India is a very beautiful country, many different smells and vibrant colors fill the village streets. The people here are so friendly and open. Their smiles are so genuine, and they get so excited to see Americans. They treat us with open arms and act like we are celebrities. (Many people have even asked us for selfies.) So far, I have learned how to use a squatty potty, take bucket showers, fit as many people as we can in a tuktuk, and to be ok with being sweaty and smelly for days straight. I have also learned, it is easy to find happiness in the simple things. Recently, we have been far from comfortable, but God has remained faithful and have blessed us with running water and more. This has certainly been a humbling experience! The people here don’t have the luxuries as many Americans do, yet they seem to be perfectly happy with life.
We have had many adventures here thought our first week. The first few days were spent on orientation and exploration. We were able to explore the village and visit many local areas. To get around, we had to take a tuktuk. A tuktuk is like a miniature taxi with no doors. It can hold about four people (but we managed to squeeze in six by piling onto each others laps) and hanging halfway out the side. The traffic is absolutely crazy! First of all, they drive on the opposite sides of the street (which can really throw you off ad mess with your mind.) The lanes seem to be more like “suggestions” and you might catch up to two to three cars trying to squeeze into one lane. There are no stop signs, but you might catch a stoplight here and there. Cars don’t really stop for anyone, they just shove their way through, and pedestrians will just squeeze their way in between moving cars. (I am shocked I have yet to see an accident) It amazes me how calm the people are when they almost get hit.
The other day some of us girls got to sit with the ladies who work here. It was so beautiful getting to talk with them and watch them! Even though it was hard not speaking the same language, we made it work and had a great time.. They work so hard to provide and cook for us. They grow their own food and do not have the same tools we do for cooking. It took them many hours of preparation and they refused to let us help. They all are very beautiful and have a kind spirit that are very warm and inviting. Moments like these are so precious!
Tuesday the 19th was our first day of ministry. We are working with little girls, teaching them a little English and getting the opportunity to play with them and shine the light of Jesus. Before heading to ministry, our host took us to purchase sarees to wear to church. We were warped in beautiful cloths until we found the ones we liked best. The employees seemed to have a blast picking them out for us. After we payed, they sat us down and served us chi, then took a picture of us holding the bags for advertisement. When finally made it to the ministry, the girls were excited to see us and couldn’t wait to show us all their school work.They read to us a bit, then played little games like bubble gum bubble gum and miss sally walker. It’s so precious to see these girls with a smile on their faces! They come form broken homes and broken famiies, yet choose to come to the program to learn and grow. Wild animals and trash cover the streets, it breaks my heart to see how these people live in such proverty. I am so greatful that God has chosen us to speak life into theese beautiful people and give them hope for their future!
I have enjoyed my time here in India so much, and it’s just the beginning! It’s amazing to see what God is doing in and through us. Even though I am here, I am still not fully funded. I still need another $4,660 by December 18th. If you feel lead please continue to donate so I can continue this adventure. Thank you all so much! I am so glad I can share this with you and pray that it touches your heart.
