India

New Job

2009-09-11T17:33:00.000-07:00

So I've just accepted a new position with MCC. :) I am very excited about continuing to work for MCC. I will be moving to Akron, Pennsylvania next weekend, and begin work on September 21st. I will be working in the main office, focusing on online and credit card donations. It will be a challenge to get back into the swing of office life again, but I am glad for the opportunity to work for MCC longer.
This transition is bittersweet. As excited as I am to begin my new job, it is yet another transition I have to go through. The past two months have been wonderful as I've been able to see friends and family again. Yet again, I will be away from my family, my bestest best friend, and my church family. But no matter where I go, no matter how far or for how long, I feel so blessed to have them behind me every step of the way.
I realize that Akron, PA isn't quite as far away as Ranchi...but it will be a different world nonetheless. I don't know if anyone is paying attention to this blog anymore or not, but if you are, I'd appreciate your prayers as I move forward. Only God knows what He has for me next!! :)

Wrapping Up

2009-07-13T08:40:00.001-07:00

So I'm beginning to wrap up my SALT year. I left Ranchi yesterday. I'm in Kolkata for a week before until my flight out of India. The next month or two will consist of tons of transitioning. I already feel like my head is swimming. So much moving around and trying to figure out what comes next. I have posted more pictures from my last few months in India. Check them out!

And please pray for safe travel for me and for the rest of the SALTers as we go to Akron for 'disorientation' next week and then safe travel to our homes.

At the moment, this whole year seems like a dream. Did it really happen? Has it really been a year? One year ago, India was this far-away country that I was excited (and a little nervous) to visit. Now, I forget how far from Ohio India is. It seems so close. India is now a part of me, and I will never forget the people I know here. I already hope to come back sometime!

Wholistic Mission

2009-06-30T05:28:00.001-07:00

I just helped coordinate a Wholistic Mission Workshop in Orissa, and at times, I felt as though I was just a participant soaking up all of the information too. Wholistic Mission is not a new concept for me, but it was nice to be reminded of it. The idea is to consider the needs of the whole person when you're reaching out to them. So often, we preach about the spirituality of Jesus, how he came to die for our sins and was resurrected. While this is true and central to our fait, it doesn't seem very relevant to the poor and marginalized people who are not sure when they will have their next meal.

We can't overlook Jesus' life by concentrating on his death. Over and over again, Jesus proclaims healing for the sick, food for the hungry, and freedom for the oppressed. As Christians, we tend to spiritualize all of these needs. But Christ was talking about physical healing, real food, and for the oppressed to be pulled out of the systems that oppress them. We preach the good news of inner spiritual freedom, and then get upset when these hungry, sick, poor people don't accept our thological presentation.

For someone who is hungry, the good news of Jesus is a meal. For one who is poor, the good news is sustainable livelihood - escape from poverty. For the oppressed, good news is freedom from the oppressor.
As we think about sharing the good news with people, shouldn't we focus on those physical and social needs first? The people we are serving will want to know about our God then! We can minister to the spiritual needs of the people better when the physical needs are met.

I really appreciate this quote that was hanging on the wall of the center where we held the workshop. From John Stott’s book “Human Rights & Human Wrongs: Major issues for a new century.”

I was hungry,
and you formed a humanities group to discuss my hunger.
I was imprisoned,
and you crept off quietly to your chapel and prayed for my release.
I was naked,
and in your mind you debated the morality of my appearance.
I was sick,
and you knelt and thanked God for your health.
I was homeless,
and you preached to me of the spiritual shelter of the love of God.
I was lonely,
and you left me alone to pray for me.
You seem so holy, so close to God
but I am still very hungry-and lonely-and cold.

One month!?!

2009-06-17T04:01:00.000-07:00

As of tomorrow, I will only have one month left in India. It's unbelievable! It's strange how I feel like I don't have enough time left. Here's what the next month or so will look like for me:
Tonight I'm leaving for Gopalpur to help coordinate a Wholistic Mission Workshop with MCSFI. I will return to Ranchi on 27th June. After only 2 short weeks back at home, I will leave for Kolkata on 12th July. One week in Kolkata, and I fly out on 18 July. One week of Disorientation in Akron, PA. Then I will spend a few days visiting Heidi in Philadelphia and Christie in Pittsburgh en route to Ohio. I'll make it back in time for the Ohio Mennonite Relief Sale on July 31-August1. (Nothing like finishing a term with MCC and then going right into fund-raising for the organization!)
I have a feeling the next 6 weeks are going to fly by...

What is it about India?

2009-05-28T23:38:00.000-07:00

I have been trying to put my finger on just what it is about this country that I love. Although I haven’t been able to draw any conclusions, I have had fun reminiscing about ongoing quirks or funny experiences I’ve had in this culture.

1. There’s always room for one more in any mode of transportation. Family of 4? One motorcycle’s all you need. Have a matchbox car? That’ll fit 7-8 people, easy.

2. It is always appropriate to answer your cell phone, even in the middle of a meeting. Leaving the room is optional. (I have been informed that voicemail does exist, but it’s impossible to retrieve messages, so voicemail does not exist here.)

3. If something is scheduled to begin at a specific time, be sure to arrive at least an hour later. Recently, I went to a wedding that was scheduled for 4:30. We arrived at 5:50, just as the ceremony began.

4. When meeting someone on the street, it is always appropriate to ask “कहाँ जा रही हैं?" “Where are you going?” or “आप खाना खायी हैं” “Have you eaten?”

5. It is inappropriate to ignore the above questions when asked. The correct answers are always “Around” and “Yes. I have eaten.”

6. It is appropriate to inform a person if he or she has gained weight. Even though I ‘have reduced’ this year, I am still considered ‘मोटी’ (fat).

7. The electricity can and will go out at any time. Prepare with mobiles and torches (flashlights).

8. The electricity will stay off for any random length of time. Most common is 1-2 hours, but be prepared to be in the dark for 8 hours…or 5 minutes.

9. If it rains, one can assume that any and all planned activities are cancelled for the rest of the day. Even so, my experience indicates that most activities continue as planned, just with fewer people. (I will see if this ‘rule’ changes now that monsoon season is beginning!)

10. Sarees are not as horrible to wear as some foreigners would have you think. I make up reasons to wear my sarees and enjoy every minute of it.

