Badlapur (bud-lu-poor)

June 17-20

Another train, another town. This one is called Badlapur. We stayed with Pastor Raj and his sweet family for four days and had some great opportunities. We also had the pleasure [hah] of spending a lot of our time there without water and electricity. Again, I am going to be tough when I come back home! As the rains have still been holding off, so does the power. Leiah and I spent one night sleeping outside (when the power went out) to try to escape the heat indoors… it was in the 90’s inside, with no fans, and outdoors we could catch somewhat of a breeze. Thankfully, on the day we were leaving to come back to Bombay, the rains came… three weeks late, but finally here!

Here are a few shots of Badlapur from the terrace on top of Raj’s apartment complex:

Hello Badlapur! The terrace provided an awesome view!

waiting on the clothes to dry

awaiting the rains

 

Where Mumbai trains can take you…

Thursday, June 11

Today we visited another area in Mumbai called Domblitvi (or something like that!), where Joyce has a friend that found Christ through her prison ministry. This woman was released from prison only months ago, after 17 years, and has been busy evangelizing to her family and neighbors. We spent the afternoon teaching songs to about twenty children crowded in a house smaller than my room. The area was very very poor (I guess it could be considered a slum), and I don’t think white people visit very often- or have ever! It didn’t seem like it because the crowds we attracted were unreal.. It was a great experience and the people were so happy that we came, but the trip definitely overwhelmed me. We got a lot of unwanted attention and I didn’t enjoy that very much. I was tired of being swarmed by the masses for hours and was happy to return to the house and escape the excitement. Here are a few shots from the day:

Leiah and I on our first train ride!

one of the views from the ride

the trains are divided into different cars for men and women, here are some ladies packed in the crowded car

passing the slum we were about to visit

everyone stepped outside their doorways to watch us pass

people gathering to see us

first impressions

what warming up can do!

one of the women working

 

Being “brought up” in the Indian ways, at age 20.

Wednesday, June 10

Today was a day of learning, and I feel a sense of accomplishment! To start the day off, I mastered the shower technique in this house, which may not seem too exciting but it is to me! This shower at Diwakar’s house has a facet and a hose that can be attached. And there is a science to this, trust me! And today, I got it down! It’s the small things…

Also, today Alka taught a few of us how to cook paratas, which is basically a chipoti with a potato mixture in it (reminder: chipotis are closest related to tortillas, and the Indians eat them with everything!) Joyce also taught us how to make coffee the Indian way! Milk based and very sweet!

This afternoon Melissa, Faith, and I spent hours talking with Joyce about Indian and American culture. So many of the things she shared with us made me realize how good we have it in the U.S. I have been seeing it here daily, but you gain a different perspective when hearing about the realities of life here from one that lives it. Joyce spends her Saturdays at a local prison, sharing the love of Christ with the broken souls that fill the cells. She has seen and experienced a lot, and is a great resource to us for understanding this country. I questioned her about the living conditions here, as the range is radical. She explained how the housing works, how the slums work, and how people live. As I understood from her, most people rent out their homes, but some own them and just pay monthly bills. Many of the “huts” we see (slums) are just sticks and tarps that individuals have built for themselves, anywhere they please. However, if any complaints are made regarding huts that are not where they should be, the government can come and tear them down. Most people just set up their hut anywhere in the streets or slums, but some actually pay rent for their “home” in the slum. Rent is about 5-10 rupees a month. Okay- about 46 rupees equals one American dollar, so this is dirt cheap, less than ten cents per month. I simply cannot fathom a life where it is difficult to scrounge up one dime for a month’s living. And the conditions are horrible. I have only walked or driven by huts on the streets, I haven’t even been immersed in the slums yet. I don’t think I’ll truly know what horrible conditions look like until I spend time there and see what life is like for these people.

