Looks like jet lag has me awake, so I might as well give an update on our first full day here. The journey was long. We flew from Pittsburgh to Paris, Paris to Mumbai, Mumbai to Chennai, Chennai to Trichy. Our friend, Muthu, picked us up from the airport. The drive through Trichy was full of sights and sounds that we have never experienced before. It seems to be a tropical environment, warm and humid, and there are people everywhere walking, riding bikes and motorcycles, and dodging each other as they drive. This place doesn't remind us of any other place we've been... it's unique. We arrived at the School of Urban Mission in time to unpack our belongings and grab breakfast. Then, went right into our time with our new friends.
There are about thirty people who will be spending time in our cohort this week. Today we discussed foundations of urban ministry, including defining incarnational ministry, ministry with people instead of ministry to or for others, radical presence, calling from God, risk taking, relationship building, community development, and downward mobility. We broke out into groups to discuss practical applications to our unique ministry contexts. Julie did an incredible job facilitating those groups, bringing energy where I was lacking. Some entertaining stories about Homewood and the East End were shared throughout the course of the day. It is such a privilege to be able to share with the world about the great work that God is doing in the city of Pittsburgh.
Our new friends are from many different parts of India and Sri Lanka. We've been working on names and getting to know stories. Julie got to go shopping, and she is the proud owner of four new outfits that are culturally appropriate for this region of India. She now blends right in with the other girls who are here in their traditional Indian outfits. We celebrated a birthday of one of the people who are here this evening. Even though we were tired, we will remember a lot from this day... our first time in India. Today was a good day! I'm thankful that God gave me the energy to make it through. Now, it's off to sleep we go in the guest room of the S.O.U.M.
There are about thirty people who will be spending time in our cohort this week. Today we discussed foundations of urban ministry, including defining incarnational ministry, ministry with people instead of ministry to or for others, radical presence, calling from God, risk taking, relationship building, community development, and downward mobility. We broke out into groups to discuss practical applications to our unique ministry contexts. Julie did an incredible job facilitating those groups, bringing energy where I was lacking. Some entertaining stories about Homewood and the East End were shared throughout the course of the day. It is such a privilege to be able to share with the world about the great work that God is doing in the city of Pittsburgh.
Our new friends are from many different parts of India and Sri Lanka. We've been working on names and getting to know stories. Julie got to go shopping, and she is the proud owner of four new outfits that are culturally appropriate for this region of India. She now blends right in with the other girls who are here in their traditional Indian outfits. We celebrated a birthday of one of the people who are here this evening. Even though we were tired, we will remember a lot from this day... our first time in India. Today was a good day! I'm thankful that God gave me the energy to make it through. Now, it's off to sleep we go in the guest room of the S.O.U.M.
1 comment:
So glad to hear you made it safely! When I read your first post, I chuckled because, no matter how tired one is, the first night in India is not one of much sleep...praying for you guys as you teach.
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