Our Final Day

Arlene and Alice still had a number of things to see in Delhi.  Carol had been to all of the places we were going to go and so she stayed back as we set out on an adventure.

I arranged for our taxies throughout the day.  This tour of the city, our trip to the airport at 6:30 p.m. to go on to Pune, and Arlene and Alices’ trip to the airport at 8:00 p.m. to head back to the States.  Carol’s sister lives in Pune and we are spending three days with her before we return to the States as well.

Our taxi came around 10:00 a.m.  We had a wonderful driver who told us about many things, which as he said, was his job to do, but he did exactly what we wanted.  Our first destination was to Old Delhi and to see the Red Fort from the outside.  The fort is huge and seems to stretch for blocks in each direction.  This fort is from the time of the Mogul rulers.

We parked in a common parking area and hired three rickshaws for the next part of the journey.  The streets of Old Delhi are so narrow that the only way you can maneuver is by food, on a motorbike or scooter ort in a rickshaw.  It is just remarkable how much traffic winds it way through these narrow streets.  We passed gold, cloth goods of all kinds, food, and you pretty much name it kind of shop as we rode through.

At one point we stopped and they took us back another side street where we toured a Jain Temple.  It was quite interesting and began our tour of temples for this day.  After the excitement of Old Delhi we went on to the Bengali Sweet Shoppe where we had a little snack and bought a few things to take with us.

The next stop was the Lotus Temple build by the Bahais.  This is a solemn place for prayer for any who enter.   No talking is permitted or any pictures inside the large meeting hall.  This structure is now one of the most visited places in all of India.  It is shaped like a lotus flower and is covered completely with marble over a cement and rebar inner structure.

Our final temple for the day was to go to a Sikh Temple closer to the center of Delhi’s shopping district.  Here we not only removed our shoes as in the previous two places, but we also each had our heads covered with a gold bandana.  Sikh men and women cover their head in worship.  We entered the temple to hear the singing of the leaders of the temple and to see many people praying as they spend their time here as a part of their day.

Each of these experiences gave us further perspective on the religions of India and the worship experiences of these many different people.  We spoke several times about the reality that there is a measure of truth in what many of these people are doing, and there is great zeal for their faith.  Paul declares however that it is zeal without knowledge of the one and only true God, Jesus the Messiah.

We returned to the hotel by 4:30 p.m. and then finished our preparations for departure.  A light meal together at 5:30 p.m. preceded the departure of the first taxi for the airport for a 9:20 p.m. departure.  Then the second taxi left at 8:00 p.m. for the 11:55 p.m. departure of the flight for the States.

As I write we are still in Pune and we have heard from our two sisters that they are both safely back to their homes.  This has been a great trip and many wonderful experiences.  Thank-you to each one who has taken the time to follow along with these blogs!

Blessings, Ken

Wrapping Up

We completed our time in Orissa and following our good-byes we headed back to Delhi. On arrival I made arrangements for a vehicle that would take us to Dilly Hut (7th paragraph) to enjoy the evening and then on to our hotel. It was easier to go there first, rather than to our hotel and then back to this location.

We met another passenger on our flight from Belgium. She was having some trouble finding lodging and so the next thing you know she and Carol were talking. Soon we had connected her with our hotel and a place to stay as well as transportation to her destination. We knew her only as Karen. We didn’t see her again but we did here from the management that she had arrived.

We ate at Dilly Hut and then called our driver and made our way back to our hotel. Even though we had been there less than two weeks before, all of the legal papers for that stay had already been filed and so the four of us went through the process of filing another set of legal papers. These are required of all international guests in hotels within India. It is part of the process of traveling here.

We were able to settle in for the night and then had a nice breakfast together in the morning before our last day in India as a team. We recommend the Grand Godwin Hotel to anyone who may be coming to India. It is near the main railway station and the main Bazaar.

