9/12/08 Thursday 9:35 pm 09/15/2008

         We arrived in Nainital this morning at 8ish. It was my first experience in an overnight economy class coach cabin. I was apprehensive from the get go. As we entered the train, I realized that most of the cabin was filled with World Vision staff. I sat on one of the benches for a long while, quite still, observing the goings on. Everyone was snacking away. I have to say since I’ve been in India I have less of the munchies. My plan was drink little to nothing if possible. This was to avoid using the restroom on the train. We had dinner before we left the house so I was set for the night. If I didn’t eat then I wouldn’t be thirsty. An hour in everyone started unfolding the benches that turn into sleepers. I had the hardest time deciding where to sleep, the very top bunk or an aisle bunk. Either way I was preparing for a very restless night. I was afraid I would roll off the aisle bunk but if I went with the top bunk I was afraid of mosquitoes. I decided to go with the top becoming after flip-flopping about it in conversation with Saumya. She could tell I was apprehensive about the whole situation. I tried to stay awake as long as I could so when I got to my bunk I would be too exhausted to over analyze my surroundings. Finally sleep weighed heave on my eyes. I hoisted myself up onto the top bunk. When I got up to my bunk I realized the ceiling fan was inches away from me. I pictured myself turning over and getting my fingers caught in the fan. Yikes! I pulled out my bed sheet and made myself a little cocoon. Two thoughts crossed my mind: 1.“This is going to be one interesting night” 2. “If my parents only knew what I was doing”. I woke up pretty often, usually at every stop. My back was killing me at times. On top of that I was paranoid about my laptop so I slept with one hand on holding to the case. Around 6 am the “chaiii-aaaahh, chaiii-aaaahh!” began. Unbelievably annoying to say the least. The tea guy gets on the train and peddles his tea for the morning wake up call. I wanted shoot someone.

         After we got the Nainital we boarded a bus that took us from the train station up the mountain to our hotel. Ok, I’ve been to Thekaddy in Kerala, India and I thought that was breath taking. This place just took the cake. I wish all you were here with me to experience this paradise. There is no way I could describe the scenery in words. It’s something the eye has to take in for the soul to respond. I left my camera charger at home. So You’ll have to hang on to your britches. 

9/10/08 Wednesday 09/15/2008

          I taught my one class and one clinic today. The diploma of worship and music students are great, I really enjoy teaching them. I had them sing a piece for me today. They have beautiful voices. There are only three students left of the five. I came to find out Rojith does attend NTC anymore. He was a having a hard with understanding English and decided to go home. Samuel went home to visit his mother while I am here. She has been very sick. Samuel was very interested in the classes and was super disappointed that he had to leave. I hope in the end everything will work out for Samuel. For now the three students that remain are making great progress. Aradhana has really come out of her shell. She wasn’t hesitant at all to sing for me. Which surprised me because she’s quite timid. Lazar and Titus have very pleasant voices. Out of all the students I’ve taught so far, they have to be the most malleable and responsive. I also had my regular afternoon clinic for non-music major students. I had a whole new batch today. They had tons of questions. I like their questions because it keeps me on my toes.

         From the beginning this has been quite an experience as far stretching. I know I had to stop talking about missions and get out there already. When the opportunity to combine music and missions came along. I felt like it was something I needed to really think and pray on. I’ve never given classes in vocal performance, legitimately. I had to rise to the occasion and study up. There is so much to factor in when it comes to your voice. Using personal and textbook knowledge I managed to pull something together that works for the students to understand and apply. I focused mainly on teaching them about proper vocal health, breathing exercises, the anatomy of the voice in connection with the whole body and general music theory. I pretty much had to give them a semester class in an easy to swallow 3-week capsule. So far so good is what I hear. Bejoy (the music director) told me he was getting a lot of positive feedback. I was ecstatic to hear the students were enjoying the classes. It motivates me to work all the more harder.

