“Connie had a jet lag hangover” said a youth at church last Sunday morning. It’s true. I’ve been pushing through, one trip after another. The last two were only 5 days apart, resulting in a jet lag hangover. The day I returned to the USA I joined Don for a student leader meeting at church. I recall sitting there but not fully being present. I was more of a distraction than a help…. I believe I acted like I was 12 year old junior high guy who missed his meds.
Our team house is now 45 minutes closer to the House of Hope (Asha House) and we can walk! For many reasons, this is wonderful. However, when you have 8 western women walking from one place to another it can be quite comical.
“Namaste. Namaste. Namaste. Namaste. Namaste. Namaste. Namaste. Namaste.”
In English, “Hello, Hello, Hello, Hello, Hello, Hello, Hello, Hello“. In a single file (due to the traffic, dogs, water buffalo, carts, bikes, motos, cars, piles of trash and sewage) we hop around nodding and bowing, greeting each and every person who stares. The younger children on the streets mock out accent and I strike back. I say hello next time and they repeat. It sounds more like “Ahllo” then “Hello”. So I smile and correct them. It was a bit of a game. I tease them, they tease me. Some would see us and race down the road to give the heads up to others so they can stand in the doorways and watch. Yup. Scarves wrapped around our heads and long skirts (so we don’t draw attention to ourselves-lol) we “sneak” thru the streets. You can hear the giggles and feel the stares. What are westerners good for? Drawing attention.
Myself and 2 others arrived 2 days prior to the team. I met with Victor and Simini to go over the schedule. Simini is doing well and ready for the baby (the sex unknown at that time). The next morning, Victor shares that he took her to the hospital. The baby had not moved in about 24 hours and there was great concern. Hospitals in India are nothing like that of those we have here in the US and soon, the discovered that a c-section would be needed. The doctors shared that the baby would be underweight
A call was made from Victor to Lincy and Sapna (Victor and Simini’s sisters) at the House of Hope. The children were soon informed and scarves were pulled out and girls’ heads were covered. It was time for prayer. They prayed for the weight to increase.
sweat. Stumbling out to the common space, I collapse on the mats that
serve as couches. I realize I forgot my water bottle and whine a bit as I
try to get off the floor. I return, fill my water out of a jug, into a pan and using a cup…into my bottle – and once again make
the clumsy trip to the floor. It’s time. Time to eat boiled eggs, drink
Chai, and drink water to stay hydrated. Life is good!
are appropriately dressed, have a scarf and start the day with prayer. Scarves are placed over our
heads and we bow while talking to our Provider and Protector, our Father. And it was good. We had no idea just how
good!
the Leper Colony and I want to throw my door open. I spot my friends
and can’t wait to hug them all. There were 2 that I have specifically
been praying for. One I call “my hobbit”. The second, whose name I don’t
think I will ever be able to say – so lets call her “Martha”.
I climb out and there they are. Hugs are passed around and introductions
take place. It’s then that Martha tells me that earlier that day, her
and her sister “Mary” had been talking about Kristen and I, wondering
when we would return. (No one told them it was us coming that day!) I
had a chance to share, thru friend and translator Sapna that the one,
only, true God… not only can hear our prayers, but knows our thoughts
before we even do!
It was our prayer and their thoughts God knew and placed us together on
that day. That day – not one of the other 364 days. Just another
reminder that God has called us for such a time as this. (or times)
Again, thank you! For making these ministry opportunities possible. Not
only do we minister to those overseas, but to those on the trips and at
home. It has a ripple effect…all because of YOU! Thank You! Thank You!
