Second Storying Session! (Journal Entry)

(pic- Robin, me, Anne)
------Before Storying Session-------
We’re off to our second storying session this morning…I’m excited and nervous again. I hope we get some kind of recording done today, that would be encouraging.

Both Robin and I think we should add Gen.1 to the story, but I don't think we'll add it today- as perhaps that would cause more confusion and would make Anne feel like there is a whole lot more to learn. We would try and do the Gen. 2 story, and then tomorrow add Gen. 1 to it…not sure how that will work, I still kind-of feel it would be better to add it all at once, but perhaps that Gen. 2 part won’t change that much after adding Gen. 1.

Basically, we have to try stuff- and this is one thing we’re trying…who knows how it will work.

Lord- I want to praise you today. After learning more about Daniel and how he praised you- I want to praise you too!!! I want to go up on the roof and sing your praises to all the Kahani people. If only that was an acceptable thing to do in this culture!!! You are wise and good and strong and kind and you are the one who determines everything that happens or doesn’t happen.

Father, I do not praise you because I want something. You already know my needs, and have provided for me. You know my desires too, and are answering those requests before I even ask of you. How great it is to be able to just sit in your presence and think about how wonderful you are! Wow! You are amazing, God- thank you for being you!

As we have already prayed, I will ask again for your blessings on the storying session today…Please guide our conversation- guide my Hindi and comprehension in the langauge. Please give Robin amazing insight into the language and the scriptures. Help me to humble myself to ask her opinions too. Help us both to realize we are in this together.

I ask these things in your name, Amen

---------After Storying Session ----------
So, we had our second storying session. It went better than the first I think…

We arrived a little early (since we take public transportation there is no knowing when we’ll actually arrive). We started right in on asking Anne some questions that she had been embarrassed to answer previously when Sam was there. She gave some interesting answers.

“What do Kahani people think about death?”
- If a man did good work in his life, he will be with God. If he did bad work, then… (I couldn’t understand what she said at this point- we asked her to repeat the answer, and we recorded it- will ask someone later to translate it for us).

“What do Kahani people think about the part in the story when it says, the man and woman will leave their parents?” (as in Indian culture, the woman moves in with the husband’s family). She said, "These days, this is okay. This happens. A man and woman do live separately.
I asked, “But normally it's not okay, right?”
She said, "Right, but if Kahani people hear that God said to do this, they will do it."

Well, that’s good to know. Robin made the comment that these stories could totally change their culture!!!

We asked to retell as much of the story as she could remember. She was nervous, but said okay. She asked if she should retell it in Hindi or Kahani. I explained that the final recording and retelling would be in Kahani, but since we don’t know Kahani as much as Hindi, she should retell it in Hindi.

And she did. She got nearly every single detail- amazing.

We listened to the Kahani scripture again (clarification - a translation team had previously translated Genesis and Mark at this point). At that point Sam came in. We continued listening and then discussed the story a little more. We then took a 5 minute break.

Then we asked if Anne could retell the story, in Kahani and we would record it. We explained it was the first time, so it’s okay if she doesn’t remember all of it. We explained that we would record it a lot, so it was okay if she messed up or whatever. She got a nervous look on her face, and asked to listen to the recording again. Robin and I explained that maybe it would be good for her to try first, then we would listen again, then she could record again…we don’t want her to just memorize the recorded scripture.

She was still really nervous and kept saying, “I don’t remember it…” We started the recorder and she kind-of started, but stalled a lot, and fidgeted with her hands, clearly very nervous. Sam kind-of tried to help, but we told him to be quiet…

We stopped the recording, and then listened to it again- unsure how to handle the situation. She had told the story so wonderfully only about ½ hour previously- what was the deal now?

After the recording, we asked if she could tell it. She said, “okay”- but still seemed very hesitant. She started, but stopped several times. It seemed clear that she was embarrassed because Sam was there, but we didn’t really know what to do because of that. I asked her, “Why is it hard- because there are a lot of people here? Is it hard because there is electricity? I was trying to make a joke and break the tension and it worked. We all laughed! Is it because it’s in Kahani now?

She said, “No, it’s because I can’t remember.”
I said, “No, that’s not true- you already told the story to nicely this morning…now you don’t remember?”
She said, “Right, I don’t remember.”

We listened to Genesis 1 recording in Kahani twice and then said we were finished with the story work for today. We said tomorrow we would put Gen 1 and 2 together.

Then, we asked her if she could tell a joke or memory from her childhood for us to learn language with. She said yes, but then couldn’t. I said, I think it’s because you feel embarrassed because Sam is here??? I was trying to make it a joke so Sam didn’t feel bad and so she could admit that was the reason. Sam actually got the hint and said, “Yes…tomorrow, just Anne will come alone, I won’t come.”

I said “okay…” amazed that he offered that solution on his own.

After this, we prayed- Sam prayed for us so Anne could understand. Then Anne went to her sewing class. We asked Sushil if he could read Hindi Gen. chp 1 for us and we could record him. Our recording of Gen. 1 was not very good so we wanted to get it again. He agreed. After that we also talked about Anne. I told him, before you came, she was talking a lot…He said, “that is the way with all Indian girls. In front of a man, they feel embarrassed and won’t talk…It’s okay- you try with her alone and see how it goes." I said, we would try and we would talk to him about it- I didn’t want him to feel completely left out or as if we don’t need him anymore.

We then talked with the ladies who were sewing on our way out. The teacher of the class said,
Teacher: “How long is the story Anne is supposed to learn?”
Me: “Not too long…”
Teacher: “She said she couldn’t do it.”
Me: “Oh no, she did do it- she did a great job too!!! She really did do it!!!”

I felt bad that Anne perhaps felt incompetent and even told her teacher about it. But I truly think it was because Sam was there- I can’t wait til tomorrow to see if she can retell it- just as she did the Hindi –nearly perfectly! I hope she doesn’t get discouraged from today. I had made a big deal when she finished the Kahani- saying, “Your first story- awesome, that was great, you did a good job…etc.”

Anyway, we talked with Pastor Moses afterwards about Sam. He totally agreed and he said, “Plus, Sam has a ‘christian mind’ so he doesn’t know about the culture and other things…” I feel like God is keeping Pastor Moses in step with us, or one step ahead – just knowing how and why things are the way they are. He was supportive of whatever we needed.

We also asked him how much a motorbike would cost. He said about 30,000 rupees- which is about $750.00. We asked about insurance, helmets, and didn’t think to ask, but Pastor Moses offered information about licenses too. He said he would help us get one if we wanted to get one.

I’m not sure what to do. We still need to find out how much gas would cost. Right now, we are spending about a dollar a day in transportation- so getting it would not cut down on cost of transportation- it’s still cheaper to go public transportation. It would cut down on time mainly…is that all? Is that reason enough to get it? It would add a little bit in other areas- figuring it out/how to drive in the mountains, care/maintenance- is that a reason not to get it?

I am still wondering if moving to the other side of town isn’t the best option…why get a bike if we should just move? I don’t know…the other thing is if we do move or if we don’t- there are still people on both sides of the city that we would need to be in contact with and use. The other people that Pastor Joseph’s wife told me about live on the other side of the city too…

I think later today, I’ll go ask that our neighbor who speaks English and Kahani if she can be a back-translator for us….hmm….we’ll see…I do need to research the Exodus story some more, maybe I’ll do some of that…how impersonal- sitting in front of the computer….ugh! Haha, all well.

First Storying Session ever! (Journal Entry)

Well, we had our first storying session.

It was…different than what I expected in many ways.

Anne was there when we got there, so we sat and talked with her some (in Hindi). I tried in my broken Hindi to explain what we were going to do. We listened to the Kahani recording first. When it was finished she asked, “Is there more?” I said, “yes, but we’ll do this part today.” She understood and said okay- then she asked if she was supposed to retell the story. I said, “no, we’ll listen to it a few more times, and talk about it.” She was relieved as she said, “I can’t remember all of it!”

Sam came in right about that time, and apologized for being late. He sat down and I explained slowly, (in English) the same thing I had just to Anne. He didn’t really respond, so I asked in Hindi if he understood what I said- he said yes.

We started with Genesis 2, thinking that would be a simpler story to start with. But Sam stopped us about ½ way through and said, “what about the first seven days? Did you just skip them?” We explained that we didn’t skip them, we would do a story about them- we were just starting with Gen. 2 for today. He was still confused for a long time as to why we didn’t include that part. Anne was of course left out since she doesn’t know the story of creation. It required a lot of patience from us as he kept saying, “on day one, day two- you have to include that…”

We kept listening to the recording… Sam stopped it again and said, “The names of the four rivers isn’t important.” Great! A great crafting note- we know not to include the names of the rivers. We asked Anne what she thought the Kahani people would think about rivers and names of rivers- she also said it wasn’t important.

Sam left at one point and I asked Anne what other part she thought was important or not important. She said that having that God made Adam and that from Adam God made Eve was very important. I didn’t get to ask her “why” it was important.

