Sorry for being so absent lately. It’s not that I have been too busy (although I have been going from 6am to 11pm), it’s not that I ran out of interesting things to say (that would be impossible in India), and it’s not that I am a slacker (ok sometimes I am). No, actually I’ve been a little overwhelmed with my new reality and I was struggling with finding how to put it into words. Although I haven’t felt inspired to write I realized I had to start getting down the events b/c if I wait any longer it will be so overwhelming that you won’t believe it.
Where to begin…. What do you want first; you want the light side or the heavy side of life here in the Kumar house?
Light, good, me too….
For those of you who know Suresh this may be difficult to do, but try to picture Suresh as an Italian Mafia Godfather (except Indian) and Harvest India as one big mafia family. Except of course, instead of corruption and cement shoes Harvest India’s goal is to share the love of Christ through caring for the needy.
As in every good mafia family you have your top dog, the Don (Suresh), the brothers and cousins that are “in the family business,” and five Capos (key guys) who aren’t related but have been around long enough to be considered family. Just as in the movies, they all hangout while they making the cafone juniors do all the really hard work. Then you got like 20 or so cugines (wiseguys) whos job you can’t quite figure out but all you know is that when the godfather calls they all jump up to meet the call like the seagulls in Finding Nemo, “Mine, Mine, Mine.”
The center of all this activity is the house. Family is always there and by family I mean cousins, aunts/uncles, neighbors, friends, friends of friends. There is not a quiet corner in the place; especially with how loud they talk. And no matter how crowded it gets there is plenty to eat and always room for one more.
Suresh runs the whole show from the house. He doesn’t have an office; his office is wherever he is-the kitchen table, a folding chair on the porch or the couch. His cell phone is constantly ringing; actually he has 3. And then there is the all the cash. In India nobody uses credit cards or checks just cash. So the first morning after Suresh arrived in walked one of his “guys” with a big bag filled with money. And Suresh emptied it on the table and started handing it out. A pack of 50s for the vegetable guy, 6 packs 100s for the guy that does the payroll, 3 packs of 100s for the guy that does the relief camps, on and on. He even threw me a pack until I got settled and could make it to the bank. At that moment especially I couldn’t help but laugh at the incredible similarities.
Then there are the visitors. You can always tell who is waiting to visit with the Godfather; they have this look like any second they could stop breathing. They come at all hours of the day starting at 7:30am until the lights are turned off in the evening. Women, men, children they all come. The people that come to the Kumar house to talk to Suresh don’t come to get loan extentions or to beg not to have their legs broken, as they maybe if they were visiting a true mafia godfather. Instead, they come to Suresh, my friend/ my Indian daddy because he is their last hope for survival.
Let me give you an example of what I mean. I witnessed these events first hand; and although I was there I still have a hard time believing that it is real but it is real and everyday something else happens and you start to wonder when is enough enough? I wonder how much more can I take.
After breakfast on Suresh’s second day back, he and I were having a meeting when a couple of his associates came in to tell us there was a huge fire breaking out in one of the villages. We stopped by and it was terrible. People who had practically nothing now had absolutely nothing. And when I mean nothing I mean nothing; many of the women had contracted HIV and so had been out-casted, lived in squaller, and barely survived. We (Harvest India) though the funds are small gave blankets along with rice & lentils. When Suresh and I returned there were several people waiting on the porch to talk with him. After talking with each one we ate lunch and then went out to the porch. By then there was about 8 more people waiting including this beautiful petite woman. She stood patiently waiting to talk to Suresh; finally she walks up to him and speaks quietly and begins to cry. He sent her inside to have a cup of tea and turns to me and says, “ Her husband just died of AIDS and she just found out she now has HIV and she needs a place to live.” Upon hearing this I went in to sit with her. I put my hand on her and said, “ I-yo (I’m sorry)” and she began to cry. Before the girl even finishes her tea Suresh and Christina are in the room talking with us when a woman comes in and breaks down crying. She tells us that her daughter just died of AIDS. I didn’t know what to do but pray. I have never been so close to the impact of AIDS before; it felt unreal. That was one example…
Want another one…how ‘bout a quick rundown of today…
-maybe 20-25 visitors
-a man begged Suresh to take another 25 orphans at the orphanage that is already extremely over-crowded.
