The following itinerary of the trip is taken directly from my journal that I kept for the duration of the experience.
Orientation
12/15/2008
Mom, Dad, and I met the team in Shelby. After getting coffee at Newgrounds, Mom and Dad left. Caleb and I met Jess Greer and Brittany Necker as we went to help prepare dinner. We ate gumbo as Clayton greeted us and wished us bon voyage. Jeremy Berger IS Matt Walton. Justin gave us a briefing and we then departed to Wal-Mart for last minute supplies. Packing commenced at the Dover Chapel. Our residence was the Super 8 motel with Caleb Railey and James as roommates.
India Trip Day 2
12/16/2008
Our day began early as we drove to Charlotte/Douglas airport. Our plane was quite small with one single row of seats, an aisle, and a double row of seats. I managed a few pages in The Brothers Karamazov before falling asleep. After a two hour flight, we had a significant layover in a snowy Chicago. Most of us ate lunch at the Macaroni Grill where I had the pasta Milano (excellent). Justin and I searched successfully for a thimble (since I didn't get one last time I was in Chicago). I forgot to mention that in the layover before the Charlotte flight that I was introduced to Phase 10 (card game) where Jess and I DOMINATED. A cute little black boy entertained us for a few minutes later. Back in Chicago, we hung out until 5:15 when we had a prayer walk through the terminal. Jess, Steph, and I are Group Awesome we've decided. We finally boarded the plane at 8:30. During defrosting, I watched The Office: Dewali (how appropriate). The flight should be about 14 hours and 7500 miles. I'm sitting in the center on a Boeing 777 with two free seats to my left. The flight finally departed at 11:15 CT.
India Trip Day 3
12/18/2008
The plane ride was 14 hours. We therefore left Chicago on Tuesday and arrived in Delhi on Thursday. We exchanged money at 46.5 rupees to the dollar and made our way to the hotel Grand Peepal. After Justin and I had a couple hours of sleep, we awoke to meet Team 1 and depart for Agra. The bus ride was about 4.5 hours. On the way we saw camels, cows, monkeys, snake charmers, and people defecating on the side of the road. We eventually arrived at the Taj Mahal, toured with a guide, Chad proposed to Leanna, and we left for lunch. After, we saw how the marble was made. Needless to say, we slept the ride back.
India Trip Day 4
12/19/2008
After saying farewell to Team 1 the night before and eating Pizza Hut pizza, Justin and I slept a couple of hours before waking at 3 to go to the airport. We enjoyed some McDonald's (no beef) before boarding the plane, where we saw the sunrise. Arriving finally in Nagpur, we loaded the bags into a truck, piled into Tata jeeps, and drove to the guest house. The guys stayed in one room with single bunks per person. We ate a sandwich brunch and slept from 11-5:30. Adter, we met with Amol and Rachel, hearing their testimonies. We then travelled to Rachel's home where we enjoyed chai, followed by a visit to Daddy's and the girl's hostel. Like us, Understanding the Times is a textbook. We then had the amazing privilege of meeting the orphans, who welcomed us with singing. We then sang together, introduced one another, and the orphans gave us flower necklaces. Never have I been to a place that broke my heart and lifted my spirit at the same time. Truly God's peace was present in that place. We later returned to the guest house, constructed mosquito nets, and went to bed.
India Trip Day 5
12/20/2008
We slept from around 11-4:30 last night. Finally we're caught up on rest. The air has turned our nostrils black from the pollution. The country smells somewhat life beef Raman. Ironic. We're up on the roof of the guest house observing the city. It's quiet but thickly polluted like all the others. Wild pigs and cows still walk the streets and children fly kites. If this is a first world nation, then one can only imagine what a third world country must look like. We spent the morning viewing a slideshow from Rachel and Amol, after which we wrapped gifts for the children. We then went to buy Sunday clothes. Power flickered in the elevator and we almost were stuck as it was lost completely ater we stepped off. Justin and I rode horses in the arcade (I won) and it provided some laughs. The festival we attended tonight was something else. Supposedly a sampling of Indian culture, we saw dancing, magic tricks, rode a camel, and made pots. To top it off, the guys had head massages and then we all sat down to dinner. India truly is another world; dirty, tiring, and uncomfortable, it is a challenge. But the team is great. I am still waiting for God to show me why he brought me here.