We asked Anne if had a story like this. She said yes, but she didn’t know the whole thing. Sam said that there was the science story that said we came from a monkey. I think he doesn’t know the Hindu/cultural stories. He has grown up a Christian and therefore, is also unaware (as we are) of the Hindu cultural stories.

Then, the instructor for the sewing class came in. We moved to another room. We had 30 minutes left, and at that point realized that no recording was going to happen today. We discussed the story- which was all in Hindi. I went through and asked how the kumaoni people would like/not like certain parts of the story. I asked what parts of the story were important and which parts weren’t. All of the answers came from Sam. Anne just sat there. I directed several questions to her, but he answered. A few times, I said, “okay, this is just for Anne”- she would kind-of answer, and then Sam would also comment. It was really hard to get Sam to be quiet and to hear what Anne's thoughts were.

It was hard becuase sometimes I could ask a question, but didn't understand their answers at all. So what was the point in even asking the question? Man, I have to learn more language!!

At the end of the session, we asked when they could meet next- Anne offered Monday...All in all, it was a good first session….but we have a long way to go!

Fasting and Prayer (Journal Entry)

Day of Fasting for Story-crafters and Kahani People

“Praise the name of God forever and ever,
for he alone has all wisdom and power.
He determines the course of world events;
he removes kings and sets others on the throne.
He gives wisdom to the wise
and knowledge to the scholars.
He reveals deep and mysterious things
and knows what lies hidden in darkness,
though he himself is surrounded by light.
I thank and praise you, God of my ancestors,
for you have given me wisdom and strength.
You have told me what we asked of you
and revealed to us what the king demanded.”

~ Daniel 2:20-23

Praise the Lord for our story-crafters. Praise the Lord for He alone knows who will be the ones to accomplish his work here among the Kahani people. He is the one who decides who the story-crafters will be. He is the one who knows who the story-crafters will not be. He knows how long we will have to wait until a story is complete. He knows how hard we will have to work to get a story right. He knows how patient our story-crafters will have to be with us as we learn. He knows how patient we will have to be with them as we work with them.

Father, you know all things- what a glorious thought. My prayer today is specifically for Sam and Anne. These two people have agreed to work with us- they know somewhat what they are getting into. Probably they know about as much as we do! We aren’t even sure what we’re getting into! We know it is your work and you’ve called us to it- and that is enough for me. I feel I have already learned a lot from researching all that is behind your word. Thank you for the provision of commentaries and resources to learn more from your word.

I pray now for Sam. He is a young man, eager to serve you. He seems a little more literate than we would prefer, but perhaps he will become more non-literate through this process! If he is literate, it is probably that he is respected, and that is not a bad thing. He grew up in the city- again not a bad thing, but does mean that his Kahani is not very good. Please help him as he works with us not to feel as if his Kahani isn’t good enough, but to acknowledge that he too can learn- from Anne. I pray that his background in the church and a Christian family will only aid the project. I pray that he will not try and force things just because it is the way he has heard them. The same prayer I pray for Robin and I- as it is so easy to refer back to the stories we heard in Sunday school and think they are direct from your word. However, so often they miss something amazing or they skip over something important. Please help Sam to learn so much about you through this process. Help him to be humble and really desire to learn. I pray that he won’t feel awkward meeting with three women- but that he would take somewhat of a leader role, but not dominating. I pray that he would see Anne not only as a partner in this work, but also as a girl who needs to know about Jesus. Please help him in his communication with us to remember that he is setting an example for her. I pray that there would be clear communication (in English or Hindi) between Sam and us. I pray that you would change Sam through this process- change him to be more like you.

I pray for Anne. Father, she is not your child, yet. She may never have heard some of the stories we will be sharing. Wow- what an opportunity for her to hear, and for us to share with her. Lord, please give her wisdom in knowing what parts of the stories will connect with the Kahani audience. Please help her to be honest with us in sharing aspects of the culture and religion that may affect the stories. I pray that she does not feel scared, worried or as if we are the ones with all the knowledge. I pray that she would quickly feel comfortable with us- not just as fellow workers on the stories, but as friends. May we somehow establish a great friendship with her. Through our friendship, through the stories- may she know more about You and your love for her. Please open her heart and mind to the stories and what you want to teach her through them. I pray that she would be a great story-teller too…that she would be able to craft stories that people would want to listen to and would want to hear more. I pray that she would craft the stories in a way that is accurate and true. Please help her not to feel bad as the first time a story is crafted it is just the beginning of the process and that it can/will be changed several times. Please help her not to be discouraged when we have to re-do a story. Help her to understand we want to make it better than it was before.

Father, please open the hearts of the Kahani people. Prepare them for the stories from your Word. Prepare the people in the city- the ones who speak Kahani and the ones who don’t- prepare them for the worldview shift that may come from these stories. Prepare the Kahani people in the village. They seem to far from knowing about you. Please give them understanding into the stories when they hear them. Give them a desire to know more and to know you. Show them that these stories are true and they offer eternal life and peace. Help them realize they do not need to change their lifestyle- they do not need to change their clothes, their language, or their culture. Give them insight into the stories- may they become even more excited about you than we are!! May the people worship you and praise you because of the truth they will hear in the stories.

I pray that the Kahani people would respect the story-teller who may travel to their villages and homes. I pray that they would not think the story-teller is anyone special, but that the stories are about Somenoe who is indeed special. I pray that they would see that Someone as one who is personal, unlike the ones just sitting on the shelf.

Meeting with Robin and Family stuff (Journal Entry)

(sign in the bazaar!)

So, today we to our friend's house and asked them to record the first few chapters of Genesis in Kahani. It was fun to finally be doing something related to our story work (not language or cultural learning) and that also involved the people directly. I can’t wait until Saturday!!! I’m trying not to get too excited!

Robin and I met today for about 2 hours. We had a bunch of misc things to discuss related to the Creation story for Saturday as well as references for Irene (the woman working in another city on the written Word for the Kahani people) for the rest of the stories in our story set. It was a lot of business stuff to figure out, and could have been really stressful, but I was amazed. With only 1 or 2 minor disagreements, we were able to accomplish what we wanted to and even decide our prophesy story without getting on each other’s nerves or getting into a conflict!

I do think both of us have pride issues. Our conflict seems to sprout when one of us is not good at something and has to admit it to the other, or has to back down from something becuase the other person can do it better!

Anyway, tonight I asked our neighbor, "Precious" to help me with some Kahani questions, and since she speaks English think she could work as a back-translator.

I talked to Aunt Gayle tonight- it's so strange to talk to someone from America besides my mother for more than 20 minutes. It was good to hear about some things happening at home, and I asked her to be honest with me and keep me informed and if she ever feels I need to come home to tell me.

I do feel burdened now more than before for my family. I am away from home, though not unaware that things are happening at home. However being away does distance you to some extent from the problems and things going on. No matter how much communication there is, I can’t know everything – and even if I did, what could I do? I'm so glad that Mommy does keep me informed as much as she does. At least I can pray for them.

How AMAZING! (Journal Entry)

HOW AMAZING! Can you believe it? Well, God, of course you can believe it- you orchestrated it!! I’m just shocked at how you answered my prayer (our prayers) in this way. And to think even this morning, I was praying to you and confessing my unbelief and doubtful attitude…and, boy you showed me. I thank you so much for showing me that indeed you are in control. I thank you for arranging this meeting. Even if nothing works out- I have new energy and excitement for the work and more faith in you!!

I praise you for Robin too- it seems that we have begun to enjoy each other more. It seems that we are both excited about this work- more than before. Just as I am adjusting to things and yes, as I change my perspective on things, she is too!

God, I do thank you for the attitude we have been able to have with each other- being away from each other some in Thailand was helpful and healthy. Please bless our friendship. Please bless our partnership. May we not just see each other as a co-worker. May we see each other as friends too and not lose that friendship. Please help us to be honest with each other and trust each other too. Please be in the midst of our communication.

Please help us to quickly figure out how to divide the work- as it already seems cumbersome to both be working on the same things. I pray that however we divide it will work out well and we will enjoy the part of the work we do- and that we will succeed in it…not just for our own sake, but for the sake of the project. I pray that the part of the work we dislike, we will persevere and do it anyway because it needs to be done, if nothing else.

Thank you for giving us this work to do…what an honor.

God provided some people to work with!!! (Email to team)

April 25, 2006- Email sent to supervisors, tr workers.

Hello! We met with pastor Moses today because he said he had two people who could possibly help us. (Pastor Moses is one of the local pastors we talked to about finding a story crafter before we left).

