Thursday, August 19, 2010
Back in Clemson
I know the Summer Link ended August 5, with life being hectic, I am only now writing.
I wanted to thank you all for following us on the blog. Your support has meant more than you know to us. Thank you for all of your pr@yers. Thank you for the financial support. Thank you parents for sending your children.
This summer has been successful all around. We accomplished everything we wanted to on this trip. Praise be to God. This summer has left a meaningful impact on the people of India, to our team, and to everyone who has joined our team in support and prayer.
This was indeed a challenging summer--physically, spiritually, emotionally, and mentally. Each day we pushed ourselves to do the work the Word has called us to do. Each day we sought God. And truly, He is faithful to His Word.
We had a great tour seeing Delhi, Indore, Ujjain, Agra, Bhopal, and a village. We have a better understanding of India in the sense of culture, history, religion, and geography. There were many fun stories and events that took place. With that said, there were many challenges as well.
We had a great team that went to India. No one could ask for a better team. They stepped up to the plate and knocked the ball out of the park. They pushed hard and pushed each other. They grew in the Word, they grew in living life together, they grew in living out the Gospel. They now come back with the challenge of taking what they've learned to home, school, and work. Continue to pr@y for them in transition times.
And to all of you who supported and prayed, you are a part of this success. Rejoice for we serve a faithful Lord.
Heath
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
"I'm leavin'...on a jet plane"
Leave Delhi on American Airlines flight 293 at 12:15am (August 5)
Arrive in Chicago Ohare at 5:00am (August 5)
Leave Chicago on AA flight 3844 at 8:00am (August 5)
Arrive in ATL at 10:50am (Aug 5)
We should arrive back in Clemson between 2:00-3:00pm Thursday.
Monday, August 2, 2010
Delhi Days
Today was our debriefing time. We got together with the team early this morning until lunch. We were able to evaluate the program, for good and for improvement, and was a valuable time to spend with the team. We then had our banquet at Hard Rock Cafe. It was awesome to get some red meat in us, even though it was buffalo. We had a projector set up and had a slide show of pictures from the entire trip. There were some good laughs, which continued into our superlative awards ceremony. Afterwards we had a few hours to ourselves to spend time in the Word and in prayer. It was a good relaxing time to also reflect on the questions from the debriefing. We then had some pizza for dinner followed by some story telling time of good experiences during our stay here. The guys then performed their own choreographed dance that they prepared secretly from the girls.
Walker and the girl he met on the train.
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Happy FRIENDSHIP Day!
Josh not only has fast-growing facial hair
Lauren enjoying the paddle boat ride
At lunch with some fine men and pretty roses
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Breaking News from India....an ALL GIRLS orphanage equals an ALL BOYS hostel.
Please be pr@ying that the Lord would make His name known among this school and that His story would pierce the hearts of the women and children we were able to meet there.
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Getting Married Indian Style
We have had a good week going out and talking with people. It is so awesome to see God’s sovereignty in each and every situation. I know that God is not only working in the lives of the Indians we meet but that He is also working in all of our lives and stretching and sanctifying each one of us. I was recently convicted of placing too much value in things and pleasures of this earth. The Lord brought me to Philippians 3:20 which says, “But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body”. Here in India, I find myself longing for things that I miss in America but I must remember that my home is not here but in heaven. Amy reminded us that the only two things that are eternal are God’s Word and people’s souls. Please pr@y for us as we are coming close to the end of the trip. Pr@y that at the end of this trip, we will all be able to -say, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” (2 Timothy 4:7).
Jenna and Lauren went all out with the bling-bling nose rings :)
All of the guys looking sharp in their kurtas
Teaching the Indian girls to be gangsta'
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
"Rain Is A Good Thing"
It has been a joy being in India with all of your sons/daughters/friends/etc. We all love each other so much, and we haven't gotten tired of each other yet. In fact, it's 10:39pm here on Wednesday night, we've just returned to our hotel after a long, rainy, exciting, and fruitful day out on the town, and we are all sitting in the hotel restaurant together enjoying Mirinda floats...mmmmm! Thank you for all your pr@yers. God has indeed been so good to us! Enjoy the pictures from our past few days!