India Trip Day 6
12/21/2008
I woke this morning to what I have affectionately coined the Muslim wakeup call. The city smells like it's on fire all the time, even throught the windows, Today we got to wear our Indian garb to curch. Mine is green and a size too big, but comfy. I'm super excited to attend my first church service in a different culture. I am sure it will be much better than what I am accustomed to. Hopefully today will be a day when God finally reveals His purpose for my being here.
Church was absolutely amazing. We began with worhsip and the sharing of testimonies concerning what God had done in the past week. I really wished we could share like this at Trinity. It seems as if half the orphans must have shared. Chad preached a wonderful sermon and Stephanie gave her testimony. Even though most of the service was in Hindi (Marathi), I greatly appreciated being there. Adter, they served chai and my cup had a hole, so my kurta is now chai stained. Oh well. Adter lunch, the guys enjoyed a fantastic afternoon of haircuts, chai, and fellowship with the male orphans and Bible students. I gave a brief devotion and we spent the rest of the time in prayer. I feel like these kids are more spiritually mature than me. What prayer warriors! The only time they ceased their rapid prayer was to take breath. I can't even think to speak that fast. God grant me the ability to pray incessantly such as these!
India Trip Day 7
12/22/2008
Today we travelled out to the Land to see the vision God has placed on Rachel and Amol's hearts. The Land was very remote and took over and hour to travel 30 km. The Land is dry and rough but one can see that one day the Pawar's vision will be realized. We listened to Rachel share her vision and ate lunch after (Indian burrito things). We flew some kites and took a prayer walk around the campus. Returning we found Justin really sick. Becca, Chad, and Chris were sick as well. Vomitting followed and we rushed Justin to the hospital, with the others to follow suit. We prayed over Chad before we sent him out. It was apparent that even though bad rice was to blame this was demonic. Our guys pulled through though and they're fine. We missed caroling, but hopefully we'll get to go soon.
India Day 8
12/23/2008
Today we drove out to a Hindu monkey temple near Nagpur (Ramtek). Perched high on a hill/mountain, we passed wild monkeys near the topp. We were required to wear Indian garb and remove our shoes as we entered the temple. Seeing the idols was dark, but witnessing a man kneel to an idol was heartbreaking but almost scary as well. The temple was beautiful, however. On the drive back we stoped and had the best grilled cheese ever. Amol left soup with us rather than with the sick ones, which was pretty funny. We then went boating which apparently is a fun pastime over here. Wherever we go we are celebrities. People take pictures of us, set out chairs for us, and the drivers feel as if they are our managers. When we got back the guys went to Coffee Day with Amol. He really is someone you can spend a great deal of time with, the Indian Don Stevens. Caroling was something else. Truly Christmas should be a celebration and not a somber event. While some of our carols are truly beautiful, most are melancholy. Seeing the orphans dance and celebrate is so uplifting. It was amazing how we drove over the city waking people to sing for them, and then they served us! Such hospitality.
India Day 9
12/24/2008
This morning was truly spectacular and the reason for our being here. Arriving at the boys' hostel, we watched as they opened their gifts. To see their faces light up over such trifles (Crocs, clothes, school supplies) was truly humbling and inspiring. I can never look on another Christmas, or birthday for that matter, in the same way again. We left for lunch (Kathi rolls) which was fantastic! Jared and I tested "sassafras" to see if it really was one of Jess' favorite words. After we went shopping at a rather nice department store (Pantalooons) where I picked up a Bollywood movie and a Christmas CD. We then prepared for the Christmas program, a 3.5 hour affair of amazingness. The highlights were Tikky and our group mouthing the words to songs. Justing preached and the rest of the program was in Hindi/Marathi. To remember: loud speakers! Even though I couldn't understand 90% of the program, it was more uplifting than most of the programs I have seen in recent years.
India Day 10: Christmas
12/25/2008
This morning we had the Christmas service. It was entertaining, though less than last night's service. Justing preached once again and ten we had lunch. Unfortunately, it was the same food we've been eating the entire trip. We were shown the boys' hostel. What a humble house. It's amazing the joy these children have despite their surroundings and extremely thin mattresses. After, we went back to the guest home and had an afternoon nap. We then left to go to a believer's home to have chai. Their house was very nice and Amol told us of his rags to riches story. On the roof we held chickens. We then went to the guest hoe to shoot fireworks. We shot mortars like the professionals use. One blew up and so we had to leave. We ten went to the garden for dinner. The food was amazing and it was a nice break from Indian cuisine. Amol and Rachel surprised us with stockings and we celebrated Joy's birthday. What a Christmas to remember!