Then, Joyce sat down with us and taught us some Hindi. We are daily building our vocabulary, and I really enjoy it! Languages fascinate me, so I am eager to learn! She taught us some very useful phases, should we get lost again on another rickshaw excursion. Yes, last night, Melanie, Melissa, and I were following the other girls and Raj (a pastor to the church downstairs) and our driver definitely lost them in the crowds. We turned around about 3 times and several times we were driving completely against traffic. I was praying so hard that we would find them, and I kept repeating Diwakar’s address in my head. I knew I could get us home if that’s what it came to. I leaned forward and asked the driver, Lost?  He glanced at me and his eyes were full of apprehension. I grabbed my phone out of my bag, and just in time Leiah called. Thank you Lord! I answered with, “We’re lost!” and shoved the phone into our drivers hand. He muttered and yelled a few, unpleasant sounding, words in Hindi to Raj and turned around again. It was the best use of a $2.99 phone call I’ve ever had! Less than sixty seconds later I saw a flash of white skin amidst a sea of brown and yelled STOP! The driver halted and I was off that rickshaw as fast as I could! My relief to be out of that rick was immense; I was physically dizzy and nauseous from the chaotic trip. I clutched Leiah’s arm and praised Jesus for solid ground beneath my feet and Raj’s directions! So yes, learning directions in Hindi is definitely a good thing. As if I know my way around here or something! Hah, but surprisingly enough, I am becoming familiar with the surrounding area and think I could get around Bhandup West if I had to! (Bhandup is the area of Mumbai that we are staying in… It’s sort of like NYC in that there are many different areas/islands that complete the city.)

That night, I learned the beautiful ways in which God is working in people’s hearts in India. We had a prayer meeting at the house that started at seven. Of course, no one arrived until eight because Indians run on whatever time they feel like. Promptness is unheard of. I’d like to see them try out my nursing schedule and see what happens!

So, around eight pm the people began to trickle in. Joyce had told us that only a few would come, but we were excited to meet whoever would arrive! The group consisted of my team, Joyce and Alka, a brother from the church, a newly converted Christian, and four of her Hindu relatives. Let me just say, what an experience! The woman who was a new Christian came from a Hindu background and just weeks ago accepted Christ into her life! What a transformation! She is yearning for spiritual growth and the conversion of her entire family. We spent time hearing each of the women’s stories and I couldn’t believe that they had come to our home to hear the word of our God. One woman had escaped her home and was seeking a safe haven. Her husband beats her and does not allow her to eat. And here she was, bowing on her knees to our Lord, allowing us to shower her with our prayers. Another one of the women came to us with superstitions. Last week her husband and herself had broken off bands of string that were tied around their wrists and feet, symbolizing their Hindu religion. Just days after this release from the holds of their Hindu past, her husband became ill and has not been able to keep any food in his stomach. She believes that the Hindu gods are punishing them from turning from the religion, and she is at a loss for what to do. She wants to accept Jesus into her life, but she believes that demons are attacking her husband because of their recent departure from Hinduism.

I know not how to understand the lives that these people live. I am praying for knowledge and discernment of the trials that they face. I ask that you pray for these people and that God would continue to move in their hearts.

 

Powai and the Count of Caucasians.

Tuesday, June 09

There are white people in Mumbai besides the five of us! For the first time since the airport, I saw skin that could match my own. (Aside from the albino Indian I saw on Monday!) And I saw not just one Caucasian, but nine!! This evening Joyce took us to an area of town called Powai. Here there is a park that many people go to relax, as if we hadn’t relaxed enough this trip! But it truly was beautiful. For the first time I saw grass, clear water, and people showing one another affection. No one in this country ever touches in public, unless it is two friends of the same sex holding hands on the streets. This is common, but a married couple even glancing at each other- rare. But here, in the park, there were couples everywhere! It was like a private getaway from the city. Sneha had told us that many younger people secretly date because it is not normally accepted by the parents. She said “love marriages” are becoming more common but this only forms through private, secret relationships. She told us that she is hopefully for a love marriage. Man, I am so thankful for my freedom to date whomever I like!! Right, Coult?!

But anyways, back to the white people, we were walking through the park, enjoying the view, when I suddenly saw a flash of blond curls running around the corner. I rushed ahead, curious and excited, and saw a group of five blond children playing tag with two Indian women. I could hardly believe it! I assume the women are nannying these kids, as I didn’t see any parents in site. The group stuck out unbelievably, but the children did not notice at all. They were overjoyed and consumed with their game; they were oblivious to the fact that every eye was on them, unlike I have been the past week.