-A dad brought his teenage daughter to ask Suresh if he would take her because he can’t provide for her anymore (He said yes, of course)
-A young girl is brought in by a HI pastor. She had been married-off at age 13 to a man who was HIV+ and didn’t tell her parents or her. Four months ago he died. She is now 18 and HIV+ She wept and begged for Suresh to help her. He offered her a cot at the Bible College where she could get food and shelter.
-Visited a church in the heart of a large red-light district. Most of the woman were old and of no “use” to the district anymore, if you know what I mean. But what joy!!! I had never seen so many smiling faces in a crowd of Indian people (they usually all have blank expressions). But these women have come from the darkness to the light and you could see it all over their faces. Death has lost its sting for these women (many of which have HIV and other life threatening STDs). Of course we didn’t leave empty-handed. A women gave us her 10 year-old daughter to get her out of the red-light district before she gets any older.
-At around 10pm we placed 10 year-old Jotti at the HI/RH Childrens’ Home when we learned that a band of gypsys (I am sure that is not PC) stopped by in the late afternoon and left 16 of their children. That makes 300+ children in a home built for 100. Suresh just reminds himself and us constantly that God is faithful. If we trust in him he will provide. He is our stronghold in times of trouble.
Please be praying as the needs are so great and at times overwhelming.
Thursday, July 20, 2006
Tuesday, July 18, 2006
Saturday, July 15, 2006
Wednesday, July 12, 2006
I'm Safe!
As most of you have heard by now there was a terrorist attack on Mumbai.
**Please do not worry about me. I am safe and well cared for. **
The trains in this area are running as usual. Actually Suresh arrives tonight in Hyderabad and will be taking a train from there to Tenali.
It breaks my heart to see the pictures and not now what everyone is saying. Actually since I don’t read the newspaper or watch TV I heard it first from my dad and MSN but by this evening news had made its way out to us and I sat and watched everyone discuss it.
I just wanted to reassure you, as some had expressed concern. I am well, just saddened by the event.
**Please do not worry about me. I am safe and well cared for. **
The trains in this area are running as usual. Actually Suresh arrives tonight in Hyderabad and will be taking a train from there to Tenali.
It breaks my heart to see the pictures and not now what everyone is saying. Actually since I don’t read the newspaper or watch TV I heard it first from my dad and MSN but by this evening news had made its way out to us and I sat and watched everyone discuss it.
I just wanted to reassure you, as some had expressed concern. I am well, just saddened by the event.
Monday, July 10, 2006
Kung Fuie!!
Thank God it is the last day of the election and the whole of India is watching the counting of the ballots—because if I had to sit through another terrible Telugu movie I might fall into a self-induced coma. I am not kidding- they really are terrible. Let me rant for a second on why I hate Telugu movies and at the same time give you an understanding of why I feel my brain will liquefy if I watch one more minute.
Ever movie involves one of two plots: lovers who’s parents do not want them together or some woman in distress being rescued by some man and on the rare occasion there might be a combo of the two. But which ever plot the movie goes with one thing is for sure the main character will suddenly have the ability of a superhuman kung fu master. The choreography of these fight scenes are just ridiculous—I literally saw the hero get knocked down (finally) while fighting a gang of men. As he is laying on the ground the gang charges to stomp on him in unison but the hero is able to hold each foot ( about 6 in total) at one time. He struggles as the gang members “push down hard” with their “captured” feet but the hero gains strength and pushes back with such for force that the whole gang goes flying thru the air. Sounds bad, huh!? Well, it gets worse! They use these horribly cheesy 1980’s electronica sound effects with every blow, movement, or effect that occurs. It becomes the most bizarrely deafening noise and I can’t stand another second of it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Ever movie involves one of two plots: lovers who’s parents do not want them together or some woman in distress being rescued by some man and on the rare occasion there might be a combo of the two. But which ever plot the movie goes with one thing is for sure the main character will suddenly have the ability of a superhuman kung fu master. The choreography of these fight scenes are just ridiculous—I literally saw the hero get knocked down (finally) while fighting a gang of men. As he is laying on the ground the gang charges to stomp on him in unison but the hero is able to hold each foot ( about 6 in total) at one time. He struggles as the gang members “push down hard” with their “captured” feet but the hero gains strength and pushes back with such for force that the whole gang goes flying thru the air. Sounds bad, huh!? Well, it gets worse! They use these horribly cheesy 1980’s electronica sound effects with every blow, movement, or effect that occurs. It becomes the most bizarrely deafening noise and I can’t stand another second of it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thursday, July 06, 2006
Driving In India--Holy Cow!!!!
