The Plan

My Plan. Now, keep in mind this will probably change throughout

This will be my first blog ever...so we will have to see how it goes. I will be trying to share as many of the experiences and pictures as I can throughout the journey. I should have plenty of internet access throughout so check back often. If you want more details than you can always call rachel or my parents as they will be receiving the majority of the phone calls!

Thank you to everyone who has encouraged me and are praying for my safety and fruit. Here are the specs:
Purpose: Sharing a piece of life with the poor, suffering, and unreached.
Dates: October 6 - November 21 2009
Location: Delhi - Kolkuta - Damoh (MP) - Delhi - Kinnaur (HP) - Dharamsala (HP) - Delhi
Means: Solo Backpacking
Work: Volunteering. Preaching / Teaching. Listening.

Here is a write up that I sent to some of you through email.

The Means: I could not find a travel buddy available so it looks like me, the Holy Spirit, and some helpful nationals will be sharing in this together. The style of travel is backpacking…this means that I have a large pack filled with a few changes of cloths, a couple books, an ipod, toiletries (including actual toilet paper), and a blanket. I’ll be lodging in budget hotels, on buses, and on trains. I’ll be eating mostly bread, rice, and granola with the hopes of avoiding annoying stomach problems - a very real possibility.

The reason: For such a journey is simple: My heart breaks for the poorest of the poor and I have a passion to see Christ gain glory in India. I grow more and more indifferent the more my life seems to be disconnected from the realities of the world. I decided I wanted to reconnect my life with India and explore the possibilities of long-term involvement.

The Work: Although it sounds fun, I am NOT just showing up and walking around talking to poor people. My presumption is that I will achieve the most through learning from persons who have been meeting needs for years. Here is the rundown of my involvement: 1. Spend time with Mother Teresa’s Mission in Kolkuta. 2 Go to Damoh for the CICM’s Youth Conference and do some teaching for the youth and young pastors. 3. Spend a couple days LIVING with Burmese refugees in the slums in Delhi. 4. Travel to Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh where there are…get this…possibily NO Christians at all. I am working with a church here who is wanting to evangelize to this region but they need to connect with at least a small group of Christians but so far there is none to be found. I’m going in to try to find them. 5. Go to Dharamsala and teach English at a tent slum school to children who can’t afford to attend a credited school. 6. Fly back home!

The Challenges: 1. Spiritual warfare. Suffering is not easy to connect to without it emptying your own spirit. Jesus needs to keep my filled so I can be his presence to those who need him most! 2. Viruses. Our weak and vulnerable developed world immunity does not like India. 3. Traveling. As in America, there are always dangers in riding public transportation. 4. Home sickness. I know that I will be missing Rachel and my family like mad…especially when I get lonely in crowded buses and dingy hostels.

So there you have it! Over a year of planning and anticipation has gone into this…and I feel very confident that God will do work on my own life through this experience. I just pray that He might use me in great ways along the way. Hey, i’m just going to try to love people along with way and tell them why I love them.


Please pray for me. Pray for the poor and suffering all around the world!

---

---