11. When greeting the foreigner walking down the road, children are taught to always use their best English. “Good morning, Didi” is used at all times of the day, until one kid smacks another on the shoulder and says, “It’s evening!” This comment is then followed by another chorus of “Good evening, Didi!”

12. If you see a foreigner in a restaurant, it is acceptable to stare. If you get up enough courage, send your little girl over to ask (in her best English) “What is your name?” For bonus points, send her a second time to ask, “Where are you from?” Feel free to continue to stare. (Oh, yes this happened! The Indo-foreigners Gang can verify it.)

13. Tailors do not understand the concept of loose-fitting clothes. Yes, I’m sure I don’t want my arm flab bulging out from my sleeves, thank you very much!

14. Always charge a “foreigner tax” when transporting foreigners in your taxi/auto/rickshaw. This tax at least doubles a reasonable fare. If the foreigner somehow knows what the fair price should be, gasp and look appalled that she would even suggest such low price. Only negotiate when she walks away.

15. If you are in a hurry and the line is too long in the grocery store, walk around the cash registers and put your merchandise at the other end of the counter. Sometimes the cashier will take your items before helping the customer who has waited patiently for his/her turn to check out. (This doesn’t work most of the time…it only causes an uproar by the people who have been waiting in line, but there’s always at least one person who does this every time I go to the store.)

16. Any daily task can take much longer than anticipated. For example, one time I was waiting in line at the grocery store. I was next in line to be checked out. The electricity blinked off and back on, but the cashiers’ system froze and no one could check out. By the time they rebooted the whole system (amidst all of the customers jockeying for position in the line that could open first), my cashier disappeared. I seriously considered trying #15, but then just took my place in a different line and paid…45 minutes later than anticipated.

17. There is no such thing as personal space when waiting in line. Pushing the person in front of you somehow gets you there faster, and if there is a counter, crowd to the side of the person currently being helped and shove your paperwork or money toward the worker. (Luckily, the rules bend a bit when ladies have to wait in the men’s line. Leave at least a little bit of air between men and ladies.)

18. A ladies’ line is always available at rail ticket and post offices. When the line is all ladies, the pushing rule is in full effect.

19. Be sure you are in the right line. Banks are confusing enough that you may wait for an hour in one line, get to the front and find out that you need to use a different counter.

20. Never take your toothbrush into the bathroom on the train. (See my “Smile” post on 28 Dec 2008 for a more complete explanation.)

The Indo-foreigners Gang

2009-05-19T01:52:00.001-07:00

So much has been happening. Sorry it took me so long to let you in on it. Most of my time outside of work is spent with Pastor Rakesh and Leni Paul. They have a ministry here in Ranchi, reaching out to the young people in the city. I’ve been able to take part in their Youth Impact program and Impact City Church that began several months ago. It has been such a blessing to join them in their vision to make an impact on young people, who can then impact their society here in Ranchi, and in India.
Leni is from Brazil, and she came to India a few years ago. She married Rakesh in 2006 and they moved to Ranchi about a month before I got here. It’s been great to talk with her about her experiences in India too. Some things about India just can’t be explained to Indians. And Indians can’t explain them either! It’s nice to have another “western” perspective. I’m sure that Brazil and the US are completely different cultures, but compared to India, they seem the same to me!
Rakesh and Leni have basically adopted me. Every week we’re going somewhere or doing something. Usually, Rakesh’s good friend Pastor Finni joins us. The four of us are together so much that we’ve been dubbed the “Indo-foreigners gang”. Many of our outings involve prayer meetings and Bible studies, but we also make time to just hang out. Every week, we travel across town to our other friends’ house to watch downloaded episodes of 24 in HD on their big screen. Never thought I’d do that in India! (By the way, I am now totally addicted to 24…I’m sure all of you 24 fans out there know exactly what I’m talking about!)
It is going to be very hard to leave this place and these people. I had prayed for connections and relationships to begin here. My prayer has been answered, and now I realize that having these relationships makes it so much harder to think about going away.
People keep asking me when I will return to Ranchi. It’s never a question of “if,” it’s “when?” And I wish I’d have an answer. I wish I could say, “January. In January I will come back to visit.” Or “in 2 years.” Sometimes I forget just how far away from Ohio India actually is. I can’t just come visit for a weekend. I really don’t know when I will return to see my Ranchians. I’m glad I still have 2 months before I leave.

In the News

2009-05-17T06:32:00.000-07:00

I’m famous! Okay, not really. But I did get my picture in a local newspaper. I attended a Christian Leaders Conference in Ranchi. So when the paper wrote an article about the conference, of course they needed pictures.

I really didn’t want my picture in the paper, because I really don’t think I should be big news. But I’ll admit, it is kinda cool to have my picture surrounded by a bunch of Hindi! (Who cares if the caption says I’m praying when my eyes are open and I’m clapping!)

Cousins

2009-04-26T21:18:00.000-07:00

This post has been a long time in coming. So my cousins, John and Heidi, came to visit me in India. It was so much fun having them here. Other than stomach issues, travel issues, and general tiredness, it was a wonderful whirlwind of a week.
I got on the train to Delhi on Friday afternoon, set to arrive at 11am on Saturday. I planned to get fresh and take rest (yeah, I'm now Indian) at our guest house before going to meet them at the airport at 8:15. But as trains go...I should have expected the late arrival to Delhi. I got off the train at 6pm, had enough time to drop my bags at the guest house and rush over to the airport. At least I made it there before they did!
We spent the next day in Delhi, shopping and visiting Red Fort (apparently I can visit the same fort 3 times in one year!). Monday morning we took a bus to Corbett Tiger Reserve. We stayed there for 2 days (our longest stay in any one location!) Tuesday we had a safari. It was a lot of fun, even though we didn't get to see any tigers. I think I'm destined to not see any big cats on any of my safaris. :( Oh well.
Wednesday night, we took a bus to Dehra Dun. The plan was to visit Mussoorie, but stomach issues foiled our plans. Kudos to Heidi for enduring that 8-hour bus ride! We returned to Delhi on Friday and met up with Liz, Priti, and Priti’s cousin, Suku for shopping.
Saturday morning the 6 of us boarded the train to Agra. We were among the 500 people who did not have confirmed seats, so most of us had to stand for most of the 3-hour ride. I didn’t mind so much. Standing on a train is infinitely better than standing on a bus!
Once we reached Agra, we visited Agra Fort (known also as Red Fort) and eventually made our way to the Taj Mahal. John, Heidi, and I hung out there until sunset (Priti, Suku and Liz had train tickets back to Delhi that night). We visited a few shops before having dinner on the rooftop of our guest house.
Easter morning, after watching the sunrise over the Taj (our guest house had a great view), we took the train back to Delhi, had lunch, and went to the Gandhi museum and visited Raj Ghat, the cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi. In the evening we enjoyed killer samosas. By enjoyed, I guess I mean that I enjoyed them. John and Heidi had a bit of trouble with theirs! I guess there’s a reason they say you shouldn’t eat street food until you’ve been here for 2 weeks.
After the samosa incident, it was time for them to head to the airport. I was sad to see them go, but it was so good to have them here for the week! After seeing family again, I don’t feel like I’m so far away from home. India’s not that far away from Ohio, right?

