Visiting Lakshmi

As we toured across India, we came across a variety of creatures; pacing sloth bears, territorial peacocks, and of course plenty of cows (or “living speed brakes”). By the end of our trip I’d had my exotic animal fix, at times getting a little too close for comfort to nature. But even after nearly three weeks spent in this foreign place, what I was really excited for was for Lakshmi – the elephant at the Ganesha Temple in Pondicherry.

The temple itself was a small building with no more than a dozen people inside praying and giving offerings. The real attraction to the temple was Lakshmi, who's presence outside made the small street crowded with both Indians and tourists. The procedure was simple; pay a few rupees to a surrounding vendor for some fruit or grass, approach the elephant, and hold out the offering hoping Lakshmi decided not to take off your arm. Once/If she took the offering, she’d lift her trunk and give a gentle ‘bop’ on your head, providing a blessing as a real-life Ganesh (the elephant Hindu god).

The trip as a whole was simply amazing. So much happened in such a short amount of time, it’s difficult to summarize the entire experience. Each person added something great and unique to our group, and I’m certain that I’ve I grown both spiritually and mentally (and probably physically, with all the curry and naan I ate). One thing I know for sure; I will definitely be returning to India in the not-too-distant future.  


- Cameron 

Leaving Nellore

Thursday, May 17 2012.

Hello. Or, as they say here with a bow and folded hands, “Wandanalu.”

This trip has been… I don’t know how to describe it. Nor can I describe India or my emotions about India. It is beautiful. It is a beautiful country. The people are beautiful. The culture, albeit weird at times to my American eye, is thoroughly beautiful as well.  

Today was mostly a travel day. We woke up early in the morning with the sun and heat already up and running. We ate breakfast (crepe pancakes with mangos and bananas. Mmmm.), did a very short devotional, and then piled into the vans to the train station to leave Nellore and go to Chennai. Three or four hours later we arrived in Chennai, piled out, went to an international place to eat (I had Pizza Hut; other people had Subway and McDonalds). Then we said goodbye to our escorts, now friends, and rode in our bus to Pondicherry. We checked in to our hotel and then went to dinner at a wonderful Italian restaurant on the top floor. Buongiorno! It was delicious and super fun.

I want to tell you about our friends we met here at Alma in Nellore. Alma is the orphanage we have been staying at, and the letters stand for Abundant Life Ministerial Associates. From what I know, it is an orphanage, but also serves as a ministry to plant and support churches in villages in the surrounding area.

Let me introduce you. Bushan, Jobs, and Joshi are three pastors/mission coordinators that work at Alma in Nellore to oversee the churches and organize outreach to them. Suman, Anil, Deva, and Vijay are men that do not live in Nellore but came to help us and lead us in our outreach activities here. Lalitha and Veronica are women that do a variety of things including run the orphanage and support as hostesses.

These people made the chords of my heart even more attached to India. Before Nellore, we had interacted with people on a pretty impersonal basis, not in a giving relationship. Working with Alma, we got to go out to the villages and personally, caringly interact with the people, and we got to know our leaders/guides as well.

Yesterday, five of us plus two translators, Bushan and Vijay, went to a village to minister. I have loved going to the villages. I get to interact with these godly men who translate and lead us, and I get to see and interact with these beautiful Indian people. When we arrived, the people were singing, and they honored us with chairs at the front of the area. Then we talked and did a medical clinic (similar to the other days).

During the talk, Bushan was translating for us. He interacted with the people in such a personal and loving way. He added to what was said and changed it to be appropriate to the people and the culture. He, and the other translators, are so skilled at this. It is so beautiful to me. We and they have the same goal, for people to know Christ. Because we share the same goal, we trust that they will translate and add to our words as appropriate, and they trust that we trust them, and thus take the liberty to alter the translation as needed.

Each of we five students shared. Sometimes we did not know what we were doing. My portion was not very polished, and I did not know what to say at some points. But Bushan customized it and added to it, talking about not brushing their teeth with ash or eating old fruit on the side of the road when they travel—things that we never would have known. He knew what problems the people dealt with and in which ways they were exposed to sickness and how to prevent that.

