TI Squared

Piled into a rickshaw with six people and a driver, there was nothing we could really do except laugh. With Alex upfront sharing a seat with the driver and five people sharing the back seat, you can imagine the humor of the situation. Better yet, you don’t have to imagine it…we took a picture. As ridiculous as this scene appeared to us, this situation is part of the normal routine for many of the people here. Needless to say, each day brings with it new experiences and yesterday brought many.

What started off as a normal Thursday of waking up at 4:45 AM and heading to the ministry to Skype with some camps back home turned into an eventful and eye-opening evening. The top floor was packed early that morning with tired yet joyful children. The children waved to the campers and sang a song based off of Psalm 23. After, the campers raised the arms, pointed their palms to the east, and prayed for the children, for the slums, for the glory of our Father. In between the two Skype sessions, Daniel was asked to “entertain” the children. Thus, he did one of those things that he does best: dance. The children were amused by his dancing (for those who want to know, he did “The Wop”). By the time we returned to the ministry at 5:30 PM, many children were asking him to dance again.

This trip to the slum was different in that both Suresh uncle and Latha aunty did not accompany us as they were both busy looking for a building to lease for Sunday morning worship. Thus, we just decided to spend about 30 minutes with each level. The youngest group was first. Their immaturity was prevalent and grasping their attention was, at times, difficult. We did our best; however to teach them English and Math. Confident that they had grasped an understanding of addition, we sang “Running Over”, prayed for them, and made our way to the next floor. The teacher was in the middle of a math lesson with the 5^th graders so Daniel and Alex taught English to the 4^th graders while I aided the teacher. They were learning even and odd numbers, in case you were wondering. I really respect the amount of enthusiasm that these children have for education. Its something that I think we are missing back at home. Tori ventured into our room to tell us that it was about time to head up to the top level with the oldest kids.

As I got up there, I noticed that there were about twice as many people as normal. A group of 8^th graders in the back needed help with math so I made my way through the crowd and tried to explain the concept of Base Number Conversion.

When Alex and Daniel joined us, we decided to start worship. We sang “Peace Like a River” and then Daniel started telling the story of The Prodigal Son while we acted it out. The extent of their attention was amazing, especially since our normal translators were not with us. After, Daniel asked them questions about the story and not only did they answer correctly, but they also seemed to identify with the story. All of us at one point identify closely with the younger son, but our Father, whose mercy has no limits, has rescued us through JC even while we were sinking in the depths of our own sin. What happened afterward was nothing short of miraculous. The principal led the children in worship in their own language. Their passion filled the air as they screamed out “Hallelujah!” at the top of their lungs, hands clapping, eyes closed, in complete reverence to the greater force at work. We all felt it. It must have been the presence of our Father because nothing else could be that beautiful. We left later than normal and without a car.

The principal stood with us as we waited for a rickshaw, but none came. No problem, after about 15 minutes of waiting, a small bus filled with people pulled up and the driver exchanged a few words with the principal. We were told to climb in and find a place to stand. “When in Rome”, right? So we did what we were told. For a second, I thought he was sending us on our own so I quietly whispered to Daniel to pretend that I spoke the language so that we wouldn't get ripped off. At that moment, I saw the principal in the bus with us and allowed my anxiety to leave. The bus made its way down the familiar streets and stopped at a much busier intersection. At that point, we were told to get out. After doing so, we gave the driver 30 rupees and waited for a rickshaw. When one pulled up, I assumed that we would send half of the group in that one and half in the other. Wrong. We all piled in, which brings us back to the description at the beginning of this post. Having reached home, we paid the driver, crossed the street, entered through the door, and ate dinner. In reference to the movie Blood Diamond where This Is Africa (“TIA”) is used, the term “TI²” (pronounced “T-I-Squared”) has become a standing joke amongst the five of us. Basically, we have learned to expect the unexpected here.

On a more serious note, Suresh uncle and Latha aunty have informed us that they may have found a building to worship in on Sunday. They hope to use this structure to build a church. Praise be to our Father! The story of how they came upon this building is another miracle and deserves a story for itself; however, I believe I have finally succeeded in overstepping your previous demands for brevity and will thus save the details. I only ask that you continue to pray for this building and construction of the new church. Uncle talked to us today about his desires to fill that place with those lost souls who do not yet know of our Father and His son, JC. Please pray that our Father’s will be done and that He will send those souls that He was chosen to this place.

Grace and Peace.