Intersections: West Meets East

A year ago this week, I stepped on a plane and headed for an adventure to the other side of the world. Up to that point, the furthest I had travelled was Indiana, USA, (seriously) yet here I was boarding a series of airplanes that would eventually take me to India. Leaving my husband and kids at home to fend for themselves (they did just fine without me around!), I went solo...well with the exception of the other 20+ people joining me. I went as a member of a group from my home fellowship with the purpose of visiting extended "family" in India to share "Good News" and bring encouragement to them. I find myself reminiscing quite a bit this week as another group from this same fellowship is leaving and I am left on this side of the world. A mysterious pang in my heart has developed since my trip...one that is aching a little bit this week knowing I won't be seeing this culturally rich land and it's people. Part of me wishes I were leaving this week as well.

India "wrecked" me--in a good way. I doubt I will ever be the same. Just remembering some of the people, their stories, their lives....it easily brings me to tears. And then I think of those that have found the Living Hope, the One who truly has set them free from their oppression...and I cry more. To hear their stories, to see their Light-filled eyes--they've captured my heart. It is hard not to think of these new friends in India when I sing words to songs that say "every tongue, every tribe will sing His praise." I feel as if I was allowed a glimpse into Heaven!


I thought I would share just a few "snapshots" of my experience. There are too many to post...


One of my favorite parts of the trip was spending 3 days at a women's retreat and discovering that there is a common thread that runs through all women, regardless of culture. When it comes down to it, we all love time with our girlfriends; we love to laugh and be silly; we all want to be beautiful and feminine and we all want to be loved. My East Indian sisters were no exception. What stunning, beautiful women and what great humor they showed!


While at the retreat, I remember a conversation with a young girl who spoke English quite well. She was talking about my white skin and amazed how fair it seemed--and in her eyes--was more beautiful than her own. I told her that I thought her brown skin was actually more beautiful and that other American women would agree. As I told her about the tanning shops where women pay to have their skin painted a bronze color, or sit under machines that will turn their white skin a light brown, she laughed, certain that I was making it up. I reassured her I was not. I still don't think she believed such a thing could be true!

One night I was with a group of woman, walking arm in arm with a small Indian woman who had taken a liking to me. She had grabbed my arm and proceeded to walk with me down the path alongside the cobra field (!). There were no interpreters around and neither of us spoke the other's language. As we walked, we each exchanged the only words we knew in the other's language. Then we both smiled, quite proud at our communication attempt. Then this sweet little woman became quite animated. I guess my prowess at saying "good-evening" in her native tongue was so impressive that she thought I was fluent. Suddenly she goes into a monologue of sorts, telling me some kind of story, trying to illustrate with her hands. I could only shake my head and say, 'sorry, I don't understand'. So then, she repeated herself, at a very loud volume, guessing that perhaps this would help me understand better. Nope. That really didn't' help! It was a good cross-cultural experience for me. I can affirm the fact that increasing one's volume really does not help with the understanding of a foreign language. We laughed , hugged one another and continued to walk down the dark path, arm in arm.

The final night of the retreat our hosts had a "garba" (spelled phonetically...I'm not certain of the actual spelling...if any of my India friends are reading, please let me know the correct spelling of this!) It almost looked like a movie set perfectly styled with beautiful Indian women dressed in their brightly colored Saris (sp?), dancing in a large circle under the cloudless night sky, with music sent out into the warm night air over a simple sound system. Lights from nearby buildings helped to guide their steps as women from many tribes and regions shared in a festive celebration. Smiling and encouraging us to join in, they pulled us into the circle, teaching us their native steps, enveloping us into their community. We tried, but lets just say it was easy to tell who the white girls were! Nevertheless, our efforts were appreciated by all, and we all laughed, danced and celebrated our time together.

Meanwhile, back in the city--

Driving in city traffic in India is almost beyond description. I recall the constant beeping of horns, the dodging of scooters, cows, dogs, goats, pedestrians; the absence of traffic control lights, and the many modes of transportation all sharing the same road.

One time we were driving along with one of our hosts and passed their local zoo. We asked "Exactly what animals do they have in the zoo? The animals we see in the street are the ones we have in our zoos back home!"

Street vendors line the roads with everything from shoes, to bags, to fruit, to clothing. The city never seems to sleep...always moving, always noisy.

So many memories and "snapshots". Perhaps I'll share more later. But I'll leave you with these to savor for the time being. I know at some point I will return to India again--maybe next year--who knows!