The rest of the stay at the park was somewhat pleasant. I was a bit uneasy the entire time, as I felt like I was on display. Normally I notice everyone staring, but we have also always been on the move. Here, we were just sitting, and I could feel everyone gawking at us the entire time. But it wasn’t just that, I could see and feel the conversations that everyone was having about me. That, I do not like. Several people came up to us, and showed us to their children. Many people touched my hair; they don’t understand why it is so short. Several people in the church have asked my why it is cut; none of the women here cut their hair. I simply tell them, “I like it like this”, and they stare at me like I am an idiot. Half don’t understand my English and half probably think I’m insane with no sense of “taste”.

The hardest part of being here was what was on the other side of the park fence. Here we were, in an enchanting oasis that costs 5 rupees at the gate; and just behind a few lush trees and rod iron barrier there was a slum. While “relaxing”, I positioned myself on a bench along the walkway that faced this view, and I compared the lives of those passing and staring at me on this side of the fence to those on the other. I felt broken as I thought about which side I was sitting on. When I mentioned something to Joyce about it later that night, she did not recall seeing a slum on the other side of the fence; I let the conversation drop.

I must say I was relieved when we left. And from there, we dove into the city! Powai has a large business district and it was so packed! We were there around 6 pm and apparently this is “rush hour”. I thought I had seen bad driving elsewhere, but this was insane! I’ve noticed that pedestrians and cars constantly battle for the right of way, and neither concedes. People just walk right out into traffic and cars practically run you over as they try to get around others. Neither moves out of the way for the other. There is no concept of lanes, and barely any of streets. I don’t think a U.S. cop could maintain sanity in this city. And Coulton and dad would have been freaking out as cars, rickshaws, buses, and motorcycles came screaming at us, almost wiping me out. I was nervous but Joyce fearlessly led us along the way, or into oncoming traffic. This I know, Jesus has definitely been watching over me on this trip!

It was nice to see a different part of town, a somewhat “normal” part of town. There were nicer buildings here with offices and Western stores (with a/c!). It is somewhat of a relief to know that there are some places here that can remind me of home. Walking through the streets I spotted my other four white friends for the day. They looked so natural there, as I am sure I do not. They didn’t have what I call that “fear of getting squashed by rick” look that I know my face screams whenever I’m in public. Hopefully after a few weeks I’ll get the hang of this and know how to conquer traffic, ignore the curious stares, and resist the urge to hug any fellow white person in site.

 

Deep Clean

Tuesday, June 09

As soon as Joyce left the house this morning the five of us began to divide and conquer this house. It’s not that the house is messy, there are just some things that we decided we cannot live with. Thus- we cleaned. And I mean cleaned! Faith and Melissa were on mass murder of the ants in the kitchen duty; Leah and Melanie attacked the bathroom that was full of bugs and all sorts of unpleasantries, and I had the task of making the bedroom livable for six weeks. I started with a very full, dusty cabinet/shelf and successfully cleared out half of the space so we could each have a shelf of some sort to keep our toiletries or books. Then we rearranged the beds so that we could fit a cot; now there is enough room for us to sleep and we each have a space for our suitcase and bags. Finally! We are getting settled in so we can start to live!

I woke up this morning feeling pretty refreshed, and that’s a first! It’s officially been a week and I feel like I am finally coming out of jet lag. It was harder than I thought it would be. I also feel extremely emotionally refreshed as I was able to talk to my family this morning. What a difference hearing their voices has made! Mom and dad had gone over to Megan and Chad’s for the evening, so I was able to talk to them all together. It was so nice and truly made me feel one hundred times better. A week of purely texting is not my preference, but I’m glad I was able to hold out a week; even when I was sick. And it is hard to believe! First week down, and I think the upcoming ones will be easier. Adjusting has taken a lot more out of me than I expected it to, and there were several times that Leiah and I were dying to buy plane tickets home. Those seven days felt so long and often times so lonely. But I made it. One week in Texas. One week in India. Two down, six and a half to go. The days are starting to move along faster and my spirits are looking up. Were it not for the constant prayer of so many of you I feel like I would still be in that transition slump, but instead I am moving out of it! I just can’t wait to get started at the ministry center. But even waiting for that to start, we are building so many relationships and enjoying a look into a culture that is so different from ours.