And the people, the women sitting together and the men sitting together, and the children in the front, all listened attentively. My friend Jade said that it reminded her of Jesus and the disciples. Bushan was like Jesus, interacting with the people in such a personal manner. We were the disciples, not really knowing what we were doing. And the people were listening attentively.

I loved interacting with the people. We sang songs with the kids, in which we looked goofy and they loved it, and the adults smiled. A couple of us did medical care, and talking with the translator and interacting with the people individually, caringly, giving what we could offer to them—it was beautiful. I don’t really know how to describe it or how my heart feels about it without you being there, but know that it was a beautiful thing to see and even more wonderful to be a part of.

These three days in Nellore were the some of the highlights of the trip. I have established friendships with some of these people that will soon be facebook official (hehe). More seriously though, being around these leaders was so amazing. They have such passion and love for God, for the Bible, and for the people in these villages. They are actively living out their faith and sharing the good news with others. That’s what I want to be like.

So we said good-bye to them today, and to another chapter in our trip, a chapter that I will not forget. 3 more days till we’re home. I don’t know if I’m ready or not. I’ve grown to love India. At risk of being redundant, I must say it’s beautiful. But there is a time for everything (Ecclesiastes 3), and soon will come the time to say goodbye.

-Jeanette

Cornerstone

May 16, 2012 It was the third day of village outreach and it was pretty evident amongst the team thst exhaustion had crept in. Three options were giving to us that day: We could either go to the villages, stay at the orphanage and play with the children, or help one of our leaders, Matt, with the the construction of a recording studio that the orphanage owns. The group had split which meant that 10 people were going to the villages. I happened to be a part of of the village group. The two previous days had been 12-14+ hour days, but on this day we were only going to be out from 8am until about 3pm, which was nice to hear since our bodies were so tired. Two villages were promised of our appearance so the 10 of us were split in two: 5 and 5 to each village. In my group, we had Charles, Sandy, Chae, Jessie, and I. I didn't know what to expect and we were really not informed as to what this village was going to be like. So we headed off in our van to our village - a short 45min drive away. A big tree acted as a shade to the 40+ people that sat on the ground, a tarp under them. We arrived when they were singing their songs. A drum and tambourine were used and a young girl acted as the soloist. Plastic chairs were set at the front and we sat there facing them listening to their beautiful songs. Though we didn't know what they were saying, clapping along definitely got all of us into the groove. Behind us was the existing church - a very small church. Too small of a church to accommodate the crowd that was before us. We happened to be there for a celebration for the destruction/rebuilding of a new church that would be a bigger space for a growing congregation. The music definitely set the tone as to how happy the people were for this expansion. You could see it in their eyes as to how thankful they were to God for giving them this reality that their congregation was rapidly growing. And it was quite the surprise for us to be there for this time of celebration. After the songs, we were led to the front of the church where a hole was dug at corner of the church. The congregation was standing before us, praying, as we each put a brick in. "In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit". Each of us had to say this as we put the brick in the ground acting as a cornerstone for their new church. A symbol for Jesus Christ as the chief cornerstone. I had never really been a part of something like that and it was pretty foreign to me. But after all the bricks were in, it made me realize what a privilege it was to be there at this special moment for these people. A ceremony that I will never forget. Charles was then asked to pray over the congregation to bless them. After the short, yet meaningful ceremony, it was time for us to speak. We introduced ourselves and Chae started off with her testimony as a token of encouragement to the people. Even if hard things happen in your life, you can rely and put faith in Jesus always. Sandy then talked about the importance of education, and finally Jessie ended off with a hand washing tutorial which was interactive. All people should know the 5 times you need to wash your hands! Charles, Sandy, and Chae then played with the children while Jessie and I helped with medical needs. One by one a person would come up describing an ailment that was bothering them through a translator. Lots of ibuprofen was handed out, but the help we could give was only temporary. A rash case, a child with a scrape, older adults with the beginnings of arthritis, a young baby with a cataract, so many people to tend to, but you can only help so much. Overall the experience was quite humbling. Being in the states you never imagine there are actually villages like this that exist. It just doesn't cross the mind. But when you're there, there's a sense of it being unreal and you begin to realize the world is a huge place with people all around the world living in vastly different conditions. It doesn't begin to click in until you actually see it and are there. We get so caught up in our individualistic lives that we fail to realize there are places outside of our bubble. It gives a greater appreciation to what I and my family has as well as my fellow peers. One of my interests is listening to choral music from time to time (liturgical mostly). It is very soothing and seems to garner a closeness with God that other genres of music do not possess. One of my favorite hymns is "Not One Sparrow is Forgotten". It basically describes God's immense love and His tender care for everyone (Even the the birds and smallest creatures). God's care was not forgotten, in this village especially. Though "insignificant" in size, in a remote place in southern India, God still takes care of them and provides them with joy. I think I can speak for the group and say that this has been quite an eye-opening experience for all of us to see the conditions these people live in. But God provides in the smallest of places where you would think it would be forgotten. But no, He is there always. I am very thankful I was able to be a part of that experience including the other members of the group. The vastness of God's love is evident in India! Bethany Hagen P.S. Hi Dad and Mom, Wind, Torpedo, and Joe. See you in a few days. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YVgdbyUWcFY

