The Formative Weeks

I feel so peaceful and blessed about being here, like it was perfect timing, like we are a part of something big. Some of you know that I tried very hard to come last spring/summer, but I’m in awe of how plans work out the way they’re meant to. With my director, Rebecca, and fellow intern, Ali, I am surrounded by true kindred spirits, and we find ourselves equally on the brink of many possibilities. I am so thankful that I get to be apart of such a formative time for Rescue Arts.

After several years of temporarily staying at Project Rescue homes around the country, Rebecca is seeking to establish a permanent presence in New Delhi. We hope for a new PR home here in the future, but in the meantime, we are working hard to network with other NGO’s and social workers in the area, specifically those who run children’s programs in the RLD (Red Light District), to see how we can encourage and help through ESL and the arts. Moreover, we have connected with a young woman who puts on theater productions with kids from the slums, many of whom work "night jobs" as prostitutes. The first "Going Solo" project will cast thirty kids in an Indian adaptation of Oliver Twist, weaving the kids' personal stories into the fabric of the play. Though we will still visit some of the Homes of Hope in other places, the ultimate goal is to leave something permanent in Delhi, and it is a goal we are willing to works towards only knowing a step or two ahead. “I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths I will guide them.”

This is the most exciting yet humbling part for me! I was drawn to India for specific reasons in my mind—and while those will be realized—how much more will open up! How much more does He have for us! That is the beauty of this faith journey, but it requires us to be still, patient, and willing. Example: I am going to offer a creative writing elective to some home-schooled international kids in the area – who knew? Why? Because it’s a need that I can EASILY meet! And I’m thankful for this gift of familiarity.

This verse describes how Rebecca, Ali, and I feel right now: “Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.” Right now, all of our ideas, possibilities, and contacts have been thrown into a swirling heap without shape. But there is a huge sense that hovering over it all is the Potter at his wheel. We can just feel the initial, quiet, graceful—yet authoritative-- movement of his hands.

Pray for us!

Getting Oriented in the Orient

I made it! The flight was pretty easy and comfortable, and I got to sit with fellow intern Ali (also from NJ). I think the hours spent twisting around in our seats, watching movies, and sleeping with our mouths hanging open really built a foundation for our friendship :) We were greeted at the Delhi airport with a cheerful hug from Rebecca, our 28-yr-old director and housemate. Her flat is in South Delhi, and is the 3rd floor of an apartment building. It has a few balconies and roof access, and sits in a nice little neighborhood centered by a park. When I need ironing, I can go outside to the press-wala who will “press” my clothes. AND there’s a good humor type guy with a cart of popsicles and ice cream, too. What more could one ask?

Now that most of jet-lag has passed, I am settling into a routine that looks mostly like this: kabi kabi (sometimes) go for a jog by 6:40 around the park with the roommates, officially begin the day at 7:45 with orientation; i.e. discussion and prayer. Then, run errands or study. Lunch. 3 Hours of Hindi class (it’s fun—there are people from all different countries there), dinner, hang out / wrap up work. I’ve hardly had to eat Indian food yet!

My life in list form:

Things to get used to:
When I got picked up at the airport, I went to get into the front passenger seat in the car. I walked around toward the door and had an awkward moment with the DRIVER. Oh, right.
In the morning, guys pulling wagons around the block yelling “???iiiuuuuuhh!” I think they’re selling fruit and veggies.
Being followed in the market by people selling the most useless items…like square pieces of leather.
A series of mini-heart attacks anytime we get driven somewhere. There are no lanes, or adherence to any seeming rule, except “get out of the way,” and the cows get first priority.


Special Blessings:
“bottle-nipple and fruit/veggie liquid cleanser.”
The Big Chill Italian restaurant!
that I can have the prettiest, cheapest wardrobe ever in my life! ;)
“Yuni-net” – an online group of internationals in New Delhi where people can ask questions and post info. We plan to ask where we can take Punjabi/Bollywood dance lessons soon.
The American family living below us with a wife who always offers us food, a cutie-pa-tootie toddler, and two teenage daughters who can bargain like OJ Simpson can lie. (But yes mom, I am cooking for myself too and “contributing”)
That Rebecca owns all seasons of Friends
AC window units
The beautiful singing voices of my roomies!

In other news: Mai Hindi seek rahee hu (I am learning Hindi!) Please pray for smooth acclimation and mental preparedness for what’s to come.

I am trying to have the attitude of Amy Carmichael when she came to India about a century ago:
“Where he led, she’d follow; and what he fed, she’d swallow.”

On a lighter note:

“I go to seek a great Perhaps.” Francois Rabelais (err, I don’t really know who that is.)
“And now, Harry, let us step out into the night and pursue that flighty temptress, adventure” - Dumbledore
“It’s a dangerous business, stepping out your front door. You never know where’ll you’ll be swept off to.” – Bilbo Baggins

He goeth before…