 

Returned to Mumbai for good.

Monday, June 8

I never thought I would be so excited to return to Diwakar’s home in Mumbai, but I was. It feels a little more right here, which is a good thing since this is where my next six weeks will be spent! A lady from the church named Joyce will be here daily and serving as our substitute mom, and she is great! Alka, 18 with a great humor that is starting to come out, also lives at the house and does the cooking and cleaning. In addition to feeling more at home, I am feeling better regarding my health, which is a huge relief! I was worried that these lovely “symptoms” I had developed in Khopoli were going to stick around, but they have left me! (at least for now!) I still feel a bit nauseous at times, and the smell of curry honestly makes me feel like I am going to vomit, so I have decided not to eat it. I guess we’ll see how that goes, as everything they make is doused in it! Things are still moving in slow pace but I think we will get started with our work soon. Wednesday we will be meeting with another pastor, Raj, and planning out our days and weeks ahead. I am greatly looking forward to this and finally feeling like I have a purpose here!

When we arrived back in Mumbai, after a very eventful car ride (driver…crazy), we were greeted by another Nazarene pastor who has a church in the area. After lunch he sent his 18 year old daughter, Sneha, over to the house. What a lifesaver! The six of us split up and waited for two ricks so we could travel about ten minutes down the road to D-Mart. Faith, Leiah, and I got on the first one, Sneha said a few words to him, and we started moving. I tried to tell the driver and Sneha that we would wait until they got a rick, so we could follow them, but the driver took off regardless! I had no idea where we were going and the three of us were praying that our driver did. But finally we stopped and saw the huge words: D-Mart! Hallelujah! We made it, and to a grocery store! Well, kind of. Not all the sort of groceries I would call groceries… but they had some great surprises!

We walked inside and I felt like a little kid going to Disney World for the first time. First of all, there was air conditioning! I had gone an entire week without it, and now it felt absolutely amazing! My eyes were huge with excitement as I saw the familiar names: Kellog’s, Tropicana, Pringles, Nestle, Gatorade! Finally, there would be rest for my stomach! I eagerly grabbed some dark chocolate, apple juice, popcorn, and granola/raisin bran-like cereal. Faith and Leiah got skim and soy milk for us to share. I filled my basket with packaged apples, corn on the cob, spaghetti, and Gatorade. I was determined to get something familiar in my stomach that curry would not touch. Also, I could easily focus my whole attention on the food in front of me as my bag was securely zip-tied closed! Hah- when we entered the store they insisted on putting everyone’s purses inside big, green D-Mart bags and zip-tying them closed before being allowed to enter the store. Try understanding that one in Hindi! I think this was to keep people from stealing anything, but I was glad that for the first time I didn’t have to closely clutch my bag to me to keep intruders out! The next great surprise was that my debit card worked! (Thank you mom for calling my bank to let them know I am really in India!) And thank you Visa!

From there the afternoon only got better! Faith, Melissa, and Melanie took our bags and headed back to our new home on Tank Road while Sneha took Leiah and myself to another store to get a few other things we needed. I didn’t know things could get better than D-Mart but they most certainly did! We walked over to a huge, NICE outlet mall called Nirmal Lifestyle (hah-normal? They tried!). It was AMAZING! There was security at the only entrance including metal detectors and bag checks, pretty intense but reassuring! There were Westernized stores everywhere, with a/c! Never in my life did I think a/c would excite me so. Even more thrilling was the fact that there was a McDonalds and Pizza Hut. Now, to the common American this would naturally excite them, but I am NOT a fast food junkie in any way. I am actually very anti-arch (please watch Supersize Me or read Fast Food Nation if you are a fast food/McD’s-lover) and rarely RARELY eat fast food, and hardly ever pizza. But Leiah and I both jumped at the opportunity of something familiar and safe and rushed into Pizza Hut. It was the most delicious personal pan pizza I think I’ve ever tasted, and I think the fact that we had found an escape was the best part! I grabbed an order out menu for the future; they deliver! And I might just foresee a little McDonald’s splurging in my future while I’m here. I’m going to have to go on some sort of cleansing diet when I get home to get all of these spices out of me anyhow!