--Bethany Hagen

Chinnathota

May 15^th, 2012

Today I can cross several things off my bucket list. I played Cricket in India. I rode an ox cart to a remote desert village. I did the Hokey-pokey with a group of tribal children. And I witnessed a dance off between Kaylee, Jessie, and one of the local pastors on the top of an ox cart. Okay, so maybe these things were not all on my bucket list before coming on this trip, but they are now – added and crossed off!

We began the day very early in the morning and drove two hours to a small village – much like the ones we visited yesterday. Under a large open flat-roofed tent, what seemed like a hundred children gathered for our arrival. The local leaders led them in songs similar to the ones we would learn at VBS. After that we started our presentation consisting of a testimony, a lesson in hand washing and a message about the importance of education. Then it was back in the vans and another forty-five minute drive till our lunch break.

We stopped by a large tree that the local Hindus consider to be a god (you could tell by the sari that was rapped around it). After lunch some of the local village boys wanted to play Cricket, so some of the pastors connected with Alma, Matt, Sean, Kaylee, and I joined in. I can’t say I was very good, but I did show some potential as a bowler (aka pitcher) despite my lack of batting skills. The game is a bit like a mix of baseball and bowling done theatre-in-the-round style. By the end of the game I felt like I had much more of a feeling of how the game flows.

Just as we finished the game of Cricket the ox carts arrived – three bullet carts pulled by two ox each that fit about ten people per cart. I suppose that, besides the heat, I could ride across all of India on an ox cart it was so enjoyable. Thankfully the heat of the morning had subsided and a pleasant breeze accompanied us as we made our way through a desert path to the village. The local pastors began singing in Telugu, the local language spoken around Nellour, and we tried our best to join in. Almost an hour later we arrived at the village.

Although Untouchables are the lowest caste in the caste system, Tribals are even lower for they are not in caste system at all. This desert village is a tribal village – truly lower than the lowest. The only way to get to this village is by the sand ox cart road we took. The village itself is a collection of grass huts on plots of sand divided by walls of straw. The only water source seemed to be rainwater collected in large dug out basins around the outskirts of the village.

When we arrived the whole village came out to meet us, including about twenty of the most excited children. Chae started us off with a silly action song and then Jessie led a hand-washing lesson. I don’t think I have ever seen anyone so excited to learn about hygiene before. And the joy of receiving a bar of soap! Soap is something that cannot be taken for granted when you are washing your hands with sand everyday. We then broke into two groups: a nursing group who practiced medicine from the bake of an ox cart, and the rest of us who entertained the kids. We taught them Red Light Green Light, Hokey-pokey, Old McDonald Had a Farm, and Deep and Wide. In the end we gathered around for pictures (which the kids loved, especially when we showed them their own pictures) before heading back on the ox carts.

As we rode past the sun setting over a scene that looked like it came from the Sierra Desert, I thought about all I have seen in India and I realized that these children were by far the most beautiful things I have observed. Indeed, the smile of one of them outshines the Taj Mahal a thousand fold. How blessed I am to have witnessed such treasures as these, even if only for a short time.

