Wednesday, September 28, 2005

SPIDER!! (Journal Entry)

“Uncle Ji! Bada spider hai!” (Uncle, there is a big spider!). So, every night this week I’ve encountered a LARGE spider (room, bathroom, etc). One night last week, I prepared myself as I went to the bathroom (located outside the house) to find a spider awaiting me as usual. Since the door was closed, I somehow figured that maybe there wouldn’t be one inside- I was wrong. I turned on the light and there were two, HUGE spiders on the wall! I wasn’t sure exactly what to do- I jumped back, nearly falling off the little step next to the bathroom and cried, “Uncle Ji, do bade spider bathroom men hain!”

He came out, I went into my room, and started laughing and crying at the same time. Robin asked if I was okay, and I basically had a moment of, “I can’t handle this!!!” About 10 minutes later dinner was ready and the family we’re living with was asking me questions about the spiders, etc. Before I knew it, I was crying at the dinner table- with the Indian family all standing there watching me and asking if I was okay. Few times in my life I’ve not been able to control my emotions, this was one of those times! I felt like screaming “Ahhh! What’s wrong with me- I can’t take it anymore!”

We’re not sure why God is allowing us the privilege of meeting this special creation of his so many times (three in one night too!). If you ask me, once is more than enough.

I called me mom a little later to tell her about the spiders, she calmly told me: “Next time you go to the bazaar, buy a fly swatter. You do just need to learn to co-exist with them.” I tried to explain how big they are and how quick they move, yet the more I tried to explain, the more I realized she has no idea of what my life is like here, which led me to a whole different set of emotions!


Monday, September 26, 2005

Exodus (Journal Entry)

Exodus 4:1-2
Moses answered, “What if they do not believe me or listen to me and say, ‘the Lord did not appear to you?” Then the Lord said to him, “What is in your hand?”
“A staff,” Moses replied.

Notice how God does not directly answer his question? He rather poses another question which will in turn provide the answer Moses is looking for. God does not argue or provide explanations, He simply helps Moses to realize the answer is in His hands! God knows what He is doing!

What is in my hand? How have you, Lord, already equipped me for Thy service? What excuses am I giving you where you have already provided the answer- in my hands!? Help me not to miss the answer and provision when I offer up my excuses and complaints!

Exodus 4:3-4
“…Moses threw it on the ground and it became a snack, and he ran from it. Then the Lord said to him, ‘Reach out your hand and take it by the tail.’ So Moses reached out and took hold of the snake and it turned back into the staff in his hand.”

Moses was initially afraid of the thing that would help him. Yet, in verse 4, he does listen and obey God by taking it by the tail. Also, God again here does not address Moses fear directly. When Moses runs away, it’s not that God says, “Wait, come back.” He simply gives him the next command. He doesn’t fool around or allow foolishness of not trusting in Him! He is patient, but firm and gives Moses the task he can handle.

Exodus 4:10-17
Moses continues to give God excuse after excuse and finally God does become angry with him for not believing, not trusting (“Who gave man his mouth?”). And after God tells Moses he will allow Aaron to go with him, God reminds Moses, “But take this staff in your hand so you can perform miraculous signs with it.” It’s almost like Moses has forgotten the three miracles that God has just shown Him already! God has to remind him about it!

Am I any different? I wonder why my prayers aren’t answered, not taking time to reflect on how many prayers have been answers and how many times I’ve neglected to pray, but still God has answered prayers that I should have prayed! Sometimes I wonder what God is doing and forget to think about the times He has worked in the past- thinking something is impossible for me, thus impossible for God too. How forgetful I am of His faithfulness and goodness to His people- including me!

Sunday, September 25, 2005

Missing family (Journal Entry)

I miss my family. I’m really tired and don’t feel like writing much tonight, but I want to write these thoughts.

Tonight I just laid in my bed for about 20 minutes and about 100 memories of family, and friends flooded through my mind. Eating dinner whether inside around the table or outside with the picnic table, driving with Daddy down to Hatteras and remember thinking about how we’d be apart for 2 years and crying at points, but trying not to let him see, playing Frisbee, the farewell celebration, watching Natalie and Mark in the pool, laying out in the sun with Natalie, trip to Dorney park, conversations about Rahul with Trisha, listening to country music with Daddy, taking walks with Mommy, packing for India- stuff all over my room, saying goodbyes, walks on the beach at Hatteras, the aunts/cousins brunch at Hatteras, visiting all those churches- reviewing talks with Mommy…

Then I began to think, how did I get here again? Today we had a worship service. Irene, from Holland, Vivian from Guatamala, Becca, Robin and I from different U.S. states- all sitting here, in India worshipping our Lord. How did I get in the middle of this? I don’t know any of these people and yet I’m all of the sudden working very closely with them and living with them- in strange circumstances. How did this happen?