         After the afternoon clinic I stuck around to jam with a few of the guitar students. Woringam in particular is an amazing guitarist. We sang everything from Delirious? to Nickelback and even taught me some new chords. Voringam will be helping me lead worship for Sunday morning chapel service. I’m looking forward to it. Time got away from me because we were having such a great time. I forgot that we’re leaving for Nainital, India for a World Vision retreat. Everyone I’ve mentioned to about my trip has sung the praises of how beautiful it is. If it’s anything like Dehradun then count me in. 

9/9/08 Tuesday 5:30 am 09/15/2008

         I woke up today just as the power was going out at about 4:30 am. I think there is something living in one of my shopping bags. I’ll have to do some investigation. I don’t know why I am up so early. It’s not like me. At least not in the states its not my usual “call time”. The sun is just starting to rise. I’m going to lie down and see if I can get in at least another hour of sleep. Bbl.

         I forgot my camera connections so it’s been difficult taking pictures. I’ve taken a few with me laptop but I’m waiting on a friend to send my power chords so I can seriously start taking some pictures. Since the wi-fi is up and running again I’ve been spending a couple of hours in the I.T. office surfing the net and catching up on emails. I taught 2 classes today. It seems like we’re making progress. I’ve been receiving a lot of positive feedback. It’s an awesome feeling as you watch the light bulb go off in peoples’ minds. Jacob Joseph, the head of the music department here on campus is very interesting. He’s has a great testimony. I’ll have to get him to share it on tape one day.

9/7/08 Sunday “Pray for Orissa” 09/15/2008

      This is an SOS for my brothers and sisters in America. I’m not sure if word has spread to America about the persecution of the church in Orissa but it is very sad news. The Director of Pastoral Affairs for NTC has shared with the campus staff and students that Hindu radicals have killed 14 Pastors. Hundreds of churches have been destroyed. Believers have been chased from their homes and resorted to living in the forest for refuge. The government recently set up refugee camps for Christians who have had to flee. We received news today that now they are being chased out from the camps as well. Many have fled the state to neighboring states. Please keep out brothers has sisters in your daily prayer. Sometimes it can be difficult to grasp the gravity of a situation when you aren’t in the thick of it. Today has been declared as a National Day of Prayer. Everyone can feel a cloud of mourning within the entire student body and staff for the loss. We continue to pray. Please do the same. Prayer moves the hands of God.

         The church service this morning was wonderful. To be honest, I wasn’t looking forward to a 3-hour service but I really enjoyed listening to all the Hindi songs and the message was phenomenal. Pst. Lijo shared from Genesis 1:2-3. He shared an encouraging message for the body of Christ that is deeply moved by the church persecution in Orissa. Even though we may not see or know why the persecution is happening we know that God is still in control. In Genesis 1:2 we read that the Spirit of God was hovering over the darkness. God created Light and separated darkness from light in the next verse, day & night. I don’t know what was happening when then spirit of God was hovering over the waters and from the text we can’t tell how long it went on for. I know one thing if for sure, the spirit of God doesn’t hover for nothing. Pst. Bejo equated this to the situation in Orissa. We may not see what God is doing but he is definitely up to something….pray for our friends.

“Bangles, Dangles and Black Lung” 09/15/2008

9/6/08 Saturday 2:30 pm

 Listening to: “Homebird”- Foy Vance, “Hometown”- Adele

        I woke up rather early again today. Either I haven’t adjusted to the time change or I just miss my bed. I have been without a cell phone or watch since I reached here. It’s kind of a relief and annoying at the same time. I ask what time is about 10 times day. I brushed my teeth and went downstairs. The plates were set out for breakfast. I plopped on the couch and picked up today Times of India. I’d like to subscribe to it for my place in America. Its good to know what’s going on in India since it is such a hot bed for commerce and economic growth.

