Thursday, November 30, 2006
Oh wow
Flew into Kathmandu, Nepal, today. The Himalayas spread out before us in full glory and sharp clarity - something Bea says she's never seen from the plane because the air is usually clouded by pollution. By the time we exited the airport, the setting sun was turning the peaks pink and all I could think was "Oh wow."
Tuesday, November 28, 2006
Plans & Steps
“A man plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.” Proverbs 16:9.
Sovereignty. Freedom. Responsibility. Choice. Will. Desire. How does He lead? Is it through one, another, or all of the above? This year we’ve really been learning that He is either sovereign in everything, or sovereign in nothing. The very term ‘sovereign’ does not leave room for any other option. Yet we decide what time to get up each morning, what activities to invest our time into, and what attitude to bring to it all.
For us this week, we faced a few curveballs in our plans. First, we hit many roadblocks in making our way to Nepal – the frustration turned into comedy as we hit dead end after dead end and finally stopped, wondering if Someone was trying to get our attention and send our steps another direction. Well, it turns out that we ARE still going to Nepal, just a few days later than planned, which “just so happens” to have allowed us to physically rest, take care of visas at embassies here in Delhi, and actually get tickets at a cheaper rate than we first were trying in vain to plan. Second, when we got our visa to China this morning, we discovered it will only be valid for 3 months, not the 6 we had applied for. So, we called our friends in China and it “just so happens” that it is actually far better for them to have us come in that window of time instead of when we were trying to coordinate it.
Are these matters of the Father’s “will”? Would we have been “out of His will” if we had pushed through and forced a way to Nepal earlier, or if we had re-applied for another visa when it fit our time schedule? Not according to His Word. But still time and time again we can all attest to making plans and then having our steps “diverted”, often in ways we can identify as being for good. Tonight Heather Malakar gave a study on understanding what the Word says about the Father’s will in situations where it’s not a matter of moral/immoral … a lesson in the freedom we have to make decisions and choices based on the wisdom He provides and resting in the security of His sovereignty. A worldview that is based on the Word will recognize that the Father’s ultimate will reaches far beyond what physical steps we take (i.e., His eternal plan), and yet He is not far removed from our daily lives. He has not abandoned our physical steps and choices – while often it is not a matter of “right” or “wrong”, nonetheless His hand can often be seen through interruptions or derailments of our plans. This is not an excuse to live as though we’re not responsible for our choices, because clearly scripture teaches we are. But it is a gift in this world where changes can be frustrating, tiring, even disillusioning, to recognize we serve a Father who is detail-oriented.
"God's sovereignty and man’s responsibility are asserted side by side in scripture (Acts 2:23; 4:27-28). Whether or not we can put them together in our minds, we must accept both truths.” - Heather Malakar
Sovereignty. Freedom. Responsibility. Choice. Will. Desire. How does He lead? Is it through one, another, or all of the above? This year we’ve really been learning that He is either sovereign in everything, or sovereign in nothing. The very term ‘sovereign’ does not leave room for any other option. Yet we decide what time to get up each morning, what activities to invest our time into, and what attitude to bring to it all.
For us this week, we faced a few curveballs in our plans. First, we hit many roadblocks in making our way to Nepal – the frustration turned into comedy as we hit dead end after dead end and finally stopped, wondering if Someone was trying to get our attention and send our steps another direction. Well, it turns out that we ARE still going to Nepal, just a few days later than planned, which “just so happens” to have allowed us to physically rest, take care of visas at embassies here in Delhi, and actually get tickets at a cheaper rate than we first were trying in vain to plan. Second, when we got our visa to China this morning, we discovered it will only be valid for 3 months, not the 6 we had applied for. So, we called our friends in China and it “just so happens” that it is actually far better for them to have us come in that window of time instead of when we were trying to coordinate it.