Thus concludes another day in India. Another day in the heat drenched by sweat. Another day with this wonderful group from Alma. Another day Whitney Howen almost got married. Another day enjoying the unexpected. Another day we all returned safe and sound. And another day falling in love with this incredible country and its beautiful people.

Stephen Kenyon

Chala Bolgundi (Very Beautiful)

May 14^th, 2012

Waking up bright and early, we loaded the vans and divided into two teams. Team One (Kaylee, Sean, Carly, Chae, Charles, Jessie, Bethany, Emily, Jenna, Sandy) went to Vavilla and Team Two (Whitney Helikson, Rachel, Stephen, Kara, Traci, Cameron, Jade, Jeanette, Whitney Howen, Matt) went to Dandigunta. Both small villages, which had a population of less than a hundred, were located about an hour outside Nellore. After the hour bus ride of dusty, half paved roads and honking horns we (Team Two) were welcomed into a church, where a Christian service was being held. Drums and tambourines were beating loudly as the sound of voices raised above the small grass hut. Despite the language barrier and not knowing the direct translations of the songs (being that they were in Hindi), one could not feel the desire we had to clap along, and even the urge to want to get up and dance. In a country where Christians make up less than 2% of the population it was simply wonderful to surround ourselves with fellow Christians who didn’t share the same skin color, culture, and didn’t even know how to communicate between one another, yet we had the bond in being able to share the same love for our Savior, and this bond is stronger than any other.

After the worship had concluded we settled down and we spoke on a variety of issues ranging from the importance of education, sanitation, HIV awareness, financial budgeting, and finding a friendship with our Lord. We then had lunch and began our second session where the group went and led songs like the Hokey Pokey and playing games with the children. Jade and Jeanette, being the wonderful nurses they are, hosted a walk-in clinic where they gave medical advice and medicine to the people who were in need. Rachel and myself on the other hand gathered on the dusty streets and began painting the nails of the villagers. To say that they were excited was an understatement; rather ecstatic is a better term. Grandmothers sat at our feet waiting to get their nails painted, mothers quite literally threw their children at us, and even the men of the village ran across the dusty lots anxious to get their nails painted. With the help of our translator I was able to learn how to say Chala Bolgundi, which means very beautiful (though the spelling may be off…). To look upon the sea of faces and to see their smiles brought such joy to my heart. To know these people will never know what a luxurious life is and that we could pamper them in the simple act of painting their nails, making them feel Chala Bolgundi, was such a wonderful thing. Despite their dark skin, women blushed and turned their heads when they were told that they looked beautiful. Such a simple phrase, yet one that every woman, despite her culture, religion or skin color should be told.  Being able to do this for the women of the village was by far the most rewarding thing that I can experience through this trip. I was able to serve these women, children, and yes, even men in a way that most will never experience ever again. Today was simply amazing and I will always cherish the memory of being able to remind these people that they are all chala bolgundi.

On a side note today also celebrates the 7^th birthday of my little brother. So all the way from India Cody we wish you a happy 7^th birthday! Love you and cannot wait to see you in less than a week!

Whitney Helikson

Travel Day

May 13, 2012

What a day! Travel days are always a bit tiresome, but this one was actually quite exciting. We began the day by heading out to a church service. I think we were all excited to see what the service would be like. Surprisingly, it turned out to be pretty similar to the services we have at home. It was wonderful to worship God together, in our language, and with people who shared a love and passion for Christ. The message was given by this quirky British man who seemed to have a heart for service. He spoke (quite entertainingly, I might add) about how we can best try to reach those around us and make an impact for Christ. I appreciated his openness and honesty, and felt that his message was directly applicable to our group as we travel through India representing Christ.

After church (we left early to keep schedule) we stopped for a brief lunch at our hotel and then began the mad dash to the train station. I can’t speak for the rest of the group, but taking public transportation is a bit unnerving. I get confused enough riding TriMet in Portland. Luckily we were met by three guides who seemed travel savvy and proved quite skillful at herding us through the train station. It was a bit overwhelming, and we were certainly a spectacle. While we were rushing around frantically trying to stay together—apparently a talent we do not possess—all the Indians would stop what they were doing and stare, or even whip out the all too familiar cell phone camera to snap a quick picture of us in our mad dash to train car #C1. I can only imagine their conversations at dinner as they swear to their families that they saw 20 Americans dressed in Indian clothing being ushered through a public train station by Indians dressed in American clothing, presenting their photo proof.

