Homeward Bound Pt. Two

Arrived at Indira Ghandi International Airport at about 9.15pm.  I'm told that I'll have to wait until 11pm before I can go into the airport, but I manage to head in at 10.30pm.  

It was absolute chaos inside!  I feel very sorry for BA staff who have to answer the same questions time after time after time.  There is no real concept of queueing - what a great attribute of the British it is!  Everything goes fine until the last minute when I'm about to board.  I'm told I need to go back to security and get a stamp so that I can bring my bag on the plane!  So I'm running and rushing back to security - and the Indians are laid back, relaxed as usual!  But it's okay, and I'm on the fight no problem.  

I've slept for perhaps three hours, which is good, I wasn't expecting to sleep at all.  The entertainment on this plane is poor.  Currently we are flying over Czech Republic towards Germany.  We are at 38000 ft. and it's -51 degrees outside.  One hour twenty minutes until we reach London.  Time in India is 10:10am.  Time in England is 5:40am.  The first thing I do when I step off the plane is to breathe deeply of the English air.  And once home, to have a cup of good coffee.

Homeward Bound Pt. One

Seven hours in a car is a very long time.  

Delhi is a very busy and bug place.

We stopped off at Cheetal Grand - the Indian version of a service station.  In some ways exactly the same as one off the M25... in other ways quite magical.

We spent a long time travelling next to a river, as the sun disappeared - that was nice.  

Gosh, this was a long and hot journey.

Day Twenty-Five: 14 April 2008

Jo turns 20 today, I'll send her a text before I get on the plane.  

Woke up at 7am today - ten hours sleep, that should do me good with the 20 hours of travelling that I face today!

Pottered about, read a bit of Bauman (which suddenly became interesting!).  Then I packed, got it all in better than when I packed for coming, and I've more stuff to take back!

I left in the taxi at 2.07pm.  Here goes seven hours of driving in intense heat...

Day Twenty-Four: 13 April 2008

Today it was up at 6am to leave at 7am.  Goodness did I not want to wake up this morning!  Anyway, off we went into the forrest for a church picnic.  It was better than I expected.  We had a worship time, played some games, had some lunch, then had a quiz on Exodus.  Quite a typical church picnic!

The heat was intense though, I was sweating just sitting down!  There is certainly a difference in heat now from when I arrived nearly a month ago. 

We ate pizza from Domino's tonight, was a lovely thing for Sam and Margaret to do.  It was exactly the same as the Domino's in England.  

Now it's 9pm, and I'm shattered and off to bed.

Day Twenty-Three: 12 April 2008

Today hsa been a very quiet day.  Nice to do nothing after the last few days.

A busy day for everyone else though it seems, preparing for the church picnic tomorrow.  Sam does far too much really.  Two thing I need to remember should  become a pastor (still likely), are to not do everything and to communicate well.  I prepared and spoke at the youth meeting.  It went okay I think... I never know how my talks are taken.

A family are staying the night tonight in the room next to me, the father is an anesthetist who is taking a two day exam.  The family is nice.  Saurebh came round for food this evening too - as did Reemah and Seemah.  

Tomorrow is the church picnic, and my last day.

Day Twenty-Two: 11 April 2008

I managed to sleep pretty well - again waking up pretty early, 6ish.  Hung about a bit, we were going to elave for Jagadrhi at 9am, getting there for lunch then heading home.  I was expecting to get back around 4pm.

However, there was a manic search for an item of clothing that had to be returned to Cheren.  It took a good 45 minutes to find it, so we didn't end up leaving until 9.40, after a breakfast of omellete and chapatee.  My stomach wasn't doing so good.  I used an Indian toilet for the first time last night, and again this morning.  They are rather unnerving things, you feel like you are going to fall into them!

So we were on the road for an hour and a half before we got to Ambala - where Ashok's parents-in-law lived.  We made an unscheduled (at least to me!) stop.  Whilst there Ashok went off with his father-in-law telling me he'd be half an hour.  He was an hour and a half... so there's me sitting in a strange Indian's home, having been left by the only person I know!  But he did return, and all was fine.

From there we went onto Cheren's.  Arrived at 2.45pm, and was then told we'd stay until 4.30pm!  Certainly not the way I'd have travelled, I'd ahve calculated we could have arrived home at least eight hours earlier then we were going to!  But I am the guest, and these Indian's know what they're doing.  So as Ashok and Cheren slept, I read the Bible.  

