Back in contact with the tech world today!! We are in New Delhi and in about 13 hours will begin our trek back to the States. The past couple days we have not had Internet access have been FULL ones. Let me TRY to recap.
We left Damoh on Monday morning and drove south to Jabalpur. It was about a three hour drive, and the roads were better than those we'd traveled earlier, although that is not saying a whole lot! :-)
On the way there, we saw an elephant working carrying things down the road. He was a Hindu elephant, was painted up the way a Hindu would decorate it. Our driver tried to stop so we could get pictures, but the man with the elephant started yelling, "one minute only1" and was charging us to snap pictures. Only thing is, the elephant never stopped, and by the time my camera was on and the window was down, he was almost gone. I did get two snapshots which you will see later. The one that is a closeup was NOT zoomed in. We were that close.
We stopped also to see some waterfaalls and a canyon. Not the same as the Grand Conyon, but it was pretty and had enough scrub bushes it made a good place to stop, if you get my drift....
Once in Jabalpur we checked in at our hotel. It also was a Hindu run place -- there was always incense burning by a little brass idol. Mike thought this hotel was better than the one we'd stayed at in Delhi on our arrival, but he's wrong. The beds were a bit softer, the pillows bigger, but hard, it had hot water, but it wasn't as clean. The guys got a room with two twin beds that I guess was pretty pitiful.
We had tea in the restaurant to tide us over until the lunch we were to have with the Mercy Home girls. About 1:30 we headed over there.
The girls at the home were a delight! Their home is not very wide -- about wide enough to have two rows of tables running lengthwise, and then some extra space at the front. We sat at the front -- that is the accepted place for guests of honor -- kind of makes one feels like they are on display at all times.
The girls put on a short program for us. Singing and dancing. Apparently, they go to churches where there are dance competitions (to Christian music). They have several small trophies and placques for winning. They had one group in costumes of red and black silkly fabric that made me think they might be doing flaminco dancing, but of course it wasn't.
Then we toured the rest of the house. There were three "houses" (dorm rooms) -- the Blue House, the Yellow House, and the Green House. Each house is home to about 10 girls. They do not separate them by age, but have mixed ages in every house, mixing the girls as family. The main room is wall-to-wall beds. Then there was another small room that held their belongings. Each girl had a small metal box. I didn't measure, but I'd guess they were about 18 X 30 and 12" deep (just guessing). In each was all their personal belongings. They had another box where they kept all their girl foo-foo stuff.
We ate lunch there -- chicken curry, fresh veggies, and the requisite rice. It was pretty good. Also dal tortilla type things. Dal is a word that encompasses many types of lentils. These remind me of corn tortillas that are fried, but much thinner. I really like them and hope to find them in the States. I think their real name is Papan.
Then the men of the group left to walk down the block to a room the mission keeps where they can stay while on business in town. I stayed with the girls (men RARELY at allowed in the home, so they needed to make their visit short). The girls and I tried to talk with their limited English and my non-existent Hindi. I was able to show them pictures of Katie and Matt on my iPad. (Thanks Katie for loading those pics of you -- they were the only pics I have on there, and could have used more!) I was able to tell them and show them what "red hair" looks like. They enjoyed seeing the pics and said Katie is beautiful -- Oh, the way to a Mom's heart!!!..... :-) I showed them an old game we used to play in school using pennies. We had a nice visit.
Oh, and one of the best parts -- we decided to use the bulk of our Changing India funds here. The home doesn't have a computer; we decided to give them funds for a computer. Plus, we are funding getting them bunk beds. Their living arrangements are so cramped, that's were we are putting the bulk of our funds. Rob has on video the reaction.
Good visit.
After this we went for supper at David Lall's favorite Chinese Restaurant. It was alright, but I won't put it at the top of my list... Maybe I didn't get the right thing.
Back to the hotel for a toss-and-turn night of rest. Breakfast the next AM in the hotel restaurant, then to visit some of the church buildings in Jabalpur. Remember, this is now Tuesday, so church isn't in session. I guess it's "OK" to do church stuff on a Sunday, but aft4er that, the people come under suspicion and difficulties to meet.
We went to the first church in Jabalpur and met the preacher and his wife and daughter. The church runs about 70 on a Sunday AM and 100-200 for special programs. They showed us their first meeting room which is now the preacher's kitchen. Wow, small and dark. The building is light and well cared for.