New Family

2009-03-23T04:11:00.000-07:00

God is faithful. He is continually showing me that He hasn’t forgotten about me, even when I’ve forgotten what I asked for! I was reminded recently of a blog entry I had written at the end of December about smiling. The entry was brought up because of a question asked during a campfire. “Why Laura always smiles for no reason?” I hope it’s not weird to quote myself in my own blog, but who’s gonna stop me anyway. This was the response I had written: “I have reasons! That particular time, I was thoroughly enjoying the evening. That campfire was an answer to prayer. I have been longing for a group to just hang out with, and I found it! (even if only for that one night).”
What stuns me is the last comment in parentheses. If only for that one night. I had no idea if I’d ever see those people again; if I’d ever get to hang out with them again. But now, I get to see those people at least 3 times a week! While I was off traveling to Bangladesh, the Andamans, and Nepal, I missed them. When my parents came to visit, my favorite part of the trip was when they got to meet them and get to know them too! (And I know Mom and Dad enjoyed that as well. Just ask them about MY India.)
God answered my prayer in December, giving me just a glimpse of the new family He had placed for me in Ranchi. I don’t know what I’d do without them now! Praise the Lord!
Ephesians 3:20-21 “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.”

February has come and gone...

2009-03-01T02:31:00.000-08:00

This month has been super-crazy for me, which is why I haven't written anything until now. Basically, I haven't spent more than 2 consecutive nights in any one place since the end of January, so you can kind of get the idea of the amount of traveling I have been doing. Here's just a brief review of my life since my last post:

Bangladesh:
Christina, the other SALTer in India, and I had to leave India for our visas to be valid for the rest of our term. So we flew into Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, on January 30th. We met Dave, the Bangladesh SALTer at the airport and he showed us around for most of the week. It was great to see Dave again and we really had a good time hanging out together. It was interesting how similar India and Bangladesh are, but even more interesting to realize how different they are as well. For one, they speak Bangla, which is similar to Hindi, but I couldn't really understand much of it.
One of the highlights of the trip was when we visited a small village called Pirgacha. We had to take a vangari to get there (a bicycle with a flat bed for us to sit on the back). It was so peaceful getting away from all of the hustle and bustle that is in the cities. The society in that area is matriarchal, and even the atmosphere surrounding the landscape seemed to reflect that. It was so peaceful. Christina and I weren't sure if we wanted to go back to India. When we arrived back in Kolkata on Feb 6th, we got some coffee, got a taxi, and both sighed. And then burst out laughing. It felt so good to be back in India where everything's normal! Yeah, I said normal. Everyone spoke Hindi, it smelled like India - we didn't feel out of place anymore. Such a crazy feeling!

Mom and Dad!:
A few days after returning to Ranchi, I flew to Delhi to meet my parents on Feb 10th. We had such a wonderful time together. It was great to see them again, although it was a bit surreal. In my picture of India, my parents weren't there...but then they were. It was as if worlds collided. But in a good way. We visited the Taj Mahal in Agra, rode elephants in Jaipur and toured around Delhi. After 6 days in the same car, I even made friends with our driver. He seemed to enjoy the fact that I knew Hindi. (That was actually a source of entertainment on a number of occasions.) My favorite part of their visit was when we came to Ranchi and they got to meet all of my friends and coworkers. The whole time we were tourists, I didn't particularly enjoy it. It wasn't MY India. Ranchi is MY India. It was so much fun to share with them the people I know and the things I've been doing for the past 6 months. We kept joking that I may stay in India for years and years...I think Mom and Dad may actually be afraid of that now! Don't worry. I'm still not even sure what's going to happen after returning in July!

Andaman Islands:
On Feb 21, just hours after Mom and Dad began their trip home, I flew to the Andaman Islands to visit Dan, a service worker with MCC in India. Liz and I joined him there and got to visit some of his coworkers and took a ferry out to Haveloc Island, where we stayed for 2 nights. On the 23rd, we went scuba diving! :) Such a fun experience! Well, fun at least after I finally got past the shock of breathing under water. I have been taught my whole life not to breathe under water, and I nearly freaked out when I first tried to get used to the regulator (breathing-thingy). But once I was used to it, I had no problems, and it was actually quite fun. The next day, we went to a beach that is called one of the most beautiful beaches in all of Asia. The water was absolutely beautiful. So clear! I don't think pictures can even capture how beautiful is was. It was also fun traveling around with Dan and Liz again, like we had done in Rajasthan after Christmas. [Side note...Dan and I found out we're related! Yay for Mennonite geneology! Lol]

Nepal:
After returning to Kolkata on the 25th, we caught a plane to Kathmandu, Nepal on the 26th for our MCC Cluster retreat. Dan, Christina, Liz, and I flew together and met the rest of the MCC ex-pats working in India, Nepal, and Afghanistan. We are currently in Pokhara hanging out and getting to know each other better. I have met Amos and Heidi, the Nepal CRs, Micah and Charlotte, Nepal service workers, Ben, the Nepal SALTer, and Hannah, a service worker in Afghanistan, and Glen, another service worker in Afghanistan. Earl, Sarah, and Sri are also here from India. This is such a fun group of people to have on a retreat. We all get along really well and have a great time together. This morning we rowed across the lake, then hiked up a very large hill to a Peace Pagoda. It was still a bit hazy, but I got my first real look at the Himalayas. Such a beautiful sight!