We ended up leaving at 4.40pm, and it was a bit cooler which made travelling quite nice.  In total during my time in India I have spent about 20 hours on the back of a motorcycle - having never done so before in my life!

The only eventful thing on this trip was a puncture!  But thankfully we were at that point travelling through a town, and actually only ten feet away from a guy who fixed punctures for a living.  So 45 minutes, a couple of bottles of fanta, and a new tyre inner later and we were off again.  We finally made it home at about 8.45 pm.  Nice.

Then I took Sam, Margaret and Keren out for dinner.  We went to Kumar's food. It was nice, a meal for the four of us (with left overs) cost under a tenner!  Conversation strained sometimes but it was okay tonight.  

Came home and time for bed.  Quite a trip!  Glad I went, equally glad it's over.  And home on monday!

Day Twenty-One: 10 April 2008

Woke up around 6ish, dozed until 7am.  Sleep was okay, disturbed by heat and the electricity going on and off (which meant the fan kept turning on and off throughout the night).

Was greeted with chai.  Very slowly getting used to it... very slowly.  Then just kind of pottered about for a bit - attempted some kind of a wash, but it wasn't much.  Had a breakfast of egg something or other, was quite nice.  At about 9.30 we went to the school they had for gipsy kids.  They are all eager to learn, all wanted to show me their workbooks.  I told them the story of Daniel and the Lions Den.  Not sure if it went down all that well - Cheren seemed to be more forceful with them than I was.  Probably cultural.  They have been running the school for a year and already they have about 60 kids.  All the kids are gipsys, living in the slums in Jagadrhi, Haryana.   They're doing a good work.

Ashuk and I then travelled three hours to Punjab.  We stayed at his family home.  They were very hospitable and really enjoyed seeing me.  We had lunch there and then went onto an dedication service I was speaking at.

It was a very remote place - fields of wheat as far as the eye can see.  Felt like I was in the 'Motorcycle Diaries'.  Got there and it was just a few huts basically - a few small rooms (I was rather glad we weren't spending the night there!). Again, they were very nice people, very hospitable.  Meeting was interesting, sang a lot of songs.  I spoke, it didn't go down so well I don't think, but again, you can never really tell.  Only hope God may use what I said for his purposes.  Then we prayed for a girl with chicken pox (Ashuk prayed).  Then I prayed for a babu called Amos.  So... I came to India and dedicated my first baby!  Couldn't have predicated that. 

We stayed a little longer, they had some traditional Punjabi musicians, a few people danced.  They tried to get me to dance, but it didn't happen.

And with that we left and went back to Ashuk's family.  There was lots of waiting around.  Within five hours the only thing we had really done was eat.  And eating was an experience!  Bone and fat was all it was.  But somehow I managed...!  Note to self:  Don't ever complain about college food again.  We English really don't know how good we've got it.

Had an interesting conversation (via Ashok) with Ashok's brother-in-law.  He wanted to ask me lots of questions but language prohibited him (and me).  Lots of questions about Britain's occupation of India, did I agree with it ot not, that kind of thing.  If I ever come back to India he wants me to visit his village. 

Interestingly they use the word 'expired' when talking about when their father died.  "He expired in 1982" - interesting phraseology.  And with that it was time for bed.  Didn't think I'd be able to sleep - the heat was that intense.  And my arms were red raw with sun burn!

Day Twenty: 9 April 2008

Currently writing this at 10.45pm in Haryana, Cheron's home (the local evangelist), waiting for the electricity to come on before we go to bed (or at least that is what I assume will happen from the snippets of conversation I hear/understand).

This morning was full of waiting, worrying and trusting.  Ashuk arrived, we prayed with Sam and Margaret, then we went to Nijaat to pick up a helmet for me.

Then off we went on a three hour motorbike journey - pretty mental!  I packed too much I think, consequently I have a bad shoulder and a slightly bad back.  Note to self: buy a proper rucksack, they are bigger and generally work better.

Got sunburn on the way too, not too bad - but it could increase in the next few days as I face another nine hours of motorbike riding!

We arrived at Cheron's house, had a nap (of sorts), then got ready for the meeting where I was to speak.  I spoke on forgiveness and as far as I could tell it went pretty well.  Everyone was nice about it.  It is pretty odd speaking with a translator though, you don't actually know if they hear what you have said.  Also, you lose track of where you are and what you've said very quickly and easily.  

