Last week, the four of us interns, and our good friend and eMi staff Ryan headed to Uttarkashi some 6 hours away to trek to Dodital lake. The trip was well-anticipated and we each loaded up with snack food and trekking packs (about 35-40lb each) and set off on the two day journey. As usual, words do it no justice, and images do only a bit more.
I never would have imagined how difficult it would be to hike up steep, rocky, endless paths with so little weight on my back. 40lbs. What is that? Sure, it wasn't supposed to be a walk in the park, but quickly I decided I was in over my head! But I pressed on, usually towards the end of the pack. As soon as we broke rest I prayed for another! I emptied my water bottle far too quickly and the sun beat down on us mercilessly that first afternoon.
But we finally made it to our first stop, Agora village. Only accessible on foot, this small hillside community was a welcoming site. We were led by a young man who babbled on without end about "my father this, my father that." All in broken English of course. He seemed to have a heart of gold, but he simply wouldn't stop talking! We settled at an empty government campsite and took off our shoes.
Not soon after we had set up our tents we were invited by two men to come and watch a celebration taking place in the village. Not one to miss any opportunity, I grabbed my camera and took off with two of the other guys. And what a sight to see!
In the center of an open, flat area, there sat some sort of idol. It was like a silver castle-like thing, with a beautiful red and yellow cloth draped beneath it. The whole thing was attached to two long wooden poles. Men danced around the thing, which I learned had something to do with a devi - a mother goddess. Holding hands behind each others' backs the formed a chain that grew longer as the ceremony went on. The lead man flamboyantly waved a rod with thick black hair attached to it. Women formed a similar, separate chain, the lead dancing with an ornate red and gold cloth. Around and around the idol they danced to exciting drum beats.
As the music changed, so would the dance. Crossing their legs, chanting and shouting in unison, leaning back and forth - it was a really cool line dance. Eventually about three dozen had joined in the dancing as the rest of the village - perhaps 150 people - watched.
Our friend from earlier, Abram, then got himself into a LOT of trouble. He began dancing independently in the center around the idol. He got on all fours and began hopping like a frog. He accidentally bumped the idol, nearly knocking it off its stand! The scene quickly turned into a huge brawl with several punches thrown as some tried to chastise the boy and his father while others tried to defend and calm the situation. It took about 20 minutes for the festival to resume.
When it picked back up, there was an even more interesting dance. Two men would dance with the idol, the poles resting on their shoulder. They would rock and shake it back and forth and I was convinced the thing would fall off though it never did. Men took turns until finally they carried it up to what I assume was a temple. They took off the silver casing (the castle-like thing) to reveal just a strange pyramid shape covered in more fabric. I was expecting an actual figurine idol, not just a fabric box!
Then two older men exclusively carried the thing around, bobbing with the music. I was sure they were going to break their necks they bobbed it so violently. A line formed and the men bobbed the idol onto the heads of praying devotees. They even brought out Abram to make penance! This went on for some time. My attention then turned to all the kids who were watching me take photos and for another thirty minutes it was all "one photo! one photo!"
The next morning we set off for the 16 km hike to the lake. We were up and ready to go early and all was going so smoothly until... "there is no way this is the right trail!" Somewhere we missed a turn off and were climbing up a narrow steep trail up the wrong mountain. So we backtracked... for an hour! But we found the right path and began the descent to cross the Asi Ganga stream at Bebra Gate and then ascended up the right mountain in the right direction.
16 km was what we were supposed to walk, but with the wrong turn, I figured we were looking at a 20+km day! And the climb was steep and my pack was heavy. We walked in silence most of the way and I sang hymns in my head - usually one's calling upon God's strength! And strength he provided! Every break we took re-energized me and when I felt there was no way I could go on he lifted my spirits. I can't explain it - I felt weak and inadequate for such a task. But God seemed to want me to get to Dodital and with his strength I did!
Along the way we were blessed with great views and cool breezes. The excitement built especially when we saw those mountain peaks we were going to get close to! And we made it to Dodital! The place was empty except for a couple of forest service people, a daba (cook), and a few people who ran the temple by the lake. Sadly, we weren't allowed to fish because they recently decided the lake to be sacred!
The next morning we set off for the ridge - this time with lighter packs and a special treat for the top. It took nearly two hours, following the stream up the saddle. The ridge seemed so elusive for so long! We finally made it and wow! A great view, although it was a bit gloomy. Regardless we celebrated with non other than a b**f stick! Oh boy, was it glorious!