Another Perspective

For another wonderful perspecitive on this trip I encourage you to look at the blog that Bekah has been keeping.  You will also find her comments on the portion of her trip through Thailand.

http://reachintheworld.blogspot.com/

Blessings, Ken

The Beauty and Need of India

Our trip continued to the temple city of Puri.  This is also a costal city.  We arrived at our hotel mid afternoon and could hear the beating of the waves down at the beach.  It was a beautiful sight.  When we walked down there we saw large waves breaking against the shore and enjoyed the beauty of the moment.  It was like an escape from all of the other things we had seen in the midst of our travels, but this too is India.

We relaxed by the shore and interacted with the vendors that were there to give us great deals on their products.  Unfortunately none of us had brought any money with us and so we told them the same, but indicated we would be back in the morning.  There was a tea man, however, and a man who was giving massages that both gave us great interest.  Soon we had agreed upon a deal with the tea man to cover the cost of our expenses until in the morning.  We all relaxed by the bay and watched the sun go down.

Interestingly it was only 6:30 p.m. and the moon was shining brightly on the water in the midst of the darkness.  To us it seemed to be much later.  Some stayed at the beach and others returned to our rooms to clean up before we had our evening meal.  We were going to leave at 8:00 p.m. for dinner.  We went to another hotel we knew and enjoyed a great meal.  It was after 10:00 p.m. when we left.

The next day our plan was to see the temples of Puri and to push on to Konark to see the sun temple.  You may see pictures of these places in my February 2008 post, “catching up with pictures.”  The next day was an auspicious holiday for the Hindus and there were many worshippers at the Temples in Puri.  There were bamboo fences set up to help with crowd control and keeping the people in a reasonable queue. 

We went to a place on the roof of the library where we can see all that is happening away from the press of the crowd.  It is just remarkable to see the devotion of these people to gods who I believe are false.  The activities that were being done to appease the god’s are as old as the recorded religious traditions of the world.  People are seeking something that will satisfy the need of their soul.

I believe this satisfaction is found only in Jesus Christ, God among us.  The one who came and paid the price for our sin so that we can place our faith in him and by grace receive the peace and satisfaction that we all crave.  If you do not know Jesus I encourage you to find a Christian Bible and start by reading the book of John.  In the pages of God’s Word you will meet the One who can bring true satisfaction and meet your need.

The Beauty of Relationships

As we returned south to our central point of operation in Cuttack we came back to cloths that had been cleaned and pressed for us. What a wonderful sight when you have been on the road for three days! Our hosts have been caring for us in so many ways. We are very grateful.

The next day, two of our team pushed on for England. The plan was to get up and have a slightly later “brunch” and then begin the trip to the airport. We had done a little shopping in a store the night before in the capital city and as often happens a question arose: Why didn’t I get one of those? So we planned to stop at this store on the way to the airport.

It is interesting how close we become to a group of people who we only casually know when we begin a trip like this. This is true not only for the members of the team that come from another country, but also for the team members who are part of the country to which we go.

There were tears and emotional pain as we said our good-byes. One of the local team members questioned me as we walked away whether he would ever see them again.

Fortunately each of the three team members who have left early arrived safely at there intended destinations. Those of us who continue are each doing well. It is very special to develop these relationships and open our lives to one another.

Visiting a Village

The days have run one into the other with quite a bit of travel and very little time to type.  But here I am and I want to catch up with a few of the significant events of the last few days.

We traveled north to Balesore and used a hotel there as our kick-off point to head further north into West Bengal.  On Sunday past we made a trip north and into a village where Christian brothers and sisters had gathered to meet us.  They were of several different people groups but several of the greeting practices were clearly Santali.

Before we arrived at the village we were met by a group of people.  They were there with drums and several other instruments.  They also had water and special leaves in lotas being carried by young women.  The group gathered around us and we walked into the village where the meeting was to take place.

Congested traffic had made us a bit late and so instead of having our feet washed as they would normally do we had our hands washed.  Garlands were placed around our necks and many kind words of greeting were given including a traditional “welcome” song.

We were there to join with them in a time of Bible Study.  Most of the participants in the up front activity had arrived with us.  Four speakers, a vocalist, an area supervisor, and the rest of our team were some of these people.  Following some time for singing our first person spoke, then music, then the second speaker, and music, and the third speaker and music, and finally the fourth speaker who closed out the close to three hour service.