Then I thought back on all the circumstances that brought me to this point. I can’t even remember all the ways that the Lord led me to serve Him here. From the conversation with Stephanie about Jimmy and what he was doing to the phone conversation with various Workers and then Steve Rowan…Then applications and interviews. Then newsletters, envelopes, stamps, addresses…visiting churches, writing e-mails, trying to keep up with teaching at the same time. Beginning to realize it was really going to happen! Slowly slowly, things did happen and…

Now I’m here. It should not be strange or odd how I got here, yet somehow, sometimes I can’t believe I’m here. I then also think, and I’m here for 2 years- am I really ready for this?

Mainly today, I just missed my family and friends. I felt very alone. There was nothing that caused it- I’ve had a great day, good communication with Robin, great conversation with the family- I even started learning to knit today and must say I’m doing a terrible job at it! There was nothing, absolutely nothing that I was upset with or frustrated by. There have been other times when I could have expected to miss home and family, but didn’t. I’ve realized it’s not so much that I miss “home”- it’s that I miss family and friends- I miss people. I wish more than anything my family could be here- just for a day…okay, perhaps a little longer.

I got on my computer to write about these thoughts and scrolled down to the entry above and the picture of the “Kumouni Story Group” and then the friends I made in the Hindi study group and again wanted to cry- just thinking about why I’m here and what my purpose is here. I realized that yes I can and do miss my family, but I miss them for a very important purpose and reason- and what an awesome opportunity to be able to miss my family because I’m here telling people about HIM. I’m not sure if my thoughts come out right when I write them, but they are basically something like that. Because of the great work that I am here for, I miss my family. If I was home with my family, thus not missing them, I would not be here doing the Lord’s work- and missing the blessings that go along with that. Although hard, and perhaps will get harder, I feel it worth it.

Anyway, those are my thoughts this evening.

Thursday, September 22, 2005

Storying Workshop (Journal Entry)

I am awake early today- ready for the day! I am mainly thinking about the storying presentations and exercises we did with Pastor Moses’ students yesterday. Wow- what an opportunity for them, but I feel, mainly for us!

It was a small room and we all sat on the floor- leaving our shoes at the door. The students had notebooks and Bibles and listened attentively to what we said. Robin and I opened the day with a story and discussion questions. We had prepared basically the day before- since we haven’t had our storying training yet, we didn’t know exactly what to do- but Karsten said later that we did a good job, so I guess that’s good! We then spent the morning discussing what storying is and what type of stories are important.

The afternoon was my favorite part of the day! First, we hung out with the students- helping them make food for dinner, and listening to them talk with each other and just ‘hung out’ with them. I really enjoyed that, as it reminded me of my Indian friends at home. These were Christian students, though- my age. From various backgrounds – some only having been following Him for a few months.


The second part of the afternoon was also amazing and one of the most encouraging things that have happened since I’ve been here. We had the students pick one of the stories from the list they made earlier and begin to work on it. They were divided into their specific language groups (Hindi, Kahani, and two other lang. groups I can’t remember). They had to read the story from the Bible three times, then one person retell it to the group, while they listened. Then another person would retell it. After they finished retelling it, then they would go back and check the story with the Bible and then go around and retell it once again. It was amazing to watch them and listen to them tell stories. They were very animated and into telling the stories. One guy went around to anyone he could find to tell his story to- even if they didn’t speak his language! He just wanted to share his story!

Watching the students tell stories, I wanted to cry. It was as if we were doing exactly what we came to do- and had trained others to do it. Our two year mission was complete in a day! Here are natural story-tellers ready to go out in the villages and share Jesus! Okay, maybe not quite yet. But they all learned the stories easily and really enjoyed telling the them. I asked them afterwards if they enjoyed it and found it easy or difficult. They said they liked the stories very much and found them easy to learn.

It was such an encouragement to me to be a part of that experience with them and to help them- even though I didn’t know much myself! I truly hope that they will learn more stories and use them to share with others. Lord, may one or more of them even become our storytellers in the villages.

