SO much has happened in the nine days that we have been here in
Kolkata that I hardly know where to begin! I have been learning the basic rules
of living here such as the driving rules here are the following: stop and go.
And the best way to deal with pedestrians who are in the way is just to run
over them. The rule for waste disposal here according to Pastor Sam is “you
find a lake and throw it in.” It is very
different than what we are used to and every day is such an adventure.
The internet has been not what we
expected. It’s hard to come by. Last night was the first time we had internet
since we’ve been here and the little internet time we did have we used to let
our families know that we are indeed still alive.
Our daily ministry has consisted of
tutoring, playing with, and worshiping with the precious sixteen boys and eight
girls (who have been living here just five weeks) living at the Asha house who
are in the care of Pastor Sam and his sweet wife Bayoula.
In regards to the food, we are
eating like royalty. Bayoula is a phenomenal cook and the food here is
delicious. Although we think we are eating so much, Pastor says that they are
amazed at how little we Americans eat.
We are learning to cook Indian food from Bayoula who, I might mention,
is only twenty-three years old and is caring for twenty-five children (the
twenty- fifth being their two-year-old daughter, Gladys.)
One of the highlights of this trip
so far has definitely been the constant comments about how Indian I look. After
buying and wearing Indian clothing the boys insisted “You are Indian” and
August, who lives at the home and helps Pastor Sam, said “You are perfect
Indian girl.”
Spiritually, India is quite
oppressive. Waking up in the night, we hear the sound of Hindu prayers being
broadcast over speakers. A few nights ago, I was awakened around three A.M. to
the typical eeriness of the prayers. As I lay there, I began to pray against
the oppressiveness of this place and I prayed “Lord, if what is being broadcast
over these speakers is not honoring to You, I pray that you would silence
them.” Immediately, a rush of wind came and drowned out the sound of the
prayers and when it left, it took the sound of the prayers with it leaving just
a peace remaining.
God has been so faithful to answer
your prayers and our prayers and I can’t wait to share all that He does in and
through us here as we continue to allow ourselves to be used by Him.
Thank you so much for your prayers!
I love you all!
In Joy,
Kristen