Then we changed vehicles into a narrower one to get the the next church. This was to be a very quick in-and-out trip as it was not safe for us to spend a long time there and wouldn't be safe for the preacher to be seen with us. This building was smaller, but also nice (Indian nice, not U.S. nice). Itg turns out this building was dedicated several years back by Dr. David Sholl, a physician from Tulsa who incidentally delivered both Elisabeth and Katie.
The third building we visited was the smallest. This congregation has few baptized believers, but several "seekers". When we arrived there, the building was full. There were three rows from front to back full of men, and one row of women. They presented us with -- you know what -=- marigold garlands (oh yes, one of the other churches did too!). Then they sang using the instruments I've mentioned earlier. Then Rob preached or gave a quick greeting/devotion. Then time to leave.
Our companion (David had left for Damoh), Shereesh (don't know how to spell it) told us it would be 30 minutes back to the hotel. Well, I knew what his 30 minutes is, and needed to use the bathroom, so I used the churches. The Indian bathroom is sometimes know as a Squatty Potty. I got the situation figured out and it was a good thing. Enough said.
Then to get some lunch. We ate at the Traffic Jam Food Stop. This place had a variety of cuisines, so we ate fish-and-chips. Indian food can be SOOOOOOOO spicy we figured we were safe with that.
Then off to shop. I was hoping to go to some quaint native shops where we could get some small things to take back. They took us to what I considered pretty upscale, because I couldn't afford to get what I was looking for. I did find some reasonably priced things, but it took a while. Mike found a pair of sandals at a shoe store -- only paid about $7.
Then, it was time to head back and get ready to board the night train to Agra. We were in Clas AC One on the train. This is a compartment for four with two benches facing each other. Then when time for bed, two overhead berths fold down from the wall and two lower berths fold down into beds. The porter brings a brown sack containing clean sheets and a pillow, plus wool blankets. Thus begins one of the worse nights "sleep" I had..... :-) I think the berth was the hardest place I slept, and the pillow was equally hard. The train was not a non-stop, but started and stopped through the night. I DID sleep, but it was so hard.....
Morning brought us to Agra, the home of the Taj Majal. We went to a hotel (the worst one yet, but it DID have hot water). We had one large room there and we only used it so we could clean up and have a safe place to store our luggage for the day.
Off to the Taj. Words CANNOT do this place justice!! It was incredible and I even had Rob pinch my arm once to prove that I was actually there!! We took gobs and gobs of pictures. Shereesh had gotten us a guide who was thorough in showing us everything. We'll just have to tell you about it. I don't have enought computer time left to tell you all.
Then on the shop some more -- again, shops we couldn't afford!! But we got to see HOW some of the inlay work at the Taj was completed by current craftsmen using the same methods. I saw one box (I collect boxes) there that was about 5" in diameter and cost $6,000!!!!!!
Then they took us to see the Star of India, a type of precious stone native to here. Again, waaaayyyy expensive.
Then off to the train again to bring us to Delhi last night. The heat of the day was so oppresive, we were miserable. The train was late and we didn't get on it until about 6PM. We again had berths in AC cabins, but it wasn't their first class. So, the compartments didn't close and lock -- only curtains -- and we weren't all together. We were in two different compartments -- originally in three, but some moved to be together. I tried to sleep, but was so tired and miserable I couldn't. Remember -- hard berths? Although it was A/C, I still felt icky from all the sweat and overheating of the day -- it was just cold clamminess.
Got to Delhi about 10PM. OHHHHH the masses on humanity and the rush on the train platform............... This was the first place in India I felt STANK. There was just so much humanity and filth. So glad this scene wasn't my first in India. It took a while to get out of there and get our cabs. I WAS SO THANKFUL FOR SHEREESH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It would have been terrifying without him. I put the video camera in my ever-expanding bag the kids at Oasis of Love gave me. (That bag makes me feel like Mary Poppins -- it seems there is always room for more!!) Shereesh told Rob to get it out of site! Beggars and pickpockets, you know.
The taxis got there and took us to the YWCA. I was hoping for at least a clean bathroom and be able to really feel clean. THANK YOU GOD!!! The place was clean and immaculate. I got a cool shower -- I couldn't wait long enough for the califont to heat up water. It's amazing how clean hair and a clean, unsweaty body will improve one's spirit.