After a nap on the top of the ridge we decided to continue along a path around another hill and up to the other side of the ridge. This was even more wearing but the view was even more spectacular! It was like dreaming of a spectacular view and anticipating it and finally getting there and going "WOW THIS IS AMAZING!" Needless to say I took hundreds of photos. Ryan's watch told us we were nearly 13,000 ft up. A friend and I wandered even further along the ridge and eyed another hill to climb. But the weather started to turn sour and we turned back. It snowed a bit while we went down. But in the valley it was so beautiful and we dipped our feet in the cold stream and napped again. Or, they napped and I took waterfall pictures!
We got back to camp and played lots and lots of cards - Presidents. We played a lot of that game throughout the trip.
The next morning Ko and I decided we wanted to go back up the ridge to try and catch it on a clearer day. We peeked our heads out of the tent at 5:30 and an hour later were off! It was a beautiful day - truly a blessing from God. We got up to the top and I can't explain how absolutely magnificent it was. The snow caps were even more stunning with the snow from the previous day and there was not a cloud in the sky. The air was clear and blue and blue gets. If you haven't yet you must check out my pictures!
We continued along that path we eyed the day before and climbed along a dangerous path. A slip to the left meant a slide down the snow for who knows how long. To the right, a short roll and then a cliff edge. Worth it. An hour or so later we had an even more stunning view of both the Yamnotri and Gangotri ranges. We rested and I took photos.
On the way back, as we neared Dodital, we met up with the other guys who were out looking for fish in the stream. I went crick'n with Matt for a ways down the stream. We played hours more Presidents and ate another hot meal at the daba.
The walk back the next day was so much better. The air was cool and most of the path down hill for a change. We stayed at Bebra Gate, played Presidents, and left the next morning. By 10:30 we were back at Sangamchatti, a small village just outside of Uttarkashi where we were picked up.
The ride back was terrible. It was windy. We got a flat tire. We were crammed tightly together. We waited an hour for road construction. We stopped to repair the tire. But we finally made it back to Mussoorie. No hill here even compares!
The trek was a fantastic experience and while I was blessed with spectacular scenery, I really felt that God really showed up. He gave me strength and reminded me that I should be more reliant on him. I can't do anything on my own, but by his strength. And he reminded me of his goodness. I prayed so hard for a clear day, and by all reasoning there was no reason for there to be one! The night was cloudy and this season rarely sees a clear sky. But like a good father with the power to do anything, he opened up the sky and gave Ko and I the most beautiful and perfect day to view those mountains. Surely no one has seen them so gloriously! It was great to fellowship and hang out with the guys I've been working with and to praise him for all the cool things we saw and felt him working in us.
God is big. Big enough to create this beautiful world and everything in it. God is strong. Strong enough to get us to the tops of the mountains even when we lack the strength and resolve to do it ourselves. And God is good. Good enough to bless us even when we don't deserve it. Like a perfect, loving father, is God.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Sunday, April 26, 2009
The Trek of the Century
So I have just returned from our trek to Dodital Lake in Uttarakhand. It was a fantastic journey and we were blessed with phenomenal views of the himalayan peaks that feed both the Ganges and Yamuna rivers, two of the most important rivers in India. I have uploaded a few images of the journey for you to enjoy with the promise of much more to come. Stories to follow as well of course.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Mountains in the Mist
I posted some new photos today. These weren't taken by me, but were taken by one of the EMI staff on a recent adventure to Himachal Pradesh. I offered him my camera and he graciously allowed me to edit his images and post them. They were so good that I wanted to share them with you.
Monday, April 13, 2009
Healing Prayer
I uploaded pictures from our Easter picnic. It was a lot of fun and I of course took many photos. Hope you had a great Easter celebrating the the resurrection of our Savior! Click on the photo to see my photos.
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Village Meeting
A photo from my first project trip that I just loved and realized I never uploaded. Here it is.
Friday, April 10, 2009
Good Friday
Today is the day that those who believe remember the crucifixion of an innocent man, if one could call him simply that, Jesus of Nazareth. He was accused by the religious men of his time that he claimed to be King, that he claimed to be the Son of God. He was arrested under the cover of darkness and rushed from court to court in the middle of the night. Not one of the judges he stood before could find any fault in him. Yet his accusers would not rest until this man was dead and they riled up the crowds who just days before shouted for joy at his arrival into the city of Jerusalem. The Roman authority cowardly heeded to the demands of the mob, though he too found no fault in him, and sent him away to be whipped, to be beaten beyond recognition, and to be executed on the cross - a death fitting for thieves and murderers.