Food has been okay here so far.  It is very, very hot here.  And the countryside is very dusty.  Anyway, to bed... it seems.

Day Nineteen: 8 April 2008

Today has been kind of odd.  Didn't do much until about 11.30am, when Vicki (male) picked me up and I went to Nijaat, saying goodbye to the Australians first. 

At Nijaat I spoke to a few of the guys - some were very open about their problems, some just wanted to shake your hand.  Vicki was very open about his problems.  He now works for Nijaat, but was previously on Heroin, cocaine, morphine, opium, alcohol.  And God saved him, quite an incredible testimony.

Came home and read a lot - part way through 1 Kings.  I've read a lot of Bible.  I need to stay humble.

In the evening I went for a Lassey with Madhu.  It's a milky/yoghurty sweet drink.  I quite like it, but only one glass at a time.  Had a good chat with Margaret.

Tomorrow I'm off to Haryanan at about 10/11am.  Not too worried about it, though I have been.  It's all bout trusting God, which is easier said than done - but God is faithful and true.  So it will be okay.

And my bowels moved properly for the first time in India tonight!

Day Eighteen: 7 April 2008

This morning I went to see the Doon Bible College.  It was interesting, they have a pretty long history - established in 1943.  Madhu showed me around.  He's marrying a Swedish lady, so he talked a lot about her.  There seems to be a lot of cross cultural marriages around here.  For me, the idea of marrying someone from the North of England is cross cultural!  (Note: I'm exaggerating, big time.)

Indians are very open, it is more than likely that they will tell you their life story the first time you meet them.  Also gave DBC my email address, not sure what they'll send me, but we'll see. 

Went shopping with Margaret, bought a lot of stuff.  Something for all the family.  It was very interesting shopping, the first place we went in opened everything to show me what it was like.  There was some very nice material in there.  Also had some Indian sweets, milk sweets, they are nice, but sometimes they are far too sweet for my untrained taste buds. 

Came home and had lunch.  Went into planning some talks for my Haryana/Punjab trip.  I had the same lack of motivation I get when I do college work - not good!  Hoping the talk is not too complex/complex enough - it's very difficult to gage here.  Also going to talk about Daniel and the Lions Den to the kids in Haryana.  I've been told the trip is a ministry trip - slightly scary!  So it's all on God to come through.

The Australian quartet came and cooked for us tonight - Chinese chicken and rice.  It was really nice (mainly because it was a change from curry!).  I don't think I'll be eating curry for a little while once I'm back in England!

It was a nice evening, Bahadur turned 30, so we celebrated that and had cake.  It's Oliver's last evening too, odd to think I am likely never to see him again.  Lord, he needs you.  So much.

Going to Nijaat tomorrow, just to be around as they do things - that'll be interesting.  Not sure what's happening or what I'll be doing, but hopefully it will be okay.

Day Seventeen: 6 April 2008

Today has been okay.  It felt like a Monday when I woke up.  Went to church and did the kids group again.  It went better than last week but the kids are similar to English kids - half want to work, listen and interact, half jut want to mess around. 

Came home and had some lunch, people were round, spent most of the time sitting around, talking to them.  Typical it seems.  Then I watched Oceans 12.  It was a nice break, getting my fix of Western culture.

Taxi is now sorted for the trip home.  Must remember to get Sam to fill out the Training Unit form.  Strange to think I'll be leaving in a week, yet at the same time, I'm looking forward to it. 

It felt cold today.  Not as cold as yesterday, but cold still.  Obviously it isn't cold at all (comparable perhaps to rain on an early September day in Britain), and I still sit here in a t'shirt.  In England I'm told it snowed today - now that is crazy... snow in April - this is madness.

I met a guy today called Madhu.  He'll take me around Doon Bible College tomorrow (he works in accounts there), so that'll be interesting.  I'm also going shopping... I must make a list.

Day Sixteen: 5 April 2008

Woke up and went straight to the woman's meeting to help with the kids with Oliver.  It was pretty horrible!  There were two boys and they ran riot.  One of them bit me... nice. They kept pinching and punching the girls.  I guess we weren't prepared, but it is difficult when we're told that they understand English, but they clearly know how to play foreigners and ignore every word.  At one point I was semi wrestling, semi stopping this boy from hitting the girls, and I dropped him on his head - onto a concrete floor.  He ran off crying to his mother.  Big problem in England... no problem in India.  I think we were too soft on the kids because we discipline children differently in England.  In India it is all rough and tough discipline, something we don't have the luxury of in England.  So that wasn't a very nice experience!