Then we walked into Shop Rite Hyper: the closest thing to Publix I think we will get. But it really was great! Exceptionally better than D-Mart ,with so many more familiar options. I believe I have found my store!

And for the finale of a great day back in Mumbai: we made spaghetti for dinner. No curry! It didn’t taste like mom’s (all we could find was a can of Hunt’s diced tomatoes and tomato paste) but it worked! I also toasted up some grilled cheese.,, We feasted! Joyce ate some and thought it was bland, but I was extremely content. And my stomach did not hurt afterwards! Joyce is great for letting us cook our own meal. Earlier in the day we overheard her mention that she was going to hire someone to come cook for us everyday, but we managed to intercede and insist that we could take care of it ourselves! A couple of the girls really like the Indian food and want to maintain an Indian diet, but my body is screaming no! So call me a whimp, but I refuse to be sick for six weeks. I will say it is a bit odd for me, because normally I tolerate spicy foods very well and am not too picky. I guess it’s different when you’re force fed food that makes you sick a week straight. So, I’ll do my best to eat their food, and take up my cliff bars and “bland” food when I can’t handle it more. Sounds like a plan to me.

 

My stomach and India don’t agree.

Sunday, June 7

That’s right. I did fine handling the food… until now. I woke up at 2 am Saturday morning with some serious stomach pains, and some other not so pleasant symptoms. These lovely additions to my Indian lifestyle stuck around for two days, I was completely drained! I had to kick the polite habit and just start saying no to the millions of food offers. I still managed some tea and biscuits (some people just will not take no for an answer), and secretly ate cliff bars in my room. I slept and slept, which is good as I had not slept more than 6-7 hours a night yet, and I skipped their meals. I explained to Rev. Samuel that my stomach was not feeling well and the medicine (thank you mom for getting me Phenergan!) I was taking made me fall asleep, but who knows if he understood. But I knew that it was either that or spending all my time in the bathroom. What would you choose?!

 

Khopoli.

Wednesday- Monday, June 3-8 in Khopoli:

Cows and goats freely roam the streets, pigs swarm the trash piles, stray dogs fill the shaded areas, roosters crow every hour, children run barefoot through the streets, and five white American girls turn every Indian head as they walk through the streets.

Leiah and I about to embark on our first ever auto-rickshaw ("rick") ride! These things are everywhere!

Stray animals of all kinds roam the streets.

A common site in this city.

Welcome to Khopoli. It is smaller, quainter, and quieter than the busy streets of Mumbai. “Bombay never sleeps” as all the people here say, but in Khopoli they only stay up until midnight, hah. Yes, I think the nights are later everywhere in India, at least during the hot season. It’s the coolest time of the day, and they take advantage of it everywhere! Even the children are allowed to stay up late to enjoy the cooler temperatures. But the streets here are not raging with locals at all hours, it’s as much of a relief to me as the night is to them. This is a better place to adjust to the new culture I am immersed in.

Children are outside everywhere, just watching people pass.

Their home. Can you imagine?

In no way can words describe.

Adjustment comes easier here than in Mumbai, despite the number of heartbreaking things to take in. However, having people watch your every more is not something I have easily adapted to.  And I mean it when I say every head turns. Heads turn and we often gather a crowd to us. Try walking through the market peacefully. It is crowded enough without hundreds of eyes weighing down on you. Reverend Samuel took us here to buy sarees for church and we were treated like royalty in the store. They brought us cokes and insisted on putting the sarees on us to make sure we liked them. They took us on a tour of the store; they were so proud to have us there! On Sunday we went to Annie’s house (a young girl who was a HUGE help culturally- she told us everything we were doing wrong and was so much fun!) and they took us up a mountain to see the water tower that cleans the water for the entire city. (Oh by the way, I now know why we can’t drink the water: the “clean water” sits in an open tank for any and everything to drop in and contaminate it!) We attracted children as we went and by the end had a group of about twenty children following us. They were so shy and huddled together every time we looked their direction. By the end of our little hike they had warmed up to us and let me snap a few shots without hiding behind one another. Their beautiful faces, despite their unreal poverty, shine so brightly in this city.