Without a word of objection, like a lamb to the slaughter, this man Jesus carried his cross on the long road to the edge of the city, to a hill where he was to be hung. The wood dug deep into his wounds, tearing his already broken flesh. He was given a crown of thorns that pressed hard into his scalp. They adorned him with a robe of purple and mocked him as he silently carried his means of execution to the place of his death.
They lay him down, his hands and feet outstretched on the cross and drove large nails through his wrists and his feet. They raised the cross upright and their he hung for all to see. One of the highest hills in the city, he could be seen for miles. Above his head they wrote "The King of the Jews" much to the dismay of his accusers.
Next to him they crucified two men whose crimes made them worthy of death. One of them, even in his pathetic position mocked him along with the crowds. The other asked Jesus to remember him in his Kingdom.
Hours passed. With every long minute breathing became more and more difficult. The wood against his back dug into his bloodied back as he slipped lower and lower. In a raspy voice he called out that he was thirsty. They raised a sponge soaked in wine to his lips. After he took his drink he took his final breath, and with the strength he had left called out that it was finished. He bowed his head and died.
The instant life left his body the earth shook. The sky darkened and the thick curtain in the temple was torn in two. In horror and amazement, even one of the soldiers cried out "Surely this man was the Son of God!"
The man, Jesus, was guilty of the accusation. He did claim to be the Son of God. Yet they failed to realize that unlike the dozens of false prophets and liars who made this claim, Jesus proved it. He lived a blameless life - before both men and God. He performed many miracles, affirmation of the power given to him by God. He raised the dead and fed thousands from scraps of food. Thousands bore witness to his acts. Many thousands more heard his teaching.
As Jesus hung on the cross that day, he saw me in the crowd. He saw me not weeping for his pain, but mocking him in his final hours. He looked into my eyes, saw into the depths of my heart and found that I was not good. I was not worthy of his love. Even as a I cheered for his crucifixion he loved me. Even as I spit in his face as he bore his cross to that hill he loved me. Even as I shouted for him to use his power to save himself from death he loved me.
Jesus saw you too. Though you were many years from this moment in time he knew everything you were to become. He saw the evil in your heart. He saw how you mistreated others. He saw your selfish attitude. He saw your darkest moments of sin. And he loved you too.
As he hung there on the cross he took on every one of our sins - just one of which made us worthy of death apart from God. He paid the price by his perfect life, a sacrifice for mankind. By his blood men are made right before God.
The Son of God died in your place and mine. Where we deserve to hang on the cross just like the thieves beside him, he paid the price. I didn't deserve it. You didn't deserve it. But because of his great love for us, while we were still sinners, Jesus, the Christ, died for us.
Jesus was not a man motivated by fame for what glory is there in death on a cross! Nor was he a lunatic for he ever has spoke with such wisdom and authority! He was the Son of God sent to save sinners. He didn't set out to start a religion of rules and bureaucracy. He came to this world to testify to the Truth that we are not right before God and that by his grace - only by his grace - we are made pure.
He asked his followers to be lights in this world. To right wrongs. To heal brokenness. To defend the cause of the widow and the orphan. To love the unlovable. All this was to be done with humility and love, not arrogance and force. His final wish was for his message of forgiveness to be shared with the whole of the world.
As you reflect on these words and the meaning of this day, I invite you to read the claims of Jesus and to decide for yourself who this man really was. For myself, I have decided that he truly was the Son of God. Just as he promised, he has come into my heart and changed my life. He will do the same for you.
The message of Good Friday is good news.
Without a word of objection, like a lamb to the slaughter, this man Jesus carried his cross on the long road to the edge of the city, to a hill where he was to be hung. The wood dug deep into his wounds, tearing his already broken flesh. He was given a crown of thorns that pressed hard into his scalp. They adorned him with a robe of purple and mocked him as he silently carried his means of execution to the place of his death.
They lay him down, his hands and feet outstretched on the cross and drove large nails through his wrists and his feet. They raised the cross upright and their he hung for all to see. One of the highest hills in the city, he could be seen for miles. Above his head they wrote "The King of the Jews" much to the dismay of his accusers.