Wednesday, September 21, 2005

"Easiest Train Ride so far...well, maybe not" (Email Update)

Email Update September 21, 2005

Short Version
* “Easiest Train Ride so far…Well…maybe not”
* “The best place for stories is in a village”
* Picture of our backyard

Medium Version (I have a longer version of this story- ask me if you’re interested)
“Easiest Train Ride so far…Well…maybe not”
Our trip to our new town included the following "bonding opportunities"
- Settling happily on our train with the other two girls who will be working in the same people group
- Discovering that our train did not go to the city we wanted to go to.
***(Excerpt from longer version of this part of the story:)
“The ticket wala (man) came along and checked our tickets. We asked him what time our train would arrive in the city we were going to. It took him a few minutes to understand when we said the name of the city…Finally, his response was, “This train doesn’t go there.” And he walked away.”
- Getting off the train at 2 AM in a town none of us had ever been to
- Swerving around dogs while moving our mounds of luggage from the platform to a waiting room
- Doing most of this in the dark when the power went out
***(Excerpt from longer version of this part of the story:)
Just when you thought it couldn’t get any worse, about half way through moving the luggage, the electricity went out. Let me say that it was darker than dark- and of course South Asian faces are dark naturally, but when the lights are out- you really can’t see them! And it didn’t help that there were random dogs laying in the middle of the platform- in the middle of our luggage path. I was amazed at how quickly we found flashlights- we were the only people at the station who had light!
- Trying to rest curled up in two chairs while listening to the frequent announcements over the loud speaker
- Waiting for morning light
- Hiking in the rain to track down a taxi
- Getting coolies to take our stuff from the waiting room to the taxi
***(Excerpt from longer version of this part of the story:)
One interjection here- when you’re the only foreigner, or one of a few, word spreads fast about what you’re doing. The coolies were waiting near the door to our room, knowing we needed help with our luggage. They started to gather it up and walked away- no worries, they knew where our taxi was and where the luggage needed to go. Our stuff got wet, but it all got packed – we too felt like luggage packed into the jeep!
- Proving to the taxi driver that we could get all of our luggage in his taxi
- Sitting packed together for 5 hours on winding mountain roads
- Arriving safely

“The best place for stories is a village”
We had a meeting with Karsten (the director of the country we’re in and with whose family we are currently living with) about possible living situations and best place for stories. It turns out that while many of you could consider where we are currently living a village, we will most probably be going to a more “real” village- (2 hour jeep ride from here, then an hour walk to the village). 'Village' means that there is minimal or no electricity, no phone or internet connection, as opposed to towns, which usually have at least one phone and electricity for part of the day.

We will spend the month here in this town learning the national language and possibly start on the village language, living with an Indian family where we can practice our language and maybe even learn to cook! After our training in Thailand we’ll be spending 2-3 weeks at a time in the village working on stories. That is the tentative plan for right now. Both Robin and I are excited about this plan, although there are many unknowns that await us- such has been our life the past several months. Please continue to pray for transition- as it looks like transition might be the only stable thing in our life here!

Our Backyard
Below is a picture of our backyard- a beautiful view of the foothills of a mountain range. Think of this picture as 180 degrees around you- that’s our home! The view makes the inconveniences of life here durable and inspiring! (Notice the bird flying in the upper left corner!)

Praises:
* Safety arriving here- in spite of our dilemmas…good bonding time with each other!
* Health- so far, so good!
* Beautiful weather!!! The first two days were very cold and gloomy- although that has been the case for Robin and I the past month- but yesterday and today have been the most beautiful days one can imagine!!!

Prayers:
* Continued language learning- and possibly start to learn the village language…
* Good relationships with our new landlord and family
* Friday- we will go with our leader here to a Bib. college to do a brief presentation on storying – it should be interesting since we haven’t received our formal storying training yet, we’re not sure exactly what to do! Pray for wisdom and clarity in explaining how stories can be used in this culture.

I can’t express to you my excitement about being here and beginning to really experience South Asia. My dream is coming true, and it’s all because of God’s grace and your support- what a blessing.

I look forward to writing again!

~ Elizabeth
“I love you, O Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.” Psalm 18:1-2


Tuesday, September 20, 2005

Moved in with Family (Journal Entry)

September 20, 2005

So we moved in with our new family yesterday. We have a little room to ourselves with a separate entry. It is quite nice. We bought beds the day before and it’s so nice to have a bed that’s our own and will be our own for about a month! We have about half our stuff or not even that under our beds and honestly, I could live off of that for the rest of my life. It’s amazing how little you really need here. I’m not sure how in the world I accumulated so much stuff not only at home, but then brought half of it with me! I would be content to get rid of one suitcase worth of stuff!!! It’s more of a hassle than it’s worth. I suppose I may get tired of wearing the same things, but you can buy a new outfit for a few dollars, and give the other away or maybe even sell it to the tailor for him to make something else out of!

