This portion of our journey has been head-spinning, overwhelming, exhausting, and invigorating.
But enough of all that. Here are the top five things I’m noticing about India:
1. Brakes are optional when driving in India, while horns are mandatory.
2. Everywhere American pastors go here, they will be given: a) a seat of honor; b) a lei for the neck; c) a bouquet of flowers, and d) a half cocunut with a straw to drink the juice inside. And coconut juice does not taste like the coconut in an Almond Joy. Not even close.
3. Due to the effects of air pollution, heavy rain, and different construction standards than we have in the US, even new buildings look old. It’s sad to look at plaques on buildings that look as if they are 50 years old or more, only to read that they were dedicated in 2000.
4. Where’s the beef? It’s not here. Duh. Cows really are sacred. Get used to chicken & rice.
5. The caste system is never far from people’s minds, hearts, or actions.
There are 12 comments
I still hear the horns from my one and only trip to India (Delhi, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Calcutta) and still reel when I recall the MANY times we were almost in a wreck. Your other four points rang true for me as well. God’s blessings on you and team.
I thank God for using these men and women of God to bring light to a dark world . My prayer is for God’s glory to cover all involved, and safe passage and return.
S.Graddick III and family
You forgot to mention ‘Right of Way’ for animals on the road.
I’m a little behind in reading the blogs, but sitting here imagining what emotions you 4 must be experiencing about now. Your days are filled, long hours, probably tired of smiling at many people, being respectful (and wondering what that might really mean in all the different cultures), and craving some down time for a basketball game or tennis match on TV. A hotdog with mustard and onions probably sounds pretty good about now (maybe no bun or onions for you Talbot, but you get the idea). By now you have begun to get a real sense for the spiritual needs of these people in both India and Cambodia? Or, maybe your thoughts are muddled. We will pray for clarity. I had to wonder if your congregations in the churches were responding to your message any differently than they did in Niarobi? Some people just don’t show their reaction — it is too revealing to them. The emissions issues sound like Africa. The Carnivore Restaurant would not make it in India, for sure. Rest assured, POP this morning was powerful and each day we individually continue to pray for your safety and good health. It is cold and rainy now in Charlotte, but should be nice when you set down here.
Young Coconut juice is an acquired taste. Cold is better than lukewarm (some places will refrigerate the coconut for you first). But the best news is that it is entirely sterile and so effective at rehydration that I’ve heard you could actually put it through an IV right into your veins!
My daughter Jessica just got back from India. Number one on your list was the first thing she told us about India. Be careful!!
Sounds like most of the European countries that I have been to where brakes are optional but horns are mandatory and always look before walking; I am not sure pedestrians have the right of way. We are praying a great success for you all as you are living witnesses for the gospel. Paul would be so proud of you.
Blessings,
June S
Thanks for sharing the sights, smells and sounds with us. Some of us are “visual” and need it. Will be praying for a safe return.
Things could be worse; you could be in Japan!
Hope that the inspiration you receive on your trip provides many beneficial sermons.
Rebecca did a really good job last Sunday.
Lynn and Lynda Parker
Talbot, thanks for the post. I feel like I have been to India this morning. I am in Daejeon, South Korea.
Praying that you all continue to have a safe trip and enjoy the rest of your week. I am sure that God will bless all of you and those that you meet there. Church was great on Sunday too, Rebecca preached a good sermon. Just wanted to let you know.
Talbot and Team,
We are so thankful that you are our hands and feet there. As are so many international organizations. But proclaiming the Gospel is so vital as you’ve touched on the caste system. Jesus Christ is our system and it is a saving system. keep preaching it!
Blessings, Alex