Hope in India

Nepal

2009-06-08T12:55:00.022+05:30

Ajay and Daniel

On our way to Siklis

No seats left on the bus

With no kids at school and 115 degree weather in Delhi, we planned an escape from India. The getaway comprised of a two week excursion to scenic Nepal. Upon landing we spent the first night in Kathmandu then headed to Pokhara. From Pokhara took a 2 hour bus ride and began a our trek. After reaching Siklis we headed for Annapurna Base Camp. In all we covered around 75 miles in seven days. We started each day bright and early, usually waking around 5:15 since the sun would begin its ascent just before 5 a.m. Breakfast by 6:30, usually apple porridge & coffee, then pack and start walking by seven. We stopped for lunch and dinner at tea houses nestled along the hillside next to the trail. Nothing fancy, just a kitchen, bathroom and between 5-15 small bedrooms containing only two beds. But after walking up and down mountains for 8-10 hours you don't think about much else. We had a wonderful guide named Ajay, who keep us moving in the right direction throughout the trip and even invited us over for dinner when we returned to Kathmandu. After the trek, we relaxed for a few days enjoying some great food and even visited the monkey temple. Overall it was an amazing trip with spectacular views, great weather, delicious food and good people.

Daniel heading up the stairs to the monkey temple then he & I with Ajay's son in their home for dinner

Manali

2009-05-18T19:26:00.021+05:30

School is out and summer break is upon us. The high temps have sent many residents of Delhi packing. Some have gone North and some South, either way its a better place without them. The traffic, though still ridiculous, isn't as bad and they took most of the mosquitos with them (actually the heat drives the mosquitos away). The almost unbearable temp seems to be a blessing in disguise.

For those who didn't know, Daniel flew home Wed for his brother's wedding in Charleston, SC. So I headed North for cooler weather and the beautiful scenery in Manali. I boarded a bus on Wed night for a 16 hour ride. On the way to the bus stop I discovered I'd left my cell phone at the flat. I had packed Rs 2400 ($48.00) but realized I'd left Rs 1900 ($38.00) at the flat with my phone. So I was off to a good start. I slept a bit on the bus and met a very nice Indian who'd obtained his MBA, in engineering, in Indianapolis, IN. He helped me order some breakfast and passed some time comparing the States with India.

Upon arrival I sought out a place to lie down. After crossing the bridge into Old Manali I was ushered up these stairs to the peaceful Eagle Guesthouse.

A very nice place just outside the busier district of the town where I was able to negotiate a rate of Rs150/night. This comes to $3 per night. I was determined to make it through the trip on the reduced budget but found some souvenirs and was forced to visit the ATM.

The next day I went for a hike and started walking down the road bound for Solang Valley but felt it was taking too long, so I cut a path into the mountain. After walking a couple hrs I came upon these gorgeous horses, seemingly running wild. I met a group of six high school graduates from England enjoying their gap year (taking one year off before starting college, often traveling). They were roasting almonds over a small fire they'd built. They tasted great and it felt good to sit down a for a while.

Upon arriving back at the Eagle, Robert from California checked in. He had been teaching for several months in Southern India. He's been traveling the last couple of months and returns home in two weeks. He invited me to join him in trying to reach Jhugnu Falls on Saturday.

We set off after breakfast and hiked/climbed all day. We found a different waterfall than is visible from the road so we started climbing it instead. The falls were great with very cool temps at the bottom.

We then ventured into Vishist, home of a hot sulfur spring where patrons can relax. After chi we were looking forward to a soak in the springs but declined upon sighting four young boys wearing only their birthday suits splashing around in the water.

After a great Israeli dinner of veg schnitzel, salad, hummus, falafel and chips I fell into a deep sleep.

On Sunday I decided to relax and do some reading and packing for my departure that night. After a 4 mile jog in the park, Madan, pictured at right slicing tomatoes, treated me to a lunch he'd prepared.

I then headed to new Manali for some last minute shopping before catching the bus home. We stopped at a restaurant where I was able to view chapatti being cooked in a clay oven. They even let me sample a piece, better than normal being hot and right out of the oven. He uses a mit to stick the dough to the side of oven then a long metal hook to remove them.