We celebrated Pam's 21st Bday Sunday!
B-Town
Lauren steering our row boatMe and Lauren with our NEW friend Pooja!!!!Dinner tonight at Hakeem's (I told everyone to pose with an expression that best describes the past 4 1/2 weeks for them...and then I realized Tyler wasn't in the picture, but in the bathroom. Everyone agreed that suited the picture perfectly...if ya know what I mean.)
PS - While writing this post, a fly flew into my glass of water (there are more flies here than Indians). I dared someone to drink (and swallow) the fly, which was still alive, and the reward was getting recognized on this blog. So the winner is...(drum roll please)...WALKER SUITS!Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Mmhmmm
K, that’s all. :D
Monday, July 19, 2010
Two New Cities
Saturday we arived in our new home for the next two weeks. Yesterday we went to a large Muslim Mosque and talked with several people. After that we went to a worship service here and were able to meet some local guys who are going to be helping us by translating. The service was very nice. They had a testimony time I shared about how the Lord has been encouraging me to be strong and courageous like he commanded Joshua when he was called to lead God's people. Today we went out around the city in groups with translators. Several of the groups were able to see some pretty cool things. My group saw several market areas and we went to the lake front. I think every group made their way to the lake front at some point. It was very beautiful. The water looked cleaner than any water I have seen in India yet and the area is very green. This city is much greener than the others we've been to and there is some really beautiful landscape here. Nothing like what we have in the US really but it is still beautiful. I really enjoy that part personally.
Yesterday I read Joshua chapter 3 and read about when the Israelites crossed over into Jordan. In verse 15 we read that the priest bearing the ark of the Lord stepped into the Jordan River and at that time in was flood season so the river was rushing and coming out over the edges. As I read that the Lord showed me how it must have taken those priest much faith to step into rushing waters with such a load. The priests had to step out in their faith and trust the Lord would provide a way for them at that time. It reminded me that here in India and even back home when an obstacle arises in my path or when there is a burden that seem unbearable or task impossible I need to just trust the Lord and also step out in faith. This is not as easy at it seems because my faith is so minuscule at times, however, every time I lack the faith I need the Lord does something or provides me some way to be reminded of His power might and the way He always provides. As you all are involved in your areas in the US with work, school, family, etc. Remember to be strong and courageous in the Lord and step out faith and know that he will provide like he always does. We all send our love to all of you. Keep pr@ying for our time and you are all in our pr@yers as well.
Walker Suits
Friday, July 9, 2010
Partying in the IN-DI-A
Happy (late) fourth of July! Our team had so much fun celebrating the 4th with a few of the families that are living here. We even ate hotdogs!! Let me tell you, it was quite an adventure to get the hotdogs here. We actually packed them in one of our duffel bags. When we missed our flight to Delhi, the hotdogs still went to Chicago. Then, they came back from Chicago and flew with us to Frankfurt, Germany and then on to Delhi. After all of that, we accidentally left the hotdogs in the fridge in our hotel in Delhi! Thankfully, a friend was in the area of our hotel and picked the hotdogs up. The hotdogs made it all the way from South Carolina to India to our stomachs (and they even stayed remotely cold)! Peg, if you’re reading this, I didn’t get sick! ;-) We also shot HUGE fireworks off the top of the roof. I'm talking about the definitely illegal in America huge kind of fireworks. It was a great time celebrating the birth of our country half way around the world!
On Monday, there was a nation-wide protest in India. We’re not really sure what it was against. But we were told it was a strike against everything (crazy, right?). We had to stay inside for most of the day because nothing was open and no auto rickshaws were running. So we decided to have our men and women’s time. The men went to a friends apartment and played “Just Dance” on the Wii. The girls went to another friends house and had a spa day. We painted our nails and had massages from the neighborhood masseuse…it was amazing! Later that day we went for a walk around the neighborhood and we ran into a heard of camels! It seems like every routine activity is much more exciting in India.