Next to him they crucified two men whose crimes made them worthy of death. One of them, even in his pathetic position mocked him along with the crowds. The other asked Jesus to remember him in his Kingdom.
Hours passed. With every long minute breathing became more and more difficult. The wood against his back dug into his bloodied back as he slipped lower and lower. In a raspy voice he called out that he was thirsty. They raised a sponge soaked in wine to his lips. After he took his drink he took his final breath, and with the strength he had left called out that it was finished. He bowed his head and died.
The instant life left his body the earth shook. The sky darkened and the thick curtain in the temple was torn in two. In horror and amazement, even one of the soldiers cried out "Surely this man was the Son of God!"
The man, Jesus, was guilty of the accusation. He did claim to be the Son of God. Yet they failed to realize that unlike the dozens of false prophets and liars who made this claim, Jesus proved it. He lived a blameless life - before both men and God. He performed many miracles, affirmation of the power given to him by God. He raised the dead and fed thousands from scraps of food. Thousands bore witness to his acts. Many thousands more heard his teaching.
As Jesus hung on the cross that day, he saw me in the crowd. He saw me not weeping for his pain, but mocking him in his final hours. He looked into my eyes, saw into the depths of my heart and found that I was not good. I was not worthy of his love. Even as a I cheered for his crucifixion he loved me. Even as I spit in his face as he bore his cross to that hill he loved me. Even as I shouted for him to use his power to save himself from death he loved me.
Jesus saw you too. Though you were many years from this moment in time he knew everything you were to become. He saw the evil in your heart. He saw how you mistreated others. He saw your selfish attitude. He saw your darkest moments of sin. And he loved you too.
As he hung there on the cross he took on every one of our sins - just one of which made us worthy of death apart from God. He paid the price by his perfect life, a sacrifice for mankind. By his blood men are made right before God.
The Son of God died in your place and mine. Where we deserve to hang on the cross just like the thieves beside him, he paid the price. I didn't deserve it. You didn't deserve it. But because of his great love for us, while we were still sinners, Jesus, the Christ, died for us.
Jesus was not a man motivated by fame for what glory is there in death on a cross! Nor was he a lunatic for he ever has spoke with such wisdom and authority! He was the Son of God sent to save sinners. He didn't set out to start a religion of rules and bureaucracy. He came to this world to testify to the Truth that we are not right before God and that by his grace - only by his grace - we are made pure.
He asked his followers to be lights in this world. To right wrongs. To heal brokenness. To defend the cause of the widow and the orphan. To love the unlovable. All this was to be done with humility and love, not arrogance and force. His final wish was for his message of forgiveness to be shared with the whole of the world.
As you reflect on these words and the meaning of this day, I invite you to read the claims of Jesus and to decide for yourself who this man really was. For myself, I have decided that he truly was the Son of God. Just as he promised, he has come into my heart and changed my life. He will do the same for you.
The message of Good Friday is good news.
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Empty Swing
Woke up early to take pictures of the sunrise on the Himalayas. It was misty but quite beautiful. Take a peek at what I saw!
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Rishikesh and Haridwar
The world got bigger this weekend. Us interns traveled to Rishikesh Friday morning and spent two days observing cities considered Hindu strongholds. In Rishikesh and Haridwar there are few Christians. Here, millions travel for miles across the subcontinent to take a "holy dip" in the Ganges to wash away their sins. Thousands of gurus and sadhus and thousands more crippled and poor live on the street. Temples and shrines are found everywhere. Holy cows roam free. Who knows how few have ever heard the name or power of Jesus.
Rishikesh is a place nestled in a mountain valley, the mighty Ganga flowing through. The blue-green waters rush down rapids and shallows where many come to bathe. The streets are filled with beggars. Some are holy men - gurus. Some are sadhus - men who have chosen the path of renunciation for salvation. Some are poor - children, widows. Some are crippled - without feet. Blind. Useless limbs. Here Shiva, Ram, and Vishnu are worshipped among many others. It is a place where many come to learn and practice Yoga. Others to find healing with the Ayurvedic arts. Some just come for the hash.
We walked a big loop seeing some of the more important areas of the town. We saw many begging along the roads. Too many. We had shakes at Chotiwalla. A man dressed and painted blue like some god sat at the entrance, ringing a bell when one enters. We talked with several Indians to find out the significance of the place. Where we weren't asked for money we were hounded by merchants. We saw three blind men and women on some steps - their eyes glazed a haunting white. We watched from the bridge men dunking themselves in the waters of the river.
