January 11 Wow

Well this is the first time I have been able to post because of forgetting a password and time restrictions. Where to begin? We arrived in India around 1:30 am on Saturday morning, and arrived at our hotel at 4:00. We did not get to sleep until about 6:00 because we were like schoolkids. My roomate and I are very compatible and we could not stop talking. Saturday we were given the morning to just get adapted, and so we walked around and had a wonderful time talking to the local people. I was able to find some beautiful clothes for my girls, and Amanda. Also, I will be sporting some new fashion ensembles when I get back. HA Ha! The afternoon was wonderful we visited St. Thomas mount, and the shrine to Saint Thomas. The mount is where the local people held off Hindus who wanted to execute Saint Thomas. I went into the cave that they smuggled him through before he was killed. it was an amazing moment to sit in the cave and to contemplate all that happened at this memorable place. At the shrine I was impressed by the mix of the Christian memorial along with the adoration from the Buddhists and the Hindus. they mix their culture so well here. We went back to the hotel after this and had dinner which is another experience in itself. Rob (my roomate) and I have decided as soon as we get to Chicago we are having the biggest cheeseburger we can find. The traffic here is amazing it is ordered chaos at its best. Lanes are just a suggestion. Sunday: this became one of my most memorable moments in my life. We arrived at the Dalit center at 9:00 and had breakfast before worship. Worship was at 9:30 and about 9:25 Dr. Niles called me over and asked if I wanted to preach? I could not say no. I was extremely honored and was able to successfully preach with a few times being told by the interpreter that I had to settle down so he could keep up. this was amazing and I still am processing it through in my mind. We then went to the dalit village where we were welcomed with a ritual that brought tears to my eyes. the people had so little yet they were so compassionate and welcoming to all of us. I was mesmerized by the children who just wanted to touch us. this is because in their workd they are often considered less than and they are never touched by outsiders of the village. There was a three year old girl who took my heart(imagine that) Dr. Niles told me I could not bring her home with me. The village had a matriarch which I saw as quite unorthodox but it was fascinating to observe as she directed everyone. Monday: We met Fr. Felix Wilfred, and I could not speak. we were truly in the presence of pure wisdom. He spoke gently and wisely to us about the interfaith dialogue and the tension theologically between the people here. I was introduced and Dr. Niles gave me his card because she says I will be back and he will mentor me. Have I said how wonderful she is. Fr. Wilfred allowed us two hours to talk with him and open question and answers. this was like being in the presence of greatness. Grandma would be proud he was assigned to the Vatican for some time. We are off to Mandurai in a few hours overnight train. I will try and write soon, no pictures yet because I am doing this at an internet cafe and I cannot download pictures. I miss everyone, but know that I am having an amazing time and realizing how out of shape I am. God Bless, and I will write soon.