After the meeting and lunch we cleaned the church.  Got home at half four.  The youth meeting was cancelled, a nice relief.  And I've declined to go to a wedding reception that Sam asked me to go to.  Quite glad about that because I ended up chatting to Margaret and Bahadur for the evening, which was really nice.  Margaret cooked pasta and broccoli - it was so good to eat pasta again, I forget how much of it we eat in England.

Saurebh came round too.  It was really cold, that is, 15 degrees!  But the drop of about 10 degrees overnight made it feel freezing.  So I'm sleeping under the huge duvet tonight, not just a sheet.  And this is an incredible duvet!

Tomorrow I do Sunday School again.  And monday we shop.  Tuesday I spend in Nijaat (possibly), Wednesday in Haryana, Thursday in Punjab, Friday back to DehraDun.  It should be a quick, interesting and probably very good week.

In other news, I just sneezed ten times in a row.

Day Fifteen: 4 April 2008

Just got back from visiting the villages with Ashuk - was incredible!  We went to seven places (as far as I remember), they were:

1.  ?! For the life of me I can't remember the first place!

2.  A Green house, where a girl was teaching some sewing.

3.  School

4.  In Raipur - an odd house.

5.  Amazing place where a girl of 20/21 was looking after her family.

6.  Up to see a couple, the man of 70 had a broken hip.

7.  A place where the daughter was studying for a BA in Hindi, Sociology and Political Science.

From the second place you could see the most amazing views.  An absolutely idyllic place.  If I could move my 'world' somewhere it would be here.  A girl there was a teacher, teaching other girls to sew and such like.  

The school was interesting, all the kids stared at me.  And no wonder, a strange white ma interrupting their assembly.  This was where they had a medical camp back in January, and gave the kids some sweaters.

Then we went to have lunch in a Tibetan place - dark and dingy.  Had momo chicken and chow mein - was really nice.

Then we went to into Raipur and visited some of Ashuk's friends.  A bit odd, but this was where they had a camp or taught sewing or something - I got a little confused here.

Then we went to the other side of DehraDun, into the mountains on the other side.  We stopped first at the home of a woman only 21 years old - she was looking after the home, her sister and two younger brothers because both of her parents had died.  She had the most deep set, sorrowful, hopeful eyes I've ever seen.  Yet she had the most joyful smile when we came in, she was truly grateful of the visit.  She was the only person in India that seemed genuinely excited and interested at meeting me - though this was spoilt by my own lack of Hindi and her lack of English.  A shame, I would have loved to hear her story and her experiences.  This was probably the visit I enjoyed the most.  I doubt I'll ever see this girl again.  I must pray for her.

Then we walked up a little farther to the home of an old couple.  The man was 70 years old, and had recently broken his hip - so was looking very cold and ill in bed.

Then we popped back down to pick up Ashuk's bag - then went into a village where we spoke to a lady whose daughter was doing a BA in Hindi, Sociology and Political Science, sounds exciting!  They run a youth group, and this lady's kids are involved.

Then we got back on the motorbike and rode home through the mountains and forrests - incredible scenes.

Every place offered my chai...I had about four cups!  Managed to decline two cups...one of which I think was a mistake.  I should accept hospitality.  They value it far higher there than we do here.  Chai is horrible.  Sickly sweet, every time getting sweeter!  I look forward to some real coffee at home.  But should I go again, I will aim not to reject anything.

Interestingly, no matter how poor these villagers were, they all had TV's.  Certainly something I did not expect.  Most had DVD players too.  

Back home Sam got me burning DVD's for the women's meeting tomorrow.  He wanted 40 done, it took 3 hours.  Had a break to go for dinner with Ravi and the three other Aussies.  Dinner was really nice, 'My Wife's Place' was the restaurant.  Had the best chicken I've ever had here - Black pepper chicken.  Was lovely.  We then went back to their hotel room for coffee.  I was asked my favourite thing about India - I could only think of the mountains and the views!  I was ridiculed somewhat, claims that that is not India, only DehraDun.  But then, DehraDun is my experience of India.  To be honest, i have found it tough here.  Though I imagine should I ever come again I will enjoy it more - purely from familiarity.