Friday June 29th
This was a fun day—I tried driving in India for the first time! My driving instructor or Master as they call it here is John, Suresh’s personal driver(nothing flashy it’s just Suresh doesn’t know how to drive—not uncommon in India). Gevan also came along to put in his 2 cents. John was so cute , I think he didn’t know I could drive b/c he started by introducing the key, brake, gas, and gears. I just let him go on and boy was he amazed when I started driving not to mention everyone we passed on the road; you would have thought they had seen a ghost driving (you never see women drivers let alone a white one). We started on the back roads so I could work my way into the craziness. Pretty much John’s advice was “see no cars- go” and “no margin” meaning the road is only big enough for one car so watch out for: the oncoming car, ricshaws, cows, bikes and children! “Steady, straight” was good advice which meant don’t freak out about the speeding truck coming right at you; if you keep this path and speed you’ll have a good ½ inch to pass him.
John was so impressed by the way I handled the back roads that after 40 minutes he had me drive on the main road to the orphanage. And just when I thought I had received every bit of sage advice from John he broke out with my two favorite Johnisms. The first was “No tension” which he said all the way to the orphanage and back to the house. I figured it out to mean, “don’t stress you’re doing fine.” I’m just not sure if those words were for my encouragement or his J The last and best piece of Johnism advice repeated over and over on my first time driving in India was “No Crashing.” BRILLIANT!
So….you’re probably all wondering if I made it home safely—by the grace of God I did. In fact, John told everyone that I could be his personal driver. J
July 3rd
I am praying for God to use me in some way during this waiting period. I know that this is good for me to sit and observe life in India, s-l-o-w-l-y learn the language, and get adjusted to a new way of life but I am bored. I am not use to sitting in the house and not doing anything all day but most of India just sits and waits out the day. Everyone tells me when Suresh comes back we’ll be busy but I and don’t want to miss what I am suppose to be doing during this time right now, even if it is to just sit and be comfortable waiting.
Luke 12:35-40
35"Be dressed ready for service and keep your lamps burning, 36like men waiting for their master to return from a wedding banquet, so that when he comes and knocks they can immediately open the door for him. 37It will be good for those servants whose master finds them watching when he comes. I tell you the truth, he will dress himself to serve, will have them recline at the table and will come and wait on them. 38It will be good for those servants whose master finds them ready, even if he comes in the second or third watch of the night. 39But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have let his house be broken into. 40You also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him."
This was a fun day—I tried driving in India for the first time! My driving instructor or Master as they call it here is John, Suresh’s personal driver(nothing flashy it’s just Suresh doesn’t know how to drive—not uncommon in India). Gevan also came along to put in his 2 cents. John was so cute , I think he didn’t know I could drive b/c he started by introducing the key, brake, gas, and gears. I just let him go on and boy was he amazed when I started driving not to mention everyone we passed on the road; you would have thought they had seen a ghost driving (you never see women drivers let alone a white one). We started on the back roads so I could work my way into the craziness. Pretty much John’s advice was “see no cars- go” and “no margin” meaning the road is only big enough for one car so watch out for: the oncoming car, ricshaws, cows, bikes and children! “Steady, straight” was good advice which meant don’t freak out about the speeding truck coming right at you; if you keep this path and speed you’ll have a good ½ inch to pass him.
John was so impressed by the way I handled the back roads that after 40 minutes he had me drive on the main road to the orphanage. And just when I thought I had received every bit of sage advice from John he broke out with my two favorite Johnisms. The first was “No tension” which he said all the way to the orphanage and back to the house. I figured it out to mean, “don’t stress you’re doing fine.” I’m just not sure if those words were for my encouragement or his J The last and best piece of Johnism advice repeated over and over on my first time driving in India was “No Crashing.” BRILLIANT!