As I sat reading the paper, two visitors came in. I stood up to greet both but then I wasn’t sure if I should leave the room or not. Sometimes I’m not sure what the rules of engagement call for. The two visitors were pastoral overseers in different areas in India. I had breakfast with them. I wasn’t sure about that either. I tried to wait till they were done but Molly Aunty insisted I sit with them. I was fine with is as long as I wasn’t being disrespectful. One of the pastors was very friendly. We hit it off. His name was Sam Thomas. It made me chuckle a bit. Since Sam Thomas is one of my good friend’s back in the states. I shared that tidbit of information. Pst. Sam Thomas used to be a well-known surgeon in the area. He left his practice to serve in the ministry full-time. I asked if he missed his profession, he responded quite passionately. “I don’t miss it since I have come to find a bigger a passion and that is preparing the bride. I love what I am doing now.” He shared that his wife had passed away almost a year ago from cancer. It’s never an easy subject to talk about. Pst. Sam has two sons of which one is serving as a youth pastor in Chennai at a church called, Asraya. I took the opportunity to share about my friend Erin being in Chennai. He said many missionaries attend Asraya church. I felt a kindred spirit with Pst. Sam. Hopefully I’ll see him again.

 

Went to the city for the first time since reaching Dehradun. We caught a ride with a few other people from campus. It was like a mini Delhi I suppose. Saumya and her mom were my escorts. I got to wear normal clothes today. I was stoked about that. I bought a few outfits to wear on campus. Most salvars come without sleeves. I had to add the sleeves to wear on campus. Which is fine for now. I also bought a pair of Japanese “Converse”. The real Converse they carry didn’t seem to look quite right. So I decided to go with a funkier off-brand that looked like it was imported from Japan. I got quite a steal. Rs. 400. I love the exchange rate. Even though when I came to India in 2005 I got Rs. 48 to US $1. This time I got Rs. 43 for US $1. 4 Salvar kamis, matching bangles for each, two pair of simple brown Bata sandals, 1 pair converse, a sari, a pair of “Aladdin” shoes and 3 orders of masala dosai for my friends and I = $125. It doesn’t get any better than that. We spent most of the day in the city. The pollution isn’t as bad as Delhi but still all the diesel exhaust is enough to make you want to wear a gas mask. We took an auto-rickshaw home. I can taste the smoke in my mouth. Mm MM good! 

Double Blog kinda day… 09/15/2008

9/5/08 10:30 pm

 

 

         I taught three classes today. I have to say, I miss teaching. The students are so receptive and sweet. I love watching them taking in a new idea and watching it settle in as they understand it. A few students stayed after class to chat a bit longer. I’m glad I was feeling better today. I could give more of myself. I was done for the day at 2pm. I was spent. I think at about 3 pm I went to my room after lunch to grab a catnap. That catnap turned into a 4-hour, sweat drenched coma. I had to force myself out of bed. I went downstairs to find Saumya reading the newspaper. I guess dinner was about to be served since there were a few dishes out on the table already. After dinner Saumya and I chatted for quite awhile. I tried to get her to mimic my American accent. Now that was funny. I tried to mimic hers. I think it was pretty awesome. She disagreed. The power has been out since shortly after dinner. We headed upstairs to hang out with our trusty emergency light in hand. She taught me a game similar to MASH. I showed her MASH. Remember M.A.S.H.? I’m sure the girls do.

         It rained for the first time since I arrived here. What a terrific experience! It was more of a light show than anything else. Saumya took me to the 2^nd floor deck or terrace, as they like to call it here. We could see the lightning create beautiful silhouettes of the mountains that enveloped the campus. The sky displayed beautiful shades of purples. The wind is blowing through the trees. It sounds like the ocean is right outside my window. I have my curtains pulled back to let in crisp cool breeze. I don’t feel sleep setting in any time soon. Everyone has gone to bed. Saumya invited me to her room to chat. I might just stay in my room and read under the emergency light and listen to the wind. I’m diggin’ this.  

