Yesterday we flew from Chicago to Delhi. That was a different experience for all of us. When we arrived, the city gave us a new smell to ponder and acquire. A sweet, acrid odor filled with smoke from all the clean-up and evening meals. This is all part of the Indian experience.
Just like on the flight (or a 5-ton in the Marine Corps) there will be times of discomfort. If we focus on this discomfort we will see, feel, and know more discomfort, but if we take the opportunity to focus on God, we will see His Holiness. It is a choice we all have. Let Christ's sacrifice be a gift for our hearts and minds.
Seek-Be-Praise
As we seek God, He will reveal Himself. Let us not squander His presence in our lives, but be with Him, in Him, and for Him. Our daily prayer and praise to God will not only change our lives for the Good, But will move others toward His unending love.
Today in Delhi was filled with God and Relationships. Starting our day with a prayer and some quiet time with God, we soon were swept into the incredible movements and sounds of the city. Tony, Marty and I walked the local blocks of the city to observe the morning bustle, which much to my suprise starts out slow...sort of like a rockstar's life, the city doesn't really get moving until 10 or 12. :)
Delhi is the Capitol. Also a cornicopea of sounds. A cacaphony of car horns, cries, careening buses, careful beggars, careless taxis, clucking children, kids at play, clowning street kings, crowded corners, caravans of tour, kind guides, kindered thoughts, and colorful surroundings. These sights and sounds fill the eyes and ears with an enigma for westerners, but the enigma is unlocked and easily travelled for the locals--Indians with the deepest understanding of city life, present here for long enough to become wise patrons.
We visited the parliament, and other capitol buildings today. They are immense and impressive, just as our capitol buildings; however, there was real wonder and awe when we visited the people that made up the Indian infantry at the Indian memorial. These soldiers were of thehighest quality. Hand-picked by the leaders from each of their regiments. The amazing part of this ceremony is the flawless performance of the ceremony to uphold the men who died in past wars for not only their own country, but for our country and many other allied forces. I am a Marine. I understand drill, order, and attention to detail. These soldiers were of the utmost regard. We talked to James Stephen, a Christian soldier who had been shot twice, and received other honors and medals for his exemplary performance within his unit(s). He explained the ceremony, the dress, the drill, and other interesting viewpoints and knowledge, only an infantryman would understand.
Ian commented how this was one area, where there was real and true unity among the many diverse states, cultures and regions of India. I concurred, and thought how "tight" is was that they all had a small difference in attire to tell them apart, a different fighting style, and different backgrounds, but they are all fighting for the same thing.
How cool would it be to initiate a revival through their ranks, or even just realize that conversion to Christianity is possible, because of this display of unity. This was on my heart and mind, as well as on the hearts and minds of others in the group as we ventured slowly through traffic toward the Burla temple. This temple displayed a picture, which explains the Vedas in one scene. It show the path to liberation with the cosmic universal being. This path can be found through reigning in the five senses and gaining knowledge, wisdon, self-discipline and then, finally creating a transcending inner consciousness to the outer or universal consciousness. The temple shows many different gods but tells of a monotheistic theme within Hinduism--not sure how that works? It is very confusing to a western Christian, with only a little knowledge of "The Gita" and the vedas, but if you can grasp the outline of the Hindu religion, it is a works religion. This saddens me, because of my knowledge and proof of Christianity, of which I have been honored to obtain. It also gives me hope. If the people can believe and understand this, it should be easy for a hindu to "realize" the truths and saving qualities of Christ. The only sticking point is the familial culture and taboo "to dos" of this wonderfully diverse country. I would never want to force anyone into my faith, but through the choice Christ gave me to show his character, I would love to think the conversion would be a natural choice for anyone to make.
After the temple we met in the cab, honking and grinding back to our hotel, where we will chill out, write in our journals, eat, and prepare the next leg of our journey. Delhi to Putna, and then Putna to Raxaul. Thank you for your support and prayers.
Our Love with His Love,
The India Team