So….you’re probably all wondering if I made it home safely—by the grace of God I did. In fact, John told everyone that I could be his personal driver. J
July 3rd
I am praying for God to use me in some way during this waiting period. I know that this is good for me to sit and observe life in India, s-l-o-w-l-y learn the language, and get adjusted to a new way of life but I am bored. I am not use to sitting in the house and not doing anything all day but most of India just sits and waits out the day. Everyone tells me when Suresh comes back we’ll be busy but I and don’t want to miss what I am suppose to be doing during this time right now, even if it is to just sit and be comfortable waiting.
Luke 12:35-40
35"Be dressed ready for service and keep your lamps burning, 36like men waiting for their master to return from a wedding banquet, so that when he comes and knocks they can immediately open the door for him. 37It will be good for those servants whose master finds them watching when he comes. I tell you the truth, he will dress himself to serve, will have them recline at the table and will come and wait on them. 38It will be good for those servants whose master finds them ready, even if he comes in the second or third watch of the night. 39But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have let his house be broken into. 40You also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him."
Tuesday, July 04, 2006
Monday, July 03, 2006
Ahhh!
So here I am again at the internet cafe. I was going to update you all on my driving experience but that will have to wait for another day as my driver John has been sweating in the car while I checked and replied to all my emails, used Yahoo Messenger to call my family 5 times (and I know they are sitting infront of the computer but their speakers are off so they can't hear me calling), and I just remembered that I forgot my disk to update my blog. So I really should wait until I can do the experience justice. Give me a couple of days and hopefully I will have internet access and all will be well! But don't hold your breathe!
Love you all & thanks for the encouragement!
Love you all & thanks for the encouragement!
Saturday, July 01, 2006
I'm In India--Can you believe it??
Sorry it has taken so long to get this post up; getting connected to the internet has proven to be quite the challenge. The challenge, however, is not in the actual connection but getting someone to follow through on in helping me. I am trying to be patient and learn the Indian way but if I wasn’t up and running tonight I would have…. probably just waited longer. J (which I did—3 more days)
-----Actually pictures will come later as I am at an internet cafe-----
I am enclosing some pictures so you can get an idea of my surroundings and faces with names. I am hoping to have a webpage up soon but see shall see about that.
The following are excerpts from the journal I was keeping since I didn’t have access to internet. I am sure this first entry will be too long to keep your attention but I have a lot to catch you up on….
Day One
It is about 95 degrees with 98% humidity… make that 100% as it just started to rain. So far I have been introduced to about 16 people (just over half the household), been stared at by all of them walked in on once, and laid with 3 garlands and am currently watching a Telugu movie with 14 people in a room the size of a bedroom. I love India!
My room is nice but really warm since it is upstairs
Day 2
I woke up today to over 100 mosquito bites all over my body. Well, actually I stopped counting at 100. Please pray that none of those little critters were carrying Malaria.
Electricity went out 4 times today which is about normal. Met two amazing old women today; Lolitha’s (the women who started Harvest India) sister and the other was a pastor. One had “tennis elbow” and the other had big black bruises on her knees both injuries were from extensive daily prayer.
Went to Children’s Home and received quite a reception!!!
As I finish writing and prepare for bed I have killed 5 flying crickets, 10 mosquitoes, 1 cockroach and 2 unknown bugs—eventually I am just going to give up and accept this is India, right??
Day 3 (was a full day)
The LORD has renewed my spirit!!! The day is hot and bright and I feel good! I am not speaking Telugu fluently instead I am struggling to remember words and phrases. Everyone here love when I say something in Telugu so I am encouraged always!
Went shopping for Saris today and had a blast! You remove your shoes as you enter the store and step up to a platform where Christina, her sister Chaana, Bashama (cook and Christina’s “nurse maid”) and I sat as the shopkeepers threw tons of saris at our feet to choose from. I wish I had a picture of it but I was too distracted by all the beautiful saris to remember to take one. All in all I bought 4 saris (3 for me and one for Bashama—she loves me and treats me like a princess), 2 punjabis, 2 nighties (the wear them all day until they have to leave the house then they put on the sari and as soon as they get home they take of the sari and put the nightie back on), and a pair of earrings. Unfortunately I can’t wear the earrings unless I feel like gauging my ears; the posts are easily 3 times the thickness of our earring posts and gauged earlobes aren’t really my thing so I will probably give them to Kumari (the housekeeper/Bashama’s assistant/ nanny/chamber maid/ go to girl for everything --all day everyday you can hear someone calling KUMAAARRRRIIIII!!!)