There are already so many more stories than I can share, and traveling so much just piles them up. Check out the pictures. I just wanted to let you all know what I've been up to, and yes, it is as unbelievable and amazing as it sounds. :)

Slumdog

2009-01-27T03:53:00.000-08:00

So I watched Slumdog Millionaire (maybe some of you have heard of it). It is a very well-made movie. The basic story is about this young man who goes on India's version of "Who Wants to be a Millionaire," but he's accused of cheating when he gets farther than anyone expected him to. He grew up in the slums of Bombay (now Mumbai), so how could he possibly know the answers to the questions asked? So he goes through memories of his life and how he came to know the answers to the specific questions asked of him on the show.

The movie shows a very real, but very sad side of India. Some people here do not like the movie because it only shows the negative or underbelly of India. But there are many different Indias. Yes, there is an India of extreme wealth and power. There's a middle class India, which appears to be growing. The majority India is of people who have enough to live, but are just getting by (in the US, these people would be considered poor, or below the poverty line.) But still there is another India of extreme poverty, where children are put to work, or people are made to be beggars, mutilated to bring in more money. This is the India shown on the screen. While this may not be the India of many, it is an India that exists.

I enjoyed the movie. For those few short hours, it was as if I was back in the US, watching a film about a country I had visited, and certain things made me smile and think "only in India." I could even follow some of the Hindi conversations without needing to read the English translations on the screen. :)

I'm falling in love with India. Which India? I don't know. All of them. I'm beginning to feel like India is a part of me, and somehow I am a part of India. One of my friends here keeps telling me that I'm Indian. I eat extra chilies during my meals, and I eat with my hands. I join in the tribal dances any chance I get. I'm speaking Hindi more and more. In some ways, I feel like I belong in India. And yet, in other ways, I'm totally the foreigner. This country is so complicated. And I'm afraid that my feelings about this country are just as complicated. On that note, I hope everyone had a Happy Republic Day yesterday! :)

Cold!

2009-01-22T02:40:00.000-08:00

It’s been cold here. I’m actually wearing socks today, not to mention long sleeves and a shawl. But the hilarious thing is that it’s only cold inside the office. If I get too frigid, I can just go outside in the sun and warm up. Ok, so I guess “cold” is relative. After hearing about Ohio weather being down to –21F and snow everywhere, I don’t think I have any room to complain about the temperature here.

I have to thank Ohio weather right now though. It’s because of that weather that I haven’t worn socks until now. While most people are out in the sun wearing coats, sweaters and caps, I am comfortable in short sleeves and sandals. The only trouble is, I’m a little afraid of what summertime here will mean for me…

I guess I’ll find out soon enough. Summer begins by the end of February. (So much for Ohio’s winter until April, eh?) So by about April, I should be miserable. I’ll keep you posted.

Rajasthan Pics

2009-01-12T22:32:00.001-08:00

I have finally gotten my pictures from Rajasthan up. There's a link to the right.

Trip to Rajasthan

2009-01-07T02:13:00.000-08:00

During my Christmas break, I went traveling. Liz and I met up with Dan, another service worker, in Delhi, and traveled to Udaipur and Jodhpur in the state of Rajasthan, back to Delhi, and then back to Ranchi together. It was quite a week, and we even changed plans to include one more destination. We did so much traveling that all but 2 nights were spent on trains or buses. Here’s the short version: Christmas Day – Liz and I left from Ranchi at 11:30 pm. Dec 26 – on the train. Dec 27 – Delhi. Dec 28 – Udaipur. Dec 29 – Udaipur. Dec 30 – Jodhpur. Dec 31 – Delhi. Jan 1 – on the train. Jan 2 – Arrived in Ranchi at 8:30 am.
Now for the highlights. The first day in Delhi, we had breakfast with Christina, the other SALTer in India this year. Several of her friends from home have come to visit her, so we got to meet them too. Then we visited Red Fort before catching our train to Udaipur. Udaipur is a beautiful city. We had a very relaxing time for the two days we were there. We stayed in a guest house by the lake. We had a wonderful view of Lake Palace, City Palace, and Monsoon Palace from our guest house. Since we were staying in a “tourist” section of town, we saw many foreigners walking down the street. And all of the shop owners wanted us to buy something from them. But we weren’t usual tourists. People absolutely loved it when we spoke Hindi with them. We decided to go for a walk away from where most of the tourists go. We drew a lot of attention from the children down one street. One little boy showed us a quarter and a nickel from the US and asked us to change the money for him. When we didn’t, he tried to sell us an old clipboard! He may be a successful shop owner one day!
Jodhpur is known as the Blue City, and it is! All of the houses are blue. It is the color of Brahmin (the highest caste in Hindu society), but everyone, Brahmin or not, began to paint their houses blue. Blue is also considered a mosquito repellant. (One lady informed us that it doesn’t work!) The day that we spent in Jodhpur was my favorite day of the whole trip. That was the day I found out that I’m Punjabi…at least I look like I’m from the Punjab (Western India between Rajasthan and Kashmir). We were walking up the hill to visit Jodhpur Fort and many people were stopping us and wanting to talk with us along the way. (I’m sure they also get a lot of visitors up that street!) One man told me that I look Punjabi. I wasn’t sure whether to believe him or not. But then we got to the fort. The guy explaining the audio tour told me the same thing. Throughout the tour (and even in town the rest of the day) people kept wanting to take pictures with me and told me I look Indian. Even as we were walking through the market, Dan overheard several people who were looking at us saying something about a Punjabi. So I guess I believe them. I stick out so much in Ranchi. So maybe to blend in, I should visit the Punjab…
While we were in Delhi New Year’s Eve, we found out that our train was going to begin late. Instead of leaving at 7:30, it wouldn’t go until 11pm. We went to the train station at about 9:30, but as we were waiting, found out that we wouldn’t actually leave until 2am. We were able to board the train at 11:50, and when 2009 began, I was locking my backpack under the seat. Happy New Year! Lol. Instead of reaching Ranchi at 7:30pm on New Year’s Day, we got in at 8:30am on the 2nd. At least we got a full night of sleep before reaching Ranchi!
I’ll try to post pictures as soon as I can!