People sat on mats on the ground for the most part.  The people were very attentive.  Without having arranged it this way each of the speakers spoke about faith in the Christian life – faith for salvation, faith for daily living that stretches us to action, and faith that is lived out exactly where we are in life as God takes us where we are and calls us to live by faith.  The final speaker aptly chose to take this theme and make a significant challenge to all in attendance about the application of these truths to their own lives.  People were touched.

Following the service we had a great meal prepared by the people there for all in attendance.  It was wonderfully prepared and served to us as people again demonstrated the richness of Indian hospitality.

Following the time for eating we then were introduced to one of the customs of this community of people as they entered into a dance.  The drummers were in the center and a group of three or four people would form a line holding hands.  A person or two started to sing and there was a rhythmic step forward and back to the beat of the drums.  Further people joined in groups of four or more and eventually there was a large group of people all involved with the dance.  It was a great experience and of course the guests were pulled into the line of those who were part of the dance.  

Travel

Two large four wheel drive vehicles became our homes as we traveled north to West Bengal and then back to Cuttack.  There were seven of us in the one vehicle and five in the other on the first day.  The second day we picked up two more people as part of our group.  Part of the time the car with seven became a car with nine, and then later we balanced it out with eight and six.

Because of the concern related to our presence and it causing any distress among the local population in the cities where we were traveling; the foreign guest sat in the back seat and the rear benches, while Indian nationals rode in the front.  The cars all had dark glass windows so that no one could see in at who was passing by when we passed.  This has been a normal precaution here in this part of the world for the last six or more years that I have been visiting this area.

We left Cuttack around 10:00 a.m. for a 160 KM journey north.  It took us four hours to reach our destination.  Passing through the many towns we likely averaged around 10 to 12 miles per hour.  Out on the road we were lucky if we averaged 35 miles per hour on a four lane highway with a speed limit of 80 KM (50 mph).

As we drove we came upon goats, cows and water buffalo also sharing the road with us, or crossing it.  We came on vehicles coming the wrong way down the four lane highway because of the divide and curbing that made it next to impossible to turn off on that road you wanted to take on the opposite side of the highway.  Everyone just knows what is happening and seems to take it in stride.

A stop for gasoline and a stop to get out of the cars and stretch our legs were the two diversions from the multi-sensory experience of travel.

One other interesting experience in travel was to stop at a road side rest following our trip north and when we started to come south again.  We had had a great mid day meal, but most of us had not had tea.  For most Indians that is something that needs to be corrected.

We stopped at a thatch covered building along the road.  We walked down the side embankment of the road and they pulled out rope woven beds for us to sit on while our tea was being made over a wood fire.  It did not take to long and good hot team was being served to us in small plastic cups.  The only way you can hold them is to hold them around the top rim of the cup above the tea line.  You then just turn your hand forty five degrees and take a sip of what I consider to be wonderful Indian spiced tea – masala chai.

Changes Along The Way

Many of you may be aware that there are tensions here in Orissa with animosity being expressed toward Christians.  We were well aware of this as we came and we have not had any difficulties related to it.  There have been threats however for certain areas of ministry for those who are hosts.  Because of this they made a few changes in our activities and schedule while we are here in Orissa.  Another change also developed for a completely different reason.

The first change that was made is that while we were in Cuttack we stayed inside most of the time.  We were picked up and taken to the activity sites and we usually got out of the car after the exterior gate was closed.  We then were returned to our residence in a similar fashion.  We have stayed behind locked gates and have not had freedom to just roam around in the community.  The concern is not to create animosity within the Hindu community.  It is mainly a situation of being wise.

You need to realize that the event we are here for is a registered event for which the local church has police permission to gather and celebrate in the Prayer Conference.  That is not the issue.  Seven people from outside of this community and nation attending this event, however, calls a little more attention to the event.

There have been no calls for concern while we are here.  Our hosts are just being sure that they do not put us or themselves in a difficult situation.  We now have moved north at the time of this writing and there are no restrictions on our movement in this community.