Are these matters of the Father’s “will”? Would we have been “out of His will” if we had pushed through and forced a way to Nepal earlier, or if we had re-applied for another visa when it fit our time schedule? Not according to His Word. But still time and time again we can all attest to making plans and then having our steps “diverted”, often in ways we can identify as being for good. Tonight Heather Malakar gave a study on understanding what the Word says about the Father’s will in situations where it’s not a matter of moral/immoral … a lesson in the freedom we have to make decisions and choices based on the wisdom He provides and resting in the security of His sovereignty. A worldview that is based on the Word will recognize that the Father’s ultimate will reaches far beyond what physical steps we take (i.e., His eternal plan), and yet He is not far removed from our daily lives. He has not abandoned our physical steps and choices – while often it is not a matter of “right” or “wrong”, nonetheless His hand can often be seen through interruptions or derailments of our plans. This is not an excuse to live as though we’re not responsible for our choices, because clearly scripture teaches we are. But it is a gift in this world where changes can be frustrating, tiring, even disillusioning, to recognize we serve a Father who is detail-oriented.
"God's sovereignty and man’s responsibility are asserted side by side in scripture (Acts 2:23; 4:27-28). Whether or not we can put them together in our minds, we must accept both truths.” - Heather Malakar
Forts, Camels, & Rooftops
This week we explored Rajasthan with Rhishi, Hetal, Devsmita & Lata. We started in Rajkot and traveled overnight by bus to Jodphur, where we visited an incredible fort that is about 500 years old. Check out the pictures – we wonder whether people who lived in structures like this realized tourists would someday swarm through with cameras.
We then went to Jasilmer (sp?), which is about 100 km or less from the Pakistan border. It was odd to trade cows, tractors, and motorcycles for military convoys, tanks, etc. as our roadside companions. There another fort, accurately compared to a giant sand castle, dominates the desert town.
In Jasilmer, we celebrated Rhishi & Hetal’s 11th wedding anniversary by taking an overnight camel safari. We were granted special permission to go on the “non-tourist” version … they set up safaris for all the foreigners, but the Indian travelers have their own. So we set out to the sand dunes via camel to catch the sunset before turning into camp where we were treated to Rajasthani music, dancing and dinner. We were even convinced to try a dance or two … Hetal is a good teacher! We had such fun with Rhishi & Hetal, laughing (both at those dancing around us and then at ourselves) and playing & ending the evening gazing up at an incredible display of stars … an entire canopy, stretching from horizon to horizon, teasing you with the impression that if you just went far enough to the “edge”, you could simply reach up and grab a star in your hand.
Perhaps to the surprise of our hosts, some of our favorite times have been late nights out on the rooftops of the hotels … just getting to talk through life and faith. The other night we were privileged to share the good news with our new but already dear friends. We explained to them that it’s been difficult for our hearts to watch man made images receive worship. To see religion swarm around us without the personal relationship we know the Father desires with each one of His children. We’ve been committing Acts 17:22-31 to memory, where Paul lays such a strong connection between ways in which man seeks God, and the Truth by which He has made himself known.
We then went to Jasilmer (sp?), which is about 100 km or less from the Pakistan border. It was odd to trade cows, tractors, and motorcycles for military convoys, tanks, etc. as our roadside companions. There another fort, accurately compared to a giant sand castle, dominates the desert town.
In Jasilmer, we celebrated Rhishi & Hetal’s 11th wedding anniversary by taking an overnight camel safari. We were granted special permission to go on the “non-tourist” version … they set up safaris for all the foreigners, but the Indian travelers have their own. So we set out to the sand dunes via camel to catch the sunset before turning into camp where we were treated to Rajasthani music, dancing and dinner. We were even convinced to try a dance or two … Hetal is a good teacher! We had such fun with Rhishi & Hetal, laughing (both at those dancing around us and then at ourselves) and playing & ending the evening gazing up at an incredible display of stars … an entire canopy, stretching from horizon to horizon, teasing you with the impression that if you just went far enough to the “edge”, you could simply reach up and grab a star in your hand.