We met "Anne" and "Sam". Sam is a believer and attends Pastor Moses’ church. He wants to be involved with some sort of ministry and is currently traveling to different villages to preach there. He speaks English, Hindi and some Kahani and is free to work with us any time. Anne is not a believer. Right now, she is attending sewing classes that are held at Pastor Moses’ church. She lives in a village 5-6 km away (1 hour) but comes every day (Mon-Sat) for classes, which are from 11am-2pm. She speaks Kahani, and Hindi. During our conversation with them, Sam said that Anita’s Kahani was better than his. They also said that they speak the same dialect of Kahani. We kind-of explained what the crafting process will look like. They are both willing to work with us, without pay.

We hope that Sam will act more as a translator and since Anne's Kahani is better, she would take on more of the crafting role.

We have set a time to craft our first story, Creation, on Saturday morning before the sewing class. Pastor Moses offered the use of the church as a meeting place, so we’ll meet there.

We’re planning on asking two other friends to record Genesis 1-2 in Hindi. We will play this for Sam and Anne on Saturday, thus keeping the crafting process as oral as possible.

On Saturday, we’ll see how the crafting session goes and how often they can meet with us.

We also asked Anne today if there was someone else from her village who could come teach us language- possibly while Anne is in her sewing class. She said she would try to think of someone.

We never expected something to happen this quickly. We are both encouraged by meeting Sam and Anne and look forward to Saturday! Thanks again so much for your help and support.

~ Elizabeth and Robin

25 stories to complete by December!

Email Update- April 20, 2006

Short Version
Training…25 stories to complete by December!!!
P & P

Training:
Our training this time looked a little different from last time. While we had some group discussion time, we also had several opportunities to discuss our project with our consultant and with other teams. (Our consultant will visit the project at various stages to provide feedback and check the work. Once story-crafting begins, we will be in constant communication with her over email).

Meeting with other teams was a blessing and I think will be the most fruitful part of our trainings. Hearing other teams’ stories and what worked and what didn’t was encouraging and motivating. While figuring out our own plans was stressful at times, it was being able to talk it through with others who have gone before that helped make it easier!

We have a goal to complete approx. 25 stories by December. Between other trainings we have and other times when we’ll be away from our people, this comes down to completing about 1 story a week. Thus, we’ll be very busy from now til then! We also need to find a story-crafter to do the work with us!! Please be praying for this person over the next week. If we don’t find someone soon, we will attempt to work with our language helper and her sister to begin crafting stories.

We fly back on Saturday and will arrive in Kahan on Monday morning.

P & P
* Praise for productive meetings with consultants and other teams.
* Praise for encouragement from our fellow workers.
* Praise for times of “fun” during training too! (hiking, driving a motorbike and dirtbike, playing Frisbee, etc)
* Pray for safety traveling back (2 planes, 1 taxi, 1 train, 1 jeep)
* Pray for God to direct our steps to meet a story crafter within the next week!!!
* Pray for increased language learning- as we need to learn a lot more in order to understand the stories and really get into it!
* Pray for Robin’s and my relationship as we enter into a different aspect of the work now and figure out how to ‘divide and conquer!’

Thank you for your faithfulness in prayer and for the letters that some of you sent- they were a huge encouragement to me.

~ Elizabeth
“Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.” Jeremiah 33:3

Ready to go!

So, I feel really refreshed and encouraged today. I feel ready to return to our people and start our work. I have SO MUCH to learn, but have so much excitement to learn it! I am not sure how I’ll go about it- but can’t wait to figure it out!

Another package!

YEAH!!! ANOTHER PACKAGE!!!

Twizzlers!

Yea for twizzlers that came in a package!!!

(Conor, Clayton and Nathan - sons of some of the teams here)

Devotional...

Streams in the Desert- April 9, 06

“Everything is against me!” Genesis 42:36
“All things God works for the good of those who love him.” Romans 8:28

“Many people are lacking when it comes to power. But how is power produced? The other day, my friend and I were passing by the power plant that produces electricity for the streetcars. We heard the hum and roar of the countless wheels of the turbines, and I asked my friend, “How is the power produced?” He replied, “It simply is generated by the turning of those wheels and the friction they create. The rubbing produces the electric current.”

In a similar way, when God desires to create more power in your life, He creates more friction. He uses this pressure to generate spiritual power. Some people cannot handle it, and run from the pressure instead of receiving the power and using it to rise above the painful experience that produced it.

Opposition is essential to maintaining true balance between forces. It is the centripetal and centrifugal forces acting in opposition to each other that keep our planet in the proper orbit. The propelling action coupled with the repelling counteraction keep the earth in orbit around the sun instead of flinging it into space and a path of certain destruction.

God guides our lives in the same way. It is not enough to have only a propelling force. We need an equal repelling force, so He holds us back through the testing ordeals of life. The pressures of temptations and trials and all the things that seem to be against us further or progress and strengthen our foundation.

Let us thank Him for both the weights and the wings He produces. And realizing we are divinely propelled, let us press on with faith and patience in our high and heavenly calling.

In a factory building there are wheels and gearings,
There are cranks, pulleys belts either right or slack –
Some are whirling swiftly, some are turning slowly,
Some are thrusting forward, some are pulling back;
Some are smooth and silent, some are rough and noisy,
Pounding, rattling, clanking, moving with a jerk;

In a wild confusion in a seeming chaos,
Lifting, pushing, driving – but they do their work.
From the mightiest lever to the smallest cog or gear,
All things move together for the purpose planned
And behind the working is a mind controlling,
And a force directing, and guiding hand.

So all things are working for the Lord’s beloved;
Some things might be hurtful if alone they stood;
Some might seem to hinder, some might draw us backward;
But they work together, and they work for good,
All the thwarted longings, all the stern denials,
All the contradictions, hard to understand.
And the force that holds them, speeds them and retards them,
Stops and starts and guides them – is our Father’s hand.

Misc stuff (Email to Parents)

This morning- Jeff, Shanna and Jimmy helped lead our session. Then I met with Lori- the language person. My Hindi is good, but Kahani is suffering- she wants me (And Robin) to meet with David or Stephen to discuss our dialect issues and what exactly we should do/where we should live/etc.

I walked away a little frustrated. I feel like we were told to find a story crafter- and not focus as much on language, and now she tells me our language basically isn’t good enough….Ahh!! I know, it’s all good- I really like Lori a lot- she is so good…

Anyway….it was good….but I feel a little overwhelmed too. Part of me really wants wants to go back (today even!) and started really cramming on the language…and start working with that girl I met who speaks English and Kahani- if her Kahani isn’t good- we’ll try her mom. So many of the teams had to try lots of stuff before they figured it out. We haven’t hardly tried anything.

Ugh.

Anyway, I went to dentist- the little thai lady doctor was so sweet. She said, “Oh, your tooth is so cute!” I tried to persuade her to just take it out- but she told me to come back Tuesday- the ortho. Doc. isn’t there today or something like that. Anyway, I also bargained for the price even though we were in a really sophisticated office building. It was $10.00 for the xray I had…she said it looks like it will come out- no problem, so that’s good….

I played Frisbee game with random people this afternoon- was really hot, but lots of fun..It’s so great to actually really run around- good for my body too I think….

We're going to listen to some Brian Regan (a comedian) now I think….Then bed…I feel pretty tired out already….

LOVE YA!

~ Elizabeth

Hello from Thailand (Email to Parents)

I’m here, back in Thailand, back from the retreat. All went well. Things are quickly getting busy around here- I had forgotten how last time things were actually pretty busy- even for email…I will try and stay in touch as much as possible…

Anyway, I'll try and use skype to call you...should be cheaper that way. I love riding my motorbike aroudn town…it’s so freeing!

It’s SO HOT here though. I had a nice afternoon- sat by the pool, (I’m really getting brown!!)…read some, read all my letters from people…and then played with the kids in the pool for a bit. Was really relaxing. Training starts at 9am tomorrow…

We (Shanna, Jeff- oh, they are now engaged!!!!!...Heather, Amanda, another Heather, Jimmy and I) went on bikes to this waterfall yesterday. It was REALLY hot, but really fun- Amanda and Jimmy actually slid down this rock slide thing into the water- was realy cool! And these Thai kids were jumping off this really high rock into the water…reminded me of when we went to the Lake and jumped off those cliffs! We had to hike a lot to get there, up rocks and stuff- was really fun and a nice chance to just relax!

Bye for now…

~ Elizabeth

NEWSLETTER (Jan -March 2006)

For January to March 2006 Newsletter, click on link below:

http://elizabethasia.googlepages.com/ElizabethNewsletterJan-March2006FORb.pdf

Note: You may need adobe acrobat to view the file. A free reader can be downloaded from Abobe. (http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep2.html ).

Coincidences? (Email Update)

March 28, 2006: Update

Short Version:
· Some “coincidences” that happened this week, or perhaps I should say, “Answers to prayer!”
· God is guiding us- we have to listen to Him and others…
· P & P

Longer Version:
A few “coincidences” that happened this week:
* A friend in the bazaar ends up having a brother who speaks Kahani and English and works for a radio ministry in the area.

* As I was leaving a friend’s Hindu naming ceremony for their baby boy, a local pastor ends up introducing himself to me. He is excited about reaching his community and offered help.