Got back at 11.30pm and finished the DVD's.  I was thanked when i finished.  And now I'm shattered... absolutely shattered. 

Day Fourteen: 3 April 2008

Heard the loudest clap of thunder I have ever heard last night - it was quite magnificent!  Thankfully God has stopped the rain this morning, but it is cooler.  I may put a jumper on for the first time since I arrived.  Slept amazingly - Praise God!

I have no idea what today will hold...

(The below was written at the end of the day, the above at the beginning)

Today it has been murky, cold, rainy - very untypical of my time here so far.  Ashok did turn up in the end this morning, 45 minutes after he said he would.  He had to go to hospital to see someone, so gave me to another guy who took me to a village and I saw a medical worker.  He didn't really know what to do with me though, we rode on his motorbike for ages.  Then he just took me home.  Ashok said he'd take me to a village then rejoin me after he'd visited the hospital.  Obviously there was some kind of communication breakdown - somewhere, either between Indians or between languages - I've learned that both are equally likely.

Came home - had my sandwiches that Reena made for me, they were very nice.  Then I was told it was time for lunch!  Argh!  All the Indians seem to do is eat!  I can't deal with it!  I am always full and never hungry - so don't enjoy the food!  The nicest thing I've had was the Butter Naan at a restaurant, the rest has sent my digestive system crazy.  Oh! to eat college food again!

I can't tell you how much I look forward to walking out at Heathrow to cool, crisp British air.  I could go on and on....and on and on...

Next we went to a little girls party, turning 3 years old.  Very surreal, 20 people in a small room.  Sam told a story.  We had food.  That was it.  Felt a little like a lemon!

The Bible study was good, Oliver is getting closer to Christ, I must pray for him, always.  It rained heavily this evening.  

I am now not speaking at Nijaat tomorrow, a nice relief.  Ever changing India cotinues to be ever changing.

Day Thirteen: 2 April 2008

Had a mentally crazy nights sleep - the worst since I got here.  I just kept waking up!

Digestive system has gone haywire!  I have not got a clue what is happening inside my belly.

Indians can be the most frustrating people, they expect without explanation, without fully telling you what's going on or what you will be doing or how you should do it.  But I imagine that I am just a frustrating, and that it has nothing to do with the fact that they are all Indians - in fact, I'm pretty sure of it.  I just need to trust more.

Today was interesting.  Helped Sam clean the church.  I don't think I'll ever know whether I've been a help or a burden to him these three weeks.  Then went to Mussoorie with Titu and Travis, it was nice.  Foothills of the Himalayas and all - but not as exciting as everyone seems to suggest.

Came back and read and slept a little.  Oliver's stuff is now in my room - his house was broken into unfortunately.  Had a bible study, went well.  Got back and was told I had to do the registration again (hence my rant about explanations!)

Now I'm very tired, and have to be ready at 9am tomorrow.  Also I have been told that I'll speak at Nijaat again on Friday evening, which I was half assuming but more notice would have been nice.  I will probably speak on Galatians 6.  And I will do a quiz for Sunday School.

Oh, I am very, very tired.

Day Twelve: 1 April 2008

And so we reach April!

It's only 11:30am.  Nothing thus far has effected me as much as this - I'm excited, moved, amazed, giving praise to God who is at work!

Just been to help a lady called Grace with some computer problems.  I couldn't fix them unfortunately, her laptop is too old for her new digital camera! It really is a raw deal for these developing countries - technology, that is - because if and when they can afford/are given things, they only have a certain amount of usage as they get out dated so very quickly.

Anyway, Grace felt called by God eight-ish years ago to saved abandoned girls.  The result now is that she lives with and teaches eleven girls between the ages of 2 and 14.  Quite an incredible lady - just relies on God to provide, and he does - every time.  It isn't something I can really understand as I have so much money and things!  But it was truly inspiring.  And the girls sung a couple of songs, which was lovely.  And they made me ginger, lime and honey tea - quite an amazing tea.  I must remember these people in prayer.

Came back and had lunch, then went to a shop with Sam, Margaret and Ravi and got Keren a top.  Did bits and bobs, renewed T.V. license (or equivalent) then met the rest of the Australian team for coffee in their hotel.  It was nice, they were all Asians living in Australia.  It was nice to have something different to do.  

Worked out in the end that I am going to Mussorie tomorrow.  Sometimes I really can't read these Indians!  The language barrier makes it worse, but it does all come together in the end it seems.  I must remember to plan Sunday school, and prepare to speak at the youth meeting.  