Overall it was fantastic trip and the Lord was watching over me the entire time. The highlight came on the last day. I'd been praying for God to use me and constantly looking for opportunities. My first morning there I witnessed Madan praying but wasn't sure to whom. So I started praying for him and that I'd get the chance to speak with him. I kept finding good excuses not to until the last day. I knew it was my last chance and God gave me the push and strength I needed. I asked him to walk around back of the hotel to view the orchards. Alone we began talking about the need for Jesus Christ. Fortunately he professed to be a believer and said he attended church for the other 6 months of the year when he was home. Most people in Manali only stay there for the tourist season but go home during the winter. He had left his Bible at home so I gave him a New Testament I was carrying. He was very gracious.

I worry about many Madan and others I spoke with along this journey. They grow up Hindi but learn about Christianity, Muslim and other religions. One man conveyed that there was one God but that they were all the same.

There is only one God but His Son Jesus said "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me" John 14:6. We are all sinners in need of God's grace revealed through His son's life, death and resurrection. Please pray for the men and women of India, that they will be exposed to and accept the truth concerning our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

Shimla

2009-05-12T10:39:00.010+05:30

Train Rides and New Friends

Daniel and a local farmer Saklani and I

What an amazing week! The plan was to spend a couple of days in Shimla to practice trekking before the trip to Nepal. Daniel had met a missionary couple a year ago in KY who were based in Shimla and they invited us to stay with them. We took an exciting train ride, I even made a new friend, and were greeted at the train station by some of the NICO staff. They took us to the home of Dinesh and Rachel who founded NICO (North Indian Community Outreach) and have been working from Shimla for the past 13 years. There we met their four beautiful children, the children's teacher Heidi, Marsha, the NICO staff and Bhovan the cook. We discovered one of the young men working for NICO, named Rakesh Saklani, was very interested in joining us for the hike.

We got off to a slow start the first day but after a couple of bus rides and lunch at a golf course we finally began hiking. We hiked all day but never made it to the mountain we had planned on climbing, Shali Tiba, but it did remain in site the entire day as we hiked half-way around it on the opposing mountains. We enjoyed the adventure though, meeting some of the locals as we stopped at several homes asking for directions. After a long day we returned home for a wonderful meal supplied by Bhovan. The next day we set out a little earlier, this time in a taxi headed for Kanton. This is a small village at the foot of the mtn we wanted to climb. More trouble as the taxi overheated around 2K from our destination so we took off on foot with our trusted guide Saklani. Three hrs later we reached the Kali temple perched atop Shali Tiba. The view was amazing! Gazing upon God's creation from atop the peak I was reminded of Psalm 121: I look up to the hills- where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, maker of heaven and earth. He will not let your foot slip- he who watches over you will not slumber; I am comforted and strengthened knowing that the maker of the all that we see is watching over us day and night.

We completed our trekking but weren't quite ready to leave. Dinesh and Rachel were gracious enough to put up with us for a couple more days. On Saturday we had devotion with the family then on Sunday attended a church that Dinesh started in Shimla. The worship there was contagious. Everyone was singing and clapping, giving testimonies and just praising the Lord. I shared a bit about how the Lord brought me to Delhi and Shimla, followed by a message courtesy of "Pastor Daniel Roberts". During the entire week I was constantly reminded of my weakness and reliance upon God and that He always anwser our prayers, but in in His own time so we must be patient.

The following days included devotion with the NICO staff and a few visits to villages throughout Shimla where the NICO team is taking the good news wherever God leads them. On one of these days we were fortunate enough to attend the opening of a sewing center where 12 young ladies were overjoyed to receive their new machines and immediately began praising God. They lifted their hands and voices in thanksgiving to the Living God whom they knew had made this possible. We then began our ascent up another mountain. The narrow one lane road snakes back and forth up the side of the mnt. The ride was similar to a wooden rollercoaster as we were thrown back and forth inside the Qualis as it wound up and down the switchbacks. The roads became less and less traverseable, most being nothing more than mud and potholes . But after several hrs we reached the top and quickly decided the rough ride was worth the blessing we received. Once at the village we met a women who accepted the Lord through the church in Shimla. She'd returned to her village armed with a Bible and began telling everyone the good news. How inspiring to meet someone so excited about Jesus and His love, because when you have good news you want to share it and thats exactly what she did. As we praised the Lord with this group I was inspired by their belief in the power of God to strengthen, heal, teach and protect.