Smile

2008-12-28T19:24:00.000-08:00

I have this habit. I've been called out on it recently. I went to a campfire/barbeque (totally reminded me of home, btw!). During that evening, we split into two groups for a game. One group came up with 10 why? questions and the other group made 10 because...statements. Then they were read as questions and answers. Most of them were rather hilarious. But one question that the other group asked was, "Why Laura always smiles for no reason?"
Okay, I'll admit it. :) I smile. A lot. But I have reasons! That particular time, I was thoroughly enjoying the evening. That campfire was an answer to prayer. I have been longing for a group to just hang out with, and I found it! (even if only for that one night). So I was smiling.
Sometimes I smile at women or children as I pass them on the street. It's my way of saying "Hi. I'm a person just like you, even if I look quite a bit different than most of the people you see every day." I love to see them smiling back.
Other times, I will smile randomly to myself. Like every time I think, "I'm in India!" Smile. :)
Walking down the street, it still amuses me how much attention I draw. I didn't respond to him directly, but I had to smile when a guy yelled after me, "Hullo, sister! Welcome to India!" :)
Sometimes I smile when no other reaction will work. On a recent train trip, I went to brush my teeth and use the toilet. The toilet is basically a hole in the floor of the train. Somehow I managed to lose hold of my toothbrush & toothpaste and they promptly fell through the toilet, out onto the tracks! What could I do? I couldn't get mad. It was actually kind of funny. I smiled. Luckily, I had brushed by teeth just before I dropped them, so my smile was nice and bright! :D
Forgive me if I smile too much. I can't help it. God has blessed me so much this year. Just know that when I smile, there's a reason. This is one habit I'm not going to give up! :D

MCC Christmas Party

2008-12-14T22:42:00.000-08:00

The MCC Christmas party was last evening. It was so great to see everyone there again. And this time I got to see all of their children and spice (don’t you think the plural of spouse should be spice? mouse – mice, spouse – spice…:) ). Anyway, it was a very fun evening. I was amused by the use of snowflakes as decorations, as we were sweating at the beginning of the evening. Haha. I had never noticed how many Christmas songs are about snow and cold weather until I was walking down the street, and heard White Christmas playing from a store. “I’m dreaming of a white Christmas, just like the ones I used to know.” Who in Kolkata used to know a white Christmas? Unless the go elsewhere for Christmas every year.

I really enjoyed singing Christmas carols and playing games with the rest of the staff. They were all impressed that I was wearing a sari. I know you’ve all been waiting for that picture, so enjoy! Some others don’t enjoy wearing a sari, but I found it rather fun. Plus, they were all impressed that I can already wrap my own sari. One of the MCC staff, Suniti, helped adjust it for me, and she also wrapped Ruth and Sarah, two of the country reps here in India.

One of my favorite times during the evening was when we all got in a big circle, lit candles and sang “Silent Night.” It was just like being back home. Only difference was that when we finished the English verses, I was all ready to sing it in German, and it never happened! Now, why would I expect them to sing German? It’s only that we always sing it back home too!

Photos are under MCC Christmas Party.

Reflecting

2008-11-30T20:12:00.000-08:00

I am constantly reminded that I am not alone. I feel alone. I miss my family and friends back home, but I wouldn’t call it being homesick. I long to see everyone again, but I know that July is not that far away. Lately, I’ve been trying to find the balance between being present here in India and keeping in touch with people back home. In some ways, it’s been difficult to be present in India. At home, I was used to hanging out with people all the time. Be it one other person or a whole group, my friends were just a cell phone call away. Here it’s different. I have no cell phone. I have several friends, but it’s difficult to get together, especially during the week, when I work until almost dark, and it’s not safe to be roaming about very late (8 o’clock has become “very late” for me).
It probably seems strange to be feeling alone when there are so many people every time I go outside. I want to have a group of people to just hang out with here in Ranchi. I was thinking about how I was going to make that happen. And then it occurred to me – I can’t make that happen. Kinda depressing, eh? At first yes, but I realized that it’s really in God’s hands. Not mine. If I try to live in India by my own strength, I’m going to have a lot of difficulty. Relying on God has been so much better. He is with me all the time, even when I feel alone in the crowded streets of India.
I’ve also been trying to figure out what exactly I’m doing here. It’s like I’m waiting for God to tell me my next step. I prayed, “Okay, God, I’m here. I’m in India. This is where You told me to go. Now what?” And then I waited…and waited… I’m still waiting. I’ll never forget what Dan O. said at our small group Bible study just before I left. He said, “You’re gonna be sooo different a year from now.” I didn’t want to think about that. Can’t I just take this as a year “off” and return home to life as usual in July? I don’t want to change. I like me. But I know he’s right. And I will still be me – me will just be a little different (Hopefully good different…I still want to like me!) So instead of refusing to change, I made myself busy with random tasks throughout the day so I wouldn’t have to think about changing.
I could only keep myself busy for so long. I was forced to reflect on my year so far. After all, it’s been almost three months! Working at MCSFI has been great. As the accounts person, I’m doing what I enjoy, but I am also able to go along for different programs and project visits to see more of the social justice work that is being done in India. And I really appreciate the kind of work that MCSFI does. From water projects for agriculture in rural areas to health and awareness issues to disaster relief, it’s an organization working for the people of India. I’m very privileged to be a part of it.
I also get to play the Mennonite game quite a bit too, which I find hilarious! I made connections with Joanne (Keim) Benderoth, who grew up in Charm and calls Fredericksburg home when she and her husband, Carl, and son, Andy, are not in Varanasi, India. They have been coming to India for 13 years now, with YWAM, and they return home every 2 years to raise more funds. They have built and run a widows’ home, which also houses a school for the widows’ children and a bakery to give them a source of income.
I recently went along to help with two of MCSFI’s programs, the HIV/AIDS awareness and Peace & Justice. MCSFI has been conducting these programs at each of the Mennonite and Brethren in Christ church conferences in India. This trip happened to be in Dhamtari, the town in which Janine lived during her year with SALT. I got to meet her host family, the Chatterjees, and she wasn’t kidding, they love to talk! They were very excited that I knew one of their SALTers.
At times, the needs of the people of India overwhelm me and I don’t know what good I can do. But even small things can make a difference. I hadn’t known much about situations in Southeast Asia, let alone the subcontinent of India. Even knowing more about the people here and talking with them has been a blessing. On our train ride home from Dhamtari, I made new friends. (Thank you, Mom, for giving me the gift of gab and teaching me the art of conversation!) A compartment in 3rd class AC on the train contains 8 berths. 2 along one side, and the other six begin as seats, but fold out into beds for passengers at night (triple-bunked). Anyway, I was traveling with Rev. Minj and Sonwani Uncle, and they were in my compartment. Sometimes people talk with the rest of the passengers, sometimes they don’t. Well, this time, everyone was talking. The two men sitting across from me were Akash and S. K. Singh. Akash’s mother was traveling with him, and an older couple (I never caught their names, so they are Aunty and Uncle to me now) filled up our 8 spots. Sometimes the conversation was in English, sometimes in Hindi, and when we boarded the train at 6:30, we didn’t stop talking until well after 10. Of course they all wanted to know why I decided to come to India, and we discussed many topics, including religion, nonviolence, brain tumors, corruption, Gandhi, the global economic meltdown, Obama, and problems with electricity in India. It was such an enjoyable train ride.
I don’t know if that train trip has changed me. I don’t know if any experience here has changed me. There have been no earth-shattering moments when I knew that my life would never be the same. Yet I have accepted the fact that Dan is right. I will be different. I just might not know how different until after this year is over.