Ko and I could not resist a swim. It was hot and what better to do than to cool off in the holy Ganga. We stripped to our skivvies and jumped in. Brr. I did not feel any more holy, any more cleansed. I wonder how many come for a saving dip only to feel what I felt. We sat and prayed on a boulder as we dried off. For the people who come to be saved. I heard recently that one day the Ganga will be the world's largest baptismal font. May it be so, Lord.
We wandered off in search of a place to sleep. Off the beaten path, right next to the Ganges we stayed at Aarti Cottage. Not a foreigner in sight! Nearby were two concrete piers. Men and women came to the end of the pier to worship shrines, the waters, and to dip. We walked down to see first hand. I sat quietly as women poured water on a Shiva Lingum, undoubtedly asking for fertility - for the land, for themselves. The dock reeked of incense. Another shrine was set up for Ganesh, the elephant god. Some dunked their entire bodies into the river.
We met some young men who spoke no English but between the four of us we were able to communicate enough in Hindi to share about ourselves and what we were doing in Rishikesh. They took us to a sketchy restaurant in a completely un-touristy part of town. For Rs 85 ($1.70) total the four of us had the best dal chaval I think we've had. We left and found a parade was starting.
It happened to be the birthday of Ram. Some told us the festival also was some sort of mothers day. People were dancing as the crowds gathered around a small temple. I was quite frustrated when our new friends insisted to take us back to our hotel. I wanted to stay and watch! As soon as we got back and they had left, Ko and I took off back to the parade. Na ner na ner naaa nerrr.
What a sight! A small band and a strange music vehicle played to the dancing crowd as the parade went down the narrow streets. Women were dancing in the center. Men on the top of a vehicle that led the way. Children swarmed us as our cameras clicked and flashed. People dancing and singing in worship. Oh how overjoyed the One True God would be to be worshiped with such dancing! Near the end of the parade a man fell off the top of the lead car. I watched in horror as his limp body was rushed to help. The music slowed, the dancing stopped, and Ko and I slipped off to the guest house to reflect and pray with the others.
The next morning we woke at 5:30 to see the sunrise and the events by the river. Hundreds came to the river to worship. The scenery was quite beautiful, the river, the mountains, the rising sun. I watched more worship at the Shiva Lingum shrine on the pier. A woman spinning around with a candle in her hand. Others prostrate. Others dunking. We found a place to pray. One day God will turn this land into a land in worship of Him. The devil won't win.
After breakfast we took a Vikrum to Haridwar.
Haridwar is a beautiful place. It is considered one of the seven holiest places in Hinduism. Here the river is bounded by steps to descend into it. The Ganges has been channeled for calmer waters to dip. Millions of pilgrims come every year to dip. During the Kumbh Mela, some 100 million Hindus are expected to come searching for salvation in the waters during three months in which heaven and earth are no closer than they are in Haridwar. Somehow, this town of 200,000 hosts 30 million at the peak of the Mela.
Here we found thousands bathing in the Ganga. Huge stone and concrete bridges span the river and the canals. Temples and shrine are everywhere. More beggars. Young girls try to put the Tilak on your head and expect a few rupees if they are successful. Merchants are quick to find a foreigner. We wandered around just looking. It was very crowded. At a fork in the river a giant statue of Shiva stands, snakes climbing about his body. How fitting. Satan has not been so subtle it seems in Hinduism.
We walked through the narrow, crowded marketplaces. We ate at another veg restaurant, Chotiwalla - delicious. We were hounded by beggars when we started to hand out oranges. Edwin had to physically pull me out of the crowd. We finally made our way to the bus stand and travelled to Dehradun and to Mussoorie.
Rishikesh and Haridwar were dark places. I could very much sense the hopelessness. You could see it in people's eyes. I stood in sadness and disgust at ornate temples and shrines. You could smell it in the air. I'm still trying to sort through what I saw and what God is teaching me. I know that it will be an experience I will remember the rest of my life.
Rishikesh is a place nestled in a mountain valley, the mighty Ganga flowing through. The blue-green waters rush down rapids and shallows where many come to bathe. The streets are filled with beggars. Some are holy men - gurus. Some are sadhus - men who have chosen the path of renunciation for salvation. Some are poor - children, widows. Some are crippled - without feet. Blind. Useless limbs. Here Shiva, Ram, and Vishnu are worshipped among many others. It is a place where many come to learn and practice Yoga. Others to find healing with the Ayurvedic arts. Some just come for the hash.
