Starting to wind down

Well this evening we return to Chennai. I am not looking forward to the train trip, but it is part of the experience. Yesterday we went to the Mar Thoma seminary and it was a great lecture about the tradition and the present. This is atruly sacred place which God has created. we talk about interfaith in our culture, but here there is a definite day to day experience with it. I am profoundly inspired by what we have been blessed to be a part of at this place, and I know that it will resonate within me for life. Last night we engaged in our devotion and discussion within the group and it was wonderful to hear each of us discuss the importance of this trip. each one of us has experienced these events differently and completely unique to the individual. We have had fun, and been extremely serious. the theological dialogue has been riveting at times, and the bond that has been created is one that I see lasting. The poverty here is very real, and the wealth is very real, but the wealth is ssuch that only a small percentage of people have it. yet, they interweave within the culture next to one another. the dnamism within the sacred it so powerful here that it whips through you and grabs hold of you as you simply walk through the streets. I keep reflecting on the Dalit village we visited where the matriarch was so wore from the harshness that life hit her with, but still did so much to make each of us feel welcomed. I cannot help but feel spoiled by all that I have. We to often take for granted al that God places in our lives, and we do not reflect upon all the blessings that surround us each and everyday. I continue to see the parable o9f the Rich man and Lazurus in my head. Here I have been forced to work with the reality of poverty, and caste. here I cannot look away from the lazurus' of the world. I am humbled by this place each day. God Bless, and I will write again if I get access.