Trip compilation in pictures, video, and music

Here is officially the last post of the blog. I put together a movie that really shows what this trip was all about. Thank you everyone for your wonderful pictures!!!

India '10 '11 from Ted Bryant on Vimeo.

Coming Home

Well, we are on our way home now (I’m writing this from the free wifi at Abu Dahbi airport!), but not without a few lasting moments.

I, on behalf of greenLockers (www.greenlockers.org), had an amazing privilege to deliver school supplies to the local school where some of the village children now attend (Life Mission sponsors around 11 kids to be able to go to school there). All I had to do was to mention that I knew Miss Jess and Miss Kelly . . . and they went NUTS!!! I think the conversational English teams are making an impact!

We were also able to witness Raj give away some of our donated clothes and toiletry items to the villagers in need. They especially enjoyed the hand-sanitizer since we had spent so much of the week talking to them about health and hygiene and germs *smille*.

As we were leaving the village, a very important transition was made that I feel is the next step for Kalavai. As you see in the below picture, Raj is making an important announcement to all the villagers that Pastor Sam is going to have a new “assistant” in the village. His name is Sutieeraj and he has been through Life mission training, and he is ready to be the pastor in the village. That’s right. . . . he will be living IN the village – able to lead bible studies, help with our initiatives, and provide a critical link to the needs of the community. To say I am excited about this is a gross understatement!!!

Finally, we left for Chennai and had 5 hours at Spencer’s plaza. We once again ate at Pizza Hut, where we noticed some other Americans sitting close by. We naturally asked them where they were from. . . . ELKHART they said – NO WAY!!!?? There were actually several pastors and people from a handful of different churches in Elkhart area that were coming over to work in several orphanages. This was actually their 15th year of doing this! – Praise God. It was so crazy to meet them and hear what God is doing through them.

We then shopped a long time – most likely for many of you reading this blog J. It was a great time . . . . I always enjoy bartering!!! We then went to bed for around 4 hours because we needed to be ready to the leave the hotel at 1:30am. Needless to say, we made it with a great Rickshaw ride to the airport. . . what a great way to go!! I have mentioned this earlier, but we cannot say it enough. . . . Raj is a true man of God- and GCC is so blessed to have such a phenomenal leader on the ground over here in India. I want to leave you with this image because if you have never met him. . . he likes to laugh –lol!

We know that this "mission trip" is not over, but only moving to a different location. See you soon!
--Posted by Ted Bryant

What a great day of hope

Just to give a quick update of our last 24 hours in the village.

(Tuesday night) Several of the ladies got henna done on their hands, and so when you see their hands all orange. . . you don’t have to ask them what is that!? It was a great bonding experience for the women on our team and the village girls who made the designs.

Some of you might have wondered. . . are there snakes? I thought I would answer that one for you –

On Wednesday we set out to finish all of our projects, and the medical and construction teams worked together for most of the time – it was great working side by side. We had discovered when we first came to the village that there was a man whose grass hut had been destroyed in the recent rain, and so we had said that if we could pull it off, we wanted to build him a new temporary home so that he would not be homeless. Watching this hut go up was amazing, and the man was sooooo incredibly grateful. When we dedicated his house later that night, he mentioned that he was an orphan as a child, and then was married but his wife had left him, and then his house caved in. . . he had nothing left, but now he has hope again for the first time in a long time. He was singing inside his new house most of the evening ;D

We had a series of dedications in the evening – from washbasins to gardens to the homes themselves. The home that we had completed went to a woman named Maliga (in the orange shiny), who is a widow with 6 children and had been homeless for nearly 3 months. She worked tirelessly all week on her home – through the pain of a herniated disk. This morning she could barely walk, but she said to us with tears flowing down her face that she had been thinking about something all night long, she said. . . . through everything, not even my parents have cared about me, but I know you/GCC cares about me . . . . for all of you who have been over here to India to help in the past 5 years, rest assured, they know we love them!

We had a great party around the fire, and we fed the whole village and intermixed with them and ate with them. Though we could barely understand each other, much was communicated – they are so appreciative. I think you know what these are . . . . . . in case you are wondering what they taste like. . . well, you’ll just have to figure that out for yourself when you come here :D !!

--posted by Ted Bryant

A dream... that has come true

Maybe you are like me and wonder why as Christians of slightly different doctrines we cannot work together or possibly be united as the bride of Christ. Well, when we were on our rest day in Ranipet, we came across a large church and of course, Raj had a story. He explained that this church was part of the Church of South India and how this group of churches came together. During the independence of India in 1947, churches that were started by missionaries of different denominations realized that they should not be divided, but instead be united in Christ.

I Corinthians 3:4-5 When one of you says, "I follow Paul," and another, "I follow Apollos" - aren't you acting like worldly people? After all, who is Apollos? And who is Paul? We are simply God's servants, by whom you were led to believe.

I don't know everything about this church, but the reason for it's establishment sounds a bit like heaven on earth to me.