Mumbai

2008-11-26T23:53:00.000-08:00

Don't worry, I'm safe. Ranchi is nowhere near Mumbai. I'm sure most of you have heard about the attacks on two luxury hotels in Mumbai. But even though I'm not directly affected by the attack, it's effect has been felt all over India. Please pray for the people in Mumbai.

Engagement and Another Trip to Chandwa

2008-11-14T11:58:00.000-08:00

Don't worry, Mom, it's not my engagement. :) It’s been a while since I’ve given an update. Mostly, I’ve been between home and the office and not much else. Hindi classes are going okay, I just need to practice more and study the vocabulary they give us. It’s so nice to have a class! But every once in a while, I am able to do something out of the ordinary. First, I got to go to an engagement party. Second, I got to visit Chandwa again. So, here’s more about each of those experiences.

A couple of weeks ago, Liz and I were invited to attend an engagement party for our neighbor’s daughter, Seema. It was fun, even though I could understand pretty much nothing that was said (it was all in Hindi, obviously). There were three parts to the service in the morning. First was the cultural ceremony, in which the bride-to-be and two of her friends stood across from the groom-to-be and two of his friends. They eventually came together and then Seema and her friends washed the feet of the guys.

Next came the ritual of the families bargaining about the price to be paid from the bride’s family to the groom. Three male relatives from each side were selected and they went back and forth with a list of things that were offered and requested, until an agreement was made. It was actually fairly light-hearted, as it’s meant to be nowadays. Sometimes this can get into some heated debates and fights. But this one stayed light and fun.

Then they introduced everyone on each side of the family. Since almost everyone there was family, everyone was introduced, and it took quite a while. Anyway, next was when the betrothed went around and greeted all of the guests, and received gifts. His side gave saris to her, and her side gave shirts to him (along with money passed very discretely while shaking hands).

Next was the Christian service. A priest came and gave a blessing and preached for a bit, and then there was an exchange of rings. It was interesting to see that the groom-to-be got an engagement ring too. I had to keep reminding myself that it was only the engagement. This wasn’t the actual wedding. That will be even grander with more ceremony and celebration.

By 2:45, it was time for lunch. There was so much food, and all of it was absolutely delicious.

Then on Monday, I went to Chandwa. Well, I went through Chandwa. Amy and Priti were going out to the village of Ulatu to give a presentation about clean water, so Liz and I joined them. MCSFI has been working in 4 of the surrounding villages on well-digging projects. People from Ulatu, Bamanhirwa, Chagrahi, and Chandabadhar came for the program. We got a chance to see the well that had been dug nearby in Ulatu.

I was excited about the chance to visit the villages. I had met some of the youth from there, and now I was given the chance to see where they live. I was especially excited to see how the farms look in India. Very different from farms at home. Dad, I thought you might be interested in some of the pictures I took too. On the drive home, I had mentioned how I wanted pictures of the fences they had up, so everyone in the car was watching for fences. It was hilarious! Mainly the major crop is rice, and right now the rice has already been picked. The monsoon season is over. One of the reasons for digging wells in the villages is so that they will have water throughout the dry seasons, winter and summer. If water is available for irrigation, there can been 3 crops grown on the same plot of land. Again, I thought of Dad. Imagine having not only one growing season a year, but three!

I did not get to see anyone I had met on my last trip to Chandwa, but I guess I didn’t really expect to. At least I got to see where some of them live!

I have explained more things with the picutres I have posted under More Pics.

Pictures!!

2008-10-30T00:03:00.000-07:00

Just a quick note...I finally figured out how to put up more pictures so that it doesn't take forever. I have added a link to my facebook photo album. Check it out!

I'm in India!

2008-10-20T22:50:00.000-07:00

I don’t even know what to write right now. I’ve been doing so much reflecting already and I can’t remember what I’ve written and what I’ve only thought. I can’t believe I’m in India! The thought hits me almost every day. And I can honestly say that one year ago I didn’t even know this could be possibility. It’s amazing how God works!

Things have begun to feel like I’m actually living in India now. Up until this point, we’ve been setting up our flat and lots of loose ends needed to be tied up, and my clothes were at the tailor for a month. Now, I have my salwar suits, our flat is mostly finished, and things just seem to be falling into place. It has been a whirlwind for the past month, traveling from place to place, and right now, I get a bit of a break from moving around. Unless something comes up at the last minute, I’ll be able to get used to living in Ranchi for the next few weeks.

My Hindi has been improving, very, very slowly (bahut dhire dhire). I wish I could type in Hindi. The script looks very cool, but I’m told that typing it is very complicated. So I’ll just settle for typing with my usual alphabet.