* Realizing a neighbor I was supposed to visit wasn’t home, I hung out with some of the neighborhood children. The kids ended up introducing me to another young girl (age: 20) who speaks Kahani and English (also a neighbor).

Each of these incidences could be considered “coincidental” by some, but I consider them answers to prayer. You, Robin and I have been praying for our story-crafter and God has been answering your prayers and helping us meet different people.

God is guiding us – we have to listen to Him and others…
Since meeting two of these people, we learned that while they both are good resources to keep on our list, one of them might be more interested in us as single women rather than the work, as he did propose to a young girl who was here before! I’m thankful that we did meet them and also glad for the reminder to listen to the Lord and the wisdom of others who can also help guide us in this process.

There are two other local pastors who we trust who have said they will be thinking of possible people we could work with. We have another meeting with one additional contact on Thursday.
(picture - Hema, on left, one of my first friends in the Bazar)



P & P
Praises- Answers to your prayers!!!
· Contacts made this week: both Hindu and Christian.
· Pastors who have expressed interest in reaching their community and have encouraged us in the story work.
· Encouraging times or worship and sharing with our housemates, Becca and Vivian (due to all of us traveling a lot- this was perhaps the longest time we were all together!)

Prayers:
· Pray for the pastors who have told us they will be thinking of possible story crafters. (The pastors do not know Kahani- their churches are in the trade language).
· Continue praying for the story-crafter- preferably a woman who speaks English and good Kahani (were also learning that if someone knows English their Kahani may not be very ‘pure’)

Pray that we will be open and receive all that God has for us at our training in Thailand:
o Refreshment and encouragement
o Wisdom and understanding of our work
o Deepening friendships with other Epic/OneStory teams
o Good adjustment to a different lifestyle
o Safety (I plan to rent a motorbike again!!)

We leave for training on Thursday- by bus, train, taxi, plane…and will arrive in Thailand on Saturday.

Have a wonderful week!

~ Elizabeth

Another long day... (Journal Entry)

Well, today was another long, but good day.

I debated for about 15 minutes whether or not I should go to Pastor Joseph's church today- I was feeling pretty down physically. In spite of it being cold and rainy, finally I decided to go.

The trip getting to church was interesting. I got into a jeep, fairly quickly. There was the driver and another guy in the front seat- other than that, it was empty. I got in the back seat. A little while down the road, we picked up another guy. He got in from the right hand side. Then, another guy came and got in from the left hand side. Thus I was now in the middle of two guys and there were two more guys in the front. Then two more guys got in the back. Great. Then, we got stuck in a traffic jam for about 20 minutes. In the rain. Fun times. I was going to ask the guys in the jeep, “so, how do you say, ‘traffic jam’ in Hindi” but figured it was probably better if I just kept quiet since I was the only girl in the jeep. I wasn’t scared or nervous at all- I felt completely confident in the situation, and I think they knew that. They knew I understood some Hindi, so they didn’t say a whole lot.

We got to the half-way town, where sometimes the jeep stops as that’s the end of the line. Or sometimes the jeeps continue. This one stopped there. Actually, he stopped a little ways before the town and said ‘that’s it.’ I wasn’t sure where we were, so I asked him if that was true- he said yes and that the town was a little ways ahead. I figured if it was a little ways or a lot of ways, I had only one option and that was to get out of the jeep. I paid and got out and started walking. It turned out to be about 2 minutes ahead, I just hadn’t recognized the place where we stopped.

I found another jeep leaving soon- the people piled in…This one also go stuck in a traffic jam…

I ended up being nearly an hour late to church. I walked in quietly, no one noticed. Except when Pastor Joseph said, “please come and sit” from the pulpit! Haha! All well. I explained to Pastor Joseph afterwards. He understood.

I wasn’t planning to mentioning our work, since I just wanted to build the relationship, but he said, “I am trying to find people for your work…I know of some families, they are school teachers…I will ask them.” I explained that we wouldn’t be paying them and did he think it was a problem. He said ‘no, of curse they wouldn’t expect to get paid for this…”

I’m not so sure the people will feel the same way, but we’ll see. The main thing is that he understands and can explain if needed when he asks the people.

So, that task was accomplished. I started walking from their back through the bazaar. It’s about an hour and a half walk from there to home- and that’s what I was doing since I was supposed to go to Heema’s house around 1pm. It started raining. But no problem- since it was chilly and had looked like rain when I left, I had brought my nifty waterproof jacket (that really makes me stand out as a foreigner)…but all well, it kept me warm and dry…

Now, I had no idea where Heema’s house was- just somewhere in the bazaar…and a little more direction I had gotten from my landlord. I knew it was between his shop and the first temple on the left. But beyond that, not really sure.

I started asking people after his shop. They kept pointing forwards- I was just glad they had heard of the place, and it seemed I was in the right area. At one shop, The shopkeeper called over another guy and it turned out this guy lived down there. He took me there- he ended up being neighbors to Heema! And after one turn off the bazaar street- we had to talk another 10 minutes. Without this guy, it probably would have taken 20 minutes for me to find it, since there were just random houses, and no shops. Anyway, that was providential!

I met with Heema, her mother and sister. I learned that Heema’s husband died a few years ago- he was weak or had some problem she said. In pictures of him, he was smoking and seemed weak…wonder if it was some kind of cancer. Her sister is also 5 months pregnant…Her mother was shocked that I knew some Kahani and scolded her sister because her sister doesn’t know any!!! Her sister does know English though. Her mother said for me to come anytime and she would teach me her language. Heema’s sister said that her mother really likes me because I could speak her language…

After Heema’s, I had one more stop to make- a “naming ceremony” for Sangeeta’s brother- the family I had met only one or two days ago…and only for 10 minutes at that. Fortunately, their house was on the way home from the bazaar to our house. I stopped, had chai, some people took some pictures of me and them, and then I said I had to go. I was only able to stay for about 15 minutes. It was interesting when I was there, they tried to get me to smoke a cigarette!! That was the first time that has ever happened to me before. Her mother was really forcing it at me- trying to get me to take it…I was like, “No thank you- I don’t want it…” I almost had to get up and leave. I was laughing about it, but they seemed pretty serious. Finally I said, “I don’t like it”- then they seemed to back off… Anyway, it’s funny now, but in the situation was really strange…I’ve had food and chai forced at me, but never a cigarette…goodness!!

Another thing that happened was when I was entering the house there were several other people standing there and one man saw me and said, “Praise the Lord” which is a greeting that Christians use to greet each other at church. Then, as I was leaving, the same man came up to me and introduced himself. We talked for a little while, he said he has a small church near our part of town. And that he knows the other Worker who used to live in our hosue. Then he said:

“The other Worker and I used to talk, he asked me, ‘How can we reach these Kumaoni people?” I told him, “well, the translation of the Book is good, but the Kahani people can’t read or write, they don’t have their own written language, so how can they read the Bible? If you give me some tapes or some recordings, we can take that to the villages, maybe….”

How cool was that??? And to think, in spite of the rain, the fact that I’m sick, and the other meetings I had today, perhaps it took all that to bring about this meeting with this pastor. And, he lives about 5 minutes from us too- which is always a plus!! I’m not sure if he has a wife, but, we will see.

In the course of it all, I developed a sneeze/runny nose thing in addition to the cough now, but maybe my body is getting rid of whatever I have. I plan to get into bed pretty soon. Tomorrow we have language, I may also pack a little for Thailand…I also need to take a bath- haven’t done that since the village…it has been 10 days. I’ve washed my hair a few times, but not my body...

Except that we now don’t have water, so a bath won’t be happening til water comes again! But, we’re going to Thailand on Thursday- so even if I have to wait, won’t be that much longer…haha…good think we have handi-wipes!

Loving here shouldn't mean hating there (Journal Entry)

I’ve realized something about myself…As my thoughts on March 12 state: “The more time I spend here, in this village, with these people, the more I want to be here”- I realized this is true, but not completely true. The more true statement would be: “The more time I spend with these [Indian] people, the more time I want to be with them, and the less time I want to be with American [English] speaking people.

The first part is fine, and wonderful and something to be praised! The more time I spend with these people, the more I want to be with them. And, yes…it is good, and I do praise the Lord…

But the second part of the statement, “the less time I want to be with my housemates/other English speaking people” is not so praiseworthy. I talked briefly to Mommy about it last night and she also said that it was wrong of me to feel this way…and I needed to force myself to be with them even if I didn't like it at first. I do enjoy being with them, but not nearly as much as I enjoy being witht he neighbors and other Indians...Is that wrong? I don't think it’s wrong…but it’s when I neglect the my housemantes or ‘replace’ them with Indians, that it can be dangerous and wrong? I really don’t know. I also wonder if there is ever a good, equal balance…And is it okay to be with one group over the other? God has give us passions and desires…and yes, Satan can use the gifts God gives us to drag us down or to cause us to get in trouble. I realize that today…

Satan has a had a foothold in that area of my life- causing me to think it’s okay to be with Indians and just “be all there” with them- after all that’s what God has called me to- duh, of course I should be with them. But that shouldn't cause me to neglect the other people in my life right now.