Overall it was an incredible trip, more than I'd ever expected.

Broken down on the road but we finally made to the Shali Tiba Kali temple

A visit to the country in India

2009-04-05T15:26:00.016+05:30

We spent two nights visiting a feeder school in Issapur. This is as far west as you can go in Delhi. A small, rural farming town where we felt almost at home. The vast countryside reminded me of OK or TX with fields stretching as far as the eye can see. Cattle and sheep graze freely while workers harvest the crops (not sure exactly what that is). The town was very attractive in its own way. The brightly colored homes adorned with decorative gates were stacked on top of one another. In the mornings we'd enjoy a cup of coffee while watching the peacocks fly from rooftop to rooftop and occasional see one of the male birds "dancing". We stayed with a teacher named Antony, along with his wife Shanti and daughter Neci. They are a wonderful family and I can't begin to describe there excessively generous hospitality. Their house is nestled between the PE teacher Raja's apt that he shares with two other teachers and Siri, another teacher.

Pictured left to right: Raja, Siri, me, Antony and Neci in front of the school.

We had a great time singing (taught them deep & wide and bop shoe bop)

and playing games with the students. Cricket was their favorite but we managed to squeeze in a game of football(soccer) and then duck, duck goose with the smaller children. We told a Bible story or two, read some stories and worked some math problems. I believe God has great things planned for all of the Good Samaritan Schools and students. Christ and education working together to change India from the inside. I thank God for this experience and we're already planning another visit.

What's a day like?

2009-04-01T16:04:00.009+05:30

When Jake was in Beijing I was always wondering, and people were always asking, what is a normal day like. Well, no one has asked me but I'll tell you anyway. We've been here for one month and have pretty well established a routine, however it does vary. Nothing is set in stone here, times and dates are never definite. School starts at 7:30 but today was the first day of school so we are really just getting started. The two weeks before today was teacher inservice where Daniel and I each led a devotion group of teachers starting at 830. We've been trying to get a run in before this so we'd leave the flat around 630-645 and run 30-40 minutes.

Upon arriving at the flat, below the colored window pictured at left, we shower and eat breakfast. Always pb&j plus two eggs courtesy of Gorilah (pictured in previous blog), the school attendant responsible for our flat. Then its off to school where I teach geography and Daniel music/guitar. When not in class we're working on lesson plans, updating our blogs or just playing with the students. For lunch we've been eating whatever they prepare at the school.

However, that was only during inservice so now we'll have to order or bring our own. School lets out around 2 but Daniel has an after school elective class from 2-3. By this time we need to unwind a bit so we generally pass football or frisbee with some of the students or school staff joining in. Then we head home to work, read or whatever before dinner. Dinner usually consists of pb&j, oatmeal and some fruit. Then we finish our day's work before heading to bed.

Occasionally we will visit a slum area and join in a worship time or visit homes where they always request prayer. Then whenever the opportunity arises we will drop by one of the feeder schools, such as we're doing this weekend. In the morning we leave for Issapur. We will stay until Sat but not sure what we'll be doing. Besides playing games with the children we'll probably sing songs and maybe work on the landscaping, whatever the need. This school is outside Delhi, a very rural area so I'm very excited to experience a different side of India.

Today, Shalini who is pictured above and is a member of one of my geography classes, saw me passing football with some of her guy classmates. She wanted to join in and turned out to be pretty good, out-throwing all of the boys. I was quick to point this out, making fun of the boys the rest of the day. They all went home so Shalini and I spent the next 30 minutes playing catch with a group of the younger students who had gathered to watch.

Then on the walk home I stopped to watch some of the area kids playing a few games of cricket in the grazing field across from our flat. Games start early in the morning then stop for work and school while the cows graze, then pick back up after school.

March

2009-03-29T14:36:00.006+05:30

Children at Good Samaritan School

Outside the school

Madanpur Khatar Chuch

Girls at church

Following Daniel on way to church

Girls praying at church

Daniel, Gorilah and me. Gorilah is an attendant for the school who looks after our flat. Probably one of the coolest guys I know. Good morning!

My new profession...