We walked a big loop seeing some of the more important areas of the town. We saw many begging along the roads. Too many. We had shakes at Chotiwalla. A man dressed and painted blue like some god sat at the entrance, ringing a bell when one enters. We talked with several Indians to find out the significance of the place. Where we weren't asked for money we were hounded by merchants. We saw three blind men and women on some steps - their eyes glazed a haunting white. We watched from the bridge men dunking themselves in the waters of the river.
Ko and I could not resist a swim. It was hot and what better to do than to cool off in the holy Ganga. We stripped to our skivvies and jumped in. Brr. I did not feel any more holy, any more cleansed. I wonder how many come for a saving dip only to feel what I felt. We sat and prayed on a boulder as we dried off. For the people who come to be saved. I heard recently that one day the Ganga will be the world's largest baptismal font. May it be so, Lord.
We wandered off in search of a place to sleep. Off the beaten path, right next to the Ganges we stayed at Aarti Cottage. Not a foreigner in sight! Nearby were two concrete piers. Men and women came to the end of the pier to worship shrines, the waters, and to dip. We walked down to see first hand. I sat quietly as women poured water on a Shiva Lingum, undoubtedly asking for fertility - for the land, for themselves. The dock reeked of incense. Another shrine was set up for Ganesh, the elephant god. Some dunked their entire bodies into the river.
We met some young men who spoke no English but between the four of us we were able to communicate enough in Hindi to share about ourselves and what we were doing in Rishikesh. They took us to a sketchy restaurant in a completely un-touristy part of town. For Rs 85 ($1.70) total the four of us had the best dal chaval I think we've had. We left and found a parade was starting.
It happened to be the birthday of Ram. Some told us the festival also was some sort of mothers day. People were dancing as the crowds gathered around a small temple. I was quite frustrated when our new friends insisted to take us back to our hotel. I wanted to stay and watch! As soon as we got back and they had left, Ko and I took off back to the parade. Na ner na ner naaa nerrr.
What a sight! A small band and a strange music vehicle played to the dancing crowd as the parade went down the narrow streets. Women were dancing in the center. Men on the top of a vehicle that led the way. Children swarmed us as our cameras clicked and flashed. People dancing and singing in worship. Oh how overjoyed the One True God would be to be worshiped with such dancing! Near the end of the parade a man fell off the top of the lead car. I watched in horror as his limp body was rushed to help. The music slowed, the dancing stopped, and Ko and I slipped off to the guest house to reflect and pray with the others.
The next morning we woke at 5:30 to see the sunrise and the events by the river. Hundreds came to the river to worship. The scenery was quite beautiful, the river, the mountains, the rising sun. I watched more worship at the Shiva Lingum shrine on the pier. A woman spinning around with a candle in her hand. Others prostrate. Others dunking. We found a place to pray. One day God will turn this land into a land in worship of Him. The devil won't win.
After breakfast we took a Vikrum to Haridwar.
Haridwar is a beautiful place. It is considered one of the seven holiest places in Hinduism. Here the river is bounded by steps to descend into it. The Ganges has been channeled for calmer waters to dip. Millions of pilgrims come every year to dip. During the Kumbh Mela, some 100 million Hindus are expected to come searching for salvation in the waters during three months in which heaven and earth are no closer than they are in Haridwar. Somehow, this town of 200,000 hosts 30 million at the peak of the Mela.
Here we found thousands bathing in the Ganga. Huge stone and concrete bridges span the river and the canals. Temples and shrine are everywhere. More beggars. Young girls try to put the Tilak on your head and expect a few rupees if they are successful. Merchants are quick to find a foreigner. We wandered around just looking. It was very crowded. At a fork in the river a giant statue of Shiva stands, snakes climbing about his body. How fitting. Satan has not been so subtle it seems in Hinduism.
We walked through the narrow, crowded marketplaces. We ate at another veg restaurant, Chotiwalla - delicious. We were hounded by beggars when we started to hand out oranges. Edwin had to physically pull me out of the crowd. We finally made our way to the bus stand and travelled to Dehradun and to Mussoorie.
Rishikesh and Haridwar were dark places. I could very much sense the hopelessness. You could see it in people's eyes. I stood in sadness and disgust at ornate temples and shrines. You could smell it in the air. I'm still trying to sort through what I saw and what God is teaching me. I know that it will be an experience I will remember the rest of my life.