I know I have some things to work on in this. And while I know I have lots of other things to work out, the sad thing about this thought is that this sin that I have just now today discovered is not something that has just happened this week or today. It was not a one time occurrence. It is something that has been prevalent in my life probably for about 3 years…

Ugh…that hurts. It has not only been on the surface and doing destruction since we arrived in India, but also back home. I have neglected people, friendships, relationships for the sake of others. One might say, “you can’t be friends with everyone, you have to pick and choose- you were just living life, you can’t do everything…” Right. I agree…but that does not mean to go to the extreme and leave out someone/others. That does not mean that you can use that excuse to be solely involved with one group of people…

In my defense or as someone could say, “Yes, but you have a heart for Indians that is from God- and it’s amazing how you enjoy being with them…that is a good thing.” Yes…it is…and I am thankful for it- but now feel as if I need to be extra careful to not let the Evil one use it against me and the work…

Lord, help me to balance what you have called me to…Help me to not push aside my desire to be with Indians, but help me at the same time not to neglect those you’ve called me to partner with. I do NEED them, and you have graciously given them to me in spite of my ‘lone-ranger’ attitude as Mommy would say.

Wow…I love you Jesus…I’m excited to surrender this to you- and start learning how to live life with more of a joyful attitude in ALL things and when I’m with ALL people. I thank you also for the timing of this conviction…it’s just before Thailand…I was already starting to worry about being with people in Thailand. I honestly was starting to think, “I don’t even want to go. No Indians for a month- how will I survive?” I didn’t even realize that training and being with those other English speaking people can actually help the work with the Indians in the long run!!!

-------I just realized something, you answered my prayer…Yesterday, or two days I go, I remember kind-of muttering a prayer asking you to convict me of my own sin…I remember that. Well…one thing I learned…when you ask God to convict you, watch out! He will!

An Encouragement to me today…I included my own verse at the end…
“In Me” by Casting Crowns

If you asked me to live
Out of my boat on the crashing waves
If you asked me to go,
Preach to the lost world that Jesus saves

Pre-Chorus:
I’ll go where I cannot go alone
Cause I know I’m nothing on my own
But the power in Christ in me
Makes me strong.

Chorus:
Cause when I’m weak, you make be strong
When I’m blind, you shine your light on me
Cause I’ll never get by living on my own ability
How refreshing to know you don’t need me.
How amazing to find that you want me
So I’ll stand on your truth and I’ll fight with your strength
Until you bring the victory
By the power of Christ in me.

If you asked me to run
And carry a light into foreign lands
If you asked me to fight
Deliver your people from Satan’s hand

Bridge
To reach out with your hands
See the world with your eyes
To love with the love of a Savior
To feel with your heart
And to think with your mind
I’d give my last breath for your glory

Additional Verse…
If you asked me to stay at home
And be with my family and my own people
If you asked me to speak my own language
And to have a joyful attitude while doing so…
I would do it…I will do it…if nothing else, for your glory…

BUSY DAY (Journal Entry)

Today was a very full day- but it’s the first time I’ve actually felt like I did what I came here to do all day long. I also fasted today- which was really good, because it made me take some time out to be with my Father. I think I especially need to do this, because otherwise, I get very caught up in ‘doing things’ and not ‘being’ with Jesus.

I feel there is so much to be done and so little time. Even in the grand scheme of things, there is little time. We have already been here 8 months; what do I have to show for it? I have done a lot- but nothing to “show” for it, per se. The groundwork has/is being laid, I guess you could say.

Anyway, here is a record of my day today:
- Woke up- spent time with Jesus, read about Samuel’s death- was encouraged by how he reminded the people of all the God had done for them. He told a summary/story(!) to them about His faithfulness. He also said that they foolishly asked for a king, since God wasn’t good enough for them- and God granted their request- Saul was going to be their king.

- Studied Kahani all morning; reviewed almost everything from the beginning. Still have some left to review on my own. Met with Gaitree (Anju’s sister). She helped translate the rest of the Creation story (will record it tomorrow).

- Fasted during lunch- enjoyed reading about one of the M’s in the book Mommy gave me. Was inspired by the fasts she did for the Japansese people. Was amazed by her mother’s faith and courage. Her mother told her at one point, “you need to prepare to die.” Even when she was allowed to leave prison because of her weak eyesight, her mother was waiting at the gates and said something like, “When you gave God everything, didn’t you give him your eyes too?” It was implied that she should go back to prison. At first the M thought of reasons why God might want her to leave prison for a while, but eventually agreed with her mother and went back. The remarks from the prison guards was: “This daughter is strong. The mother is stronger.” I hope and pray that I can be like that mother for my daughters and sons. I am also thankful for the supportive and encouraging mother I have…she has been there, at every corner!!!

-I decided to go to the bazaar. It was a debate as to whether I should go or not. I had no real reason to go. I could pick up some pictures and mail a few letters, and meet my friends and contacts there. Normally, you want to have at least 5 reasons to go the bazaar since it’s a long walk there and back. However, I realized that the walk just to meet with the people was worth it.

- As I left today, two girls met me from the house right next to ours. They spoke English and invited me to come anytime. I was shocked- didn’t realize that they spoke English. They don’t speak Kahani, so not necessarily ones we can use for the work, but still friends to practice Hindi with, to develop relationships with, and perhaps get cultural information from. It was nice to meet them. Their names are Deepika and Pinky (I think).

- I was walking near the Army camp and next to it, down the hill a little is a place I think of in my head as “mini-village.” I’ve seen girls carrying water on their head, and there are generally kids and people walking around- there is a fire going outside. It’s like a little tiny village (2 houses or so), in the middle of the town. Anyway, two girls who looked to be in their teenage years waved to me from down below as I walked on the road past their home. I waved back. I wanted to go down and see them, but thought others walking on the road might think it strange (as if I didn’t already look strange!). Needless to say, I kept walking.

I then passed some kids playing cricket on the way- I wanted to sit down with the ones on the hillside and watch, but thought maybe I’d do that another day. I also passed by a house and three kids said, “Hello” from below- I said hello and “Namaste.” I also would have liked to go visit them, but something seemed to say, ‘you don’t have time.’ I realized about 20 steps later, that not only did I have time, but that it was my job to go visit them!!! Yet, I still didn’t turn back. One could argue, it’s not necessarily ‘my job’ to meet them…but meeting people in general is my job- it never described if the people were kids or not! Plus, where kids are, often leads to others! I decided that one day I would come out to the bazaar for the purpose of hanging out with the kids…and then realized I could do that today- what was stopping me? I decided I would keep going for now, but would keep my eyes open for opportunities…and not turn them down if they came.

- I then went to the Post office. I gave my letters and asked if the one with the address written in Hindi was right. I was sending one letter to the village- we’ll see if it gets there! I spoke some Kahani with the men at the post office, and they were quite shocked and laughed. If nothing else, I gave them something to talk about at dinner.

- Next, I stopped at the photo place. After picking up my pictures, I discussed with the owner of the shop how I was looking for someone who might know Kahani and English. He said he thought he might know of some people. He wrote my name and number down and said he would call me if he met any more.

- I passed a young girl selling fruit. I actually passed a lot of people selling fruit. Although this little girl’s fruit had a million flies all over it, I stopped, knelt down and asked her how much it was. We talked for a little bit, she tried hard to make it look better than it looked. I bought grapes and oranges. She said, “please come again, if you come again, I’ll give you a 2 rupee discount.” I told her I would come again. I don’t think I’ll eat the fruit- although the oranges would probably be okay since they have skin that can be taken off…but just buying the fruit from her gave me joy. I did ask her if she knew Kahani- she said ‘no’- but pointed to some other man who did. She asked if I wanted her to go get him for me. I said ‘no.’ We talked for a bit, and then I left. I’m sure I’ll buy fruit from her again…

- I then went to visit the young women who I had met about a week ago who said they knew English and Kahani. I did meet Jaya. It turns out that she doesn’t know Kahani and her English is pretty limited. Her friend who was with her the other day knows Kahani since she was born here. But she was at school and is busy writing a paper right now. I had previously thought there might be something there with these two girls, but don’t think so much of it now…All well.

- I then visited shop where we get lots of western food stuff. Previously, the shopkeeper had said he would take me to meet his family one day. I was hoping today might be that day. However, when I got to his shop, he wasn’t there, I inquired of the other shopkeepers. At first they said, “we’re the shopkeepers, what do you want?” I said, “No, there is another one, where is he?” They said that he was in the capitol for a few days. I’ll try again next week.