The beds were again HARD, but a decent pillow. Two Benadryl later and I got the best sleep of the trip! Slept in. Got breakfast compliments of the Y, and now Internet access! We are due to leave in 7 minutes. We will see some of Delhi and try to find some souveniers -- hopefully at a decent-priced place!
Must run. We will head to the airport about 9PM Delhi time. That is about 10:30 AM your time. Then off to America!!
Pray for us! We love you and miss you. Gotta run. Don't have time to proof this, so pardon the typos and grammar!!!
Jacque
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Sunday, October 9, 2011
Yes? Or No? Did They? Didn't They?
Yes and No
It's Sunday evening. Rob is about ready to call at the end of first service, but our Sunday is almost over. I'll try to share it with you
The day began when I awoke to the sound of the electricity going off -- AGAIN. Mike and I hadn't run the califont for a couple days, so we got to enjoy cold showers. Also, no electricity means no blow dryer.... :-(
At breakfast we found out Shiney (David and Sheela's marries daughter) had been on IVs all night long and still was in danger of miscarriage. (She did miscarry and had surgery tonight. Her husband does not know as he is currently in the air leading a mission trip here from his church in CA)
Sunday School was at 8am. They were singing when we arrived -- all kids from PreK to college. After the singing they split into groups. As they were leaving for classes we were asked to teach SS. Rob went to teach Jr Hi. mike took the HS and college mike talked about obeying our Creator and used his "block on a rope" illustration. He had a great translator -- a young girl who said she lean red some English at school, but picked it up mostly from talking to Americans.
After the class everyone returned for a closing. Four little kids I think from the orphanage run by AJ Lall planted themselves on our laps.
Yes, we received the traditional beaded garland during SS. No, it wasn't marigolds. I received five of them; the guys only got two.... :-). About 250 kids were in SS.
Then across town the the church building for church at 10am
Yes, here we received the requisite marigold garlands again. :-). These folks really know how to make guests feel SPECIAL. It's humbling. We can learn and thing or three about it!
There was some singing. They used a keyboard, electronic drums and several vocalists. Mike gave the communion meditation, and then communion was pretty much like we do it at home, even down to disposable individual cups. The bread, however, appeared to be an Indian brad, chappati, which is similar to a flour tortilla. I never quoits figured out the offering though. To some people they passed an offering bag. Others came forward to put their money inan offering box. Mamma Pushpa offered me some rupees to put in. (I felt like q small child again....).
Rob preached at church with AJ Lall translating. Sheela was going to translate, but she was at home with Shiney. Rob preached on husbands and wives, which was what David had asked him to preach on. As Rob preached, AJ got more and more excited and passionate in his delivery. The two guys fed off of each other well. AJ was dynamic in his translating. Rob began with Eph 5:21 and how the command was for EVERYONE to submit to one another. Then he developed how the husband/wife roles flesh out into this submission.
AJ was ecstatic after -- "How did you know what we needed??!!"
The afternoon was lazy. We tried to nap, but the electricity was off AGAIN after having come on a bit, and we were just too hot and sweaty...
5pm brought us to a church member's home for a small study. It seemed a VERY poor part of town, but inside the tiny house was immaculate. The front room was a bedroom. Two people sat on the edge of the bed, then they brought in 8 plastic stacking chairs -- the type we might see on a porch - they use these chairs everywhere. They served us chips and Pepsi. We didn't want to take their food, because it was obvious they were poor, but we couldn't offend, so we shared sodas and nibbled a bit. It didn't do us any good-- they sent us home with the chips... Such hospitality!
Then to the hospital to pray with Shiney. We didn't stay long. We really weren't hungry, but they had already made arrangements for our supper -- roast (goat?) potatoes, carrots, gravy, fevered eggs. One of a couple of American meal we've had.
We leave in the morning for Jabalpur. One the way we will visit some village churches and there we will visit Mercy Home. Perhaps we will have time to find some souvenirs. That hasn't happened yet. We did purchase some things from the Oasis of Love, but would like to get some other Indian things.