Tuesday and Wednesday we broke up into groups and spent time in the city talking to people and hanging out with friends. My group had the opportunity to go to the zoo and to have lunch at an Indian families’ house. They served us a traditional Indian meal and laughed at us when we tried to eat it like Indians with only our right hand. Needless to say, we made a mess and probably looked ridiculous but we had a lot of fun!
Wednesday night we had the pleasure of being joined by several of our friends from back home! It’s been great to have new additions to our team and to be able to spend time with them. Yesterday and today we had the opportunity to do several exciting things. The girls went to two youth hostels and some of the men had a chance to play baseball. Some of the other members of our team have gotten to speak at a school and to visit several local Hindu, Jain, Sikh temples. We have been able to make many connections here and have so many exciting stories to share with you.
Tomorrow we will be traveling to a remote village a few hours from here. We’re not sure what to expect and we would appreciate your pr@yers. Until next time….we’ll be enjoying our party in the IN-DI-A!
Eating lunch at a friend's house
Look! Camels!
All of the girls (sadly, except Emily)
Part of our team some Indian friends
All of the people gathered in a home to meet us!
Welcoming our friends to...? :)
Everyone's been asking...so here's a picture of Josh's infamous mustache
Saturday, July 3, 2010
Party Mat
Today (Saturday) was a pretty intense day. This morning we got up and headed by van to a city about an hour and half away. This city is one of the major Hindu holy cities and there are a few well-known temples there. To us as believers, this city is one of the darkest places in the state, a place where thousands come to worship false idols and believe it will bring them peace. We did a lot of praying and singing to prepare our hearts on the way there.
Once we arrived, we began filing through the temple along with many Indians, who were carrying flowers and liquids to offer to the gods. For myself, the most difficult sight to see was the room where worship of the god 'Shiva' occurs. We moved down a narrow stairwell to where a symbolic statue was sitting in a small room. Indians began to push and shove and yell, trying to get to the center so they could offer their gifts and pray their pr@yers. We all came out feeling repulsed and even angry, that Satan could have such a stronghold and cause such deception to so many people.
God refreshed us the rest of the day. We had a lovely Indian lunch on the side of the road (full of spice), saw some exotic animals (monkeys and elephants and camels), and took some naps back at the hotel. This evening us girls were able to find ingredients to make GRILLED CHEESE and SWEET TEA. Woooohoooo!
When it was time to head back to the hotel we tried to call on some autos but instead a taxi driver came by. We decided this would work just fine and were pleased to find this car was called the "Tata Magic." Only great things can happen with a name like that. And it was great. We are working on loading a video from the camera of Ms. Molly Kneece in honor of the Tata Magic. Please enjoy.
A few on the team have struggled with sickness and unsettled stomachs. Keep them and the rest our stomachs in your pr@yers. THANK YOU.
Sorry this wasn't so lighthearted as some. God has been doing awesome things and we have been enjoying ourselves and time together. I will be sure to make you chuckle some in the future. ;)
Until next time...
Friday, July 2, 2010
Indi-fun
Since the last blog update a lot has happened! Just about every day we’ve been here, we’ve had a time (usually about an hour or so) where it’s open for everyone to share anything and everything they want, concerning the day’s events. And each day, it seems that there’ve have been more stories than the last.
Yesterday morning, we walked some parts of city we visited the day before. We had some more groups ride elephants (it’s becoming the thing to do around here) and visit some temples and even temple leaders to talk about their religious practices and ours. The culture is very hospitable and spiritual, so many of us have had similar experiences where we’ve been invited into homes and temples to meet people and talk about God.
