Peter(In)dia

The last post from India (possibly)

I’m spending my last couple hours in Mussoorie typing on the EMI office computer trying to think of a clever or interesting post to write before I travel back home. After tonight’s train to Delhi (we get in around 6am Tues morning), a day wandering Delhi, and a 1am takeoff Wed morning, I’ll be homeward bound.

Since I know once I get back home I won’t have as much time as I would like to type out updates, I’ll do a fast one over the busy last week I had here.

Wednesday’s last English lesson was such a great encouragement. We got to give Vijay and Raju the dictionaries and NTs. But what was even better was being able to talk to Raju (Vijay mostly listened in) about religion in general and share the gospel during that time. He has a very universalistic thought on God, and I know there is still work to be done by the Holy Spirit, but there is definitely an interest in their hearts and hope for God to work in both of their lives, whether it’s through the Word we gave them or not.

The last cell group was great too, as the interns and myself were prayed over and given words of encouragement. I’ll be missing the group and the incredible community they provided me while I was here.

Thursday was off to the village with Jenny (some of the other teammates went Wed) for Lackie’s wedding! After setting up my tent, I just spent the day relaxing, reading, and playing with some of the kids that came down. We were at a further campsite since the one we’ve been camping in the last few times is really close to the village and thus really loud from all the weddings, haha.

Friday was mostly spent at the campsite during the day. I went into my tent to QT (as it’s gotten pretty cold so the tent is perfect temperature when the sun’s out), and when I came out everyone was gone doing other things. So I just stayed around to read more (just finished “Challege of Jesus” by NT Wright that I bought at Urbana. Pretty interesting view.) After dinner we went up to see some of the villagers while some “pre-wedding festivities” (read “drinking”) were going on with some who had come to the wedding early. Nevertheless we were still able to have a small fellowship time at Rakesh’s, with Chandra talking about how Jesus’ death was once and for all and doesn’t need to be repeated like the puja is here (puja is the idol worship they do, which is especially high during weddings.) One of my most joyful moments was seeing the kids not accept the food that a puja was done over, especially Rakesh’s mom! The night Meena verbally confessed Christ, Rakesh’s mom also said she would, but I didn’t hear her say anything, so I wasn’t sure what was up. But to see her refuse the puja food the multiple times it was offered, was so encouraging!

Saturday Chandra and I marched down w/ the “bride brigade” as I like to call it. The groom’s side goes down to the bride’s and they do a ceremony in that village, have lunch, party, etc. It was a long walk (stopping multiple times for people to dance using music from a ghetto megaphone hooked up to a small electric keyboard. Sounds awesome, yeah? You’re correct.) It was cool to experience the whole thing and to see what happens and the culture that surrounds it, but still unsettling just how strong of a grasp Hinduism has. Chandra and I left a little early to go back to the camp site and rest. In the evening we went up to the village (the one we usually go to) to celebrate with the groom’s side. By this time everyone that was down at the bride’s side of the wedding was up there. Usually this process takes 2-3 days, but they condensed it into one. It was fun to dance and eat with them. Garwhali people can flat out party, it’s impressive. It was again so great to see the kids we do fellowship with not accept puja food or have tillaks on their heads (tillaks are the red dots Hindus place on their foreheads.) Afterwards I was able to say goodbye to some of the kids and head back. Sad to go, but so so hopeful in what God is doing there. We truly worship a big and powerful God.

Sunday started off around 530am to pack up and get a taxi back before church. The taxi was late as usual, but luckily we made it back in time for church. Rakesh and a few of his friends came down too, to attend a Christmas program Pratim’s church was putting on. One of them wasn’t a believer (they call him “Mr.America” because he’s always playing American music. I heard more Justin Beiber than I thought was possible for a human to handle.) Church was great and filled with joyful goodbyes knowing God was amongst us and going to be with us whereever. The afternoon was spent shopping for last minute gifts and then the evening was dinner at the Franks (one of the staff families at EMI.) Awesome time of fellowshipping w/ the interns and talking about the things we’ll be facing during our time back. Lots of laughs shared. These guys have been a huge blessing.

Today has basically been packing in the morning, EMI in the afternoon. And now I wait until the Franks and I leave for Delhi (my leaving and theirs coincided, so we have friends on the trainride down.) Sprinkled throughout was saying goodbye to all the wonderful friends, brothers, and sisters God’s place in my life during my stay.

To try to write a nice sentimental reflection post would be foolish and shallow since I haven’t had ample time to process through everything. So I won’t. But I will say one thing.

Amongst all the stuff that’s happened here, physically, spiritually, and emotionally, there is one overarching truth that I’m just now starting to realize how undeniably sovereign it was and is.

My God is faithful to no ends, and goes after His people with a love that is treacherously ferocious, comforting, and all encompassing. For that I am thankful.

Pictures and maybe another post later since I think I might have internet in Delhi. We’ll see.

Otherwise, please be lifting up my travels back and my transition at home. See ya’ll in Austin soon!