India Time: 9:00 PM (June 26, 2013)
CST: 10:30 AM (June 26, 2013)
Sorry--The last one didn't post all the way with the picture...
What a day! I'm so glad we had the three hour train ride to Nellore so we could see more of India--I had brought a book, but spent most of my time catching glances out the window. The villages, the rice fields, the birds, the plants, the colorful clothing...wow! There was also an adorable three year old on the train, sitting right in front of us and peeking over the seat, named Rojan. He was super shy, but when I started making faces at him, he warmed up a bit. Brother David spent some time talking to his father and grandfather and found that they were heading to Kansas! I gave the little boy a lifesavers mint, and I think I found a new best friend! He gave us the cutest wave when we had to get off the train.
I can hardly find words to describe what happened upon our arrival. I have never experienced anything like the welcome ceremony we received upon our arrival to Nellore. The pastors greeted us at the train station and brought us to a church that had a huge banner welcoming us. The service was almost 2.5 hours long, but it felt like 20 even though I couldn't understand much of what was being said. It started with prayer and a few introductory hymns. After that, Pastor Joythi Benjamin and Pastor Moses gave very humbling welcome addresses. I'll never forget Pastor Joythi reading off his welcome and apologizing for India's poor culture compared to our rich one. India is so steeped in history, tradition, and color--and while many of her people are impoverished, the culture is certainly not poor! It was so humbling to have them so honored to have us when it is such an honor to be here. I know I'm going to get more than I could ever hope to give from this experience.
After the welcome addresses, each of us were individually called up the the stage where our shoulders were draped with beautiful silk sashes and our necks adorned with flowers. Another prayer followed, and we were all called up again to be draped with another sash and a necklace, and gifted with a plaque and a personalized banner. We enjoyed the trouble they took to photoshop our faces. :-) Both Brother David and Pastor Todd gave a thank you for the welcome and sermons. (They were told at the beginning that they'd have an hour and a half to fill and could talk for as long as they wanted).
The service was followed by a phenomenal lunch served by the men of the congregation and consisting of fried rice, chicken, curd, and ice cream. It was so delicious! The ice cream was very sweet and had a different texture from the US--Not especially creamy (like custard) but not really icey either. It was also humbling to see the trouble they took to make us feel comfortable, getting out their good dishes and setting a fork and spoon at every place (though we sort of enjoy eating with our hands--we don't get to do that at home)!!
From there, we went to the hotel to get settled, reorganize, assemble craft projects, plan our teaching, and head to dinner. We ate at a Chinese/Indian place where I had my first experience with Chapati! YUM! It's a type of Indian flat break, almost like a tortilla, but fluffier. And paired with mutton sabwala marsala? Even better. I'm getting more used to the spice of the food, and enjoying it more every day.
We're back at the hotel and getting cleaned up. We head out mid morning tomorrow to begin our VBS days as we work north toward Guntur. I'm so excited to start working with the kids and know that their excitement and energy will be contagious! As we head our separate ways, please pray for our safe travel and for God to bless our work.
~Becky Haddad
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