Lately, I’ve been thinking about what it means to be a foreign woman in India. Most of you have no idea how complicated that sentence just was. It’s one thing to be a woman. It’s another to be foreign. It’s completely confusing to be a foreign woman. Just walking down the street, everyone’s always looking at me. I’m getting used to it. I’m actually somewhat amused by it. I often wonder if they stare just because I’m foreign or even more so because I’m a foreign woman. Things that I can’t just go up to people and ask. I’ve seen people elbow each other so that their friends won’t miss seeing the “amriki” (American) walking down the street. On the up-side, I’m extremely recognizable. Like when I went back to the fabric store where I bought all of my salwars, he knew exactly who I was (and he asked “why only one suit? last time you bought 13!”) The tailors knew exactly who I was and what my clothes looked like the last time I stopped by to pick them up. I didn’t even have to try speaking Hindi to them. The guy at my usual phone booth takes really good care of me too. He’s very kind and even offered me a little breakfast after I called my parents. Then again, I don’t think he gets many long distance phone calls to the US. He’s sure to want my business again!
Thanks to everyone back home who has been praying for me and writing me notes and sending birthday cards. It apparently takes about a month for mail to get here, so I’m now celebrating my birthday all over again! You have no idea how wonderful it is to have all of your support and encouragement. It makes me feel like I’m not so far away from home. And then it hits me again – I’m halfway around the world. I’m in India!

Back in Ranchi

2008-10-13T23:26:00.000-07:00

Okay, so most of you didn’t know I even left Ranchi. And now I've been back for a few days. But anyway, on Saturday morning, I went with Priti to Chendwa for a youth meeting. Chendwa is a small village in Jharkhand, and about 50 youth came from all over the area. All of the youth belong to tribal groups and they were excited to find out that I grew up on a farm, just like them. Saturday afternoon, during one of the sessions, I was asked to share about myself and about Mennonite youth in the US. Priti translated for me. I think that really helped me connect with them, and one thing I said was that I wish I knew more Hindi so that I could get to know them. After that, they all wanted to talk to me and ask me questions. It was hilarious! One or two of them know a little bit of English, so they would talk to each other in Hindi, mostly trying to figure out how they were supposed to say things in English. I was excited that some of the time I could actually understand them when they were speaking Hindi. It will still take a while, but at least I’m beginning to learn more.
Saturday evening they had a cultural program and a group from each area sang several songs, then they performed a tribal dance. After each group went (and Priti and I presented one English song), everyone began dancing together. So naturally, I had to join in. It was so much fun! They were all very impressed that I could pick it up so well. Who knew that we’d be up dancing until 12:30?! And then Sunday morning, we got up around 5:30 (yeah, ouch!), and after a morning worship service and lunch, we caught a bus back to Ranchi. I think everyone from the villages was returning to the city that day. 3 buses passed by because they didn’t have any more room. Finally we were able to get on a bus. We had to stand for the first 45 minutes or so, but eventually with people getting off and on, we were able to sit down for the remaining hour and a half. I was so exhausted after the weekend, but I am very glad I went.

PICTURES!!!

2008-10-10T05:45:00.001-07:00

Finally! Pictures!

I finally had time and an internet connection that works! Enjoy my first month in India!

First is tea break at the MCC India office in Kolkata. Can you believe it, mom? I like tea!

Next is me with Pratima, who works at MCC India in finance and administration.

We left Kolkata after only 2 days to get to Ranchi for Youth Sunday. Here are some of the youth singing and dancing. It was a very good service that lasted all day!

Our flat in Ranchi

My flatmate, Liz, cooking over our one-burner "gas." It takes a long time, but we've been able to cook some pretty tasty dishes already!

This is the road to our flat.

The MCSFI office.

This is one of the streets in Ranchi that we use the most. It's really not busy in this picture.

Inside the office. On the right, Amy. On the left, front to back is Priti, Sonwani Uncle, and Liz.

I was invited back to Kolkata to help with the MCC Asia Regional Meeting for New Wine/New Wineskins. I met people from all over Asia that work with MCC offices or in partnership with MCC.

One of the table discussions that happened during the week.

Some of my new friends... He Wen from China, Retno from Indonesia, Tiya from Indonesia and Kyong Jung from South Korea.

Banyan tree at the botannical gardens. This is all one tree!

At the end of the week, we all went on a riverboat cruise on the Hooghley.

Don't you just love finding random lizards crawling on your bedroom wall? I know I do!

Amy and me at the office.

Typical Day

2008-10-02T02:25:00.000-07:00

A typical day for me begins around 7am. Well, I'd like it to begin around then, but it doesn't always happen that way. Every 2 or 3 days, I have to mop the floor (Mom, you would be so proud. I mop!) The mornings I don't mop will be laundry days. I read the morning paper and have breakfast. Cooking is very slow, because we only have one small gas tank with a burner. My goal is to kill at least 3 mosquitoes every day. I think of Ben every time, because I have to get them by clapping my hands together. I must say, I'm getting pretty good at it! Then I get cleaned up and go to work by 9:30. Work always begins with devotions. By 10, we have gone over our tasks for the day, and we begin work. My work is mostly with the accounts (go figure!...pun intended). Right now they do it manually, so part of what I hope to accomplish is to get it on the computer. There are 6 staff at MCSFI. Rev. Emmanual Minj is the director, and his daughter, Priti, works on some of the projects. Sonwani does some work with projects, but his main task is to pull together a history of the Mennonite Church in India. I'm interested to read it once he's completed it. Amy works on some of the projects too, but she also works for Jharkhand Council of Churches because Rev. Minj is also the secretary of JCC. Liz is the other volunteer. I guess she's technically a service worker, but she extended her SALT term for one more year. So that's our office. Around 10:30 or 11:00, it's tea time, and I always have to laugh. Our coasters are old 3 1/2" floppy disks (they make great coasters, btw!) 2pm is lunchtime, 4 or later is afternoon tea (and I'm starting to enjoy tea...gasp!), and we usually leave work by 5 or 5:30. Then there's only enough daylight to run to the store and come back home. Then any other chores are completed and dinner is at the earliest 8pm. Usually it ends up being 9 or 9:30. By 10 it should be time for bed, so I crawl under my mosquito net and read a book or something before falling asleep.
Our schedule is somewhat flexible at work so if I need to run a lot of errands, it can be arranged during the day so it doesn't get too late in the evening for me to be out. Plus we've been trying set up our flat (aka apartment), so that's taken some time.
I laugh a lot during the day. There are just random things that come up on a regular basis. Like little frogs hopping around our house. One big one comes around every now and again. Lizards too. I haven't seen any snakes yet, but I'm sure they're around somewhere.
My bathroom sink requires the use of 2 knobs. One to get the water to the sink, and another for the faucet. Thank goodness for nice neighbors who showed us that. I thought my sink was broken!
The electricity goes out at least 3 or 4 times a day, for unknown lengths of time. We have an emergency light that comes on if the electricity goes out, so it's become routine that when it goes out, we grab the light and bring it to whatever room is being used. Then when it comes back on, we return the light.
This may be minor, but the light switches here are the opposite of what I'm used to. I usually flick a switch up for on, but here, they all have to be pushed down. At least they're all consistent. And a switch is also used to turn an outlet on or off. I'm gonna be so confused when I get back to the US. I won't know how anything works.
Oh, and if I drive like a maniac when I get back, that's just Indian driving. If there's space between other vehicles, take it. It's fair game.
Thanks to everyone who has been praying for me and thinking of me.