Another change that has taken place relates to part of one of my early blogs.  I mentioned that one of our team members spouse had needed surgery since we started on this trip.  There always was a question about his needing to return home early.  Greg left for home on Friday.  We were able to change all of his tickets to accommodate this.  It was good that he could be part of so many things during the early portion of our journey.  We trust and pray a speedy recovery for his spouse.  Remember them both in prayer.

One further change relates to us going to and staying at the SPICE hostel.  Tension has mounted in that area and so our hosts made provision for us to stay in a hotel and use this as our base while we are in the northern part of Orissa.  From here we will go across the state border into West Bengal for services on Sunday and then return here before heading back to Cuttack on Monday.

Changes come in many ways.  Some we weather easily.  Some bring a bit more concern.  But through whatever the change may be the solid point of our experience in our walk and relationship with Jesus Christ.  His love and presence is constant.  We trust him in all we do, wherever we may be. 

Orissa Prayer Conference

For two days we have experienced parts of the Prayer Conference scheduled for these days.  The Rev. Dr. George Lucas was the guest speaker.  Those on our team also had opportunity to speak in several different settings.  In all of the experiences we met wonderful people and made new friends.

 Our daily schedule went something like this for each of these days. 

 8:30 – Breakfast

10:30 – Leave for the Church Center

11:00 – 2:00 – Services with usually three speakers as well as singing and testimonies

2:00 – 3:00 – The mid day meal

3:00 – 6:00 – Time on our own back at our lodging

6:00 – 10:00 – The evening service with a message and then a cultural program

10:00 – 11:00 – The evening meal and then back home to our lodging

 As you can see we have become accustomed to lengthy services and a very different eating schedule from what many of us are accustomed to in the west.  Also interspersed in this schedule are at least two times for morning and afternoon tea breaks.

 As a team we are learning a lot about each other as we live in community through-out this time.  It is exciting.

SPICE Hostel

We traveled to Orissa from Delhi, landing in Bhubaneshwar.  There are hosts were ready at the airport to meet us with beautiful garlands.  Once we had collected our luggage we piled into the two vehicles and headed north to Cuttack.  We are being housed in the Good News Hour building and guest house.  There are nice rooms here, each its own bath.  The two rooms downstairs are air-conditioned and all of the rooms have ceiling fans.

After we had settled in to our rooms and relaxed a little we were picked up to go to the Zion Boys Hostel.  This is a hostel for high school boys that is now in its third year of operation.  We drove to the hostel and were greeted by the some sixty residents of this hostel.

They live here and study in the local schools of Cuttack.  The high school hostel has opened the door for high school education for the students who come up through the other SPICE hostels.  The program in Oirssa previously only had children who were in grade school.  This hostel, and one that is planned for girls as well, provides a place where students who otherwise could not receive the same education in their own home village areas, to receive education.

They each introduced themselves to us and then shared a delightful program including singing and drama.  Following this one of our team told about what it meant for sponsors to be part of this program and how special each one of these students were to the people who are sponsoring them.

Part of the SPICE program is the opportunity for sponsors to give an extra gift for something to be purchased for each student.  We happened to be here just at the time when they had the gifts purchased for this hostel and we were able to call out each name for the student to receive a pair of jeans and a shirt.  The delight of the moment was mutual for all.

We returned to our lodging very satisfied with what we had seen and experienced.  Truly the dollars given through SPICE are dollars that are well spent and give a multiplied return in the lives of people.

A day of the Expected and Unexpected

The day started early as three of us left for Agra to see the Taj Mahal.  I tried to get on line before we left, but I had a weak signal and it did not happen.  Greg, Alice and Ken headed off for Agra.  The trip is always interesting as you see the phenomenal variety of “life on the road” in India.  We watched, talked and enjoyed the ride.

 A development that was not really expected at this time is that Greg’s wife ended up with a gall bladder attack that necessitated surgery.  It started on Sunday and by Monday she was in surgery.  Fortunately we have cell phone coverage that allows contact and a measure of support from a distance.  While on the road to Agra Greg and Amy were able to talk for a while.  Pray for them during these days.

 The road trip continued without incident and so it would seem that all was well.