Perhaps to the surprise of our hosts, some of our favorite times have been late nights out on the rooftops of the hotels … just getting to talk through life and faith. The other night we were privileged to share the good news with our new but already dear friends. We explained to them that it’s been difficult for our hearts to watch man made images receive worship. To see religion swarm around us without the personal relationship we know the Father desires with each one of His children. We’ve been committing Acts 17:22-31 to memory, where Paul lays such a strong connection between ways in which man seeks God, and the Truth by which He has made himself known.
Traffic
“You know how it feels when you just crossed six lanes of dangerous traffic – exhilaration, relief, & a bit of nervousness that you actually made it. Well, I feel like I’m standing in a torrent of traffic with about 50 lanes on either side. Something to dodge at every move, & at times near paralysis. The cars that dart by at seemingly reckless speeds are discomfort, fear, disease, bugs, filth, idol worship - & every few minutes a semi-truck with the power packed question of “Could you allow this to be your life if I asked it of you?”. Of course, I know the answer … I dare not have any answer but yes. I’m not going to lie, I don't want to spend my life in a developing country, but I DARE NOT prioritize the comforts of this world in exchange for the next. And so I stand in the middle of the insane traffic, willing myself to remember that yes, I may get hit by one or many cars, or even flattened by the semi, but that if I focus on that, I will indeed lose my mind. I MUST focus on the One who wants to hold my hand in the midst of the torrent. He can only have my hand if my arms aren’t wrapped snugly around myself … but ah, even then He can still hold me, can’t He?”
This was my journal of Nov. 23. Many, myself included, might look at it and say “A bit dramatic, Brooke, don’t you think? You’ve only been in a developing country for a week, you’re being spoiled with care and attention from your hosts, and SO many have faced SO much worse.” All true. India has struck my weaknesses and left me humbled. I can hardly express how much more I respect those who are dedicating their lives to foreign fields for our Father’s sake. With Him all things are possible. But not all things are easy. Please, think of those you know who are workers overseas – write them, call them, be on your knees for them, read books about their location/people group … just don’t forget them.
This was my journal of Nov. 23. Many, myself included, might look at it and say “A bit dramatic, Brooke, don’t you think? You’ve only been in a developing country for a week, you’re being spoiled with care and attention from your hosts, and SO many have faced SO much worse.” All true. India has struck my weaknesses and left me humbled. I can hardly express how much more I respect those who are dedicating their lives to foreign fields for our Father’s sake. With Him all things are possible. But not all things are easy. Please, think of those you know who are workers overseas – write them, call them, be on your knees for them, read books about their location/people group … just don’t forget them.
Monday, November 20, 2006
Just Diu (do) It
Where South Africa was beautiful landscape everywhere you turned, India’s beauty lies within it’s people. The streets are often littered with trash. Cows, pigs, dogs, and other animals roam the streets at will. Big cities intent on modernizing the country clash with the surrounding slums and countryside. Don’t misunderstand, there is some beautiful countryside here. But the countryside is upstaged by the people. Everywhere you look the people show determination, pride, joy, and contentment. The clothes are colorful, matching the personalities that wear them. And never before have we had so many people sincerely concerned for our satisfaction and enjoyment - not just those we count as friends, but complete strangers, bus drivers, etc.
Our time with Rhishi’s family has been wonderful. There is such warmth here, they have done every thing they can to make us comfortable and at home. They have included us in their birthday celebrations and mourning rituals. They make two kinds of food each meal - one spicy and one not so Brooke can eat without sweating. They have been beyond generous with their time, money, and patience. What a joy it is to be here spending time with them.