We have felt safe in our travels here, although we've found out there has frequently been people armed to ensure our safety too. We followed AJs vehicle into the hospital tonight. Following him was a guy on a motorcycle, obviously armed with a shotgun. In the parking lot I noticed someone else who was armed. AJ is so well known here he must take many safety precautions. Again though, we have felt completely safe. Our hosts have taken every precaution on our behalf. Know however, India is not a particularly safe place for Christians. They are harassed and at times really persecuted! Pray.
Now waiting for time to call second service. Over and out until later. I have no idea if I will have Internet access once we leave here. If not, please keep us in your prayers.
Love, Jacque and the guys
It's Sunday evening. Rob is about ready to call at the end of first service, but our Sunday is almost over. I'll try to share it with you
The day began when I awoke to the sound of the electricity going off -- AGAIN. Mike and I hadn't run the califont for a couple days, so we got to enjoy cold showers. Also, no electricity means no blow dryer.... :-(
At breakfast we found out Shiney (David and Sheela's marries daughter) had been on IVs all night long and still was in danger of miscarriage. (She did miscarry and had surgery tonight. Her husband does not know as he is currently in the air leading a mission trip here from his church in CA)
Sunday School was at 8am. They were singing when we arrived -- all kids from PreK to college. After the singing they split into groups. As they were leaving for classes we were asked to teach SS. Rob went to teach Jr Hi. mike took the HS and college mike talked about obeying our Creator and used his "block on a rope" illustration. He had a great translator -- a young girl who said she lean red some English at school, but picked it up mostly from talking to Americans.
After the class everyone returned for a closing. Four little kids I think from the orphanage run by AJ Lall planted themselves on our laps.
Yes, we received the traditional beaded garland during SS. No, it wasn't marigolds. I received five of them; the guys only got two.... :-). About 250 kids were in SS.
Then across town the the church building for church at 10am
Yes, here we received the requisite marigold garlands again. :-). These folks really know how to make guests feel SPECIAL. It's humbling. We can learn and thing or three about it!
There was some singing. They used a keyboard, electronic drums and several vocalists. Mike gave the communion meditation, and then communion was pretty much like we do it at home, even down to disposable individual cups. The bread, however, appeared to be an Indian brad, chappati, which is similar to a flour tortilla. I never quoits figured out the offering though. To some people they passed an offering bag. Others came forward to put their money inan offering box. Mamma Pushpa offered me some rupees to put in. (I felt like q small child again....).
Rob preached at church with AJ Lall translating. Sheela was going to translate, but she was at home with Shiney. Rob preached on husbands and wives, which was what David had asked him to preach on. As Rob preached, AJ got more and more excited and passionate in his delivery. The two guys fed off of each other well. AJ was dynamic in his translating. Rob began with Eph 5:21 and how the command was for EVERYONE to submit to one another. Then he developed how the husband/wife roles flesh out into this submission.
AJ was ecstatic after -- "How did you know what we needed??!!"
The afternoon was lazy. We tried to nap, but the electricity was off AGAIN after having come on a bit, and we were just too hot and sweaty...
5pm brought us to a church member's home for a small study. It seemed a VERY poor part of town, but inside the tiny house was immaculate. The front room was a bedroom. Two people sat on the edge of the bed, then they brought in 8 plastic stacking chairs -- the type we might see on a porch - they use these chairs everywhere. They served us chips and Pepsi. We didn't want to take their food, because it was obvious they were poor, but we couldn't offend, so we shared sodas and nibbled a bit. It didn't do us any good-- they sent us home with the chips... Such hospitality!
Then to the hospital to pray with Shiney. We didn't stay long. We really weren't hungry, but they had already made arrangements for our supper -- roast (goat?) potatoes, carrots, gravy, fevered eggs. One of a couple of American meal we've had.
We leave in the morning for Jabalpur. One the way we will visit some village churches and there we will visit Mercy Home. Perhaps we will have time to find some souvenirs. That hasn't happened yet. We did purchase some things from the Oasis of Love, but would like to get some other Indian things.
We have felt safe in our travels here, although we've found out there has frequently been people armed to ensure our safety too. We followed AJs vehicle into the hospital tonight. Following him was a guy on a motorcycle, obviously armed with a shotgun. In the parking lot I noticed someone else who was armed. AJ is so well known here he must take many safety precautions. Again though, we have felt completely safe. Our hosts have taken every precaution on our behalf. Know however, India is not a particularly safe place for Christians. They are harassed and at times really persecuted! Pray.