Anyway, our new family is really wonderful- so far! We had lunch and dinner with them yesterday- so nice to have freshly made chapattis and rice with vegetables. We have one new sister, Priyanka (age 13) and a new brother, Arun, (age 16) and one new cousin, Prakash- not sure how old he is. I think he’s a relative of this family, but not 100% certain. Anyway, he’s staying with them also. The father speaks Hindi, the mother speaks Kahani- but can also speak and understand most Hindi. They are very sweet people and we’ve had a very good time with them thus far. I’m excited about learning more language and being able to practice a lot with them. Oh, and the daughter likes to dance too- so of course, I’m looking forward to dancing too! The whole family watched my dances on my laptop the other night and were quite impressed that so many Indians were in America! Interesting.

Today, the sun is shining- there is a little haze, but it will probably clear up soon. The temperature is about 75 degrees- probably more about 85 in the direct sunlight. I took a shower last night- with cold water and washed my face this morning with cold water. I’m not sure how clean I can get with cold water- I can get soap on me, but have a difficult time getting it off! Needless to say, I decided to skip a shower today and get one tomorrow. I think there is hot water in the early morning- at least that’s what our Aunty said (The mother of the family- we call them Uncle and Aunty- for now, til they tell us otherwise). We’re not sure where it comes from, or how to get it…

I’m quite happy here- I made a comment to Robin about seeing the things that have been decided for us as a blessing and one less thing for us to figure out. That’s honestly how I see it. Although I think I could do it, it would be much more difficult for us to come here on our own, find a family to live with and jump right into language and culture learning. Karsten and the other leaders who have chosen this area/people for us have a lot of wisdom and expertise and I think made a perfect decision for us.

It’s true, sometimes I think: What am I doing here? Going to the bathroom in a hole, trying to figure out what to do with my toilet paper since no one else here uses it, washing myself with cold water, having one duffle bag worth of stuff to last a month or more, eating with my fingers, avoiding eye contact with men and boys, making many mistakes in speaking the language, checking e-mail once or twice a week, no friends [yet!], no family, pictures of strange gods hanging in my room, etc, etc, etc. There is an endless list of inconveniences that I could get hung up on.

But then there are the people. They are living here in this region trusting in false gods and will spend eternity apart from God- how can I live knowing that I can help them but didn’t or won’t because I can’t deal with the toilet situation? Yes, there comes a point of ‘this is too much’- even for the most adventurous person. And I may get to that point some time down the road. I don’t expect to always just have this wonderful view of the people and am able to push aside all the other things. I certianly do enjoy a comfortable life too.

Below is an excerpt from Amy Carmichael’s “Candles in the dark”- what a provision from the Lord this morning!

"Training for Service"

“The best training is to learn to accept everything as it comes, as from Him whom our soul loves. The tests are always unexpected things, not great things that can be written up, but the common little rubs of life, silly little nothings, things you are ashamed of minding one scrap. Yet they can knock a strong man over and lay him very low. It’s a very good thing to learn to take things by the right handle. An inward grouse is a devastating thing. I expect you know this, we all do; but it is the extraordinary how the devil tries to ‘get’ us on the ordinary road of life. But all is well if only we are in Him, deep in Him, and He in us our daily strength and joy and song….”

Thursday, September 15, 2005

Hello From "Kahan" (Email to Parents)

Hey Mommy and Daddy,

We arrived in A.

Not without a lot of hassle- more than you can imagine- including staying from 2am to 6am in a train station which was totally unplanned. Oh goodness, I can’t even begin to write the story. We’ve not had power since 5am, so I’m using my computer sparingly- plus Robin needs to use it. I’m not sure when power will come back on.

The family we were supposed to live with isn’t ready for us- long story- anyway, Monday we hope to move in with them. We did go to see the room- it’s great, better than where we had been staying in Mussoorie- but keep in mind, by now our expectations are REALLY LOW.

Anyway, we’re all here at the Worker's home- it’s also meeting our LOW EXPCTATIONS quite nicely.

We’re all healthy- though I had chocolate and biscuits (meaning- cracker-cookie type things) for the three meals while traveling, but we’ve had substation food and are all feeling 99% or better I’d say. It’s cold and rainy here, pray health wise that we don’t get colds. Irene has a pretty bad cold, pray for her health.

We talked this morning about our living options which basically kind-of decided that having a base in A. but traveling to the villages to stay for 2-3 weeks at a time would be best for storying and the K. language. Of course, although rustic, I’m sure even Karsten’s and Irene’s home will be a palace compared to village life. Village means no phone, no internet- though they do have electricity…when India has electricity- and as I said, we haven’t had it here for the past 7 or 8 hours.

This is so much more the real India than I’ve ever been in before. I love it!!!!!

I will write more later- when we have more “stable” electricity! :)

Thanks for your prayers- though our journey was incredible, we did make it and are doing well….

Love you!

~ Elizabeth
P.S. I SHOULD be able to get a phone number on Monday- we started the process today….we’ll see how long it takes. Honestly, if I get it on Monday, that would be a record….

