The past few days here have been a bit different than usual. Yesterday Laura and I got to spend some time with the orthopedist. It was a ton of fun because I got to learn how to put on and take off a cast! The saw thing was a bit intimidating at first but I'm sure I'll get used to it after a while. We also got to see a couple of surgeries. Honestly, this was a bit frustrating because we didn't really know what was going on since all the doctors were speaking Hindi.
It has been fun getting to know one of the junior doctors here. He has finished medical school but not finished the rest of his training. The whole medical school process is quite different here than in the US. Anyway, it has been great because he is around our age and can speak English pretty well. Today the three of us went to some local schools and saw patients. It was interesting to see the infirmaries here in India. All the students sleep on metal bunk beds placed in rows. One of the nurses told us that the kids have to take all their medicines in front of the nurses. Apparently, the students have been known to throw their pills out the windows when the nurses aren't looking because they don't like the bitter taste :)
This morning it rained like crazy. I've heard that monsoon season is coming early this year, so we got a little taste of what June will be like. After the rain, the sky cleared up and the fog that usually hangs over the valley below us was gone. Instead of going to the hospital this morning, we hiked up to the other side of the mountain and got to see snow-covered peaks of the Himalayas! It was stunning.
In several ways, India is anything but comfortable. As foreigners, Laura and I are constantly out of our comfort zone whether it is emotionally, spiritually, or physically. Sometimes I catch myself wishing I was back home sleeping in my own bed or just able to wear normal American clothes. I keep thinking "I don't belong here. I'll be home (where I belong) in a couple of weeks." After thinking more about this, I began to see that God is showing me that India is just a metaphor for the world as a whole. In fact, Christians don't belong here at all! We are only visitors. I should not always bank on the fact that soon I'll be back in my comfort zone. I should want to be challenged. It is the only way I'm going to grow stronger in my faith! Just some thoughts I've been having recently.
I hope things are all well and good back in the states! Please keep the prayers coming :)
Kelli
It has been fun getting to know one of the junior doctors here. He has finished medical school but not finished the rest of his training. The whole medical school process is quite different here than in the US. Anyway, it has been great because he is around our age and can speak English pretty well. Today the three of us went to some local schools and saw patients. It was interesting to see the infirmaries here in India. All the students sleep on metal bunk beds placed in rows. One of the nurses told us that the kids have to take all their medicines in front of the nurses. Apparently, the students have been known to throw their pills out the windows when the nurses aren't looking because they don't like the bitter taste :)
This morning it rained like crazy. I've heard that monsoon season is coming early this year, so we got a little taste of what June will be like. After the rain, the sky cleared up and the fog that usually hangs over the valley below us was gone. Instead of going to the hospital this morning, we hiked up to the other side of the mountain and got to see snow-covered peaks of the Himalayas! It was stunning.
In several ways, India is anything but comfortable. As foreigners, Laura and I are constantly out of our comfort zone whether it is emotionally, spiritually, or physically. Sometimes I catch myself wishing I was back home sleeping in my own bed or just able to wear normal American clothes. I keep thinking "I don't belong here. I'll be home (where I belong) in a couple of weeks." After thinking more about this, I began to see that God is showing me that India is just a metaphor for the world as a whole. In fact, Christians don't belong here at all! We are only visitors. I should not always bank on the fact that soon I'll be back in my comfort zone. I should want to be challenged. It is the only way I'm going to grow stronger in my faith! Just some thoughts I've been having recently.
I hope things are all well and good back in the states! Please keep the prayers coming :)
Kelli
Woooooo! You go girl! It's super sweet to hear how you are doing! I can't wait for you to come home so I can hear all about it...miss you! Praying for you:)
ReplyDeleteLove,
Ashley
Hi Kelli!
ReplyDeleteWhat an adventure you're having! So many new things to see and do, so
many new experiences with a different culture and people.
We are all God's children - isn't God a talented artist?
You tell of the monsoon season--well, we Minnesotans have had plenty of
rain and cooooool weather lately too. At least our snow-covered peaks
are gone for awhile and spring is busting out all over --- we welcome
the green landscape.
Enjoy and take in all your experiences and tell us all about them when
you get home.
Love and prayers,
Grandma Mary Lou
Kelli -
ReplyDeleteI love hearing about all you are doing...and all God is doing in you! I know you will be a different young woman when you return...one more in love with Jesus than ever!
I think of you often and wonder about your adventure. I will continue to pray for your safety...and for your continued growth.
Love you!
- Dee
Dear Kelli,
ReplyDeleteWe missed you SO MUCH at Ricky's grad party yesterday; everyone says "Hi Kelli!" I am reflecting on what you've said, especially the 'beauty beyond brokenness' and 'India as a metaphor' and 'always desiring to be challenged in life.' Watching your metamorphosis from a beautiful, tiny baby to an eloquent, wise and lovely young woman has been amazing for me! Love you, praying for you,
Sheri
Dear Kelli,
ReplyDeleteSounds like an interesting experience! But I'm glad your having fun! It's really cool that your doing this, it's so awesome showing God's love! Anyways we miss you at home, now there's no one to steal the car anymore :) Look forward to seeing you when you get back!
Your Bro,
Tyler