Now waiting for time to call second service. Over and out until later. I have no idea if I will have Internet access once we leave here. If not, please keep us in your prayers.
Love, Jacque and the guys
Feel free
Feel free to comment or ask questions! No guarantee of knowing answers, but we'll try....
Jg
Jg
Saturday, October 8, 2011
I Was Wrong
The evening didn't begin with marigold garlands. It began with another traditional presentation of a beaded necklace with red pompons. We have quite a collection of those too!
We met with the Mary and Martha Circle. This is a group of widows. Widows are frequently mistreated and have difficulties in India. This group meets every other week to talk and pray and fellowship together. Mamma Pushpa tries to see what needs they have and tries to help them as much as possible.
They started the evening with a game. The Emcee named an occasion they have for singing a special song like birthdays, baptism, illness, etc. The first one to stand and sing the song gets prize. The prizes were small, practical items -- toothpaste and brushes, combs, rulers, erasers.
Then came a devotion. I shared with the group and Pushpa translated. Then came birthday celebration time. They were celebrating all Sept and Oct birthdays. To each of these women I got to present a new shawl. Mike told Pushpa I am an October birthday too. I wasn't going to mention it. They sang Happy Birthday, then cut the cake. This is where it got different. They cut teeny tiny pieces of cake and then all the birthday girls fed the pieces to each other.
Before we left, they gave us gifts. I received a beautiful shawl which I tried only semi-successfully to drape in Indian style. The men received a small flashlight (really bright ) plus a small zipper bag.
Then home to eat and head to bed.
Prayer request: David and Sheela's daughter Shiney is here from the US. She and her 17 mo old son Elijah have been here for just a few days. Shiney is marries to one of the minists at the same church Lito is at. She found out the day before coming here that she is pregnant. Her husband Tommy is still in the States, but scheduled to arrive this coming week with a team from his church. Anyway, Shiney is having trouble with this pregnancy with spotting and has been put to bed with bed rest. She's required IVs and mess. It has to be hard for her to be away from her husband, have a toddler, and then have to worry about a possible miscarriage. It has to be tough on her mom as well, because Sheela has us to deal with too! Davidnhad to leave town last night, so the whole load is on Sheela. Pray for all of them -- Shiney, Tommy (husband), Sheela, and David.
Addendum: Shiney has lost the baby. Surgery this evening. David's flight to meet up with the team with Shineys husband was cancelled and he can't get another. ALL the teams plans have to change. Instead of going North where Shiney and Tommy, her husband, want to work, they will come to Damoh. That will be better for Shiney. She needs Tommy right now. Satan is trying to work. Pray.
I have more to say, but electricity is so iffy, I need to get this posted and get my iPad charged while it's possible. There should be a couple new posts by day end.
Nameste.
Jacque
We met with the Mary and Martha Circle. This is a group of widows. Widows are frequently mistreated and have difficulties in India. This group meets every other week to talk and pray and fellowship together. Mamma Pushpa tries to see what needs they have and tries to help them as much as possible.
They started the evening with a game. The Emcee named an occasion they have for singing a special song like birthdays, baptism, illness, etc. The first one to stand and sing the song gets prize. The prizes were small, practical items -- toothpaste and brushes, combs, rulers, erasers.
Then came a devotion. I shared with the group and Pushpa translated. Then came birthday celebration time. They were celebrating all Sept and Oct birthdays. To each of these women I got to present a new shawl. Mike told Pushpa I am an October birthday too. I wasn't going to mention it. They sang Happy Birthday, then cut the cake. This is where it got different. They cut teeny tiny pieces of cake and then all the birthday girls fed the pieces to each other.
Before we left, they gave us gifts. I received a beautiful shawl which I tried only semi-successfully to drape in Indian style. The men received a small flashlight (really bright ) plus a small zipper bag.
Then home to eat and head to bed.
Prayer request: David and Sheela's daughter Shiney is here from the US. She and her 17 mo old son Elijah have been here for just a few days. Shiney is marries to one of the minists at the same church Lito is at. She found out the day before coming here that she is pregnant. Her husband Tommy is still in the States, but scheduled to arrive this coming week with a team from his church. Anyway, Shiney is having trouble with this pregnancy with spotting and has been put to bed with bed rest. She's required IVs and mess. It has to be hard for her to be away from her husband, have a toddler, and then have to worry about a possible miscarriage. It has to be tough on her mom as well, because Sheela has us to deal with too! Davidnhad to leave town last night, so the whole load is on Sheela. Pray for all of them -- Shiney, Tommy (husband), Sheela, and David.