Settling in

2008-09-24T05:06:00.001-07:00

Slowly I am settling in to life in Ranchi. I don't have much time to post, but I am going back to Kolkata next week, so I should be able to write more then. Since I didn't get much of an orientation, the CRs thought it would be good for me to come back with Rev. Minj and Liz when they go for the New Wine/New Wineskins meeting at MCC India. MCC is currently redefining itself. I guess that's the best way to describe it. They're reassessing the vision and goals of MCC as a whole, so all of the Asia MCC CRs will be in Kolkata for the week.
I'm glad for the chance to go back to Kolkata, since I don't feel like I got enough time there to begin with. My homesickness is not as bad as it had been, and slowly I've been getting used to how things work here. I just wish now that I would know more Hindi, and could go do things on my own. I'm not independent here yet, but I also know that will come in time.
About India...I was warned, and it's true: there are LOTS of people. I have enjoyed the time I get to out to the market. There are people everywhere, and these people are beautiful! Such clear, dark skin. I stick out like a sore thumb. Sometimes I feel like a celebrity with everyone staring at me as I walk by. I want to offer them my autograph. Don't worry, I behave myself. I've already bought fabric for more salwars and they are at the tailor's right now. I can't wait to get them back. Then I might not stand out quite as much (Yeah, right!)
I've found that the Mennonite church here in Ranchi is very similar to the Mennonite Church in the US. The same major principles are stressed, especially peace, justice and service. MCSFI works at promoting all of these through their various projects and programs. I'm only beginning to understand the scope of the work this office manages. And I'm excited about going along to visit different water projects in the rural areas, as well as accompanying other staff for trainings on peace & justice issues and HIV/AIDS awareness trainings.

Ranchi

2008-09-14T23:45:00.000-07:00

I've made it to Ranchi. It's been a bit rough for the past few days. My body is having a very hard time adjusting. Usually new SALTers spend at least a week in Kolkata, to help get over jetlag, etc. But I was shipped off after two days so that I could be in Ranchi for the weekend. It was a very special weekend, with a youth conference on Saturday, and Youth Sunday was yesterday. People from Campus Crusade, an international organization that does youth seminars, worship sessions, etc. came were there Saturday afternoon and Sunday. Sunday was crazy...but kinda fun. Church began at 9am. Well, it didn't actually begin until 9:30. That lasted until 11:30. Then we had tea, and then a special youth service from 12:00 to about 1:30. Lunch until 2, and then another service by Campus Crusade until 5. Then more tea. Quite a long day. I have pictures of the one service, and I'll post them as soon as I figure out how to accomplish that here!

I'm amazed at how homesick I am already. Everyone here is very helpful and kind, and I know I can get used to bucket baths and cooking for hours three times a day, I just miss everyone back home already. The adjustments will take time and I'll learn Hindi eventually. I've been reading in Psalms and that's been very helpful to keep me happy with where I am now and my focus for the next 10 months. Psalm 1:2 especially spoke to me the other night. "But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night." I know that any time I have struggles and challenges, God is with me, no matter where I am. And from past experience, I know that if I stay in His word, I am comforted. So although it's rough right now, He is still right here with me and everything will work out according to His plan. :)

In Kolkata

2008-09-10T00:26:00.000-07:00

Thank you everyone for praying me through the past two days. I've made it safely to Kolkata, with only a brief 1 hour delay in Frankfurt. I was amazed when I first arrived at the airport. I had been packing and repacking my suitcase and carry-on, and I was worried that I was too close, maybe over the 50 lb. limit. Dad pointed out the scale when I checked my bag. It read 50.0! It's crazy how a little thing like that made me feel good about this decision all over again.

So, Kolkata. I can't say too much yet. I arrived after midnight, and had a night drive through the city. I couldn't see much, but there were still lots of people up and about. Basically all I've accomplished today is sleeping. But I'll be going to the market this afternoon, so I'll actually be able to see some of the city then!

Orientation

2008-08-18T07:50:00.000-07:00

I just got back from the SALT orientation in Akron, PA. I decided to have a blog rather than try to email everyone all the time. The orientation was amazing! The orientation included SALTers, IVEPers, and YAMEN! IVEPers are basically the reverse of SALTers. They are from all over the world, and have placements in the US and Canada. The YAMEN! are from countries outside the US and Canada and are filling some of the SALT positions.

It was a wonderful week getting to know the other people that have made the same commitment that I have for the next year.

One evening I was able to sit down and talk with Ed & Twila Miller. They had been the CRs (country representatives) in India until last year. Christina and I are the first SALTers to India that they had not placed. I was able to get a lot of information from them about the place I will be living and working. I can't even explain how it felt to talk to someone who knows exactly where I'm going to be and knows the people I will be working with! MCSFI, the place where I'll be working, is kind of like an umbrella organization that brings all of the Mennonite churches in India together. Kind of like Mennonite Church USA, but for India. That's my understanding anyway. I'm still not exactly sure what my job will entail, but that's okay. I'm sure I'll find out when I get there!

As for my living situation, it's a bit different than I had originally thought, and it's still not totally set, but I got an email from Liz telling me the plan. Liz was a SALTer this past year and is staying in India for another year. She is currently looking for an apartment, and she and I will live together. She also works at MCSFI.

For now, I'm back home, figuring out what I still need to buy and pack, and I'm getting ready for Ben's wedding in a few weeks. I am so excited about this next year!