To our delight, our train car was roomy, air conditioned, and we were all sitting together. In about fifteen minutes, we’d settled in. I’m not sure what everyone else did with the spare time, but I took the opportunity to catch up on much needed sleep. I woke up a couple hours later when it was time to get off. We had two minutes to get our stuff and ourselves off the train and also to allow others to board; apparently these trains wait for no one! We packed like sardines up against the doors and readily waited to jump off the train. Charles, Matt, and our new Indian friends helped usher us off in plenty of time and everyone made it off no problem. Our guides found our counting system (each of us are assigned a # from 1-20 and we shout them out to make sure we have all 20 #s) quite entertaining and it induced quite a few chuckles at the station.

From here we went to the orphanage. We were greeted by eager, grinning children holding huge handfuls of yellow flower petals. As we stepped off the bus and into the orphanage, the children were quite excited to throw the petals at us. I think they were supposed to shower us gently with the flower petals, but the kids decided to have fun with it, and I don’t think one of us got through the lineup without flower petals in our hair, mouths, and under our shirts and pants. A few of us rebelled and grabbed flowers from the ground and started throwing them as well. But ironically, we ended up throwing the flowers more at each other than at the kids. I’m excited for when we get to spend more time with them here at the orphanage. Apparently all of the kids are currently on summer break, so they greet us at the door with enthusiasm every time we come and go. The kids are SO cute! I think a few of us are tempted to take them home.

One thing I have learned from our times here is that the locals know how to make you feel appreciated and welcome. I truly feel like a guest of honor wherever we go. Although our accommodations here at the orphanage don’t compare to our 5 star hotel in Delhi, I feel far more welcome and at home here. Being with people who are just as excited to have us in their home as we are to be in their home is such a wonderful feeling. Although this is a new experience for most of us, I think everyone is eager and excited to serve Christ with the guidance of the wonderful people here at Alma over the next few days as we venture into the surrounding villages and to get to know the locals here on a more personal level.

--Traci Sirotiak

The Birthday Blog/ Tour of Chennai 

Hello family and friends! It's Jessie, and for those who don't know me today is my 21st birthday =) Today all of us visited the Kapleswar temple (a temple for the god shiva, as far as I know...) We finished the day with Chennai open air market shopping and Tali on banana leaves! I even got a birthday ice cream at a place claiming to be an "ice cream pub"... fitting, I thought. 

I wasn't sure what to write about today, but a few moments ago inspiration came to me. One learns a lot being in India and I thought it would be fun to write down 21 things we have observed being here.  Our group has brainstormed this list based on experience of the last 13 days, and they all have interesting stories you all should be sure to inquire about when we see you! 

THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT INIDA:

1. Bring toilet paper  EVERYWHERE, assume nothing, expect the worst.

2. Traffic laws are mere suggestions. High way medians=obstacles in one's way.

3. There will always be another line, to check into at the airport.

4. When the menu says meat sauce on the pasta... it dose not mean beef, in fact it does not mean meat at all. 

5. Everything is spicy... EVERYTHING.

6. Life stock is a part of urban life, cows, chickens, goats.... they are everywhere even downtown.

7. Helmets on motorcycles...... optional, and if you didn't know you can fit up to five people on a motorcycle.

8. carheats and shoes for children...what are those?

9. No bathroom? -- thats cool use the side of the road.

10. You will sweat more than you can ever drink.... its amazing.

11. Yeah curry is a breakfast food.

12. 21 people...5 menus should do.

13. Everything happens one step at a time. 

14. Not all ballywood movies have English subtitles.

15. Naan goes with every meal....best with garlic.

16. Mineral water= bottled water

17. When it comes to street venders : No means maybe and show me more, maybe means yes, and yes means I am buying now. 

18. Don't make eye contact with venders unless you are going to buy what they are selling.

19. Tour guides take you where they want to go, not necessarily where you want to go.

20. Expect to be photographed everywhere you go, even with peoples children, because white people are interesting and most likely a celebrity. 

21. 21st birthdays in Chennai rock!

Nameste ! - Jessie