Wednesday, September 14, 2005

Housing Options and EXCITEMENT! (Journal Entry)

See part of Irene’s e-mail below…
Now the options.
1. there is a family living one minute away from us where both Liza and Angela have stayed. We checked and the room is empty. They are most likely willing to let two girls stay there. We gave them time to think, and maybe they want to see the people first. But we don’t expect them to say no. Staying there means your own (shared) room, with a private entrance, but taking your meals with the family. You will share the bathroom with the family. Angela had a good experience there. The family speaks both Hindi and Kumauni. They have two school age children. The parents are at home most of the time. They will enjoy talking to you and it will be a good language learning situation as well as cultural. The room is not furnished though they may be able to provide a bed, and we could lend you a mattress and bedding. We think previously we paid 500 rs per week, including food.
-------------------
So this is where we’ll be staying, at least that’s what where we said we would stay. We’ll be staying here until we find something else. I’m thrilled. I was hoping this would work out! I’m thinking, ‘let’s stay here for 2 years!’ Haha. I don’t know what I’m getting myself into, that’s for sure. But either way, I’m so psyched about it! I can’t write in words how I feel right now. Tomorrow we’ll be on a train heading for our “final destination.” There is a family waiting for us where we can live, eat and SPEAK THE LANGUAGE! The excitement is too much to handle. I’m not sure Robin feels the same, and I wish somehow I could share the excitement with her. There are still many unknowns, but we’ve come this far with a lot of unknowns and are still alive! Anyway, it’s so exciting to think about just getting there, beginning to live and work and meet people. Wow!!! I’m so excited! This is why I’m here after all, isn’t it?

I’m trying not to have too many expectations. We had a prayer time at Evy’s house and I prayed that instead of having expectations we would just expect God to do whatever He was going to do and to lead and guide us. Like the quote, “Expect great things from God.” I think that’s the attitude I’m going to pray for. Rather than expect things from the culture, the people, I’ll try my best to expect things from God- whatever that manes. In a way, since He always has my best in mind, I’ll never be disappointed! Of course, sinful nature will set in and I may not “agree’ with something He does or how he works, but trusting in Him and expecting Him to work I think will prove more satisfying that expecting certain things from the culture.

Hmm. I would like to find some verses about expecting God to work, and trusting in Him to work and not relying on the world. Perhaps the whole Bible is about that…

During prayer time, it was encouraging to hear Robin pray for the Kahani people and about the first story that may be told by the first story-teller and though we don’t know when that will be, how exciting it is to think about and how the stories could influence the people there. She prayed about how we ourselves may or may not be instrumental in achieving this, but that's okay becuase God is still working. That word, “Achieving” somehow attributes success to something we’ve done. That isn’t what she meant when she prayed and not what we hope. We are so blessed to be a part of this work, and just to see what’s going on in this part of the world. If God would so choose to use us in some way to further his kingdom here, I think that at that moment, I could say my life would be overflowing with joy. Of course, it is already overflowing- can it overflow more? Am I ready for the excitement and joy ahead of me? In the same breath, am I ready for the frustrations and disappointments?

I don’t want to go in blindly, Lord. Help me to use my excitement in a positive way and to not ignore the issues or problems around me- be they with the people, or food, or whatever. Thank you for guiding me thus far and giving me a passion for these people that only increases day by day. It could only come from you. Please use it for your glory.

Monkey in our room! (Robin's story)

Robin wrote up this story to send to some of her friends...

A few days ago I was in my room getting ready to go to class. I kept hearing a weird noise, but just figured it was in the next room or outside. As I stoop up to grab my stuff to go class I realized the sound I was hearing was cloth ripping & it was coming from inside our room. “Great, I’m going to have to stay here & figure out what kind of small animal got into our room & I’m going to be late for class.” I turn around & look up and there is a monkey on top of the shelf tearing up the blanket that’s up there. He had figured out how to open the window in our room (he’s pretty smart, we haven’t figured out how to do that yet).

I didn’t know what to do, so I stood there staring at it and it stares back. I don’t know if you’ve ever had a monkey looking you in the eye, but its really really freaky!! Then I tried to remember where my camera was so I could take a picture (what else would you do if you had a monkey in your room?). I think it was in my suitcase, but I didn’t want to turn my back on the monkey to find it & I also remembered a story about a guy who tried to take a picture of a monkey close up one time & it freaked the monkey out, so all the monkeys started attacking the guy. Then I remember one of my friends telling me a monkey came into his house last week & all he did was say “Get out of here” and it left. So I tried it. It didn’t work.