A group of children gathered outside the home we were sitting in.

One of our many followers one evening.

A group of boys stopping their game of cricket to wave to us.

The members of the church are so excited to have us here, and apparently everyone from the church wanted to have us over. The five day stay was not enough time for everyone to welcome us into their home, but I feel like I visited enough Indian homes to last weeks! Now, understand this: I love meeting new people, seeing new places brings me to life, and I fair well with trying new things. So, I was excited about visiting these people’s homes, singing a few songs with them, praying over their home, and sharing a small message with them. In fact, I felt very prepared, and the first day was enjoyable! But then Thursday and Friday, I did not do so well. The reason for this is that at every house, the family courteously serves tea or coffee and “biscuits” (cookies) or some type of food. And I definitely feel like they kicked it up a notch for their special non-Indian guests. How nice for us! Right? Wrong! Wrong when you go to multiples houses a day! For instance, Friday we started off having tea with breakfast, then we went to two houses and were served tea and food at both, then we had coffee with lunch, then afternoon tea with a second lunch at another’s house, then tea time at six, visited two more homes and served Horlicks (a hot chocolate/tea type drink) with food, and then, finally, dinner. Okay, seven hot drinks, four main meals, and four mini-meals! What? And as I have previously mentioned, they don’t take no for an answer and it is rude to turn down what you are given. This explains what happens to me in the coming days… You will read later!

But aside from the massive amounts of food I was force fed, I loved being with the people. They were all so kind and happy to spend time with us. One man, Amiya, spent a lot of time with us and even had someone come over and give us Mahindi (henna)! A lot of women have it on their palms and arms in Mumbai, and the girl who did it was so talented! She was so fast at applying the ink and the design is so beautiful! It should last a couple of weeks and will come off on its own. Amiya also drove the five of us, Reverend Samuel, and his son out to “see India!” We drove through some surrounding cities, saw many slums, and then got out into the country. Every drive we take I am still shocked by the slums scattered throughout the land; it is truly heartbreaking. I can’t imagine living in such conditions. In the country Amiya took us to his rabbit farm! That was quite interesting, I had never been to one of those before and don’t like to think about what will happen to the poor creatures when their stay at Amiya’s comes to an end! He also drove us through a few markets and bought us ice cream and sugar cane juice. The ice cream was such a treat and the juice… well let’s just say, we painfully chugged it!

The beautiful daughter of the family that lived and worked at Amiya's rabbit farm.

Leiah and I on Sunday in our sarees, showing off our henna!

We met so many other church members and neighbors and loved talking with them. We also met a lot of people at church, which was also quite an experience in itself! They had a formal introduction and gave us beautiful flower necklaces to wear. We also sang for the offertory (hah) and Melissa shared a few words. The service was in Hindi and it was beautiful to hear their voices singing together. Afterwards, everyone wanted our email address and pictures with us. I felt famous!

It was sad to leave this charming city and the caring friends we had made. We stayed at the church in a guest area with the pastor, Reverend Samuel, his pregnant wife Sharda, and their darling son Joshua. Joshua is about two years old and has such a captivating smile. It took him a while to warm up to us, as we were the first white people he had ever seen. But by the end of our trip he was lovingly calling me dee-dee, which is big sister in Hindi, and always wanted a playmate. And the kids here do not play like the kids at home. Joshua has two balls, a broken tricycle, and a toy truck. Yet, his happiness is continuously seen in everything that he does. That is how his whole family, and most others in the city, are. Joshua will have such fun when his little brother/sister joins the family in August! Their family was so hospitable and overall just great to us! They cooked us all kinds of meals and were willing to do anything for us. Sharda did not speak much English but her kindness definitely crossed the language barrier. Their willingness to serve God is unbelievable, and they are doing so against all sorts of tribulations. Amiya shared with us that they have not received salary in four months, and I was shocked further when I found out how much that is. Four thousand rupees a month. That is about one hundred dollars. That’s a family of three (and one to come) living on just over three dollars a day. But they haven’t received this in four months! I don’t know how they have been getting by and I am praying that things begin to quickly improve for them. I would ask that you pray for this sweet family and their needs.