This weekend we went to a Hindu temple in Somnath (4 hours away by bus – on the coast) and watched the morning service for waking one of their gods, Shiva. The temple was really beautiful set on the beach, with very intricate design. We have pictures of it on the link. Both Brooke and I were left with some curiosity about serving a god you have to wake up – it’s one thing to hear or read about it, but entirely another to watch it. We have talked a bit with Rhishi about his personal views. He is a good communicator and it is interesting to hear him talk about what he believes. He gave me a book that is one of the doctrines of the Hindu faith. It is very moral, and similar in essence to much of the Sermon on the Mount. We look forward to many more conversations of belief with Rhishi and his family…
From there we traveled to Diu, where you will see pictures of a few Portuguese Catholic churches and a Portuguese Fort. The churches where built in the 1600’s. It was interesting for us to look at them and all the statues of Mary and Jesus and the Apostles etc How would someone who is Hindu and prays to a Hindu idol recognize any difference when they see a “Christian” bowing and praying to a Christian idol? It opened up a place for us to discuss the difference in our personal belief from the belief shown in these churches.
You haven’t lived until you ride a state bus in India. There is no way to describe it but I will attempt. Take a 1972 church bus, rip out the suspension, then take nearly all of the paved roads in the U.S. and make them dirt roads that have been bombed for three or four days. Now while you are reading this have someone throw dirt on you and punch your kidney’s over and over. You haven’t lived until you ride a state bus in India.
Please keep praying for us. We begin the family vacation part tomorrow and Rhishi and I are both feeling ill. Head, chest cold stuff. We have had many late nights here and need some rest, but there is also much to see. Pray that Brooke will stay well. Pray for our next leg of our journey. After 5 more days traveling with Rhishi we go to Delhi to visit friends working there. On the 28th or 29th we travel to Nepal. We return to India around the 8th of December and then leave here probably on the 13th for Tanzania.
Our time with Rhishi’s family has been wonderful. There is such warmth here, they have done every thing they can to make us comfortable and at home. They have included us in their birthday celebrations and mourning rituals. They make two kinds of food each meal - one spicy and one not so Brooke can eat without sweating. They have been beyond generous with their time, money, and patience. What a joy it is to be here spending time with them.
This weekend we went to a Hindu temple in Somnath (4 hours away by bus – on the coast) and watched the morning service for waking one of their gods, Shiva. The temple was really beautiful set on the beach, with very intricate design. We have pictures of it on the link. Both Brooke and I were left with some curiosity about serving a god you have to wake up – it’s one thing to hear or read about it, but entirely another to watch it. We have talked a bit with Rhishi about his personal views. He is a good communicator and it is interesting to hear him talk about what he believes. He gave me a book that is one of the doctrines of the Hindu faith. It is very moral, and similar in essence to much of the Sermon on the Mount. We look forward to many more conversations of belief with Rhishi and his family…
From there we traveled to Diu, where you will see pictures of a few Portuguese Catholic churches and a Portuguese Fort. The churches where built in the 1600’s. It was interesting for us to look at them and all the statues of Mary and Jesus and the Apostles etc How would someone who is Hindu and prays to a Hindu idol recognize any difference when they see a “Christian” bowing and praying to a Christian idol? It opened up a place for us to discuss the difference in our personal belief from the belief shown in these churches.
You haven’t lived until you ride a state bus in India. There is no way to describe it but I will attempt. Take a 1972 church bus, rip out the suspension, then take nearly all of the paved roads in the U.S. and make them dirt roads that have been bombed for three or four days. Now while you are reading this have someone throw dirt on you and punch your kidney’s over and over. You haven’t lived until you ride a state bus in India.
Please keep praying for us. We begin the family vacation part tomorrow and Rhishi and I are both feeling ill. Head, chest cold stuff. We have had many late nights here and need some rest, but there is also much to see. Pray that Brooke will stay well. Pray for our next leg of our journey. After 5 more days traveling with Rhishi we go to Delhi to visit friends working there. On the 28th or 29th we travel to Nepal. We return to India around the 8th of December and then leave here probably on the 13th for Tanzania.
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