Addendum: Shiney has lost the baby. Surgery this evening. David's flight to meet up with the team with Shineys husband was cancelled and he can't get another. ALL the teams plans have to change. Instead of going North where Shiney and Tommy, her husband, want to work, they will come to Damoh. That will be better for Shiney. She needs Tommy right now. Satan is trying to work. Pray.
I have more to say, but electricity is so iffy, I need to get this posted and get my iPad charged while it's possible. There should be a couple new posts by day end.
Nameste.
Jacque
We Got -- Guess What?????
MARIGOLD GARLANDS!!!!!!! I'm trying to save them all and have Mike take a picture with all of them on. Just know when/if I do that they are NOT all of them I've gotten. Some of them have disappeared along the way. Wow. It's been a full day.
We started off today by heading to another village church. This church was started about 20 years ago. It took almost eight years of working with these people to have the first baptism. Now, almost the whole village is Christian. They built one building and outgrew it, so a second building was built. We first met with the school children. They sang some. They quoted some poems. They showed us some of their school work. It was fun to see them when we first drove up. They were sitting in their rows and when they saw us they were just wiggling with excitement. They looked just a-twitter. Then we went to the smaller building and met with the congregation.
Again, they worshipped in their own non-Western way, and what fun it was. They used the same instruments as the other village church -- harmonium, tambourine and little cymbals mounted in a frame. They looked kind of like tambourine noise makers mounted in what looked similar to an Abacus frame. That's the best way I can describe it. They sang songs of their own creation. Dave said they make up songs that are stories and can go all night (literally) long. David said they may start with the birth of Jesus and sing about how Mary cared for him and bathed him and put him to sleep. From there they keep going and going and going and going. Today, David had to give them the cut-off sign.
From there we went to visit Bethlehem Bible College, another ministry David is in charge of. We spoke with the President, and then proceeded to hold a chapel service. Boy can those guys sing!!!!!! Each of us gave a small greeting. Rob preached, then we met all the faculty and most of the students. A quick trip to their library was for me.
Returning to the compound, we walked across the street to the K-12 school. There we looked at some classes, including their distance learning classes. They were doing trig while we were in there. I didn't get to see their library... :-(
Then we visited the eye hospital. It was clinic day. They do the surguries on the weekends. I even had my eyes checked. Boy was it an old fashioned exam! They put glasses on me and slipped lenses in and out.
Back home again for a picnic with the handicapped children from Oasis of Love. Originally it was to be at the river, but David didn't think it would be safe to spend that much time with the children at the river. So, they held it under tents on the mission grounds. We played games with them -- how many peanuts can you crack and eat in sixty seconds? Mike took second in that. I took third. Another game had the kids putting Bindi dots (you know the dot some Indian women have between their eyes) on us to see how many they could put on in sixty seconds. Rob and I certainly looked attractive, then there was a hot potato type game. If the music stopped while you had the ball, you had to sing or dance or recite a poem. I sang Jesus Loves Me. Rob did the Roses are red poem, but incorporated Mamma Pushpa's name iNto it. Then lunch with the kids. Good lunch until I got a mouth full of green chilis. Thought I was going to die. Mark Myers would have loved it.
Took a rest after that. Showered. Electricity was off so there were no fans or AC running. The shower felt good
Tonight we get to go to the Widows meeting. I will give a short devotion for Mamma Pushpa to translate. How much shall I bet the event will begin with marigolds?!
We started off today by heading to another village church. This church was started about 20 years ago. It took almost eight years of working with these people to have the first baptism. Now, almost the whole village is Christian. They built one building and outgrew it, so a second building was built. We first met with the school children. They sang some. They quoted some poems. They showed us some of their school work. It was fun to see them when we first drove up. They were sitting in their rows and when they saw us they were just wiggling with excitement. They looked just a-twitter. Then we went to the smaller building and met with the congregation.