9/5/08 Friday 5:30 am? 09/09/2008

         Yes. 5:30 am. If there’s one thing I am not fond of is being awake when I could be sleeping. So lets cut to the chase. “Why are you up so early, Liz?” Oh just wanted to get up early and see what the rest of the world is doing at 5:30 a.m. (insert laugh track). I woke up to a full on bug take-over on my bed and BODY. Talking about it is making me creep out right now!

         The passed couple of days I’ve slept with the light on. It’s just until I’m comfortable with the room. Every night I usually wake up to turn over and I’ll turn the light off and go back to bed. I did this last night. I think at about midnight. (deep breath) Later that night, I woke up to the feeling of something cool on my arm. I felt it with my other hand! IT wasn’t my arm. It was…a UFO! An unidentified foreign object. I grab whatever is on my arm and throw it down on the floor! I shuffle to turn on a light only to find a cockroach. STUPID COCKROACH!! (best Brooklyn accent) “I get no respect around here!” No time for theatrics. I turn to get out of bed and grab my gun (shoe). I freeze. Mr. Cockroach brought a friend. A green…tear drop of a body with loooong almost invisible, needle like legs and wispy antennae. He’s perched on one of my zip-locks with documents inside. I reason with myself. Should I smoosh the bug on the bag? Or sweep it off the bag and leave no mess to clean up on my stuff? I didn’t have time for rationalizing. The cockroach was still on the loose. In one, clean downward Splat! I take down the green monster! He struggles to get up! I strike one final blow! He’s dead. I sweep him off the bed. My inner dialogue at this point was something like, “phew, at least you don’t have any bugs on your bed anymore! You can relax Liz.” I couldn’t. As long as I knew the cockroach could crawl back up on to my bed. I had to get him. So I grab my second weapon of choice, tear gas(bug spray) and begin moving around my bed slowly. No sign of the enemy. I was restless. I was determined. I looked under the bed. But couldn’t spot him. Finally when it seemed like I had been taken for a fool. I moved a bag sitting next to the night. There he was playing dead. He didn’t move. I got in close enough where I could douse him with the bug spray. He scurried around disoriented. I sprayed again. He ran to the other side of the bed. I ran to the other side of the bed. He didn’t make it over. Then as I turn to go back to my side of the bed, he makes a drunken dash from under the bed. This time I was ready to seal the deal. I sprayed him one last time until he couldn’t breathe, then I stepped on him. It was finished. I take in a sigh of relief but I couldn’t relax enough to lie down. So here I am 30 minutes later writing this ridiculous blog when my eyes are stinging for sweet R.E.M. The sun is dawning. I may have another 30 minutes at the most before I have to get up for class. I’m annoyed.  

9/4//08 Thursday- 6:30 am 09/09/2008

9/4//08 Thursday- 6:30 am

 

         It’s my first official day here at the New Theological College. I think I am pretty much over my jet lag but I am still under the weather. After I made it to the campus yesterday I spent the day re-cooperating. I took a nap but not a long one (3hrs?). When I woke up I was greeted with a hot cup of tea and a new face, Saumya. She is the daughter of Pst. K.J. Kuriakose, the staff member in charge of me while I am here. She’s 16 but very mature for her age. I like Saumya. She was friendly from the get go and we hit it off. I am glad to have her for company. We talked about life, the similarities and the differences as she took me for a tour of the campus. Beautiful. Turns out, there is a Monastery right next to the campus. I could take a rock and hit it from my bedroom window. I am tempted. Just kidding, no but really. I would like to take a closer look though. I hope I don’t chicken out.

         The plan of action today is to jump right into the thick of things. I met with the music teacher last night and boy does he have his hands full. He teaches piano, guitar and theory. The students are hungry to learn but he needs help. While I am here I will be giving classes on vocal performance and music theory to the best of my ability and experience. Oh Lord, help me! I am a bit of a nervous wreck. I hope I have something to offer the students. I heard Joyce Meyer’s once say “do it afraid”. That’s exactly how I feel right now. I feel under prepared but at the same time I know I am here because God brought me here. He made my paths straight in every way possible. I know when I am at my weakest God shows up strongest. We’re a good team like that. :0)

 

5 hrs later….