John 17:21 I pray that they may be one. Father! May they be in us, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they be one, so that the world will believe that you sent me.

What if this came to reality worldwide? Will this place look a little different? Maybe a bit more like heaven.

Yearning for that day.

- posted by Bob VonGunten

Post in Pictures

I’ve always considered myself to be an extremely visual person, which is why I have such a personal relationship with my camera. I didn’t realize, however, how sensory the world can be until India. It’s not that we don’t have our own sights and sounds to enjoy in the States, but I think it may take a different culture to wake up certain parts of us that fall asleep in familiarity. And India has got to be one of the best places to wake up in. The colors are brighter, smells more potent, and sounds more unique. And the way India feels - you can’t capture that on camera, but I’m sure trying (even with the occasional kid hanging on my arm).

I want to experience this journey, not just capture it (although capturing it has been the adventure of my life)! These are the photos and video I have always wanted to capture. It’s like when you have an itch but you can’t find where it’s exactly at. I’ve finally found my creative itch in India.

The most enjoyable thing to capture is the people - because they’re amazing. They have no sense of personal space or “me-time,” and while I do love my me-time I am humbled by the communal commitment to people. It’s taken me approximately thirty-five minutes to write this much because the children keep rushing up to me. I have no idea what they’re saying, but I get the general point: play with me! About ten minutes ago, I was completely distracted by a family of gypsies that wandered into our thatched-roofed community center. With a smile, the father signed for food for the baby. I had none to give, but he seemed to know of something I could give - pictures! It wasn’t long before I was clicking away and showing them their faces on my camera’s little screen.

It’s small encounters like this that have made this place so incredible. I can’t have a conversation with these people, but I love them. The people in India, while so different in many ways, are the same as you and me. I knew this before coming, but seeing them in day to day life instead of the stereotypes we see in TV and film has been eye opening. They yawn in their cars, laugh at innapporiate times, show each other their scars, scratch their names onto seats in public transportation, and talk over each other. I already miss this place and I’m not even gone yet.

I have a chance to share just a few photos of some of the people we’re getting to know and experiences we’re having. Thank you for all your prayers and support - this trip would look very different without them!

Most of the kids in the village were quick to grab hold of a GCC team member during our tour of the village. This little boy was too shy, so I grabbed his hand. He's been by my side during shoots so much since then.

We first met Sarah and Simone outside the airport at Chennai. They left Germany for two months looking for an adventure, so Raj invited them on the best kind of all - adventure with a purpose! We are so glad they were with us!

This is Rojah. She was the first to reach out to me in the village, and I like her especially because I think she’s funny. I can’t know for sure since I don’t understand her, but if I could I think we would be laughing buddies.

We love you and miss you all. See you soon!

PS - Plane turbulence is scary. :(

PSS - Mom, can you have french fries ready for me when I get home? xoxo

Posted by Elle

Another full day in so many ways!

Wow - I can’t believe we just finished our second to last day in the village. Our rest day came at just the right time. We had a wonderful time in Ranipet (getting all dressed up!) going to Pastor Neurmal’s church.

Some of us actually got the privilege of helping to baptize 8 people, and I will say that as the people testified to persecution, miraculous healings, and excommunications from families. . . . I’ve never felt more unworthy to conduct such an honorable ceremony of proclamation. I thought the four questions that we were required to ask them tells a lot of the story:

1. Have you accepted Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior?

2. Have you abandoned all Idol worship?

3. Is anyone forcing you to be baptized today?

4. Even if you are persecuted and excommunicated from your home and village, will you worship Jesus until the day you die?

Today was a wonderful day as we returned to the village and dove right back into our work there. The construction team started working on a second garden, helped finish one of the houses, and began work on a hut for a homeless man. The Medical team was hard at work taking blood sugar levels and blood pressures again as well as teaching children more wonderful things about healthy nutrition.

Today was also filled with the bulk of the shooting for the video that Elle White is putting together. . . it is going to be amazing!!!

One of our last scenes tonight that we shot was with one of the most beloved members of this community (Miss Lilly), and so I wanted to leave you with this image :D.

--Posted by Ted Bryant

I chose a leap of faith

The intricacy of God’s love has brought me here. Four months ago heading to an India meeting I read a verse that cinched the decision for me. In his heart, a man plans his course but the Lord determines his steps (Proverbs 16:9). So with my heart open to His calling, I chose to truly take a leap of faith. I trusted that God had called me to be His hands in a beautiful land extremely different than the comforts I’m accustom to. India has beautiful colors and incredibly beautiful people. Their hearts and spirits are sooo genuine and authentic and so many people have completely written them off. I believe that for a long time, God has been preparing me to learn from, share with, and serve these beautiful people of simplicity. I’m glad God didn’t tell me until I had to trust Him just as these beautiful people trust me.

--Posted by Jen Thursby

Two cities, two very different stories

Before coming to India, I was asked to write an article on the comparison between Kalavai, India and Las Vegas. So here comes the article when I have been in India for a week.