Then, yesterday evening, we went to a city park and played ultimate Frisbee with our group and with other kids who were there. It was great! We met a ton of people both playing and watching, and exchanged contact info with several of them so we could meet up again later. And, the weather was more pleasant than I’ve experienced in the states in the summer months, so that was great too.
Today was more of a rest day for us. Apart from one mall outing for dinner, we hung out at the hotel and had some much needed downtime both alone and with our group. One last thing I’ll mention is the strange fact that we’re treated almost like celebrities because of our skin color. People randomly give me their contact information and want mine as well. I met a man in the mall today who made me promise to call him later this week so we could hang out. It’s pretty odd to all of us, because we know we’re nothing near famous, but at the same time, relationships have been easy coming and fast firing, which I think has encouraged a lot of people on our team. That’s all for now, thanks for your pr@yers and support!
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
A New City
Hello from one of the fourteen Americans in town (Lauren). We left Delhi yesterday morning in the wee hours (which wasn’t actually that hard since half us have been waking up at 3am anyways) to get to our new destination. While in Delhi we were extremely busy with meetings, traveling, scavenger hunts, and shopping for clothes. During the scavenger hunt we had tasks like “Find a cricket game and ask to play,” “ride a bicycle rickshaw through old Delhi (SCARY!),” “find the biggest pile of poo” and “try a new piece of fruit.” It was really fun because we got familiar with getting auto rickshaws and going out alone.
Delhi was pretty exhausting- though exciting- and I was excited to head to the next destination so we could enjoy a slower pace. Once we got to our clean and awesome hotel we got to have some orientations with our friends here. It was exciting to hear about their work and the do’s and don’ts of the town.
I don’t actually remember most of yesterday because I was more tired than I ever have been, and fell asleep standing up twice. Apparently, the cure for jet lag is not sleeping till the golden, gorgeous hour of 9pm. To keep ourselves from the temptation of our soft beds we all went to the mall to shop for more kurtas (the long traditional shirt that women wear) and play arcade games. We also shopped for kurtas and cool Indian outfits on Monday in Delhi. We are getting pretty good at bartering!
In one last attempt to keep our rather soccer-oriented team awake, we all went to one of our American friends’ apartment to eat pizza, watch the Paraguay vs. Japan world cup game. I’m pretty sure no one made it through the game without a snooze or two. But, (Praise!) most of us slept awesome after the game was over.
Today was super fun. We ate breakfast in our hotel, which was scrumptious. Our friends joined us for breakfast and we ate things from cereal and waffles to spicy noodles and cheesy potatoes. The guys sported their lovely kurtas, and Josh delighted us all with his new moustache. : D
After breakfast, we met with our friends who gave us a scavenger hunt to do all over town. We had all day to do the hunt, and broke off into teams. I was with Tyler and Mary Elizabeth. One of our highlights was going on the advice of our auto rickshaw driver to some back alley sari shop. We walked around three back alleys, and went down into this little air-conditioned room. M.E. and I debated over colors while Tyler approved and drank chai.
So… one of the tasks on the lists was to ride an elephant. I thought that this was going to be easy, and that there must be some petting zoo that allowed people to take their picture on top of the elephant for 30 seconds and then get off. No such case. Tyler, M.E. and I spent fifteen minutes (and got the advice of about fifteen Indians who didn’t speak English) trying to tell our rickshaw driver we wanted to ride an elephant. I guess he didn’t get my charade worthy impression of me riding an elephant or Tyler saying “pati!” over and over again, because he took us to an elephant temple. We were really in the backwoods of town and were drawing a crowd of people who lived nearby and elephant temple worshipers, but we were determined that we would find the elephant and ride it. Everyone told us that there were no elephants in the town, only at the zoo a far distance away. But finally, one of men in the crowd told us he had the number to the elephant owner and would take us to him.