I kind of waved my hand toward it to get it to leave. Instead of leaving he came towards me. This monkey is about 8 feet away from me. Monkeys are very fast animals so I knew that it would only take like half a second for him to jump on me. I told it to leave a few more times & it didn’t work. Then I decided I would try to go find someone who might know what to do. I found one girl who lives here & told her. So she & I came back to my room & stood in the hallway looking at it telling it to leave. It just sat there taunting us. Then another woman came upstairs, we told her about the monkey, so she joined us in the hallway and we tried to figure out what to do. Then her husband came upstairs & took care of the situation (not that he really knew what to do). Another girl came up & said we should throw rocks at it.

Ok, so I don’t know about you, but here in this house we don’t really just keep rocks randomly laying around. So the guy finds some magazines and throws that at the monkey. The monkey starts for the window, but at the last second turns around & comes towards us again. So the guy throws another one. This time the monkey leaves & then turns around to close the window. Great! It’s over. Now we just have to figure out how to secure the window to keep the monkeys from coming in again. But wait, the monkey opens the window up & comes in again. So what do we do, throw another magazine at it! So he keeps going in & out and taunting us for a while. Then eventually he does go out long enough for us to properly close the window. As of right now we think/hope that it’s closed good enough to keep the monkeys out. Maybe we should keep rocks in our room just in case, or a gun—that would come in handy when the dog is barking at 4 am as well.

Sunday, September 11, 2005

Forced Break (Journal Entry)

So, Lord- you forced me to take a break after all. I spent this entire weekend in bed- except the last few hours. I was sick- really sick. Every two hours I was in the bathroom with double trouble. I kept thinking, how can this much stuff come out of both ends of my body- nearly at the same time! Ugh! And then the sweat would start- I could see the drops of sweat on my hands- something I’ve never seen on my own body before! Phew. It was a little scary as I wasn’t sure what it was.

However, today- 24 hours later, I’m feeling nearly 100% better! Lord, you are so gracious to me. You gave me a needed break- although I wasn’t feeling great, I had to rest. You healed my body as well. Thank you for both the break and for the healing.

May I remember this weekend and take breaks!!! And not only take breaks, but also focus on you. I love you Jesus.

Saturday, September 10, 2005

Update Sept 10 05 (Email Update)

Short Version:

* 7 modes of transportation in one day!
* Visiting my friend!
* Visiting my students!
* Visiting other M’s- a good encouragement!
* “Back in the saddle (or train!) again!- 5 days til we reach our people!
* P&P

Longer Version:

How Many Modes of Transportation Can I take in One Day?
By foot, by jeep, by public bus, by car, by vikrum, by rickshaw, by bus again, by taxi! This past weekend, I went down to the town where I was two years ago completing my student teaching. By the end of the day, I had traveled by 7 different modes of transportation! I’ll briefly explain the bus ride.

First, I started out walking down (a good 45 minute walk) to the bus station). A friend stopped in his jeep and asked if I wanted a ride, so I clambered in the back. I reached the bus station, purchased my ticket and got on the bus. I sat near the front, but after I sat down realized that there were holes in the bottom of the bus! Right through the metal- it was sort-of like a bottomless rollercoaster- you could watch the road passing beneath you while you rode along! Cool! I reached the town and had learned from a previous bus ride that when you want to get off, you get out of your seat and move to the door. I did just that, however, the driver still did not stop- and there was a man behind me also wanting to get off. He kind-of motioned for me to go ahead and get off- but the bus was still moving! Finally, I kind-of jumped off and somewhat lost my balance while at the same time looked to my left and there was a motor scooter and a bike approaching me from about 2 feet away! I think my lack of balance kind-of caused me to fall forward (not to the ground), just a few steps forward and just barely missing them as they passed behind me! Phew! I learn something new every time I’m on the bus- next time, I’ll look before leaping off!

Visiting a Friend…
I was able to fist meet my friend’s family- a friend who goes to my University in Delaware and whose sister went to the school here in South Asia that I taught at two years ago! When I was here before, I had meals with her family weekly and so it was nice to be back “home” again- as close as home as I can get!

Visiting my Students!
I was also able to visit my 45 third graders (who are now fifth graders!). They were so cute and had gifts (their own pens and pencils!) and cards for me! They wrote a little note on the board and took a picture- see below! I do miss them and am thankful that I was able to see them again. It was good to be in another place that felt very close to home.

Visiting Other M’s
In addition to my students, I was able to spend time with other M’s that I worked with when I was here before- discussing my project and listening to them give advice for language learning and the area in which I’ll be working. One of them even told me where to get an amazing story book created for the South Asian people- in English and in their main language. I was able to buy it at the xtian book store and look forward to using it.