When we got home from shopping I made a screen for my window MacGyver style using only a sari, scissors, tape and staples. I wanted it to look nice and even so I cut it up into 5 pieces and fit it together. I am rather proud of it. The gang saw it and said, “You are Indian!” I am not sure if that means I am resourceful or were trying to kindly tell me I did a shoddy job.
At 7pm Christina, I and all the kids went to a baby’s 6 month celebration. It was outside in an ally and they lit up the place w/ a florescent tube which acted like a homing beacon for every bug in Tenali. I have never seen so many bugs swarming around a group of people that seemed not to notice. So custom is that everyone feeds the baby a little rice pudding. We were the last to go so Christina fed the baby and then it was my turn. All the cameras and lights and bugs were on me and the baby so I get a little rice pudding on my finger and she opens her mouth wide as if she is laughing so I try to feed her the rice pudding and suddenly projectile vomit shot out of her wide open mouth into my hand. Amazing, she ate until she literally could eat no more…that girl is alright with me!
Day 4
Sunday. I had to preach. I’ve never preached before but I gave it my best shot. I spoke on praising the LORD through any circumstance. Christina said I did great and I felt pretty good about it.
I cried for the first time this evening—everyone noticed (I think things get around fast here). It was just too much—Christina sent me into the dining room to eat all by myself. I just thought about my house and Sunday dinner and how much fun they are and the tears just started streaming and I couldn’t stop them. But solace came from the one I thought least likely, Anu. She pointed to each person in the room and said to me, “Me, Kumari, Peter, and Wilson are your mummy and daddy—we are your family. Jesus is your family—happy in Jesus.” So sweet!!!
Day 5
Mercy and David had to go back to school today after having several days off to spend with their mom, Christina. What a commotion! Mercy cried for a half hour before allowing anyone to bathe her. Then Christina tried to force feed her while Kumari got her dressed. David who is 10 had 3 people dressing him including putting on his socks and shoes. I couldn’t resist commenting. I said, “David you’re 10 years old and don’t know how to put your shoes and socks on?”
Over lunch I learned that Bashama and Lazarus have been married for 30 years and have 3 children. Shockingly she told me that one of her sons was getting married that day. I said why aren’t you there at the wedding? She said she would rather be where Christina and I are. I’m not sure if that is true or if I lost something in translation but I was shocked.
Around 4 I went for a run and ended up running through the same village I spoke in the day before. What an ordeal, dogs and kids chasing me, people staring and waving and giving me “namaste”
Day 6
Today my stomach’s defenses are starting to weaken to the deluge of Indian bacteria and bugs. Although I do not have full blown Delhi Belly (despite in avertedly drinking well water) it still took a lot out of me (pun intended). We visited the Children’s home again and stopped in at Bashama’s house which is on the campus. I met her daughter and grandchildren. Their house is 1 ½ rooms (1/2 being the kitchen) is about the size of a bedroom and is the cleanest house I have been in yet. Bashama, Lazarus, their daughter, her husband, and 2 kids all live there. In contrast, after finishing the refreshments Bashama provided we were off to Guntur to the house/mansion that is Suresh’s friend has given the ministry.
Exciting news!!! I killed The Creature!!!! For the past couple of days the cockroaches I killed had been disappearing. Then yesterday I came face to face with the reason. A 3 inch cockroach perched on the hinge of the toilet seat; unfortunately, I only noticed him after I got up from using the bathroom. I tried to kill him but failed but not tonight!! Perched in the same spot as if to mock me The Creature lunged at me and scurried away. We had a short battle but I am the winner tonight or until his 37,000 brothers and sisters come to take their revenge!!!!!!!
Day 7
If yesterday’s discomfort was a 3-4 today is a 5 ½-6. Everyone knows that if anyone can handle stomach issues it’s me but it is the cramping and quezziness that is causing me the most discomfort. Please pray for me as it appears the worst is yet to come.
Despite knowing my “issues” everyone in the house is insisting that I eat so I have spent most my day in my room close to the toilet and out of sight of the family.