Sweet Joshua with the dog at the rabbit farm. (I dedicate this picture to Willow- I found your distant Indian cousin named Blackie!)

Smiling while washing clothes... a trait I need to learn!

As I said, I was sad to leave them but I am excited for what lies ahead for my team and I in Mumbai in the upcoming weeks. I know God has great things in store for us!

 

First 48 hours.

Faith & I in our hotel lobby, the men behind us were teaching us Hindi!

Our hotel was called Hotel Pride. And it was African themed. What?! I did not quite understand this.. African hotel in India? It was my first taste of India, mixed with an African twist. Hah. Well, whatever suits them I suppose! It was nice but I was a little nervous to stay there, just us five girls. I just kept telling myself that since Diwakar thought it was safe for us, it was. They brought us bottled water and a small roll of toilet paper. Yes, Indians have other ways of cleaning themselves, involving water and splashing, that I don’t think I will ever understand!

I had thought that jet lag would not affect me very much, but I quickly found out that it does! We all only slept about 4-5 hours on Monday night, which came as a shock to me. Never do I just wake up on my own. Even if I’m sleeping in, I still have to set an alarm to wake up or I will just keep on sleeping! So Tuesday morning I woke at 6:30 and was at a bit of a loss of what to do. Diwakar was not picking us up until 8:30 so I decided to test out the interesting bathroom setup. Luckily there was a shower, real toilet, and sink. The odd part to me was that they were all in the same room, with no divisions. It was just one open room with tile floors. So, everything gets wet and there is a drain by the toilet. But it works! And never in my life have I more appreciated a cold shower. They are so refreshing and have been the most anticipated parts of my days.

Diwakar then took us to his home just down the road. We didn’t sleep there because there was a team of 11 students from Point Loma’s Loveworks program. This was a lifesaver! They were able to give us so much information about what to expect, the people, the culture; it was immensely helpful. We ate breakfast with them and then they took off to their site for the day. Diwakar insisted that we “take rest”, which was not at all hard to do. Next thing I knew he was waking us up for lunch! I was exhausted. But lunch was ready so I went to partake in my first Indian meal: white rice, doll (some kind of lentil/bean soupish dish that goes over the rice to make it sticky), flur (cabbage, maybe?, potato, and lots of yellow curry), and chipotes (like thick wheat tortillas). And it was actually okay! We ate with our hands and found that we need to work on that. Rule one: always eat with the right hand, as the left is used for not so sanitary actions… Regardless of the fact that I’m a righty, I made a mess. Good thing I have seven more weeks to get it down!

After that, Diwakar took us back to the hotel to “take more rest”. And yes, we all fell asleep again. I couldn’t believe how tired I was! I knew this was going to make for a difficult night but I didn’t care! He picked us up later that evening and we went to a prayer meeting at the house of some girls who attend the Nazarene church Diwakar pastors. The area of houses where we were meeting was really neat, it reminded me of some place I’ve seen in a movie.. The houses/townhomes/whatever were packed in so tightly along the alleyways and there were coverings shading all the walkways. All of the windows were just large openings in the walls, some covered by blankets, but most were just open with people and children leaning out, trying to catch a breeze. There were clothes lines everywhere, the colors here are so vibrant.

We walked through these streets for about five minutes and then reached the house; what an experience! There were about 30 of us crammed into a small home and we sang, in English and Hindi. All of the Indian people were singing at the top of their lungs, whether they knew the words or not and despite what they sounded like. But interestingly enough, it was such a beautiful thing! Then one of the Point Loma girls shared a message, Diwakar spoke, and then came the food. They brought each of us as guests a plate with FOUR chipotes and a pile of a chickpea dish. I was not very hungry, and was still trying to get use to the spices and such, so this was way to much! Then they came and started heaping rice on our plates. I tried to motion that I wanted very little, but the scoops kept coming. So, I began. I learned quickly that the key is to eat slowly because if your plate looks remotely bare in any spot, more food will be generously provided. I also learned that you can cover your plate with your hand if you don’t want anymore, but this does not always work. Sometimes you just get your hand covered! They were so hospitable and generous and I can’t remember how many times I was offered more food. They had prepared so much for us and made sure we all had our fill before serving the rest of their family and their friends that had come to partake in the meeting. So I stuffed my stomach as full as it could go, and more, and there was still a little bit of food on my plate. I quickly hid mine under someone else’s so they couldn’t fill it any higher. But then they brought me a “sweet dish”. Oh my word! I still don’t know what it was, but I ate it. I was so full! But the meeting was a great experience and a great first look into Indian culture.

