jason koster

I read a quote once that 'traveleling is only glorious in retrospect'. This, i must say, is pure wisdom. Even as I look back on the past couple weeks I already begin to feel quite fond of my recent experiences. However, not enough time has elasped for the real experiences to transform into some glorious experience. Already I can say that I would not trade the 'experiences' for anything, but I hope I won't forget some of the realities as well. Take my journey from Kinnaur (eastern Himachal Pradesh) to McLeodganj (western h.p.). Kinnaur is a beautiful region set in the middle of the gigantic mountains, but reaching this beauty is quite an experience. The single lane mountain roads are carved into the sides of these vast cliffs where the drops are hundreds of meters. In ... read more

I try to be quite informed about world issues, especially those involving human rights. But, I quite overrate myself. My first day in McLeod Ganj, home of the Tibetan Government in Exile, was kicked off with in style. I observed a parade of a hundred Buddhist monks and westerners alike walking through the streets holding candles to a chant imploring the world to bring about freedom for Tibet. I knew a bit about the situation - after all, I read a book of the Dali Lama's teaching, I watched the movie 7 Years in Tibet...in fact, I even read the book! So, I know that near about 1950 and following the Chinese claimed to liberate Tibet from its independent government under the lead of the young 14th Dali Lama. Shortly before 1960, under the oppression of ... read more

Krishan - "I too am a follower of Jesus." I entered into the Kinnaur Region of Himachal Pradesh with serious doubts about the possbililty of actually meeting any Christians. There is a church in Winston-Salem that has been touched by the evangelistical needs of Kinnaur and contacted a mission organizaton called Answering the Call who specializes in mobilizing nationl Christians in the most unreached areas of this world. Through a mutual friend I was introduced to the directon of ATC just two days before he set out to Kinnaur with the hopes of finding a strong Christian body who they can empower to do a great work. Unfortunately, and quite shockingly, he returned without hearing even a rumor of a Christian soul. Perhaps I should mention that Kinnaur consists of 70,000, yes 70,000, people who take ... read more

I met a lifesaver and friend on a long and grueling train to Kolkata. Dulip. He is not much to look at - shaggy hair, crooked teeth, slim build, unattractive features. But he is a gem. I was laying on the bottom bunk awake at 5:50am because it is simply impossible to sleep as the boys go up and down the isle calling out for chai. Dulip was on the bunk above me and when his feet hit the dirty floor and his eyes saw this westerner a bright and excited smile crossed his face. I imagine that a confused and skeptical glare crossed mine. But, within minutes we were engaged in conversation and I knew the next 16 hours were going to be grand. Dulip never married, no kids, and he lives in a joint ... read more

My 15 hour overnight train to the epicenter for Hinduism arrived at about 9:30a. I spent the majority of the morning roaming around the ghats (steps) of the river Ganges and observing the multitude of people dipping their bodies into the sewage of a river. The irony of a water polluted with dead bodies and sewage is the same water which is said to cleans their souls and allow them passage into the afterlife. Foolishness. But, after some thought on this I realized that my own faith is founded on a similar irony that I have often overlooked simply because of the it's familiarity. The reality is that our salvation does not come through dirty water, but it does come through a brutal death and blood of our very God. Perhaps the Hindus hear our teachings ... read more