Christmas Census, God’s Birthday, and Brothel Kids

Just a few weeks ago, my apartment was bustling with guests and friends coming in and out. We had momo making parties, a Thanksgiving pasta dinner, and songs by a Christmas tree. This holiday season was kicked off by a joyous Home of Hope dedication and a one day conference where so many people of passion and faith gathered in one place. Then, one by one everyone went their separate ways—first the pastors, then Rebecca’s parents, then Ali, then Adono, then me (to Sri Lanka). The last person to go was Rebecca—back to the US for Christmas. Just as we all departed, the Indian government implemented a new restriction on tourist visas, so things have changed a bit. My apartment is now empty and quiet; my roommate and neighbors can’t return to India until February; I've moved in with some other friends and I've canceled my trip home for the holidays so that one of us would be here. So whether it is through spontaneous or delayed travel plans or lots of paperwork, many of us have had to scramble to act within the stipulations of our visas and ensure our stay in India.

I suppose it’s a bit like the census that was called at the time of our Lord’s birth. It was quite the hassle for Mary and Joseph, and lots of other people, to take those tedious journeys to register in their birth cities and appease the government. (I love how Caeser decreed a census to be taken "of all the inhabited earth." Uhh, Ok Caeser, you go for it.) It seems that India wants to take a better census of the foreigners in the country! I’m just thankful that I’m not nine months pregnant and traveling by donkey. But it’s a bit tough not to be celebrating the holidays with my family and on top of that, to suddenly be in Delhi without several people who have become my pseudo- family. Yet concerning community, I am abundantly provided for. That’s what I love about the Church body! In one sense, I have plenty of family here, and it is a time to foster other relationships and to grow "into my own," and for all of these opportunities, I’m thankful. But I will tell you the one thing that makes it all worth it:

Last week I visited the red-light area school with two other outreach workers as we do every Wednesday. However, this Wednesday was special—a chance for us to share about our Christmas traditions to children who live in brothels. We shared the story, sang songs, gave gifts, cut a cake and sang Happy Birthday to the Lord. We chatted with some of their mothers who stopped by. This is light in a dark place. This is God celebrating His birthday on a street of brothels (which He is delighted to do). This is a good Christmas for me. The thing about the journey Mary and Joseph had to take—the 180 or so treacherous miles—was that God was using them to fulfill prophecies! So all that's going on—the uncertainties in the ministry, the travel restrictions, the changes of circumstances—may seem discouraging, tedious and even mundane. But without a doubt, God is in control. And even if we don’t see it all right now, He is fulfilling a big plan. I would even call it a prophecy. Something like this:

Chains shall He break, for the slave is our brother / And in His name, all oppression shall cease.

I feel really cool because

I'm blogging from an airport on the other side of the world in the middle of the night. I always used to feel this envious sense of awe when people I knew did that. They seemed all mysterious and adventurous. I'd be like, "You're so cool." Well, now I AM one of those people. Except, I'm still a dork. I didn't say I am cool, I just feel cool.

I just spent 5 days in Sri Lanka tagging along with my friend's VISA run. I'm in the airport waiting for my 3:20am flight to Delhi with a connection in Chennai. The terminal is lined with Christmas trees and lights, and that jazzy department-store Christmas music is playing on repeat. Some people would say that seeing a Christmas tree in warm weather next to palm trees just isn't right, but I'm pretty obsessed with palm trees and tropical settings, so I'm alright.

This little land under India is achingly beautiful. Riding in a taxi down the coast to visit one of the well-known beaches one day, Lucia and I both leaned on our elbows blissfully staring at the scenery. No sound was heard besides the wind and the frequent snapping of our cameras, trying to capture, for example, an overturned boat resting on the sand, or a row of shacks right up against the beach. Inward the land is the most lush with green I have ever seen. We also took a day trip that climbed above sea level a bit, where we walked through a heavenly spice garden (good smell) and rode an elephant (bad smell.)

But all of these experiences are overshadowed by that of my last day here, where I was taken in by a local family that a friend in India connected me with. The daugther's name is Michelle also, and we played guitar together, watched a movie, walked around town, and ate awesome food with her parents and sister. I was so touched by their hospitality, and I felt so at home with them, that leaving them I thought I might shed a tear! Despite the adventures, when I think of my time in Sri Lanka, I will think of this connection made. Praise Him that He takes care of us and gives us family wherever we go.

Oh India, so much has happened with you lately, and I've been slacking on the blog updates. Now you are overshadowed by Sri Lanka. Don't worry, I'll be back soon and do you justice.