Had a nice chat to Keren tonight, was good.  The first proper time I'd spoken to her, so that got that barrier out of the way.  Also, I had chicken nuggets for tea tonight - never had them before in my life, but they were a wonderful relief from Indian food!!

And God is good.

Day Eleven: 31 March 2008

I went to Raipur School with Margaret and Ravi for more result presentations this morning.  It went really well, the kids and the teachers were much more organised than at Jakan.  And there were more parents there too, which is always a good thing.  We then moved on to looking for a t'shirt for Keren but didn't find anything.

Came home and had lunch, a 'light lunch'!  I can't cope with the amount of food they eat, not sure whether it is the amount or my funny stomach, or the fact that I'm not used to it.

The Oliver and I went to Clementown, a Tibetan colony.  We visited the temple (Stupa) and the huge statue of Buddha.  It was very surreal. When we got there it was closed, but we asked and they let us in anyway.  It wasn't really Dehradun, it was quiet with no people around.  Tranquil. In the traveling process, we took the bus and a number of vicrims, I even took one on my own - so that adventure's done - thought I probably won't want to go on one alone again too readily!

We also chatted God stuff (in pizza hut of all places!).

We had some young Indians shouting abuse at us, in Hindi so I didn't understand it - was quite interesting.  Some Indian's are very rude.

We went out for a meal in the evening, Ravi too us to 'Prez'.  I had the 'continental platter veg', it was okay but everything was spicy - all 'Indianised'.  My body us still unsure of itself - all sorts of stomach movements that are not so welcome!  Quite frustrating at times.

Found out today that I am going (probably) to Haryana on Wednesday until Friday - so that's the most the interesting things this week gone.  But another adventure.  Everything changes in India.  Nothing is certain.

Day Ten: 30 March 2008

The bell has just tolled to tell me that it is 11pm.  It rings every hour through the night - I don't notice it too often anymore.

The Immodium I took on Tuesday has worn off - both a relief and discomfort!

Had church today, went well.  I took the 11-15 year olds.  It was odd, in some ways exactly the same as English youth, in some ways totally different.  I'm doing the youth for the next 2 Sunday's so hopefully will build up some relationship with them.  They seemed to prefer the games today!  I'll try and make it more interactive next week.

Came home and had loads of people for lunch, got to know one of the youths a bit better.  They left and then I watched a film - was nice, bit of Western culture again in the form of 'The Fugitive'.

Afterwards I chatted to Margaret for a while and got most of my week sorted, was about to learn how to make roti's but all of a sudden we went out to Cafe Coffee Day to see Titu, a friend of theirs they hadn't seen in a while - it cheered everyone up I think.  

Sorted out seeing Oliver tomorrow (hopefully!) and going to Missourie on Wednesday with Titu - so that should be cool.  He also took us out to a vegetarian restaurant, was very nice.  They expect me to eat loads - I am full almost constantly.  They had do-it-yourself mouth freshener of sugar and aniseed - very nice.

Checked my emails - GCC are sending me some money, very kind of them.  I'll chat to church about the trip.  And Liverpool beat Everton 1-0, Torres with his 28th of the season.  Good stuff.

Day Nine: 29 March 2008

Today was quite an interesting day.  At 11am (ish!) we went to a village to an inauguration ceremony of an orphanage which was only half built, called Hope Home.  Lots of songs and dances, a sketch by the Nijaat boys, Sam gave a message.  I couldn't understand most of the event, nearly all in Hindi.

Met someone who spoke in proper Victorian English - very odd.  At times, Victorian English is as incomprehensible as Hindi - worrying that my heritage is as foreign to me as the Indian culture.  

Got back and had a nap, then prepared for the youth group on Sunday.  The young people's meeting I was going to speak at was cancelled, though Oliver and Rupa came still, not knowing it was cancelled.  

In the evening we watched a Hindi film about a boy who was dyslexic.  Was very good, three hours long, but it wasn't noticeable.  Before this though, I helped Sam clean the church hall for tomorrow's service - he does everything, literally.  If I ever think I'm busy....!  Jane, Travis, Ravi, Bahadur and Saurebh watched the film with us.  And Margaret made an apple crumble...lovely.