Wednesday was very similar… exhausted but okay. We experienced the power going out (as I learned it will daily) and life without fans. NOT pleasant. We did a lot of sitting around and fanning, then off to Khopoli!

Here’s the view of old Mumbai from my hotel window:

 

I made it!

At last, we made it!! After about 30 hours of travel time, our plane touched down at the Mumbai airport. That last flight was LONG and but I slept through a lot of it. I watched a couple movies (Coult- I watched Yes Man just for you!) and was fascinated with the screens that showed where we were flying. I found it odd, but we went from NJ up through Canada, over Greenland, down through Moscow, Pakistan, Afganistan, then Mumbai. It was very exciting! I tried my hardest to stay awake but it was the middle of the night for home.

Finally we landed and grabbed our bags, ready to go! My first relief was when we stepped out of the terminal, I saw the word EXIT! I have never been more excited to see an English word! So, I thought to myself, this is do-able. We regrouped, found a bathroom (with attendants), then headed towards baggage claim. Thankfully, all of our bags made it, we passed the swine flu check, and at customs all I had to do was show my visa and passport and say my name. I was completely shocked when the security guard came up to us when we were about to take our bags to be checked, and took us past it. Was it because we were girls? American? I guess I’ll never know because I couldn’t understand a word he said!

From there we came to the exit doors. Rev. Diwakar had told us that he would be waiting for us outside. I had first been worried about this but once I realized that we were the only white people in site, I thought that this would be much easier than anticipated. So, this was it! The doors opened and I don’t want to know what expression came over my face.

The heat was immediately overwhelming.

The humidity was suffocating.

And the crowd surrounding the gates was unreal. We walked into a large, canopy covered open space that was lit like day even though it was 10 pm. We were enclosed by fences as the people pushed up against them, waving hundreds of signs. I don’t know how she did it, but suddenly Leiah spotted Rev. Diwakar! He was waving like crazy and pointed us to follow his lead. I had no clue if this was our man, but I was ready to take anything. We followed his direction and at times I lost sight of him, but finally we escaped the masses and found each other. And thankfully this was the right man! He kindly introduced himself and Amid, a 24 year old student studying to be a pastor.  They were both so kind and after brief introductions we rejoined more crowds and headed to, well, I didn’t really know where we were going! I didn’t know if we were walking, taxi taking, or driving to our destination. We arrived at the parking garage, after turning around several times (Diwakar said the airport is constantly changing), and were told to wait with Amid. About ten minutes later, oh I am absolutely drinched with sweat by now, Diwakar pulls up in a Jeep of some sort and we pile in. There are two rows of normal seats and then two benches/seats facing each other in the back and Leiah and I crammed in there with all 5 suitcases. The heat became hotter!

From here I learned all there is to know about driving in India: horns, no concept of lanes and closeness, and absolute chaos! I thought Bahamian drivers were bad, not even close! I thought I wouldn’t even make it through my first night in India for fear of crashing but somehow each swerve was successful! But i must say, the drive was captivating. Despite the late hour, there were people EVERYWHERE.  And people of all ages. I was amazed as alll the stores remained open and people crowded them. And they were not stores as we know them. They were shacks, lean to’s, and two story buildings that did not look like they would have passed the codes we know! Then, at a stop light, i saw a young girl walking in the street. Sh came up to our window and began tapping, waving, and motioning to her mounh for food. She was soon joined by another and my heart began to break. But i knew this would be just the start.

Diwakar had arranged for us to stay at a hotel for this first night, and it was like no hotel I’ve ever stayed at. The fans were our only escape from the heat, and for the first time in what feels like forever, I did not use covers. They provided us with bottled water and somehow, despite being wide awake I was able to fall asleep for a few hours.

I am at an internet cafe now and this is taking forever, it is so slow! So hopefully I can come back soon and recount more of what has been going on. Thanks for your prayers!