- It then visited Heema, my first friend in the bazaar. I was invited to her house Sunday…I have no idea where it is, or how to get there. She said, “just ask people, they’ll know where it is.” I tried to find out if I should go by jeep from my house or walk- couldn’t really get a straight answer on that. I think it will be an adventure in which I’ll be meeting lots of other people on the way…and an adventure where I may or may not actually make it to my destination! We’ll see!

- I was on my way to Pryanka’s mom’s shop, and one stop before it, I saw a woman knitting as she sat in her shop. I hadn’t seen her before, so I went in and talked with her for a while- trying to talk in Kahani and making more mistakes than sense! I told her I had never seen her shop before, she said, “I’ve been here, sitting here every day.” I told her whenever I come to the bazaar, I’ll come to her shop and speak Kahani with her. She said, “theek chu” (ok). Her name is Nirmila.

- I then went to Pryanka’s mom’s shop right next door. Pryanka is about 15 years old. Her sister, Divya is maybe 12. They are usually both there and I hand out with them a little. Their mom knows Kahani but they don’t. Anyway, I sat with their mom for a while- she is really good at helping me with Kahani- telling me when I say things wrong…and usually understands my mistakes. I was sitting there for a while and the woman from the shop next door came over. She pointed to me and said, “This is my friend, she came to my shop today!” Pryanka’s mom said, “Oh, she is our old friend, she comes all the time to our shop, we’ve known her a long time!” Honestly, I’ve been to Pryanka’s shop perhaps 5 times total. Anyway, it was interesting to hear them talk about me and try and claim that I was their friend first, or longest…

- I then visited the other shop of people I had met the last time I was in the bazaar. The wife was cooking and I learned that she is in the shop until 2pm. After that the man runs the shop. I tried to speak a little Kahani with him and a customer came in- the customer laughed at my mistakes. I realized it was started to get dark, so I said I needed to go- I told the man to tell his wife I said hello.

- I stopped at another shop that I haven’t been in before, to get a pillow. I used a few phrases of Kahani with the men, who were the shopkeepers. They were impressed and laughed. Since they were laughing I asked, “is what I said right?” They said, “yes” as they continued laughing…

- I finally left the bazaar- the breeze starting to get cool as the sun was behin the mountains. I passed by the army camp and looked down at the “mini-village” again. The same girls were there and again waved to me. I remembered my desire earlier to visit them, and so I decided it was now or later- and later was too long to wait. I said, in Hindi, “Should I come down?” There were probably 10 people who heard me and saw me- but who cares!? The girls said, “Yes, of course, come down.” As I walked down the mountain to their house, they came and helped me with the bags. I sat with them in their dark room for a short time. The electricity was gone and there was one small candle burning. We could hardly see each other since the sunshine was also gone. It was the two girls, three little kids and one of their moms.

The girl, Sangeeta knew Kahani, but when I said, “how are you” to the mother and the little kids, there was no response. Sangeeta said that they didn’t know Kahani. I learned that she is actually Nepali, but has lived here since she was little or since she was born (I wasn’t sure) and thus knows Kahani, Hindi and Nepali. She said she knew some English, but her school is Hindi medium, so I’m guessing beyond, “how are you” – she doesn’t know much. She told me to come on Sunday as they are having the "naam sa karin" or something like that- a ‘naming ceremony.’ It’s a pretty big ceremony in Hindu culture- it happens 8 days after a child is born (I think). I told her I had some other meetings, but would realy like to come. She said, “You better come, promise you’ll come.”

- I walked the rest of the way home and just before getting home, the girl I had met on the way- the one who lives near us talked to me again. She asked me to come visit sometime- tomorrow, or the next day or the next day, if possible. It old her tomorrow might work. She said 6:00. I said okay. We have a house meeting at 4, I’m hoping it will be done by 6. If it goes til 6:30, that’s okay. If it’s too much later, I figure I’ll go to the roof and call over to her house and explain I’ll be over shortly…we’ll see how that works out.

Anyway, now I sit here writing the account of the day- and am nearly finished! My throat hurts, but I’m pretending there is nothing wrong. I don’t have time to be sick. I know, I need to take care of myself, and I will, I do, I am. But I’m not going to give in if it’s just a little cold- plus we’re going to Thailand soon- I am planning to catch up on sleep and health then…hopefully…we’ll see.

I’m thankful for today’s events…and I now have three people’s homes to visit over this weekend…I’m glad to have ‘friends’ to visit, but not sure if any of them will lead to a story-crafter...
Deepika- knows English, but not Kahani
Sangeeta- knows Kahani, but she’s Nepali in origin…
Heema- knows Kahani, but not English

I think as I continue to meet people, I’m going to have to figure out how to balance the relationships. Some relationships may just be for the sake of having friends, and that’s fine. But some may be for work, and some may be for “figuring out what they will be!” I know I will have to decide at some point, “What is the benefit in going to this person’s house?” For language learning, cultural learning, building relationships for story work, friendship, or is it for THEIR benefit? It's not always just about how it will benefit me...

I don’t have time to go to everyone’s house I meet- even if that was my full time job- there are a billion Indians here!!! Lord, I pray that you would help me balance my time- and help guide my steps to meet those people who may be used in your work- whether as a story-crafter or otherwise. Help me to know how much time to spend with people, and how to gently end a relationship/stop meeting with certain people if there is no benefit for them, me or your work. Thank you for these friends, old ones and new ones. Thank you for making me feel like I had a full day’s work today…Please help me to be able to study language for tomorrow’s lesson, and to be able to meet Deepkia tomorrow evening.

I pray for each one of these people- Deepika, Pinkie, Sangeeta, Heema, Pryanka, Divya, their mother, Rangila (the girl selling fruit), Nirmila (The new woman), the man and his wife, the two other shopkeepers…I pray that they would one day know you!!!!! I pray that if I may be used in that process, great…But if not, that’s good too!! Probably better- since I am a sinner and probably not the best representation of my Lord that they could see…

I hope they will know some day why I am here, and that I will be able to share stories with them, and they won’t just listen out of politeness but out of curiosity and interest. You are in control of them, me and the future…I know that, and it gives me comfort!! May your will be done here as everywhere else!!!

(Note: Psalm 78- Account of Israelites up to David.)

Who can help us? (Journal Entry)

Our meeting with Pastor Moses went…LONG. We only talked to him for about 10-15 minutes, but we were at his house for more than 5 hours. When I came back, I reported to Becca and Vivian, “The meeting was, well, it was… 'Indian’- which I should be used to and expect, but still, it was long and tiring being there for so long and really only needing to talk to him for 15 minutes!!!”

When we finally got to talk to him, he was more enthusiastic about storying, but was unsure about people we might be able to use. He said he would pray- but didn’t know of anyone. It was encouraging to hear his excitement about storying and we talked about how we are glad to work together with him, etc- but discouraging to hear him say, he didn’t really know of anyone. And when he asked about payment and we told him we wouldn’t be paying them, it was as if whatever people he had previously considered were also now out of the question.

After meeting with him, I feel encouraged that he is excited about the work, but unsure that we can rely on him or others to help us. Of course, we can only rely on the Lord…I think I’ll take a trip to the bazaar tomorrow and revisit the people I met- especially the one girl who said she knew English. I also do not think those people will amount to much…but who else is there? I think we have to go where we can find the people- and there are obviously none here!!!

Anyway…glad we met with him- even though now that it’s almost 5pm, don’t feel like doing much else today- and feel like I hardly did anything. That’s just how things go here- I should know better than to expect anything else…right? Right.

Contentment (Journal Entry)

(picture from the other side of town...on a clear day!)

Vivian led the Sunday worship time yesterday and challenged us with a lesson on contentment.

Prescription for Contentment:
1) Never allow yourself to complain about anything- not even the weather.
2) Never picture yourself in any other circumstances or someplace else.
3) Never compare your lot with another’s.
4) Never allow yourself to wish this or that had been otherwise.
5) Never dwell on tomorrow- remember that tomorrow is God’s, not ours.

This past week, #2 was a challenge to me as I certainly pictured myself in the village as opposed to here, in the town. Each night as I went to sleep, I tried hard to imagine myself in the village, with the people there, hoping I would dream about it. Yet, is this what God wants from me? He has me here, right now in city. What am I doing wishing I was someplace else? He has work for me to do here- and even if I’m doing the work, if my mind is someplace else, the work won’t be completed as effectively, or as quickly.

Thank you Lord for giving Vivian this topic to challenge us with. You know I needed it!!! Thank you for convicting me of these things and helping me to change. Thank you for giving me an attitude of excitement about the work here and for going out and doing it- regardless of what others think or say. Help me to continue to press on, and to encourage others.

Thank you for helping me realize that I need to share more - share contacts, share information. Please give me the attitude of a servant and a “share-er” – as Grandmother always said, “It’s fun to share.” May I too ‘share’ in regards to people.

This time of fasting today is to be for the people of this region. I will now spend time in prayer for them.

