Settling in

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

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

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!