Day Eight: 28 March 2008

Quite a day!  Went to school with Margaret, Ravi and Sam, kids did some songs and stuff, it was their results ceremony, attempting to get the kids and their parents (especially) more motivated for education.  Was very interesting.

Then went to take Margaret and Ravi to a fabric shop - reminded me of Tanzania, especially the man on the sowing machine outside the shop!  Whilst they were shopping, Sam and I had a drink in the cafe, getting to know him better now. 

My digestive system is on the road to proper recovery - which is absolutely wonderful!

Had lunch back at home - it seems I eat very little by their standards.  I'm always offered more and it is always mentioned that I eat very little - I guess it's cultural on both sides.

Then I went to Nijaat.  Was interesting, I rode on a motorcycle for the first time.  People there were lovely, I did a talk on forgiveness, then they asked questions... about punishment, revenge, materialism, bitterness, resentment.  Hopefully my answers were God honouring.

In the evening we went out for dinner at the Principal of the Himalayan  Torchbearers, an absolutely incredible house!  More ornate than any I have been in in the West!

I think I'm beginning to understand this place a but more now.

Day Seven: 27 March 2008

Interesting observation - pigeons in India are skinny.

Spent most of the day preparing two talks, harder to prepare than I remember!  One for tomorrow evening, the other for Saturday afternoon.  Forgiveness and the Good Samaritan.  We will see how they go.  Hope they are glorifying to God.

Went to Bible study this evening.  The place was kind of like the other half of the story compared with the house we were at last night.  Tonight's house seemed very poor - a flat of a few small rooms.  Last night's house even had a huge TV.... contrasting indeed, but probably even more so to my Western eyes.

Came back, ate dinner, chatted a bit with Margaret, Ravi and Bahadur - was nice.

Day Six: 26 March 2008

Do I really love England - or do other countries just make me uncomfortable?

I guess if anything I have realised just how big an influence culture has on a persons life. I'm struggling with being here - I think I'm viewing it as something I have to do, not want to do.  But at the same time I know I wanted to come, to put myself through something like this so that I would appreciate more of how much God has blessed me in England.  And so it is serving a good purpose, and I know God will bring it all together. 

Three weeks ago the results of the elections were announced.  In three weeks time our first term as committee will begin - I don't think I've really got my head around that yet.

It has been a day of two days.  Until 3pm I was pretty bored, read a lot and did some preaching prep.  After that (the bell has just tolled telling me it is midnight - every hour the bell tolls...) Jane, Travis, Saurebh came round to eat lunch.   Nice guy, Travis, hope to get to know him. Ravi came round to stay (Australian/Indian woman), she talked a lot.  We all went for coffee at Cafe Coffee Day (CCD), again very nice.  I embarrassed myself by offering to pay for mine; it is always the person who invites you who pays...!  Sam laughed heartily.  

The we went to a Bible study - Sam is a very good Bible teacher.

Keren had her last exam today - but wasn't too happy about it.  Will be praying.  Tomorrow will be a day of preparing various talks.

Father, thank you for my day.

Day Five: 25 March 2008

I am ill.  Vomited three times so dar, it is only 10.20am.  Diarrhea too.  Lovely.

The last time I threw up water - my stomach has gone mad.

This thought just went through my mind: I wish I could drink as the plants drink.  Upon seeing Joseph (who was driving me to the Blind School when I threw up for the second time...in the car.) water the plants in front of me.

For I am currently sipping medicine water, very slowly and carefully - for fear that it may just come back up.  Father God, I pray it doesn't!

It is now 10pm, I think I am better.  I read a lot today, Bauman's 'Liquid Love' - very complex but very good.

I'm now doing the youth group on Sunday morning (12-15 year olds) on my own...Keren was going to help, but is not now.  Also leading / doing the talk at the youth meeting on Saturday.

This is very good training, my preparation will have to be focussed, not take all day like my BG preach did!  

Reena (house maid) will do my washing, which is very nice of her.  I think I'm getting used to it here.

Day Four: 24 March 2008

Today has been good - I worked at the Sharp Memorial Blind School, helping Sumuna with some typing and other admin stuff.  At home it is very quiet though, the people who were going to come around didn't, so it is now 9.15pm and I'm getting ready for bed... yesterday we finished dinner at this time!  But I guess the sleep will be good for me, so long as I can sleep!

Walked some of the way home on my own today too - gave me a bit more confidence in this foreign country.  Dogs bark all night, very odd but I assume I'll get used to it.