“And His name will be the hope of all the world” ~ Matthew 12:21 (NLT)
“In His name the nations will put their hope.” ~ Matthew 12:21 (NIV)

I pray this for the Kahani people. For the kids, the young adults, the old people- may they put their trust in your and their hope in you. I pray that they would turn from their statues and realize that you alone can heal them, and give them life.

-----written later-------------------------------------------
We just returned from two visits- one of the neighbor- Neeru. We went to visit her, and also ask her to back-translate Anju’s story and jokes. We didn’t know how it would turn out…And it turns out we both wish she wasn’t moving to another city becuase she would be a perfect story-teller!!!

She retold Anju’s Kahani stories in English. Her son came out after a while and he too helped translate. When she finished telling the stories, we talked for a while and she said, “This is her story- I have stories too...” Let me tell you another story- so she told us a story…I recorded it!

Later, I had asked her son for some good songs in Kahani. He was telling me some and when his mom came out, he asked her for some suggestions. She said, “I’ll sing you a song.” And she did! We recorded that too!!!

It was really neat to be able to have the back-translation of Anju’s story and jokes, and see how, after hearing the stories, Neeru wanted to tell more stories!

All in all, it was a good visit. She was helpful and wants us to come again. She said we’re welcome anytime. It seemed she liked helping us- If only she wasn’t moving! But, God does know better. He knows that in spite of her knowing English, having time, wanting to help us, and living two minutes away from us- there is some other reason she shouldn’t be our story crafter. Or, there is someone better. Or, perhaps she will at some point be involved in the work. We do not know- it is frustrating from our stand-point, but exciting to think that God knows and He knows better and while we think this person might be great, God is going to provide someone even better!!! It’s His work, why shouldn’t He make the decision on who will do it?

PACKAGE! (Email to Aunt Gayle)

Aunt Gayle!

You’re package arrived!!!!! AND- everything was in it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

THANK YOU SO MUCH for all the soup packets, hot chocolate, fly papers, candies, rubber gloves, seasoning packets, cards, etc, etc, !!!!

The box had been opened, it looked like stuff had been taken out- there was a string tied to it holding it together….but, everything you wrote on the outside of the box was inside!!!!!

YEAH!!!!

~ Elizabeth

Condoleeza Rice as next president? (Journal Entry)

We just returned from visiting a man who speaks English and Kahani. Our purpose in visiting today was to ask him if he knew of others who know English and Kahani who could help us with language and research. To make a long afternoon short- we talked more about how America is practicing it’s war weapons on Afghanistan and Iraq, and about how the Indian way of going to the bathroom is wrong. Actually we didn’t talk. He did. We listened. Even when we tried to talk, it was very hard, he wouldn’t listen. We listened to how Americans hate blacks, but Condoleezza Rice is going to be the next President. We listened to how “they” (speaking about the Kahani people) are uneducated and how in the village, the males rule the home. We listened to how he feels that women should have their individual ideas and role, and he “raised” his own wife to be that way.

Not long into the visit, a younger man came and sat with us for the remainder of the conversation. He seemed more open and to realize that we weren’t thrilled about how the “professor” was talking and dictating things. He also spoke English.

After a certain point in the conversation, my objective became not how we can get help from him, but how can we get out of here!! Granted, the place was beautiful- overlooking the valley and mountains, and surrounded with flowers. He has a really beautiful home and surroundings. There was even a swing on the porch- really lovely. But he made the place unpleasant by his lecture.

Needless to say, it wasn’t as fruitful of a visit as we had hoped for, although we did get the phone number of the other man who was there too. He teaches at a University, and when I asked if there were students who spoke English and Kumaoni he said ‘yes.’ And when I asked him if we could visit his class sometime, he said yes. Even if it doesn’t work out, he’s at least another contact for us.

I spent the better part of today attempting to craft the creation story. Anju is here this week, and I want to use her for some kind-of language help and decided that I would go ahead and start on some story stuff- to learn some language, but also to see how it works. I had the Hindi Book, and two children’s story books (both have English and Hindi translations). I took sentences from all three and wrote the story out in English, the Hindi sentence below it and then left space for Anju to write the Kahani. It’s not the best crafted story since it’s taken from three different sources and those are written sources. But, I had fun doing it and hope I may gain something from it. We’ll see- Anju comes tomorrow, I hope to work on it some with her then.

This morning, I spent time with the Lord, and felt renewed and refreshed. I think it’s an answer to the prayers prayed at Aunt Nina’s! I feel excited about this work and ready to take on whatever will come. Yes, I still really miss the village and the people there- and will always miss them when I’m not there. I woke up several times last night and thought I was in the village. I then woke up this morning and much to my dismay found that I was in city.

Vivian is going to do this week’s worship service and said she is going to do something on contentment. Something I can learn more about! And, this morning I read where Jesus says, “take my yoke, my burden is light”- just as Mommy had said on the phone last night. Yup- I want to take your yoke, Jesus! Help me to do that. Please carry these burdens for me that I have been dragging around.

Happy Holi! (Email Update!)

Email Update- March 16, 2006

Short Version:
“Happy Holi!”- We celebrated a festival in the village this past week!
Our next assignment: Looking for a story crafter! (a big prayer request!)

Happy Holi!
“Tak ta ka tak kamla” the women sing as one of them plays a tabla (drum). The women sit on the patio area of someone’s home as they sing, clap and celebrate together. One woman goes around and gives the other women a tikka (mark on forehead generally done after prayers are said). Another woman uses a flower to sprinkle colored water on everyone! After a short time, women and girls take turns dancing in the center of the group. During this time, some special food is given out to each person. When all of this is finished, the women and girls walk to the next house and perform the whole thing all over again. Three or four houses may be visited in one afternoon. This continued for five days. The men and boys would do their singing and ‘visiting’ different homes in the evenings.

“Holi” is a festival that celebrates spring- among other things. I “played” Holi with the women and the kids and came back with my face covered in colored powder most of the time! By enjoying the festival with the village people, I was able to meet some new people, as well as strengthen the relationships that we have with the ones we already know.

It was fun to play with the colors, but also interesting to see the sense of community among the women as they celebrated together. This festival stems from their religion, but not sure how much of their focus is on religion- as it felt more like a fair than a religious ceremony. There is still much to learn. I long for the day when they will gather around, not just for special holidays, but to share stories from God’s Word…wouldn’t that be something to celebrate!?!
Our Next Assignment: Looking for a story-crafter! (A big prayer request!!!!)
During our time of language and cultural study in the village, we’ve realized that while there may be some good story-tellers there, there isn’t anyone who is bilingual in English and Kahani (the village language). While we don’t have to have someone who is bilingual, it would make things easier! This week, we will be actively looking for someone in our base city who perhaps may be bilingual who can help craft stories. We have some contacts already and will start researching those to see if they lead anywhere.

Please pray specifically for:
- patience - it may take time to find someone
- endurance - most of the people we know live an hour or so walking distance away from us
- communication- if it’s in the trade language, that we may communicate clearly the type of person we’re looking for.
- For the story-crafter: that they may have a desire to learn more about stories, have time to work with us, know Kahani and English, and ultimately that they may know our Father (if they don’t already).

Thank you for your faithful support and communications! They mean so much to me!

In Him,
~ Elizabeth
“Whom have I in heaven but thee? And there is nothing upon earth that I desire besides thee. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion for ever.” ~ Psalm 73:25-26

"I'll stay where you put me!" (Email to Mommy)

Mommy,

March 16’s entry in Streams in the Desert is good…Good for my situation right now. March 17 is also good, I typed it out below. For me, its kind-of like my attitude should be: “I’ll go where you move me”- since it seems we’re constantly moving around. He has “put” me in the city for now, and though I want “so badly to be in the village” I will “stay here, I will work here.”

Thanks for your time this morning- I really just wanted someone to listen to me say I want to be in the village. I know things will be fine, I’ll “get over it”- and honestly, I am excited to start looking for someone to help us here. I’m praying that I’ll make some friends this week through the process.

Another thing that I’ve been thinking about is that even though I feel more and more like my life is temporary and I’m a stranger and alien here, coming and going from place to place- meeting people, making friends, and then moving and doing it again is draining. Yes, maybe I can adapt easily to new circumstances and make new friends easily, so maybe God wants me to do His work in an area and then go somewhere else…but still, I feel emotionally drained from building relationships and then leaving not knowing when I’ll be back (even though in this case, it will most likely be within the next two months).

Psalm 66 was also a blessing to me today…
“Come and see what God has done, how awesome his works in man’s behalf!...Come and listen, all you who fear God; let me tell you what he has done for me…praise be to God who has not rejected my prayer or withheld his love from me!” (vs. 5, 16, 20)

As Daddy would say, “We have so much to be thankful for.” How true that is. Just by reflecting on God’s goodness, I’m encouraged and blessed by all that He has done for me- and how He has cared for me…and I know He will do it again.

