Freedom is a concept we so often take for granted as Americans; freedom to speak, freedom to express, freedom to believe. So narrowly minded going through my days at home not appreciating how blessed I am to live in one nation under God. As this idea is rapidly crumbling we as a nation will soon learn what it is like to “not know what you’ve got til it’s gone”, because whether we are willing to accept it or not these privileges are fading fast. From training camp we are taught to let go of all expectations, even as simple as a shower or toilet….toilet paper. In America, we don’t think twice of where we will shower but here in India we are always left wondering and hoping for more than just a bucket bath. We are staying in a guest house tonight and as we walked into the bathroom, we began to jump up and down in excitement…there was a real shower AND toilet! Something most people here have yet to encounter. We were also taught how to alter our language to avoid problems with the law. For example the “M” word is never to be spoken. What we consider to be a right, freedom of speech, here is a concept that has yet to be grasped and I doubt ever will be. The freedom to express is so foreign they wouldn’t know what to do with it even if it ever was attained. Especially for the woman who are required to be covered head to toe, many only showing their eyes which are to never come in contact with a mans. What we consider a right back home, to pray and believe as we want is not a privilege here in India anyone has experienced. Yes, I use the word privilege, because thats what it really is. I know personally, before now I felt entitled to such things as a shower or my own faith, but now I have come to realize what a gift it it really is. So tonight as you sit in your air conditioned homes, with warm running water, take a moment to thank God for the small things. And thank Him for the freedom He has given you to openly speak to and about Him; use the gift He has given you and change lives..