Day 8
WOW, let me tell you how not fun yesterday was! The stomach “issues” got worst and I decided to go downstairs b/c my room was so warm I laid on Christina’s bed and I think that worried her. She and her sister were coming in every 15 minutes trying to get me to eat something- juice of some weird Indian fruit which was more like a smoothie than juice, bananas, rice, and coconut water. I refused everything but they insisted on me drinking the coconut water. Oh lordy it was aweful but they said it is good for stopping motions (translation: movements). I had already taken 3 “motions stopping” pills, a glass of coconut milk but still nothing could stop me so Christina called the “doctor” in. He asked a few questions gave me some pills and insisted on giving me a shot. Despite my refusal I got a shot in the butt. Man that was not fun! The rest of the evening was difficult, the whole family was concerned. They had me sleep downstairs in the living room right outside Christina’s room. Anu and Kumari slept on the floor next to my cot.
This morning I was still sick but was able to keep a banana and idlee (rice meal cakes) down (or should I say up). The doctor stopped by and gave me a new pill and another shot but Praise the LORD I fill so much better! I think John, the driver, is going to take me out to practice in a little bit; I am hoping to get video of the traffic so you will know what I am up against.
-----Actually pictures will come later as I am at an internet cafe-----
I am enclosing some pictures so you can get an idea of my surroundings and faces with names. I am hoping to have a webpage up soon but see shall see about that.
The following are excerpts from the journal I was keeping since I didn’t have access to internet. I am sure this first entry will be too long to keep your attention but I have a lot to catch you up on….
Day One
It is about 95 degrees with 98% humidity… make that 100% as it just started to rain. So far I have been introduced to about 16 people (just over half the household), been stared at by all of them walked in on once, and laid with 3 garlands and am currently watching a Telugu movie with 14 people in a room the size of a bedroom. I love India!
My room is nice but really warm since it is upstairs
Day 2
I woke up today to over 100 mosquito bites all over my body. Well, actually I stopped counting at 100. Please pray that none of those little critters were carrying Malaria.
Electricity went out 4 times today which is about normal. Met two amazing old women today; Lolitha’s (the women who started Harvest India) sister and the other was a pastor. One had “tennis elbow” and the other had big black bruises on her knees both injuries were from extensive daily prayer.
Went to Children’s Home and received quite a reception!!!
As I finish writing and prepare for bed I have killed 5 flying crickets, 10 mosquitoes, 1 cockroach and 2 unknown bugs—eventually I am just going to give up and accept this is India, right??
Day 3 (was a full day)
The LORD has renewed my spirit!!! The day is hot and bright and I feel good! I am not speaking Telugu fluently instead I am struggling to remember words and phrases. Everyone here love when I say something in Telugu so I am encouraged always!
Went shopping for Saris today and had a blast! You remove your shoes as you enter the store and step up to a platform where Christina, her sister Chaana, Bashama (cook and Christina’s “nurse maid”) and I sat as the shopkeepers threw tons of saris at our feet to choose from. I wish I had a picture of it but I was too distracted by all the beautiful saris to remember to take one. All in all I bought 4 saris (3 for me and one for Bashama—she loves me and treats me like a princess), 2 punjabis, 2 nighties (the wear them all day until they have to leave the house then they put on the sari and as soon as they get home they take of the sari and put the nightie back on), and a pair of earrings. Unfortunately I can’t wear the earrings unless I feel like gauging my ears; the posts are easily 3 times the thickness of our earring posts and gauged earlobes aren’t really my thing so I will probably give them to Kumari (the housekeeper/Bashama’s assistant/ nanny/chamber maid/ go to girl for everything --all day everyday you can hear someone calling KUMAAARRRRIIIII!!!)
When we got home from shopping I made a screen for my window MacGyver style using only a sari, scissors, tape and staples. I wanted it to look nice and even so I cut it up into 5 pieces and fit it together. I am rather proud of it. The gang saw it and said, “You are Indian!” I am not sure if that means I am resourceful or were trying to kindly tell me I did a shoddy job.
At 7pm Christina, I and all the kids went to a baby’s 6 month celebration. It was outside in an ally and they lit up the place w/ a florescent tube which acted like a homing beacon for every bug in Tenali. I have never seen so many bugs swarming around a group of people that seemed not to notice. So custom is that everyone feeds the baby a little rice pudding. We were the last to go so Christina fed the baby and then it was my turn. All the cameras and lights and bugs were on me and the baby so I get a little rice pudding on my finger and she opens her mouth wide as if she is laughing so I try to feed her the rice pudding and suddenly projectile vomit shot out of her wide open mouth into my hand. Amazing, she ate until she literally could eat no more…that girl is alright with me!
