Bethlehem Lutheran Church

All 15 of the Indian sojourners have returned home safely, and each of us will never be the same again. As we sift through the many stories and images bestowed on us, we have much to process and pray their me ears to listen and eyes to see. We desire to share, so that you too may experience our journey, even just a little. But we know there is more to tell then time to hear, and our lives are quickly becoming saturated with the demands of home life, work life and social life. If we don't articulate our stories or find someone to receive them, they may be threatened by cobwebs and shifting to the back of our minds. I am hopeful, however, that because our hearts were so touched, we will not forget the images of Christ throughout the diverse country of India. Each day since our return, I wake to dreams of a country that received with humble and open arms, never impatient or offended by my ignorance, complaints or selfish desires. The people of India, especially the staff and students at LPGM's schools and libraries, J.P. and Nikkolai at Quod Vadis, Ruth, Joseph and Thomas, Beulah and Elizabeth, were so hospitable I cannot find enough words to communicate my thanks. As I grapple with processing my individual experience and take responsibility for processing our collective experience, I have assigned each sojourner the task of writing, in 200 words or less,their India story. It is their opportunity to give witness in faith and to those who were unable to take this journey personally. So here is my first stab. It will change over time, I suspect. And I am not quite satisfied with all of it. I know there is a lot missing. But it is a place for me to start and for you to consider entering in. If you choose to hear more, don't hesitate to inquire - of me, of Pastor Chris, Kim Dickey or Ann Senne, or of the young people, who probably have a whole different perspective all together! This fall, we will share our images, crafts and stories of India's vibrant beauty, while giving thanksgivings to God for blessing us that we may be a blessing for others! 200 Words Or Less, By Mandy (My humourous take) In India, I: Was overwhelmed by my senses, from delightful to putrid, burnt to sweaty, tart to spicy, shocked to rejoicing, laughing to crying; Was blessed by a Temple elephant; Practiced yoga in the shadow of Shiva's mountain; Walked the sacred path of a famous Hindu guru; Body-surfed in the Bay of Bengal; Cuddled the gift of two baby chickens while insisting I couldn't bring them home; Lost 10 pounds to India illness (gained 5 back on American soil); Sat in the Holy of Holies with Sanskrit blessings offeref by the High Priest; Had my nose pierced by a village elder (50 cent charge); Dressed in a sari by my friend, Beulah; Fell head-over-heels for my dear friend, Ruth; Shed tears upon a rose petaled procession at Park Town School; Gave thanks for the gift of Nan & Dave Grube; Discovered a Cuban peso it hand full of Indian coins; Learned that I really don't know much; And humbly, Saw Jesus looking back at me in every face of the Indian people. Now at Home, I am: Still overwhelmed; Grateful for my country & family (Kristoff & Russell); Called to share my Indian stories; Compelled to act in faith; Praising my Creator & Savior; And, Changed forever.