Back on the Train Again
This coming Thursday, September 15th, we leave this town and go by taxi, then overnight train, then taxi again to our “final destination.” I’m so excited about it, yet realize that it is going to an interesting travel experience since we have more luggage now than before and will have less space on the train since we are taking one class lower than we have before. It is a huge pryr request that we get to the train on time, get our luggage on board and that none of it gets stolen during the night, and that we reach safely, get our stuff to a taxi and that the taxi can take us safely to our new home. We will actually be staying in a guesthouse or with a family until we find a more permanent place to live. Two other girls will be traveling with us- both of whom will be working in the same area.

I’ll write again once I get to our people group and once we figure out internet options. They will be limited and I’m not sure how soon we’ll be able to set things up. If I don’t respond to your e-mails, it’s because I didn’t get them or can’t get them…but please don’t stop sending them! It’s a blessing to hear from home and what God is doing in your life.

Praises:
* 6 weeks of language classes have gone very well.
* Health- Except for being a little sick when we first got to language school, Robin and I have both been 100% healthy.
* Internet- a friend of ours let us use her phone to connect and we’ve been able to have a much faster connection- still slower than U.S.A, but fast for here! Believe me, it’s a big praise!
* Receiving e-mails from you! Thank you for writing and for your encouragement!
* Language Helper- A girl has been meeting with me nearly every other day for language practice and since she’s close to my age, I think of her as my friend also- I told her I enjoy Indian dancing, and she has invited us to her home tomorrow to do just that! I’m so excited! It’s a praise not only because I enjoy that aspect of the culture, but also because she has been a good friend for me while we’re here.

Prayer:
* Safety for traveling to our people group.
* Last week of classes- my teachers want me to finish the book which is normally done in 3 months- pray that I don’t get overloaded and forget everything!
* Getting settled in our new place (including internet/phone and mainly finding a place to live!)

Thank you for your support and prayrs!

~ Elizabeth
“By day the Lord went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud to guide them on their way and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so that they could travel by day or night.” Exodus 13:21

Thursday, September 8, 2005

Discouraged (Journal Entry)

So, I’m pretty discouraged about my language learning. I’m not sure what happened, but yesterday and today I just feel incompetent about what I’ve learned and feel so behind. Part of it is because I’m trying to finish the book and have 10 chapters to complete in 7 days. It’s so much to learn- basically, I know I won’t learn it, but mainly have it written down so I can go back and learn it later. However, in most of my classes today, I just couldn’t even translate one sentence correctly. Everything is so jumbled up in my mind!

Tasleem Jee said to take a break and Robin said to take a break. But I feel a break is a waste of time. Of course if it will help me learn more and produce more, than a break is what I need- but I still feel funny taking a break when there is so much to do!

Wednesday, September 7, 2005

Psalm 46:10

"Be silent, and know that I am God!
I will be honored by every nation.
I will be honored throughout the world."
Psalm 46:10

Monday, September 5, 2005

Little Update (Email to Parents)

This is just from my journal- don’t get excited, I’ve hardly journaled anything, but am trying to do a little every day starting…Today! :) This will probably be sent tomorrow- Monday, and I may talk to you before then, but all well.

September 3, 2005
I went down to Dehradun yesterday. It was a wonderful day. After I got to the town, I had to walk a little way back to the road I wanted, and was looking for a rickshaw to take me to Grace, but there weren’t any, surprisingly. I started down the road and a vikrum came by. I had no idea where it was going, but for the time being, it was going in the direction I wanted to go, so I jumped on! Somehow, I feel like this would be a little scary for some people, getting into a vehicle, not knowing where it is going or when to get off…but I thought it was great!

I recognized a stop near to school and got off and walked the rest of the way- keep in mind it’s about 90 degrees with 110% humidity so I’m dripping wet. I walked down the lane to Grace…wow, so many memories cam flooding back. I walked in the gate- and the gatekeeper was there, the same guy as two years ago- I think he recognized me, but perhaps couldn’t remember me exactly. I told him Newton Sir was expecting me. I walked into the office and it was so wonderful to see the people I knew from two years ago- they looked at me for a second and then a big smile came over their faces as they came to greet me.

I wasn’t sure if people would remember, somehow I just figured they would forget. No, not at all. I too did not forget them- even their names, I remembered! I talked with some of the teachers in the corridor and then went to see my kids.

Wow, they were just the same as when I had left, except a little taller, a little more mature too I think! They waited patiently while I gave them candy and stickers. Aditya- one little boy is still the same little man as always- so mature and trying to keep everyone in line. So cute! I was able to be in the class with them all by myself and truly enjoyed it. They weren’t sure what to do at first- trying to remember how to behave, since last time I was their teacher and they had to stay in line for me. However, they warmed up right away and soon there was a chaos in the room! Once I had to walk out of the room to get them to settle down a little! They were such a blessing to be with and to remember all the days of instruction with them.