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Lucknow
I've just arrived back in Mussoorie from a project trip to Lucknow in Uttar Pradesh. I traveled with a small EMI team by taxi to Dehradun, train to Delhi, and train to Lucknow. In Delhi we met with two volunteers, a Canadian architect and an engineer from Colorado. I wanted to share with you a little about my experience so here we go.
The trip did not begin well. When I woke up the first morning in Delhi I was feeling far from well. I skipped breakfast and found myself releasing the contents of my stomach from my mouth. I spent the entire day sleeping. Any attempt to get up and walk made me dizzy. My entire being ached. I missed out on a day of sight seeing and my first meeting with our new friends was simply "Hi, I'm Harry. Nice to meet you." Back to sleep.
Fortunately, my health improved the next morning and I was able to join the team for our ening meeting at Safdarjung's Tomb. Though still feeling a little less than par it was great to get out of bed and see the city and get to know the volunteers. It is so cool how God pulls people from different backgrounds and places in life to come to strange lands to aid in His Kingdom. God is cool. We wandered around Delhi a bit, saw Red Fort, and caught our train to Lucknow.
I slept most of the way and the rest of the guys stayed up talking and reading. About two hours before our arrival a bit after midnight, I joined them. I learned our architect Kelly was a SketchUp guru, a beta tester since before it was bought up by Google. Martin enlightened us to the workings of the Denver water system. We played pictionary telephone and had a jolly good time. We arrived, packed ourselves into an SUV with little wiggle room, they had three young guys come pick us up so it was a bit tight with us and our equipment.
We came to Lucknow to aid a ministry with their latest facility in Lucknow. I had already met with the leader with my team leader a few weeks previous. A visionary and a dreamer, Isaac shared with us big ideas for their new place. On their 1.5 acres they wanted to host and teach 100 full-time students and for the campus to host monthly conferences up to 500. Prayer and worship were at the center of his heart. The site is flat and in the middle of a semi-suburban village district in Lucknow. I was simply ecstatic to see it had a definite boundary with walls and legal documentation! Currently, they operate out of a small 3 bedroom building that existed on the site to teach 6-10 students who come for monthly and yearly training courses.
Work work work, we wasted little time to get started. It was exciting to work with Kelly and Matt and we jumped straight into SketchUp, quickly generating massing models. I am never a fan of group projects but this was great! I learned a few new tricks, too and was very happy to hear Kelly affirm that I was well on my way to SketchUp mastery! Not much to talk about the week really so I'll skip a few days to Saturday.
Isaac Shaw came to visit to look over our work, answer new questions, and to comment on how we should continue in our design. He loved the work, blah blah blah. Skip the meeting.
Then he shared about his personal experiences with the Living God. Mmm. He talked about as he has been preaching the word for over 25 years now that he has been learning to preach to himself. To always fill his heart with God's Word and Truth. He talked about a British pilot shot down over Czechelslovakia in WWII. He was tortured and beaten to weaken him. He was determined that no matter how they try to destroy his body they could not destroy his heart. He walked 8 miles on a fractured leg. He was put up to the firing squad 3 times and never killed. He never lost hope and the Nazis never wounded his heart.
He shared about his quiet times with God - meditating every morning on the Word. Deliberately going through one word at a time. "The Lord is my shephard." The - the one, the only, absolute. Lord - Elohim, Alpha and Omega, The One True God, The King. Is - not was! not will be! right now and always. My - not my mothers, not some one elses, my personal friend and God. Shephard - not my hunter, not my teacher, not my landlord! My shephard who leads me! The verses he meditates on in the morning he will repeat through the day. Anytime he is reminded, he prays them to himself. It was quite like the repetition in the mantras of Hinduism, but a meditation on the Word of the King.
He talked about how as he has grown older he becomes even more acutely aware of his failure, his shortcomings, his sin. How he desperately needs to be sustained by the Truth of God. How important it is for even him, a righteous man by worldly standards to cry out to God in desperation for love and peace and affirmation. He shared of how the last 20 minutes before he falls asleep are the hardest times for him, when the mistakes of the day are all brought to light. He supposed that men in these times turn to drink, to drugs, to sex and pornography because in these times they are weakest and need outlet, a distraction, filling the hole in their hearts God placed inside each one of us with the things of the world. How important in these weakest times that we still press closer to God with all our being!
