Advertisement
Published: July 26th 2010
Edit Blog Post
Indian Street
Typical city street which contains many homes Hi,
Bronagh today. I’ve had the day off and while Stephen has been at Bible college I have had some time to process a few things in my head. Please forgive the rambling that comes later but it’s my way of processing. I’ve included a few photos for light relief!!
Things are continuing well, we are in the middle of a holy month for ‘Tamilian’ Hindu’s in which they worship extensively in the temples. Already we have seen many Hindu parades, women having sacrificed their hair and the temples bulging to the brim with worshippers. The culture has so many layers to it. Just when you think you are getting an inch of understanding, the rug is quickly pulled out from under you. We have to remain tactful at all times.
For example, we had taken one of the guest lecturers for lunch and were having quite an in-depth discussion about the culture and Hinduism etc while eating our meal. However we quickly became aware that a number of the waiters were standing close by and seemed to be cleaning tables that did not need cleaning etc. We watched rather cautiously as they spoke to one another and
Hold on tight
City workers making sure they aren't late. Wouldn't want to be stuck inside trying to get off took it in turn to come to our table. Now it could be that we are foreigners and they were curious or it could have been that they overheard a bit of the conversation and didn’t like it. Nonetheless we won’t be returning any time soon to find out!! Besides, my “cooked” chicken was raw so I think that’s ample excuse!
I have debated within myself about whether to share this so publically or not, probably more because of pride than anything else. I suppose for that reason alone I should. Every so often I lapse into selfish mode and dwell on the fact that I had to sacrifice my summer break to come here. I begin to think of all the things I would be doing right now if I were at home. However I’m so glad to say that God continues to work in my heart, purging out all those ideas of being hard done by. It’s then that I realize two things:
Firstly I’m here as a part of a team. When I made those promises to Stephen, I meant them and I hold dearly to the much quoted phrase from Ruth, “Where you go,
Special Delivery
Stephen counted 31 trays. Let's hope he doesn't have an accident! I will go and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and you God will be my God.” I can’t get past the fact that this is going to be a significant time for him, one that will bring about change in his life. I’m excited about that. I want to see him enter into the plans and purposes that God has in store for him, and indeed for us both. So I realised all over again that it’s not about me. My own little bubble had to be burst from the inside and I was the only one who could do that. I feel God’s spirit testing me every now and again asking, “Even if Stephen is the only reason for your trip here, is it enough?” My answer is always, “Yes.” Although in saying all that we’re beginning to see purposes for us both being here.
Secondly, my sacrifice is nothing when I consider what Jesus sacrificed for us. He invested His life into others, proving to them that they had value, worth and an eternal purpose. It’s my job to remind myself of that level of sacrifice every time I begin
'toe'd' home
2nd rickshaw driver is pushing the 1st one along with his foot, in city traffic! We couldn't believe our eyes! to look down and inwards. I realise we are here to invest in the lives of the students and I ask God to forgive me for thinking in such a self-centered way. When I shake myself I realise the incredible privilege it is to have such an influence on others. God had us in mind for this task and when I think of my tantrums I often wonder why! Thankfully His mercies are new every morning because I need them in abundance and besides, He knows better than I do so I’m going to go with it.
I think what it comes down to is trust. I have to ask myself if I fully trust Him. I’m glad to say most of the time I do. I think our testimony over the past few years proves His faithfulness. We had His promises and He remained true to them. I have no reason to doubt them now. For the times I don’t trust Him I need to give myself a good shake and pull myself out of the state of narcissism that I can get myself into. I do count myself very blessed to be here and I hope my honesty hasn’t cast a shadow over what we’re at here. All of this lies squarely upon my shoulders, they’re my thoughts alone.
I know I’m getting the better of it but I would humbly request your prayers in this area. I know that battle isn’t over but I hope to win so we can continue on the next stage of the adventure.
Thanks for your patience,
B
Advertisement
Tot: 0.065s; Tpl: 0.025s; cc: 6; qc: 24; dbt: 0.0297s; 1; m:domysql w:travelblog (10.17.0.13); sld: 1;
; mem: 1mb
Karen Marlow
non-member comment
India Adventure
Hi Bronagh Thanks for your honesty, I will be praying that God will pour out His amazing grace into your heart for everything He wants you to do out there. I look back on my experiences in India and know it was only through the grace of God I did what I did. Without Him I can do nothing. God Bless and protect you both xxxx