They wrote a little message on the board- I actually didn’t see it until I looked at this picture later. It said: “We will miss you- We love you Liz Ma’am”

Anyway, I had about 40 minutes of time with them, and them I went to the staff room to see the rest of the staff- it was tea time, so perfect timing. Newton Sir introduced me to the new staff and said some very nice things about me- even about my sari wearing and how he really appreciate me. He said, “From day one, Liz was basically an Indian and fit in so well here.”

I told them how I was so appreciative and thankful to be back at Grace and how it was like home for me- it truly is—even if there were frustrating times when I was there- I did spent approx. 6 days a week, from 7am to 2pm every day for 3 months- it’s as close to home as anything here! It was great to see the staff and talk with them as well. The best part, of course, was seeing my kids. I wanted to cry when I left, but didn’t. It was strange to have spent so much time there before and then to only have a half hour with them, it seemed too quick. And to think I might not see them again ever, or at least not for a long time. I almost want to go down again one day this week just to see them! I didn’t realize that I would feel this way at all- I figured, I’d see them, but they’d be different and forget me and that I too would have forgotten their names…However, it was completely opposite. Their smiles and laughter was such a joy to be a part of.

Perhaps I will go back…not necessarily to Grace, but to teaching Indian children in some way. Hmm. Lord, thank you for allowing me to visit Grace and to spend time with the staff and especially the children. Please continue to guide me on the path you have for me and show me your plan for my life. I thank you for the time I spent teaching at Grace and for the things you showed me during that time- such as, “I want you back in India.” Thank you for giving me a passion for teaching and children also and I pray that I will be able to use that over the next two years for your glory. Please continue to specifically direct me in the way you want me to go.

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I also went to some Worker's homes for lunch. I was excited about seeing them as they had been encouraging and supportive from the beginning about the Epic program and even hinted at wanting to do something like that, but not at this time. They were much more hesitant and even discouraging as to how a program like that could even work.

I appreciate their wisdom and don’t take for granted that they have been in the work for many years and certainly have learned something from that, however, always felt discouraged about any kind of work after talking with them. Anyway, it was really nice to see everyone and although I feared having to answer many questions about what I’m doing- to which I don’t know the answer, it was not the case. Phil prayed a very nice prayer before lunch…and even prayed that people would trust in Him because of the work I’m doing! Anyway, lunch conversation was also pleasant. It was interesting to listen to them talk about the place I’m going as if they knew everything about it- of course I don’t know anything, so I let them talk. We’ll see how true things are and what might be different soon enough! They offered their home for me to come anytime I wanted a break or needed to get away- it was very kind of them.

Another Worker family also offered their home- they had come up to Mussoorie the day before and we had tea and walked around the mountain together. They had some good advice about language learning and working here, however they too were somewhat critical of how a program like this could work. In the end, they were encouraging, said they would pray and offered their home to both Robin and I whenever we wanted. It’s great to have friends here and to know that I/we can come here anytime and have a place to stay.

Anyway, I need to get ready for church. I’ll go to the language school church that has services in Hindi and English- hopefully I’ll get something out of it!

I hope to study most of the rest of the day- since I did not yesterday. We’ll see how that goes. I hope I can get a lot accomplished.


Thursday, September 1, 2005

Water situation (Email to parents)

Hello!
I am writing mid-week- wow! I am in the bazaar picking up some clothes and taking one of my pants back because he made them about 10 inches too long! I’m hoping he’ll take them and fix them! Sometimes that happens.

Pray for our water situation- we didn’t have water for 2 whole days- not even a drop from the tap- our emergency water was even almost gone. Today it did come back for about an hour. PTL. I’m going over to Evy’s this evening to take a nice warm bucket bath- yeah! I did take a cold shower sort-of this morning- got my hair wet, soaped up and then the water ran out- not a drop left to rinse my hair. You can only imagine the thoughts going through my head. It wasn’t necessarily thoughts of “this terrible place” or “frustration”- more like, “Okay….so….um…okay…uh…what do I do now?”

How did I get out of that mess? There was a bucket in the shower filled with about 2 inches of water- I dunked my head into that and swished my hair around…that’s how I got out of that mess…

Ugh.

Yesterday, when we didn’t have any, we told Evy and Bhagat and they said that if the pump was broken we might not have water for a week or two! Ahh! But today it did come back a little, so that probably means the pump is not broken, or not completely broken.

Anyway, wish I could join you this weekend at the beach and spend time next to a WHOLE BUNCH OF water- even if it is salty- how cool would that be to get into!!! I hope you have a great time.

Love ya!

~ Elizabeth