------------------

March 17- Streams in the Desert:

I’ll stay where You’ve put me; I will, dear Lord,
Though I wanted so badly to go;
I was eager to march with the “rank and file,”
Yes, I wanted to lead them, You know.
I planned to keep step to the music loud,
To cheer when the banner unfurled,
To stand in the midst of the fight straight and proud,
But I’ll stay where You’ve put me.

I’ll stay where You’ve put me; I’ll work, dear Lord,
Though the field be narrow and small,
And the ground be neglected, and stones lie thick,
And there seems to be no life at all.
The field is Your own, only give me the seed,
I’ll sow it with never a fear;
I’ll til the dry soil while I wait for the rain,
And rejoice when the green blades appear;
I’ll work where You’ve put me.

I’ll stay where You’ve put me; I will, dear Lord;
I’ll bear the day’s burden and heat,
Always trusting You Fully; when sunset has come
I’ll lay stalks of grain at Your feet.
And then, when my earth work is ended and done,
In the light of eternity’s glow,
Life’s record all closed, I surely will find
It was better to stay than to go;
I’ll stay where You’ve put me.

The more I'm here, the more I want to be here (Journal Entry)

The more time I spend here, in this village, with these people, the more I want to be here. Today I went to the jungle to find Deepa, Deepa's sister, and Bicky, who were cutting down branches. I had told them I would come after lunch and they said yes. Against the wishes of Joyti and the other kids, I went. They warned me of monkeys and told me it was far away. I said, “I know, it’s fine, I want to go.” I did go- and it was far, and there were monkeys- more than I’ve ever seen at one time- probably 50 of them or so! And I was walking right through them as I climbed the mountain to find Deepa cutting the trees. I wasn’t 100% sure if I’d find them of not- the jungle is a big place! I finally heard someone cutting the branches and followed the sound- then called out and they called back. Just walking through the jungle- even by myself, I enjoyed being here.

I carried a good size portion of branches back on my head- and yes, it was heavy. But I’m ready to do it again tomorrow. I am not sure why I like this life so much…is it just for this time, God has given me a desire to be here- and is using it to help me connect with the people and enjoy life here? Will I no longer desire this life when I move somewhere else? I feel as if I could live here for…a long time. I feel as if after this story work is done, I would come back here and live here- and do what? Chase monkeys, cut branches, kill flies and spiders…etc, etc. And, share the stories with them- I know I could learn more language if I had more time. No, I couldn’t learn it perfectly- I gave up on that a long time ago!

But, I feel like some of these people are some of my best friends. I hear them talk to each other saying, “She’s learning really fast” or “Listen to that! She knows our language!” Perhaps they will reject me once stories start coming, but something tells me that won’t happen. They may not listen to the stories, they may not accept them, but they won’t reject me- at least I don’t think so. And no, that’s not what it’s about- it's not about my reputation. It would be better for them to accept the stories than accept me- of course. I long for these people to know the Truth- I wonder if when stories do come here- if they will be rejected, and if my heart will break for the people.

As I was sitting with the women today, as they sang their Holi songs- I prayed for them. I don't want them to lose their culture, but I do want them to have the hope and joy in the relationship with God as I do.

I think too how it would work to have a husband here- I pictured him today working with the other young men in the village. I pictured myself carrying branches to wherever our home would be. When not working with the people, my husband might craft stories or study language…or maybe he would be spending time in prayer for the village folk around him.

Yet- does such a man exist? Is there someone who really enjoys this culture as much as I do? Not, that I am any such great person that I enjoy this culture so much- I think because I enjoy it so much, I can get myself into trouble probably. But, is there someone who 99% of the time wants to be with the people and enjoys them? On the other hand, as Mommy had warned and as I know full well- enjoying the culture as much as I do is not the only requirement for my life partner!!!!! Haha…No no, I know that, of course.

Then there is the thought of coming back alone. Working alone…first of all, I’m not sure if any agency would allow that… I think I would enjoy life here alone and could do it- but think companionship would be nice…and that companionship would be best shared by someone who also wanted to give his life to these people for the sake of the gospel.

I think about leaving- even this next week- we’ll be gone for a month…and we don’t know of our plans after that- I would love to come back here, but have a feeling we’ll be doing more work from the city. I’m trying not to set my heart or plans in any one place. It makes me sad that living in the village may not be the place where I spend most of my time. I am excited that our work may be starting to get started a little bit, but sad that I may not be seeing these people- my friends- as often. I have so enjoyed the time to learn language and build relationships with them. I look forward to returning to test stories or learn additional cultural stuff.

Going! (Email to Parents)

Today is grey and cloudy and cold actually- it may rain- but I’m going to the village!!! We both are. Robin is completely better- amazing recovery!

Love ya!

~ Elizabeth

Balance of caring for partner vs. work? (Email to Parents)

Mommy, (this is a long one too!)

It’s 2:30pm, Thursday, right now- we are still in the city. Robin is sick and doesn't want to go to the village today.

So I sit here now. We need to leave by about 3:15 at the latest if we're going to go today. In order to get a jeep and walk there in time, we need to leave soon. I’m not sure what Robin is up to or thinking or how she is feeling.

On the one hand- if we don't go today, it’s just one day…just one more day delayed to getting there. Not that big of a deal. On the other hand- it's one day. Another day we’re missing village life and language study- in spite of what we can do here, we are missing practice opportunities, etc…

And I really don’t know what my best plan of action should be- if she is still sick tomorrow and can’t go- should I go without her? Even if she wanted me to go ahead, would it look bad to the family we live with if I left my sick friend in the city? Yet, what would it look like if we didn’t come at all- and couldn’t get a message to them very easily? What would they think? True- we live in a country where things happen out of anyone’s control so surely they would understand.

Another question, where is the line drawn between work and taking care of your partner? Is taking care of your partner work? Yes- but to what extent? Then comes the question, ‘is going to the village REALLY necessary’? It is because we said we would come back…but can that be explained to them if we don’t go/can’t go? The other thing is, the festival ‘Holi’ is coming and they are planning on us being there. If it was just a normal week (when have we ever had one of those?)- it might be easier to explain or work around, but due to this holiday, I’m not sure. The other thing is, if we wait even one more day, it’s unsafe to travel due to Holi festivities…

I’m not sure what is best for the work and project and us as partners. Finding that balance is really difficult…

....written later....
During the past hour, I was able to read some good quotes from Amy Carmichael, Elisabeth Elliot and Oswald Chambers! Most of which apply to this very situation, or recent situations. There was one about waiting til tomorrow and making the most of opportunities. It is that one that I will cling to for now- Waiting til tomorrow is not the worst thing in the world. And there are things/opportunities I can do here. I have a ton of language to study- I can probably do that better here than in the village anyway…So what am I doing typing all this email out to you!? Not sure- mainly to gather my thoughts on the situation I think, to see if any answers come out of it (though nothing has so far).

Love you- oh, I was thinking while I was writing this that I look forward to sharing moments like these with a life partner who shares this dream with me. Along those lines, I also think arranged marriage is a good idea- arranged by our Father of course, but then by parents…haha…so…not to put any pressure on you or anything, but you can start looking for someone when you get the chance!!! :) Haha!!!

~ Elizabeth

Need to pray about people to help us...(Email to Parents)

Due to an unexpected visit from Minna and Vimal, we are going to the village on Thursday instead of tomorrow (Wed). We spent most of the day trying to help them with their computer, and also discussing storying stuff and if they knew anyone who might be able to help us. The discussion wasn’t too successful. They said it would be possible to get someone, but not without payment. We explained the reasons why we didn't really want to do that. They understood- but still, they kept saying, “that will be very hard…”

I went to the bazaar and met the women and girls I know there and met two others- Everyone I met I asked if they knew English. A few people knew some, some didn’t know any…and even then I’m not sure what “Some” really means.

One girl asked if I could help her with her exam. She studies at the same college that Anju works at. Unforunately, she doesn’t know Kahani! She seems very eager to learn and I think she would give some time to helping us- but….she doesn’t speak the language!!! Ahh!!! When Minna and Vimal said, - it will be hard- I said, “we’ll pray” – they said, “yeah….”- as if that was the only way this could happen. Well, we already knew that….but are we praying? I know I’m not praying nearly as much as I should be!!! Will start praying after I send this…

It was a good bazaar trip in general. I’m glad we aren’t going to the village until Thursday- I’m so tired now- and my tooth is killing me. I almost stopped at the dentist in the bazaar to have him look inside-, but knew if I did that, the whole town may end up in the dentist office and looking in my mouth too!!!

Not much else happened today...
Love you!

~ Elizabeth

Heading back to the village (Email Update)

We are heading back to our base city- “Kahan” tonight (Sunday night).

We will be in the village until March 16th- which will include celebrating “Holi” (on the 14th or 15th). Holi is a major festival of this culture.

We’ll then be back in Kahan for almost 2 weeks until our next training in Thailand.

Please be praying for our traveling and for us to maximize our time in the village for last cultural notes and language learning before training.

These are two pictures taken this past week while we were in another city at the wedding of one of my friends.

~ Elizabeth