This past Sunday I came to an amazing realization on my way to church. I realized that though I long for my American home daily, I have found three places in India where I truly feel “at home.”
Lajpat Nagar – Our Leper Colony
There truly are no words to describe how this place has become my home. My little corner in the back of our colony has truly captured my heart. I usually spend my mornings with Sadappa, the Leper who I first grew a relationship with, sitting in his box with him. My times with him are a blatant juxtaposition as they both capture my heart and tear it to pieces. Here is something that I wrote while I was there a couple days ago:
As I sit here watching Sadappa sleep, I know that there is no possible way that I can make home understand this place, or this man. I wish that they could, but there are some things in this world that there are no words for.
There are no words for…
The distinctive smell of his box. Urine, filth, rot, and decay.
The look of utter despair etched into his face, his countless wrinkles telling the sad story of his life.
The helplessness pain I feel. The unquenchable longing to do something… anything.
The struggle I face when I realize that reading scripture over, and praying for, a deaf man is the only way that I can help.
The desperation I feel for him to see Jesus… even in me.
However, over the months that I have been here, my ministry to Sadappa has spilled over into a ministry with his family. Particularly within the past two weeks, I have grown so close to his daughter-in-law, Sunita, and she has opened her home and her heart to me. Each day that I am there more of her heartbreaking story is revealed and I feel so privileged to be entrusted with not only her friendship, but some of the deepest sorrows. However, my greatest joy with Sunita has not been hearing her story, though my heart truly rejoices every time she confides in me, but it is in her wary questions about what I believe. And though they are few and far between, I have treasured each one and pray daily for Christ to put a hunger in her heart and a longing for the peace and love which I have.
Emmanuel – Our Orphanage
I can not explain the joy that I feel every time that I receive an unguarded smile or a loving embrace. Seeing these kids slowly open up to us one day at a time has been a joy and a privilege. Initially, any word from us would result either in being completely ignored or in a fearful retreat. However, one day at a time Jesus has faithfully chipped away at their mile high walls and the little kids who used to hide behind them are beginning to peek through. Teaching, which (sadly) used to bring groans of resignation and dread from me, now brings a seeking for new approaches and gratefully I have finally accepted the four hours a day of teaching as normal life. Bouncy balls, chalk, little journals, and games have transformed drudgery into enjoyment. Praise the Lord.
Pastor Lalmani’s
Every Sunday, we have been given the option of going to four different churches. The first Sunday here, I chose to go to the Slum Church and have gone no where else since. Though the rest of our team has faithfully rotated through churches, I haven’t been able to pull myself away from Pastor Lalmani’s family and their church. How it is that I can sit through a 3 hour Hindi service, understanding nothing, and still feel spiritually fed, I have no idea. All I can say is our God is amazing! Aside from the amazing church, the pastor’s family has stolen my heart. He has 3 daughters (Glory, Gracie, and Ruth) and one son (Sam). I love them. Gracie is teaching me to dance Indian, Glory is going to teach me how to do henna this Sunday, and I am looking forward to painting with Ruth. Sam is our faithful translator and is hilarious. Each of them has graciously welcomed me into their home and their family and I love them.
So those are my three homes away from home. It amazes me how I can love these homes so much and still ache for my American home more with every passing day. Both emotions grow stronger as the trip progresses and I know that the storm that will come when the two fronts meet on our departure date is going to be unlike anything I have ever experienced. But God often is found in the midst of a storm, so I am trusting him and seeking to live, letting the day’s own troubles be sufficient for the day.
Thank you for your continued prayers and support, I can not tell you the extent to which they are truly felt and appreciated.