Day 4
Sunday. I had to preach. I’ve never preached before but I gave it my best shot. I spoke on praising the LORD through any circumstance. Christina said I did great and I felt pretty good about it.
I cried for the first time this evening—everyone noticed (I think things get around fast here). It was just too much—Christina sent me into the dining room to eat all by myself. I just thought about my house and Sunday dinner and how much fun they are and the tears just started streaming and I couldn’t stop them. But solace came from the one I thought least likely, Anu. She pointed to each person in the room and said to me, “Me, Kumari, Peter, and Wilson are your mummy and daddy—we are your family. Jesus is your family—happy in Jesus.” So sweet!!!
Day 5
Mercy and David had to go back to school today after having several days off to spend with their mom, Christina. What a commotion! Mercy cried for a half hour before allowing anyone to bathe her. Then Christina tried to force feed her while Kumari got her dressed. David who is 10 had 3 people dressing him including putting on his socks and shoes. I couldn’t resist commenting. I said, “David you’re 10 years old and don’t know how to put your shoes and socks on?”
Over lunch I learned that Bashama and Lazarus have been married for 30 years and have 3 children. Shockingly she told me that one of her sons was getting married that day. I said why aren’t you there at the wedding? She said she would rather be where Christina and I are. I’m not sure if that is true or if I lost something in translation but I was shocked.
Around 4 I went for a run and ended up running through the same village I spoke in the day before. What an ordeal, dogs and kids chasing me, people staring and waving and giving me “namaste”
Day 6
Today my stomach’s defenses are starting to weaken to the deluge of Indian bacteria and bugs. Although I do not have full blown Delhi Belly (despite in avertedly drinking well water) it still took a lot out of me (pun intended). We visited the Children’s home again and stopped in at Bashama’s house which is on the campus. I met her daughter and grandchildren. Their house is 1 ½ rooms (1/2 being the kitchen) is about the size of a bedroom and is the cleanest house I have been in yet. Bashama, Lazarus, their daughter, her husband, and 2 kids all live there. In contrast, after finishing the refreshments Bashama provided we were off to Guntur to the house/mansion that is Suresh’s friend has given the ministry.
Exciting news!!! I killed The Creature!!!! For the past couple of days the cockroaches I killed had been disappearing. Then yesterday I came face to face with the reason. A 3 inch cockroach perched on the hinge of the toilet seat; unfortunately, I only noticed him after I got up from using the bathroom. I tried to kill him but failed but not tonight!! Perched in the same spot as if to mock me The Creature lunged at me and scurried away. We had a short battle but I am the winner tonight or until his 37,000 brothers and sisters come to take their revenge!!!!!!!
Day 7
If yesterday’s discomfort was a 3-4 today is a 5 ½-6. Everyone knows that if anyone can handle stomach issues it’s me but it is the cramping and quezziness that is causing me the most discomfort. Please pray for me as it appears the worst is yet to come.
Despite knowing my “issues” everyone in the house is insisting that I eat so I have spent most my day in my room close to the toilet and out of sight of the family.
Day 8
WOW, let me tell you how not fun yesterday was! The stomach “issues” got worst and I decided to go downstairs b/c my room was so warm I laid on Christina’s bed and I think that worried her. She and her sister were coming in every 15 minutes trying to get me to eat something- juice of some weird Indian fruit which was more like a smoothie than juice, bananas, rice, and coconut water. I refused everything but they insisted on me drinking the coconut water. Oh lordy it was aweful but they said it is good for stopping motions (translation: movements). I had already taken 3 “motions stopping” pills, a glass of coconut milk but still nothing could stop me so Christina called the “doctor” in. He asked a few questions gave me some pills and insisted on giving me a shot. Despite my refusal I got a shot in the butt. Man that was not fun! The rest of the evening was difficult, the whole family was concerned. They had me sleep downstairs in the living room right outside Christina’s room. Anu and Kumari slept on the floor next to my cot.
This morning I was still sick but was able to keep a banana and idlee (rice meal cakes) down (or should I say up). The doctor stopped by and gave me a new pill and another shot but Praise the LORD I fill so much better! I think John, the driver, is going to take me out to practice in a little bit; I am hoping to get video of the traffic so you will know what I am up against.
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