Abi (pretty sure that is not the correct spelling) left today, I didn't a chance to say goodbye to him.  An interesting guy, my age, studying to go into the army like his dad.

Emails from home today too, always nice.  Had a good chat with Sam today too, which was good.  The next few days will be busy; at the Blind School again tomorrow, meeting an American called Travis on Wednesday, looking forward to that.  And I'm going to be preaching at a drug rehab centre on the next three Friday's!  Goodness me!  Lord, may they be your words, not mine.

Day Three: 23 March 2008

At the moment I am fighting between really looking forward to being here and really wanting to go home.  I am praying that I will enjoy my time here - I certainly have to be trusting God. Everything is the same but different - and it is the subtleties that are hard to spot - let alone get used to.

Today we had lots of church - two services - five hours worth!  Mostly in Hindi!  I understood some...  I think I will feel better when things settle down a bit and start doing more  and getting to know people.

Lord may it be so.

Day Two: 22 March 2008

Slept until midday today, after not being able to get to sleep until about 3/4am!  Finding the jet lag harder than I thought, just hoping I sleep well tonight!

Today was 'Holi' - a festival where the Hindu's throw different colour paints at each other.  So we stayed inside.  The young people came round and had a Bible study, I gave my testimony.

Sometimes I feel right at home - other times it is very odd.

Day One: 21 March 2008

Settled in of sorts.  The family are lovely.  Went with Sam to see the Sharp Memorial Blind School - the first blind school in India, set up by Annie Sharp, a missionary about 100 or so years ago.

Played with the kids.  Pretty incredible kids.  Attempted not to be too shocked by some of the illnesses and deformities.  We played cricket with them.  A surreal and wonderful moment watching blind children having a load of fun beating me at cricket using their incredible sense of hearing!  Some very special kids.

Will be working there on Monday, helping with computer stuff of all things!  Also tomorrow I am to give my testimony and maybe do a game with the young persons group. 

It has been quite a 48 hours!

The Journey - pt. Two: 21 March 2008

Arrived in Delhi and all was fine - got through security and immigration, changed money over, picked up bag...nice.

A lesson on looking for the person who is picking you up:  Read ALL the signs.

I spent a good half an hour praying/worrying outside Delhi airport, my mind racing to all sorts of absurdities, because I don't see anyone to collect me!

In one last attempt I decide all the names on the signs, even the ones inside the airport (where I was informed he would NOT be).  And there he was, inside looking dead bored waiting! Fervent panic prayers turn to joyful thanks!

Thus commenced the 5 and a half hour journey to DehraDun.  Not as bad as many had made out, I slept (ish) for about two hours.  We stopped off for tea - very hot and sweet.  I also walked in on a young boy going to the loo - good start to getting to know the people in India!

I have just awoken from a few hours sleep having arrived at the Thomas' - Sam and Margaret seem very nice.  I'm living in an 'annex/extension' thing.  

The Indian life is as I expected so far.  The heat, dust, smell, poverty hasn't hit me as it did for many others.  In fact, I feel pretty familiar with it.  I wonder whether Tanzania taught me more than I thought.  The only difference so far is the statues of gods that are dotted around the place, and the increase in the number of Indians (though there were a fair number in Tanzania too!)

The Journey - pt. One: 20/21 March 2008

Currently flying at 37000 feet and 662 mph.

The air is smelling like the stale breath of a couple of hundred people.

We are just over half way there, having just crossed the Black Sea.  In the UK the time is now 4.10pm - in India it is 9.40pm.  We will arrive at 1.24am (on Good Friday) local time.

We have just hit the biggest patch of turbulence yet, which oddly enough doesn't worry me at all - I just feel like I'm on a train.  The sun has set in the past half an hour - from the brightest light to darkest black.  Memories of Tanzania abound.

On the journey so far I have watched Atonement - quite a harrowing portrayal of the nature of atonement, until it ended in quite an awful manner.  Then I watched a Jack Dee comedy, which made me feel like I was back in Worthing.

The current worry is that I have forgotten all the detail for Sam Thomas - address, phone number, email address - so that has the potential to provide some interesting situations.

An India Adventure

A week ago I arrived home safe and sound from India.  Apologies for being unable to put updates up on here - I hope instead to give you a taste of my journey by posting some of my diary of the trip up on here in the next few days/weeks.

Thanks for all you who prayed.  There were times that I really felt the prayer support and knew God was listening.