He shared about the religions of India. "My people perish for lack of wisdom." He shared about his mentors who were many and I hurriedly wrote down their names to research. I will share them with you though I don't know much of any of them.
Dick Lucas
Dr. John Stotter
David JAckman
Alec Mateir
Alexander and Robert Duff
Sadhu Sundar Singh
Bauth Singh
Zachariah Forman
Ian Bowns
Rev. John Hyde
I look forward to learning of them and I hope you consider googling them. Let me know what you find!
The next day (Sunday) we had two worship services. One for ourselves in English, praising God with some mp3s and a lesson from a podcast. Then in Hindi with the guys at the center. We were invited to share a song as well. We were happy we weren't asked to preach the Word on spot.
That day we wandered around Lucknow. We went to Sahara Ganj, a very nice mall and had KFC. Chicken never tasted so good after an entire week of rice and dal! We arrived to the begging hands of a woman and her daughter. Unable to look away, I gave the woman a rs 50 note - an average daily wage. She barely looked at it and stuck her hand again to me for more! I was shocked! I wanted to take the money back I was so upset. But I know God blesses even the ungrateful sometimes.
Then we wandered a market area. Much different from the modern, clean, gaurded mall. The streets were lined with vendors and shops. We stood out like a sore thumb, not another foreigner in sight. Everywhere we were met with stares, some of curiousity, others of disdain. What can you do but smile back and bobble your head like an Indian.
Then to Imam Bara. A huge mosque and a tourist attraction their were hundreds of Indians, some tourists, some Muslim pilgrims. It was interesting. As we approached I saw a man beggin on the ground. He had no feet. His hands outstreched. It didn't surprise me that no one else in the group saw him. I quietly walked back to him and crouched beside him. Rs100 was his. My heart would not be calloused from the ungrateful woman that morning. He put his hands together in thanks and pointed to the sky. How desperately I wished I could tell him about Jesus. I touched his shoulder and looked into his eyes. I wonder how many people simply drop a coin in his hand and walk away. On the way out I saw his crutches leaning against a wall around a corner.
We toured some more, seeing The Residency, the site of a rebellion in 1857. Only ruins and a gravesite remain of the British compound. Many missionaries were among the killed in the months of fighting. It was interesting to think how victory and defeat always have two perspectives...
That night I stayed up talking with Sunil, a young guy who is now a teacher for this ministry. He shared about his story, his family. He came to know Jesus through a radio program. He was looking for Bollywood tunes and came across a Christian radio program. By the hand of God his hand stayed off the dial for its entirety and he became determined to learn about this Jesus they spoke of. He wrote the producers and received a New Testament and other material. He put his trust in the Lord Jesus Christ. A young Christian man in a Hindu family, he struggled for acceptance and to share this new life with his father and mother. After a while they accepted his new beliefs. One day he challenged his father. "You put your trust in idols that have no eyes to see, no ears to hear, no nose to smell, no tongue to speak. You trust them to take away your sins. Why not put your trust in Jesus and see if His power is greater?" He accepted the challenge and soon after accepted Jesus into his heart. He could not deny the True Power of the Living God. Now his entire family is saved and is active in their community.
Oh how my heart ached as he shared. How desperately I long for my father to know Jesus. He is not a myth. He is not a great teacher. He was not just a good man. He was the Son of God sent to save every single one of us from the sin that keeps us from God. I do not worship him for a feeling. I do not follow him for adventure. I do not trust in him simply because I fear death. I trust and believe because he has come into my heart and changed my entire being. Where I was once a sinner lost in pornography, searching for acceptance from man, cynical of a screwed up world, desperate for a father's love, finding prestige in good grades and high position. I am no wholly redeemed by the God of the Universe who came down to this screwed up, undeserved world, saw me in the crowd gathered to watch and mock Him as he was raised upon the cross, looked into my heart and said "I want to save you!" I don't deserve anything from God. He set a standard and I fell so short. There is no thing I could ever do that would make me right before Him. But he saved me! He has changed my outlook on life, how I look at others, how I see the world. It has challenged my dreams, it will shape my future. I weep for the world that does not know the Grace and Love of Jesus!
If you do not know Jesus, if you think that Christianity is just another "religion," another way, then I challenge you, I beg and I plead and I pray that you will give it just one chance, if only one. Read just one gospel. Ask Jesus and challenge Him to live up to His promises and even to come into your heart. He will answer! My God does not stay hidden from those who seek Him.
I had a dream last night that my father met Jesus.
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