And so our journey comes to an end as we spent our last 25days in India. This colourful and vibrant country was definitely nothing like I have seen before. We spent our first few days adapting to our surroundings and soaking up everything New Delhi has to offer: historic monuments, spice bazaar, street food, and a multitude of colours and smells. It was a pleasant yet overwhelming experience.
Soon we boarded a 12hour train to the famous holy city of Varanasi. It is considered holy by the Hindu religion because of the river (the Ganges - that is said to flow from Shiva’s head) that could take a person straight to heaven, breaking the cycle of reincarnation. For this reason many people flock to the city to die and be burned on the banks of the river. As we arrived, our team contracted a virus that knocked each member down and out for a few days. With no ministry point, we explored the city and want prayer walking as often as possible (well, those who could walk at that time). The spiritual atmosphere was incredibly heavy but seemed to lift slightly as one moves away from the burning ghats (stairs leading into the river). Every time I came near the fires or the temples, I would start feeling nauseated; a feeling shared by some of my team mates. On our last day we met with fellow believers who had been called to Varanasi. This small community is probably the most positive and hopeful handful of people I have ever met. They are committed to live there full time and pray for the city.
What I learned:
- There is no room to be lukewarm. You are either on fire for the Lord or you are cold.
- The spiritual can affect you physically
- It is difficult to remain in the spirit and battle when you are too sick to get out of bed.
- Other spirits protect and heal their people as demonstrated by the people who drink the death water.
- Our God is stronger
- Even the smallest light will repel the darkness
- Do not enter temples lightly and do not take on things you have no knowledge of.
- I am pretty soft and don’t enjoy seeing dead bodies.
- Trust your instincts
- This is what the frontlines look like…
Varanasi was an experience that I am grateful for but I must confess my relief when we got on the train to return to Delhi. It took my 3days of clearing my traumatised mind before I had the courage to process what I saw and ask God what He wanted me to learn from the experience. I would rather not return very soon…
Back in Delhi we had 3 more days of rest before our next adventure: the Shiloh children’s home in Alwa. This home houses 27 young boys together with a few staff members. On our arrival the boys greeted us with warm shy smiles, strong handshakes and necklaces of flowers (a custom to show respect). After a quick tour and briefing, we got to interact with the boys by playing a variety of games. During the next few days we slotted into their schedule: 5h30 prayer, devotions, breakfast, staff prayer, work/study, lunch, games, evening prayer, dinner, study. It was a jam packet program but we enjoyed every moment of it! Every day we would work out a small program with games (wors, taxi, etc), songs (Olele, making melodies, etc) , memory verses, short skits, and more games. The children were amazing! I soon became known as ‘Olele girl’, because I ‘have the funniest voices’…fair enough.
We spent 8days with the boys, getting to know them and love them. During our time we got to learn more about the Father’s heart for orphans and soon we all became family. It is difficult not to love completely when you see people through God’s eyes. During the mornings we would help clear and fertilise the fields by removing branches or carry buffalo manure. On our final evening, the boys treated us with their own program of songs, verses and a short skit. The evening ended with everyone dressing up as ‘Africans’ with painted faces, leaves in their hair and branches being waved in the air. We all got honoured with grass rings, leafy necklaces and one final dance with our brothers. As we said our goodbyes while exchanging notes of encouragement and hugs, we all had to swallow back tears. I don’t think any of us will ever forget those faces.
What I learned:
- Starting the morning with prayer is important
- Do not be afraid to love. Give it you all.
- God is a good Father, that is all that matters
- Do not get caught up in the injustice of the world. Love and leave the justice to God.
- If there is a soccer game, join it!
- You don’t need balloons and decorations for a party. Leaves and branches work just as well!
- Be thankful always
As we headed back to Delhi, reality dawned on us: this was our last ministry point. We are going home. One day in Agra to see the Taj Mahal and the to do list was complete. So we embarked on a 33hour train ride to Mumbai, from where we board our first flight home…
Looking back it is clear how much we grew and how God has changed us as we got to know Him better. This has truly been an adventure. But it is not over. The next chapter is about to begin and as we look forward to going home, we will not forget the people we met and the nations we have come to love. What lies ahead is an extension of the adventure with more things to learn and people to love.
God is good. All the time. 
Adventure awaits.
To be continued…
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