2009-03-26T15:43:00.006+05:30

I am teaching tenth grade geography. This is a little challenging due to several factors: language- most are pretty good but their vocabulary is not the same and I must speak very slow while being sure to enunciate every letter, subject- I'm no geo expert and even worse with Indian geo so I must stay ahead of the students and learn the chapter before I can teach it, task- I am new at teaching so I am trying to learn this as well, students- 40 in each class. Trying to keep them quiet is probably the greatest challenge but its magnified by the fact that they sit 2 and sometimes 3 or 4 to a desk. I do enjoy trying to come up with examples that not only explain the material but are also relevant to students of India, slum kids from India. Only a small percentage of them can even afford to attend school, education is not free in Delhi. Sponsors, mostly from the US, give donations to the majority of students. These children, whether they understand it or not have been greatly blessed by God with the opportunity to receive an education and more importantly, to hear of Jesus' love for them. Please continue to pray for them, their teachers and the Good Samaritan School.

Streets of Delhi

2009-03-24T22:24:00.013+05:30

Just another day in Delhi. Upon observing this speeding couple passing us on the highway I couldn't help remark to Daniel, "Did he have a toilet?". Daniel confirmed the siting as a smile crossed our face, you just don't get this back home. After this, It was a not a surprise to witness the scene at right. Driving in India takes a different kind of person. Driving in Delhi is not for the faint of heart. Upon landing, we piled into the Toyota Qualis, similar to a Landcruiser, and sped off for our flat. The streets aren't crowded, they're overflowing. Every meter is fought over with a passion not witnessed elsewhere in Indian life. I'm not sure how to describe the apparent animosity represented in daily driving. These are not scattered episodes of road rage, its a way of life for anyone brave enough to leave home. Pedestrians however, are prob at the greatest risk. Trying to cross the street requires an almost detached vision towards life itself. Besides cars, rickshaws (3-wheeled bikes), autoricks, scooters and motorcycles attack the roads with a vengence prevelant from a scene in a Mad Max movie. There are also large trucks and buses. Each bus carries is crammed beyond max capacity, think world record for # people in a telephone booth. The bikes and scooters weave in and out of traffic, coming within inches of the vehicles on each side of them. The bikes usually carry between 1 and 5 people, plus supplies. They do however wear helmets, usually, other than the women. Road conditions can be problematic. Potholes can spread across entire lanes but no more than 11 inches deep. They do however, even them out with speed bumps (humps in India because they are at least one foot tall). They fall randomly throughout the highway or interstate, not just for parking lots and subdivisions.

Our driver is of the rarest breed. He is a seasoned professional with over 20 years experience, who can navigate this city with a sense of ease I thought unattainable. Upon every outing, I've witnessed him do battle in the streets of Delhi. We have escaped insurmountable situations completely unscathed. Just when I think he's finally made a mistake, miscalculated by a few millimeters or won't get stopped quick enough, he somehow manages to slip by. Just the other day, we took a couple of detours that brought me to the edge of my seat. See Daniel's blog to learn of Bitoo's death defying adventures, commandeering sidewalks and busting through bus only lanes. Yep, just another day in Delhi!

Hope abounds in India

2009-03-22T21:07:00.005+05:30

As I'd hoped, God's presence in my life has grown stronger since coming to India. Not because I'm in India, not because I'm on a mission trip and not because I'm doing God a favor, but because I've left behind so many of the distractions of home and opened my eyes to seek Him out on a continual basis. You see, there is really no where else to turn. I am 12,000 kilometers, roughly 7,400 miles, from almost everyone I know. The culture is completely different and I can barely carry on a conversation with the majority of people I meet. So who can I turn to for help except our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. This is a common circumstance that God uses to teach us lessons. Many times we ask God to make our lives easier, to take away the uncomfortable or difficult situations. These are the times in which God teaches us to depend upon Him and His plan for our life. It is at our most weakened and vulnerable state that we finally submit control and surrender all to God.

This is displayed continuously at the school. They are constantly calling upon the Lord for help praising Him for EVERYTHING. It is convicting to see a people living out their days in such miserable conditions, and then to witness them praising the Lord and thanking Him for all the small things in their lives. I pray that God will continue to use their example to develop and strengthen my faith and dependence in Him.