Tyler, M.E. and I got in the rickshaw, doubtful of our guide, but all of a sudden we were back in a crowded part of town and a huge elephant was on the side of the road. We all piled on the “elephant tray” (what does one call that thing you sit on?) and expected a little walk around the area. But our driver apparently wanted us to show off his elite customers and took us around town for an hour. We were walking in the middle of the streets with bicycles, people, rickshaws, cars and buses weaving in between us. I don’t think I mentioned how crazy traffic is here, but from the perspective of an elephant it is madness. Everyone (thousands of people by the end of the hour) waved at us when we passed by. I felt like a celebrity. We finally told our driver to stop because it had been so long and we were hungry and I had to go to the bathroom. When we got off the elephant a swarm of people surrounded us. A man who had been video recording us (along with a lot of others with cameras) pulled out two microphones and started interviewing us for the news. He asked us what we thought of India and elephants. He also told us that we would never see an Indian doing what we had done because it is illegal to ride the holy elephants and it is illegal to drive an elephant down the street. Whoops! He said that we would be on the 7pm news, but we weren’t- at least not tonight.
Every group has some really great stories and I wish I could share them all, but this post would be even longer than it already is if I did. As far as I know, everyone is having a really great time and there is no need to be worried. We will be starting to do more things starting tomorrow, and I am really excited about it. But we have already done a bit of what we will be doing, and have been able to strike up conversations with people mostly wherever we go. It feels so powerful to be American here, because people will just come up and want to talk to you.
Pr@y that we will continue to stay away from sickness. It has been such a blessing for us to feel reasonably well. Also pr@y for God to put people in our paths who are interested and ready to talk with us. I think this will be harder for the women than for the men, because when the women are out it is usually for a specific purpose like getting groceries, while the men are less reserved and can come over and say hello.
Hopefully now that we are getting more settled and less jet lagged we will be updating more often. Namaste from the place of elephants, spicy food, crazy driving and really hot weather. : )
Saturday, June 26, 2010
Grounded!
Plenty of good stories will follow!
Everyone is safe and so are our bags.
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Flight Details Update
Our flight was canceled today so we are currently at the Wellesley Hotel in Atlanta, Georgia.
Tomorrow we will be flying out of Atlanta to Frankfurt, Germany with Lufthansa flight 445. We leave Atlanta June 25 at 6:15 PM. We will arrive in Germany at 9:15 AM on the 26th (on Germany's time). We leave Germany to Delhi with Lufthansa flight 760. We leave Germany at 1:45 PM and arrive in Delhi, India June 27th 12:35 AM India time (midnight in India).
20 of our bags were flown to Chicago. They are flying them back to Atlanta and should be here by 10 AM tomorrow. Hopefully we will have all our luggage for tomorrow!
Everyone is doing great. We ate at a Mexican restaurant in a neighboring hotel. They had a DJ and a disco light with loud music as we ate. A few of the team got up to swing/shag dance to some salsa music!
Walker has already made a friend here at the hotel and has been talking with a man named Fred.
The airport has given us vouchers for the hotel and up to $17 for food per person.
Pray that our bags arrive on time and that everything goes well with our flights tomorrow!
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Flight Details
We are less than 24 hours from setting out on the incredible adventure we've all been waiting for over the past few months! In case any of you are interested, I'm giving you what our next couple of days will look like. Hopefully, by Saturday, we'll be able to blog again, and Clemson will have won two more games in the College World Series!
Thursday, June 24
12:00pm - Leave Clemson for ATL airport on 15-passenger van, pulling a trailer with all our stuff (which includes luggage, hotdogs, and blocks of cheese....seriously)
5:35pm - American Airlines Flight 3718 to Chicago (arrives at 6:45pm Chicago time)
7:20pm (yes, I know...we'll be running through the airport) - AA Flight 292 to Delhi (arrives at 8:30pm June 25 Delhi time, 9 1/2 hours ahead of EST)
Friday, June 25
8:30pm - Gray will be picking us up at the airport and taking us to our hotel in Delhi
Talk to you all soon! Until then, Go TIGERS!!!!!!