The team and I made it safely from Hyderabad to Bangalore about three weeks ago. And what a three weeks it has been. Our hosts welcomed us to the base of our ministry and graciously took us shopping for some culturally appropriate clothes (Kurtas and Punjabis). We have since comes to the conclusion that we like Indian clothes much better than our Western clothing, and probably purchased way too much.
India is probably the most backwards culture from America. You don’t nod to indicate ‘yes’, but instead you bobble your head from side to side. It can get pretty confusing when you ask the nice man for a cup of chai tea, he gestures something that you assume to be an uncertain no, and proceeds to pour you a cup anyways. The Indian head bobble. Confusing team Rhemas since 2017.
While bikinis and low-cut shirts are considered more scandalous in America, in India, its the ankles and the shoulders that are the real traffic stoppers. Women here walk around with their whole midriff showing in their Saris, but heaven forbid you flash a few inches of ankle. Obviously.
Traffic in India is quite like traffic in downtown Dallas…except ten times as bad with an occasional cow or six in the middle of the road. There are no traffic laws, I think ive seen a total of two traffic lights, drivers don’t use turn signals, and lanes are practically non-existent. People told me that there would be dogs and cows loose in India. What they didn’t tell me was that there are stray dogs every few inches and that (holy) cows rule the roads. You let the cow do what that cow wants to do. Because cows in India are holy. We take autos (tuk-tuks) everywhere outside of ministry. My first time in an auto, I nearly had a heart attack because of how crazy everyone was driving. Thirty-some auto rides later, almost being broad sided by a concrete truck is just another lovely Monday here in India.
The cultural learning curve was quite steep, but once we got the hang of it, we have really enjoyed our time here! Its their winter here, so its a high of low 80s with cool and breezy mornings. The people here are usually very friendly and helpful to us, mostly because seven American girls trying to cross an Indian road is practically a free circus show.
Our ministries have been so eye opening and wonderful. Our first morning we visited a women’s home for women who have been rescued from sex trafficking or who have been left destitute by their families. There are 52 women in the house we visited alone. They shared their heartbreaking stories of how they got to be in the shelter and we were able to pray over them. Their families will disown them because of any kind of disability, and without husbands, life is impossible for women in India.
Other women were saved from life in the sex trafficking ring. Women who were kidnapped, given drugs, and forced into a life of prostitution, were rescued and given a shot at a new life. This home offers them a chance to learn new life skills, and an opportunity to get a job and provide for themselves.
The main ministry we have been working with this week is a clinic/home for those with HIV and AIDS. These diseases are a taboo in India, much like the rest of the world, and the individuals with these diseases are disowned by their families and afforded no opportunities to work. This home offers a safe community, classes, medical attention, and most importantly, teaches about the saving love of Jesus. My team and I were able to help in the kitchens, gardens, with laundry, and whatever they needed done. We were able to show love to the very people who feel that they aren’t worthy of love.
Everything we have gotten to be a part of here has been so fulfilling. Visiting orphanages, singing songs, playing games, praying over people in the slums, and adjusting our world view to see others as Jesus does.
My team and I would love continued prayers for our last week in India. Prayers for energy and strength. Prayers for a strong unity within the team and for the month in India to wrap up as strongly as it began.
The Lord is teaching me so much, and I cannot wait to share more!
Until then. May the Lord bless you and keep you.
