WHERE ARE THEY? They’re supposed to meet me, so I call and wait. And wait. And wait. No sign of them. I call again. I AM ON THE WRONG SIDE OF THE STATION. Rookie mistake. Hannah and I get to the other side as fast as we can. Within minutes I see her! As beautiful as the last time I saw her! She doesn’t recognize me at first. But I know it’s her. It’s been 14 hears, of course she doesn’t recognize me! I go over to her. “GRANDMA!” Her face lights up at the sight of me, as I’m sure mine did at the sight of her. She goes and finds my grandpa, and while she’s away for those few minutes, the tears come.
God has blessed me so much this day! On a trip around the world, God has given me the opportunity to see my grandparents who I haven’t seen since I was nine years old! You would cry too. And they are adorable. They walk Hannah and me to a rickshaw to take us to their house. My grandma holds my hand the entire time. As we pull into their neighborhood, I try to remember it from all those years ago. No luck. But it is awesome nonetheless.
So much catching up takes place. Mostly them asking about my life, and me observing them. Just seeing how they live their lives is amazing. In this cute little neighborhood, where kids are outside constantly, my grandparents have an open-door policy, just letting kids come in and out, having candy ready for them. I think to myself, “those are my grandparents! Boom!” And the day gets better. My aunt and uncle and my mom’s aunt and uncle arrive. All people I haven’t seen since I was nine. Such a surprise and a blessing! God you are so good for orchestrating this day!
We just continue just continue sharing about our lives. We laugh, we joke, we appreciate every second. Soon it is time to head back to our residence. Leaving is hard, especially with them telling me to stay. But that was not possible unfortunately. So we say our farewells. I am amazed by this day. Amazed by how great our God is. Amazed by how awesome my grandparents are. Amazed by the great friendship of Hannah. Just amazed. It was a bittersweet feeling leaving. Actually just bitter. Who knows when I’ll see them again. Only God knows. But I will cherish this moment for the rest of my life.
I will end this blog with a request. Pray for my grandparents. Pray that they continue to be in good health. Pray that God continues to chase them. Pray that one day soon they will come to know Him, our one true God. Pray that if I am not able to see them again in this age, then I will get to see them in the age to come!
God blesses us each and every day. In all things give thanks!
Much Love,
Rajesh
Ps: I will be posting pictures soon on facebook of my time with my grandparents!