India Day 11
12/26/2008
We shipped off to Food 'N Fun Water Park this morning with the kids. The Jeep there consisted of myself, Justing, Chris, Erin, Holly, Courtney, and Jess. After playing psychiatrist, we decided to write a song to the 12 days of Christmas. I think I contributed 5 Joyous dances, 11 Pepto Bismols, and maybe others. Arriving at the park (of course we were the only white people), we had to wait for the kids to check out suits. The local girls had to wear extremely modest swimsuits. In all honesty, I wish that's the way American girls had to dress too. The park was slightly dangerous as is everything in India. Justin went down an awesome slide that disturbed a swarm of wasps. Later I rode it despite the fact that I was 4 kilos over the weight limit and the men repeatedly told me it was dangerous. Of course it was awesome. We had lunch and went to the amusement park next door. The rides were kinda lame except the Roll 'n Roll. A spinning wheel attached to a wheel, James and I rode it twice. The second time I vomited in my mouth but didn't spew b/c of James. Once I stepped off however, I spewed like a geyser. We then rode the ferris wheel of doom and left. On the ride home we made motions to our 12 days of India and performed it at devotion.
India Day 12
12/27/2008
This morning I introduced Jared and Jess to Gunther. Obviously Jared took more of a liking to his style than Jess. We had some prayer on the roof before leving for chai lessons at Rachel and Amol's house. After, the gents went to Amol's barber for shaves. I got a straight razor shave for free, but his rate would only have been about 35 rupees anyway. We hung at the Pawars some more but left for the circus at 4. Definitely no my favorite attraction but interesting nonetheless, the circus was still a circus. After, we went to Coffee Day where we played mind games like black magic. Jess and I have determined that we are kindred spirits and are somehow long lost siblings. Zak Attack and Bis Sis.
India Day 13
12/28/2008
Today was our last church service in India. Jared gave a touching sermon on courage using David vs. Goliath as the illustration. Amol followed with his and Rachel's testimony. We debriefed with the pawars as they presented a slideshow and gave us some papers and such. They shared how important it is that we help them raise support and I think I'll devote my tithe to their ministry. We went to the girls' hostel for henna. Komal (little) did mine (my left arm + my name in Hindi). We stepped up on the roof for a last view of Nagpur from above. The farewell ceremony followed the distribution of kites. It was a bittersweet service as the team was presented flowers and certificates. I fell like I don' t deserve any recognition for my time here, simply appreciation to the Pawars and the children. We had a dance party after. Truly these kids know how to have a good time. With a system that could wake a sleeping NYC, they danced for a couple of hours. We got ice cream after our bittersweet goodbyes (Nitin showed great affection toward me tonight) and I had the shaka laka boom boom. We had a devo and went to bed.
India Day 14
12/29/2008
We left Nagpur early this morning for the airport. Supposed to fly out at 9:30, we didn't board until some time after 2:00. We were given a "free" breakfast and spent out time talking with Amol. We finally boarded for Delhi and were on our way. Some highlights of the flight were a burning smell along with a Bollywood version of Bruce Almighty. We arrived in Delhi once again to smog but more temperate weather. Checking in at the Grand Peepal once again, we left to browse the market. A bustling, smelly place, I bought some tea cups for only 40 rupees. We then had the most delightful meal in weeks at Pizza Hut. 7 slices later I' a new man and pooped for the first time in a few days. Jared and I are roomies and plan to have a night of well-deserved rest. In the news, Israel is firing on Gaza and there are reportedly 300 Palestinian casualties. No news from home.
India Day 15
12/30/2008
After pushing our beds together in order to share a single blanket, Jared and I awoke to warm showers and debriefing time. We discussed the impact of our trip and how to continue living a missional lifestle. We left the hotel, boarded the Indian metro and arrived at McDonald's, where they serve no beef. I had a McChicken burger. The gang split to shop in the market where bartering was necessary. I got jipped on my first couple of purchases but the rest of the day was ok. I bought a pipe, some elephants, a flute, a picture frame, a lamp, etc. I really wish I was allowed to buy a hookah. The sadness was in the desperation of the children selling trinkets. After, we had the pleasure of riding a rickshaw. Jess, Stephanie, and I had a driver who got us lost several times and would even step out of the vehicle for directions. I managed to touch several vehicles including a bus and another rickshaw. We ate Pizza Hut and left for the airport where we did white elephant. We are finally going home.
