This Far

Tourism. Ancient structures. Authentic Indian food. Craft Market. Stranded. Tea. Shopping. Walking. Hunger. Pain. Adventure. Dehli at night. Dance party. Trust falling. Chin art. Henna. Good conversations. Reflection. Not ready to leave India.

Yesterday we spent the day touring famous spots in Dehli. We visited a fort, the Lotus Temple, a tower that used to be the tallest in the world, and a crafts market. On the way to the city, there was a minor occurrence that made for wonderful adventure. As we boarded the train to Dehli, the doors shut and left six of us standing on the platform. The situation could have been stressful and scary, but for me, it was exhilarating, adventurous, and fun.

After making it to Dehli together, we toured the famous spots I listed above. We spent the evening at a crafts market that sold Indian handicraft from all of the states of India. I loved the experience as I could go at my own pace and had a large selection. We ended the evening with an authentic Indian street food dinner topped off with authentic Indian ice cream. One of my favorite parts about the crafts market was the beautiful Henna that was drawn on my hand.

As if the day couldn’t get any better, the night topped it all. Anthony, Luke, Nate, Hannah, Kaleigh, Megan and I took an adventure to the top of our nearly 20 floor building and saw the city from the roof. What an experience! It was cool seeing Chennai from the roof of the YWCA, but that was not 20 stories. After climbing a dark staircase and making our way through a dark creepy room, we walked out onto the roof. Some of us then followed Anthony up a tall ladder to the top of the building. What a rush.

After returning from our adventure, we had a dance party in Hannah and Kaleigh’s room, entertained ourselves by “trust falling” onto the bed, and watched Nate for a long time talk upside-down with his chin. I wish I could explain how truly hilarious it was…but really, you just had to be there.

Today part of the group went to a very interactive museum in Dehli. I am sad that this is the end. All day we’ve been saying how this is our last train ride, our last Indian meal, our last everything. As I’ve talked with some of my friends, many of us agree that we are not ready to leave India. It’s scary to know that God has worked in us here and to also know that it is often hard to apply what has been learned after returning home after a “mountain top” experience like this.

I’m going to miss India. I’m going to miss being with my team members everyday—talking…laughing…all the adventures. I already miss the girls at Home of Love. There is almost nothing in me that wants to return. I value my education and I value the people at home, but more than anything, everything that has happened here in India has seemed right and I’ve actually felt like I was doing something that God wants. I don't want to lose the friendships I have made and maintained on this trip when I return home. I can only pray that He will continue this good work in me at home and that I will continue to be sensitive to His leading.

I serve an awesome and faithful God. My God has led me this far. He won’t stop now.

Oh, that I would be someone who loves to do God’s best for me. Oh, that I might continue to be satisfied in God alone. Oh, that I would be obedient to Him who calls me according to His will. Oh, that I would be a gracious woman of God. Oh, that I would live with a gentle boldness for the sake of Christ alone.

Goodbye India. I hope to see you again. I will never forget you. I will pray for you.