 

        So I taught my first class. I think it went pretty well. 5 students: Aradhana (gorgeous), Samuel, Titus, Lazar, and, Rojith…. it’ll come to me. They were great. I taught them a few breathing exercises and singing techniques. I feel stupid talking about it but I guess I do know what I’m talking about? Anywho, I will teach 3 classes tomorrow. I’ll spend the rest of the day preparing and trying to feel better.

 

2 minutes after 5 hrs later…

 

          I feel super crummy today. So to try and get my mind off the congestion I watched a few episodes of the Flight of the Conchords (FOC). It preserves its humoristic quality even in syndication on my computer. I can’t get enough of this show. (insert Wiki link) If you’ve talked to me in the past few months, you’ve probably heard me talk about FOC. I am super stoked they’re coming back with a second season. If you enjoy random hilarious banter, music, Kiwi accents, and dry witty humor then this is the show for you. You can find the complete first season on i-Tunes and maybe at blockbuster. Below is a link for your viewing pleasure.

http://in.youtube.com/watch?v=fycGFGSeKpc 

 

Rollcoaster…. 09/09/2008

9/3/08 Wednesday 7:45 am

       The train moves along on a very bumpy path as I take in the views of my window seat. Just imagine the start of a roller coaster, shifty and unsettling. I don’t see anything out of the ordinary. Flats (apartments) of all kinds, some finished and pretty, while other seem like they should be condemned according to American Standards. Make shift houses, clothes lines with apparel of all kind drying in the 85+ F sun. People standing around, people working, water buffalo, garbage, TONS of unfinished structures, men and women working in fields, old abandoned refineries, new refineries, on the roadside a lady makes cow patties almost like she’s using a huge cookie cutter, impressive.

 

Planes, trains, and so much more…. 09/08/2008

9/3/08 Thursday 6:30 am

 

         I am on a train to Dehradoon.  I landed at Indira Gandhi airport around 11pm last night. I retrieved my luggage, which took a good 30- 45 minutes. I walked through the Green Channels to the Visitors Lounge as I was instructed to do. I was to be picked up by one, John Varghese. Only problem was I had no face to match up with the name. This didn’t seem to trouble me. I walked through a sea of chauffeurs holding up signs with printed names. I didn’t see mine. This didn’t worry me. I knew my contact would be find me soon enough. I placed myself in a visible spot and waited. Twenty minutes passed. No sign of a John Varghese-ish like person approaching me. I finally walked over to the Airtel booth and called John with the number I had. He was in the Visitors Lounge. How did we miss each other? Seconds later, here comes a familiar face, Pst. P.K. Samkutty and his wife Anitha. I guess my mom had called them to come meet me at the airport against my wishes. I was glad she called them. It was nice to see them and receive a warm welcome. John Varghese was with them as well.  Apparently Pastor John Varghese and Pst. Samkutty had met for the first time three weeks back. Pst. John translated a message for Pst. Samkutty at church service. What are the odds? He he. I said goodbye to Pst. Samkutty and Anitha Aunty after using their phone to call my mom to tell her I made it safely. The Samkutties made me promise I would come back a day early from Dehradoon to spend with them. I am going to try my best to make that happen. They are good, GOOD people. I should give a little bio about the Samkutties. Pst. Samkutty is one of the overseers for the Delhi based Harvest Time Missions to the Unreached (HMU). Just one of the many ministries my family is in partnership with.  Whenever Pst. Samkutty comes to visit the states he is sure to stop by our home. 

     I stayed with Pst. John’s family for the night. It was nice to be able to take a shower and freshen up. I have to Secret Platinum is the ticket for a long trip like this. No body odor insight after almost 20 some odd hours of travel.