 Back in Delhi a little of the unexpected was happening.  Carol went to request her car and was told there were no arrangements made for her.  She insisted that there were and so the conversation went.  Finally they made a connection – “Oh for Mr. Kenneth!”  The car was made available and she headed off to the airport to pick-up Chris and Beckah who were coming from Thailand.

 Back in Agra the arrangements were all made to go into the grounds of the Taj Mahal.  While walking to the gate Ken’s phone rang.  Carol was at the airport and there was no plane arriving from Thailand.  What am I supposed to do?  Back in Agra Ken sent a text message to Chris and soon his phone rang.  “Where are you, Chris?”  “We are still in Thailand.  Didn’t you get my message?”  Unfortunately I had not been able to get on line.

 We decided that she would come on a later plane that day.  I told her I would be there to meet her.  She was now to arrive at 10:55 p.m.  I called the number through which Carol had called me.  It happened to be the phone of the man at an Airtel Wireless booth.  Carol was still there and I was able to tell her what was happening.

 The tour of the Taj Mahal was wonderful.  It was followed by a good meal and then some opportunity to shop for some of the beautiful creations made from marble and precious and semi-precious stones.  We toured a factory and saw how they make the beautiful marble work.  It was close to 4:00 p.m. and we had a four hour drive back to Delhi so we started for home.

Back in Delhi they had done some shopping and roaming around the streets of our hotel.  Finally Carol and Arlene were just ready to go out for a bite to eat and to find a container to leave some things at the hotel when we pulled up arriving back.

It was good to catch up on the day we each had had and then there was opportunity for a little rest before taking off to the airport again.  This time Chris and Beckah were on the plane and we found our car and headed back to the hotel arriving around 12:20 a.m.

I went to the desk and asked for their room only to be told that they did not make the reservation.  What to do?  The Inn was full.  Greg had an extra single bed in his room.  We woke him up and Ken moved in with him.  they put a cot in our room and Carol, Chris and Beckah shared that room.

Even in the midst of the unexpected, we had a great day!

A Great Day in Delhi

Have you been to the main bazaar in Delhi?  It is a wonderful place to explore.  You will find one quaint shop after another as you roam the allies and small streets of this interesting part of Delhi.  There is so much of "life on the street" in this part of town.  We began the day by walking through a portion of this bazaar.

One of the exciting things to do in this type of a walk is crossing the several lane road that is one of the main streets in this area.  It means a tart out into the traffic and a willingness to keep going and trusting the traffic that they will not hit you.  It took a little doing but we each made it across and then we continued our walk to the bazaar.

We rode bicycle rickshaws back to our hotel and then proceed by car to our next destination.  Kahn market gave us opportunity to eat at the "Big Chill" restaurant.  Quite an experience.  Then after some shopping we were off to some further sites and activities.

We explored the Kuta Binar and the surrounding grounds of this Historic Site.  It was constructed between 1100 and 1350.  Just think.  It was completed about 100 years before Columbus.  The Indian government is hard at work seeking to restore the things that may be restored even as they maintain the historicity of the site itself.

We made a few more stops and found our self in the thick of Delhi evening traffic.  With it all we headed back to the hotel, but not until after seeing the India Gate at nighttime.  Truly a beautiful sight.

On the Way

Hi from Newark International Airport.

Five of our eventual group of seven members are now together.  We will be on the plane within two hours.  Things are going well.  Let me introduce our group.

Arlene Miller is from Elizabethtown, PA.  She coordinates the SPICE Program in North America.  There is always a place for more sponsors if you are interested.  

Alice Andrews comes from Ada, Michigan.  She is a doctor who is no longer active in a practice.  Her travels have taken her many places, but never to India.

Greg Starr comes from Elizabethtown, PA.  He is on his second international trip and first to India.

In a few days Chris and Bekah Sharp will join us in Delhi.  They are presently in Thailand.

The other two of us are Ken and Carol Hoke.  We help to coordinate the trip and make it happen as smoothly as possible along with our hosts in various parts of India.

The next leg of our journey will be a fourteen hour flight Newark to New Delhi.  It really isn't so bad, at least we seem to be taking these flights around twice a year.

Pray with us as we go.  We will keep you posted as we go.

Blessings to all who read our posts.