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. :)
Moved
14 years ago
3 comments:
Thanks for the updates! I'm looking forward to hearing some awesome stories when you get back!
Too bad you didn't have time to get comfortable in Kolkata first. The same thing happened to me in Nicaragua. I showed up at the offices and right away they whisked me off to the campo. I freaked out and made them bring me back! :-) Hope it gets easier for you, Laura!
Last night Karena and I made ragda with potato patties. Yummy!
You have two friends named Jason? One wasn't enough for ya, huh? :-)
Hi friend,
Sorry to hear you're struggling to adjust... I hope it gets better quickly. My first few days in my village (also right after I arrived in Uganda) were also rough, but now, 5 weeks later, it feels like home and I have made many friends. Some things that helped me: journalling (a lot!) to process what I was doing and seeing, working hard to develop a few friendships at first, reading notes from people in the states, and just reading (it gave me a chance to escape to a world beyond my village for a few hours). I hope you have also found ways to encourage yourself and adjust to Ranchi. Hugs to you and Liz.
Kristina :)
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