Blinded

2009-03-17T19:32:00.002+05:30

We are oblivious to the daily strife endured by the human race. In America, we are confined to our comfortable lives and aren't to blame for our ignorance to the plight of other peoples and nations around the globe. Sure, we occasionally hear something on the news or a World Hunger commercial will flash across the screen before I can find the remote, but does that even phase us anymore. My goal here is not to cast blame or cause guilt, for I am no different. It is not our fault, how were we to know? Even pictures are not enough. The carnage must be seen with your own eyes and I'm not sure that is even sufficient. I am here seeing it but still cannot fully contemplate the extent of the poverty and hardships in which they endure everyday, and I'm not sure I ever can without experiencing it for myself. Many people here survive on less money per day than we spend on a gallon of gasoline. The living conditions for many are unimaginable. A canvas tarp strung up on the side of a busy road serves as home for an entire family, a family who is fortunate to receive one meal a day consisting of little more than a bowl of rice. Infection and disease are a way of life, stemming from unsanitary living conditions, poor hygiene and malnutrition coupled with no medical care. James 1:2-3 says: Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. It is difficult to find comfort in these words. But what can I, what can we do to help. Our guilt will not ease anyone's suffering. Sending money or food provides only temporary relief. The change must come from the inside, from within India or wherever the oppressed people may be. By showing them Jesus' love and sharing the good news we give them the only hope they may ever have. We can start through prayer. Prayer not only for their physical burdens but also for their souls in hope and and knowledge that one day God will bring an end to their suffering and together we can all enjoy everlasting peace and happiness when we go Home to be with with our Father in Heaven.

Not a complaint

2009-03-08T13:22:00.010+05:30

During our first 4-5 days here, Daniel, Will and I finished off a jar of blueberry jam. You see, our breakfast consists of two eggs, fried by our very own Gorilah the apt attendant who speaks and maybe understands less than ten english words, with toast with pb and jelly or in its absence, honey. Actually, we aren't completely out of spreadable fruit. We do have diabetic orange marmalade. Orange marmalade is not my favorite but this jar is close to inedible. I've never experienced anything quite like this. The taste is not unbearable, but the shreds of orange peal filling the jar offers a texture and taste that though not intentional, insults your taste buds. So, this morn Gorilah asked us about groceries. We asked him to purchase us some more jelly because we'd already explained that the marmalade was not to our taste. I showed him the empty jar of blueberry jam while we pointed out every jam friendly fruit in the apartment. After lunch I was joyed, but only for a moment, to discover a new jar of jam located in the refrigerator (pictured below).

Though I've yet to actually taste the jam, my growing expectations are nothing short of tremendous!

first impression

2009-03-06T14:46:00.001+05:30

My first week in India has been

amazing. I've experienced so much

in the last few days. The school is

incredible, the people are inspiring,

the food is pretty good and our Lord

is being blessed in a tremendous way.

We've been playing games with the

children and having Bible study with

some of the staff. Everything was

going as planned until we visited the

slums. The living conditions there are

unimaginable. But you wouldn't

know it from the passion with which

they worship. Singing songs and casting

prayers and requests to our Lord

with unchecked zeal and assurance. We

are settling in to our apartment with the

help of Laura Marie and Will

Ditto. LM left Friday and Will is flying out

on Tuesday, leaving only Daniel and me. We've

been running daily

and adjusting to the food and culture,

trying to learn a few words and phrases.

We've been discussing with the

school a schedule and classes to teach.

We will have the 10th graders, who thankfully

speak english.

During our flight over, I told myself to forget about my wants and desires and to concentrate on others, to place their needs before my own. However, upon landing, I was caught off guard by the Indians treatment of Daniel and me. The student's and faculty's excitement andtreatment of Daniel and me is uncomfortable at times. They are so insistent upon ensuring our comfort. Onemember of the staff, Ashish repeats the phrase,with a smile on his face, "I am at your service". Their actions have demonstrated a new definition of how to serve others. With love I thank you for your prayers and support.Pictured on top is Daniel and me following the Bible study from rooftop of Madanpur Khatar slum, above are students at the school; Below are Ananthi, Daniel and Laura Marie; then me Daniel and Will at Tughluqabad Fort