May 14th, 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 7th
birthday of my little brother. So all the way from India Cody we wish you a
happy 7th birthday! Love you and cannot wait to see you in less than
a week!
Whitney Helikson
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