Again, they worshipped in their own non-Western way, and what fun it was. They used the same instruments as the other village church -- harmonium, tambourine and little cymbals mounted in a frame. They looked kind of like tambourine noise makers mounted in what looked similar to an Abacus frame. That's the best way I can describe it. They sang songs of their own creation. Dave said they make up songs that are stories and can go all night (literally) long. David said they may start with the birth of Jesus and sing about how Mary cared for him and bathed him and put him to sleep. From there they keep going and going and going and going. Today, David had to give them the cut-off sign.
From there we went to visit Bethlehem Bible College, another ministry David is in charge of. We spoke with the President, and then proceeded to hold a chapel service. Boy can those guys sing!!!!!! Each of us gave a small greeting. Rob preached, then we met all the faculty and most of the students. A quick trip to their library was for me.
Returning to the compound, we walked across the street to the K-12 school. There we looked at some classes, including their distance learning classes. They were doing trig while we were in there. I didn't get to see their library... :-(
Then we visited the eye hospital. It was clinic day. They do the surguries on the weekends. I even had my eyes checked. Boy was it an old fashioned exam! They put glasses on me and slipped lenses in and out.
Back home again for a picnic with the handicapped children from Oasis of Love. Originally it was to be at the river, but David didn't think it would be safe to spend that much time with the children at the river. So, they held it under tents on the mission grounds. We played games with them -- how many peanuts can you crack and eat in sixty seconds? Mike took second in that. I took third. Another game had the kids putting Bindi dots (you know the dot some Indian women have between their eyes) on us to see how many they could put on in sixty seconds. Rob and I certainly looked attractive, then there was a hot potato type game. If the music stopped while you had the ball, you had to sing or dance or recite a poem. I sang Jesus Loves Me. Rob did the Roses are red poem, but incorporated Mamma Pushpa's name iNto it. Then lunch with the kids. Good lunch until I got a mouth full of green chilis. Thought I was going to die. Mark Myers would have loved it.
Took a rest after that. Showered. Electricity was off so there were no fans or AC running. The shower felt good
Tonight we get to go to the Widows meeting. I will give a short devotion for Mamma Pushpa to translate. How much shall I bet the event will begin with marigolds?!
Friday, October 7, 2011
Oh my, Hindu Temple Worship
Incredible experience tonight. I'm still processing it. Got to SEE a worship service at one of the BIG Hindu temples. One of two in India people make pilgrimages to. The only reason we were allowed in is we were accompanied by a former high priest who was so well respected that even tho he converted to Christianity. Our Indian driver from the mission said even he wouldn't have been allowed in the service. It was something. Drums, bells, cymbal type things, fire incense and lots of idols. We were given a personal tour from a Hindu man who used to hate Christians. He no longer hates us, but is still Hindi. He tried to explain things but they have so many gods....... I didn't feel fear. We had the former high priest with us, plus our guide, plus a really big Indian man. I felt incredible sadness for all the deceived pilgrims there to worship.
This temple is about 10 miles from Damoh. It took almost an hour to get there. On the way home we saw a sight -- a motorbike carrying two people AND two goats...... The goats didn't appear to be squirming or anything. I'm not sure if the were on their way to market, or just home from grazing.
Sidenote: we've been eating a lot of goat. When people describe eating other meats, frequently one hears "It tastes like chicken.". Goat doesn't. If you didn't know, you'd just think you were eating beef. That being said, I doubt I'll be looking for a goat for Mike to slaughter once we get home....
Love, Jacque
This temple is about 10 miles from Damoh. It took almost an hour to get there. On the way home we saw a sight -- a motorbike carrying two people AND two goats...... The goats didn't appear to be squirming or anything. I'm not sure if the were on their way to market, or just home from grazing.
Sidenote: we've been eating a lot of goat. When people describe eating other meats, frequently one hears "It tastes like chicken.". Goat doesn't. If you didn't know, you'd just think you were eating beef. That being said, I doubt I'll be looking for a goat for Mike to slaughter once we get home....
Love, Jacque
Oh Yeah, I Forgot
I forgot to tell you all this one. Within a three day span while we were at the Kids' Home in Kulpahar, not one, but TWO cobras were killed INSIDE of buildings!!!!!! The first one found its way into the school toilet of Sharon Cunningham, the school administrator. The second was killed upstairs in what is called "the Mess" where the older girls stay. YIKES!!!! The whole prospect of cobras kind of weirded me out. I didn't see any, dead or alive.
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