Right before leaving for India, I celebrated Christmas with my boyfriend’s family who lives in Las Vegas. Of course, I visited the famous strip of Las Vegas, the brightest spot on earth and the paradise of luxury with the fanciest casinos, five-star hotels, and shops that sell products that only the richest group of people on earth can afford. It is a city of capitalism and materialism.

Here in India, in this tiny colony of Kalavai, India, the world is flipped to the other side, just like how this little town is on the other side of the earth from Las Vegas. Fancy hotels are replaced by three square feet thatch-roof houses where can live a family of up to five people. The entertainment of Vegas such as casinos and night bars are replaced by children’s laughter when they jump into the well to swim, roll on the grass, and chase each other. The day-dream for money is replaced by the genuine eyes of all the villagers that are full of thanks and love, and the hungry eyes of all the children that seek understanding and knowledge.

So many times, I feel my eyes tearing up by what I am seeing in front of me and the pure love I am experiencing. One thing that struck me the most was the New Year celebration two days ago. It was a celebration with games and gift-giving taking place on the evening of Jan 1^st, 2011. A tree full of New Year gifts and lights hanging on its branches was set up towards the wall of the room. All of the gifts were extremely small, such as a plastic comb, a hand sanitizer, a balloon, or a little package of chai. However, when the villagers receive the gift, you can literally see the glimmering in their eyes and big smiles that express their deep appreciation and happiness. It reminds me of the gift giving on Christmas in the United States when families spend hundreds of dollars to buy a big gift for their children, but sometimes their children still feel dissatisfied either because the gifts are too small or they just do not know what appreciation is.

People in Kalavai do not have anything, but they know God’s love and give great appreciation to any help they receive. However, people in more developed parts of the world easily forget this great merit and often only know how to ask for more. These people in Kalavai really showed me the real concept of love despite of their poverty and unbelievably hard living conditions. If you could personally see a group of ten children running towards you, calling your names, and hugging you tightly, if you could witness men and women working together under the sun carrying sand and bricks on their head without any complaints, if you could smell the flowers that all the villagers put around your neck to express their love for you, then you would know and really understand the deep love that exists on this planet.

I am just so grateful that I can be part of this team, to experience what I have never imagined to be able to experience. This trip really deepened my understanding for God’s love and how I am able to make an impact for people who do not have what I have. We are privileged people, and God gives us this privilege for a reason. Now I understand how I can use what I have to make others’ lives better and more enjoyable. I will definitely participate in more mission trips like this in my life. If Las Vegas could share half of its light to all the poor villages of the world and transform its pursuit of money and luxury to pursuit of God’s love, wouldn’t the earth be so much more beautiful?

Posted by -- Jingjing

A quick update on our projects

I just want to say that I feel so blessed to be with this team who truly wants to take each of you on a journey to India, their blogs and feelings have been expressed so wonderfully.

I just wanted to give you a quick update on some of the projects that we have been working on.

Medical team:

Presentations: The presentations on Marriage and Health & Hygiene have gone tremendously well. The new edition this time with simultaneously teaching the children (on one side of the screen) and the adults (other side) with age appropriate material (soooo GCC right?! - little people church and big people church!) went really well.

Community formation: I always love walking past the KC3 building because the medical team is always doing something. Many times they are dancing with the children, or making some sort of craft with them, teaching them numbers and letters, or helping them learn about germs - just fabulous, and very importantly. . . all the kids are doing it together - deepening friendships and forming accountability.

Helping them feel special: Not only did many of us attend a service on New Year's eve until ~2am, but tonight we threw a big celebration - complete with balloons, games, and Raj - who is entertainment all by himself. I'm really not sure who had more fun. . . the kids or Raj. I'm pretty sure he's the Indian version of Don King. We also set up a Christmas/New year's tree with gifts hanging all over it. Some of the gifts were donated items from our team members and some were from Raj. Both the children and adults each got gifts from the tree signifying our appreciation for them attending the seminars. It was such an honor to hand these out to them!

Construction Team:

One house is 2/3 finished and is looking fantastic, and I think all of us have tried to carry a pan on our heads. . . some more successfully than others -lol! The other house is about 1/4 finished but is still on schedule, and the masons have been great!!

We have nearly finished two hand-washing stations - one at the latrine and one outside KC3.

We have also fixed several water leaks in the village as well as built another water spicket for more fresh water in the village.

Finally, we have completed one garden - including planting and irrigation system today!!! Trust me. . . . nothing is getting through this fences - with 7 foot tall granite posts (cheaper than wood stakes over here!). This garden will be able to cut food costs for a family nearly down to $0 because the rice is subsidized, and many of them rarely eat meat. Now, we just wait for the house to be completed in order to build the other one. . . it is so exciting, and the garden crew did great (this picture was before the fence and planting).

Tomorrow we are going to have a bit of a rest day after church, and it should be very nice.

Have a great day everyone. . . we are half-way through - I can't believe how fast it has gone!

--posted by Ted Bryant