India 18 - Goin home!
Wrap up. This is a longer blog. You may want to come back when you have time!
I’m on my final leg of the flight home. Still have 3+ hours to go, but I wanted to start putting together a final travel posting. It has truly been an awesome trip and God has worked in so many ways in my own heart. I talked so several long-term missionaries on the ground in Chennai, and it’s strange that I can now look at them and have some understanding of ‘yeah, I can see how normal people can get plucked up by God and moved in that direction’. Having not traveled much, I realize I always kind of viewed missionaries as super-human beings specially rigged to handle all the continental hardships where ever they landed (okay, I’m suffering from watching Superman on the plane earlier this morning, but the parallel just fits).
Sunday morning we had our own church service with all the team (minus 2 who had to leave Sat evening). Some of the final activities are to affirm each other, our friendships, God’s fingerprints, His calling. I really don’t know why I’m surprised, but for some reason I was expecting “okay this is a wrap, good job kidos, pack-it, stack-it, and rack-it!”. God had more specific plans, and it was quite possibly one of the most impactful times in the trip. It is amazing how God just keeps pulling back the curtain. He brings you to a wow and aha space, then just keeps revealing. Not a dry eye in the place. All the tissue boxes empty. God is good.
Sunday afternoon I got out to run a last couple errands, just to see what had been a nice Sunny day turning into yet another rainy day. The dark clouds were looming by 5:00pm and by the time we pulled out from the hotel en-route to the airport at 7:00pm the rain was already falling. Our drivers provided the entertainment for the evening by doing their best to scare us silly in an attempt to get to the airport before the rain really pounded down. It also seemed they were kind of racing each other some of us commented afterwared – thanks for the lasting impression guys J.
The airport was totally jammed on the outside and whatever line was snaking across the front of the airport was clearly just not moving. God inspired our fearless leader to just push through and they let all 6 of us in through by the check-in counters and immigration where the crowd was minimal (we got to enjoy much of the India/’Australia cricket match while waiting). While in the airport I got these 2 pics of the bathroom for everyone to appreciate. Pic1 has 2 doors for the stalls. They are labeled IWC and EWC. I’m quite certain this stands for Indian Water Closet and European Water Closet. Where the Indian has a hole in the floor and a bucket of water for toilet paper, and the European has what us American’s are more accustomed to – a commode and toilet paper (see Pic2).. The houses I visited all had commodes. Some businesses and houses that other team members visited had the traditional style.
Both work of course.
Yes - you will find out quickly exactly how strong your leg muscles are using the IWC.
So how has my life been most impacted by this trip at this point! That is the real question. I expect some introspection to come as I step back into my ‘normal’ schedule. Here are a couple points that come to mind.
1. India is truly an amazing place. Not repulsive. The Christians I meet all had warm hospitable hearts with a yearning to reach their fellow brothers and sisters for Christ.
2. Traveling alone can be scary when your not used to it! Loneliness, isolation, fear, loss of control – these are not just experiences of weaklings (yeah, yeah, this is my blog so I get to go with the assertion I’m no weakling ;-) ). God provided an abundance of opportunities to realize my own ugly self confidence and hand it over to Him. Even a couple small panic attacks when pushing into fully unknown areas, realizing that if the taxi or auto-driver where to just drop me at the corner I’d be completely and utterly lost.
3. God shows up when you allow him to. I observed this so many times in my own life, in the group, and with the clients.
4. The powers of darkness show up when you step outside your comfort zone and position yourself to do kingdom work. Again, so many observations – But God has the victory.
5. The Pepsi and diet-Pepsi taste very different and the listed ingredients are altered to be very unreadable so you have no clue as to what type of sweetener is used in Diet Pepsi. Further I basically affirmed that I can exist largely on just water with very limited soda, coffee, and tea intake.
6. I was called by tech-guy-jim (I was the designated tech guy for the trip), dungeon-jim (I was in charge of the dungeon in one of the skits), video-jim, actor-jim, etc,
I learned what a pleasure it is to work with a diverse team from all over the world. The perspectives, stories, and overall fragrant-friendship aromas they bring are so fantastic.
Funny moments – there were many, here are a couple:
1. we were in 2 SUVs being shuttled around Mahabalipuram looking at the widow outreach, orphan school, etc. On the way back we were flying down the highway and went prast a bus stop where a bus had stopped to pick up folks, but everyone had emptied out and were clearly taking a quick break. This stop was not in town or near anything of substance. I had to literally laugh outload when we drove past as there were 30-40 men all lined up on the edge of the road (facing away from traffic thankfully) – watering the landscape. I’ve never seen anything like that before!! (visions of a chorus line came to mind)
2. One of our American consultants arranged 2 different skits many of us got involved in and they were very hilarious.
3. My roommate the Equip portion of the trip was Wayne Cerullo. We got along famously the entire time, and it is definitely an understatement to say that Wayne is a funny guy. On Sunday morning while we were doing ‘serious’ affirmations, he pops out with the following affirmation.
Room 23: (spoof of Psalm 23)
Jim is my roomated, I shall not want any other
He’s ok if I lie down on my gren bedspread by day or by night;
He is still quiet when using the waters of the bathroom.
He restores my internet connection.
He guides me on the path to the electronics store for the groups saving
Even tho I walk thru the valley between large suit cases in a shadowy room, I have not fear of stepping on yourshoes or underwear.
Your skype headset and extension power chord, they comfortme.
You prepare a plate of Masala before me in line, just for the heck of it.
You anoint squeaky sheels with oil, our shower overflows sherever we go.
Shirly, Agnes, and Marcdy will follow me all the days of this venture,
But I’d prefer to room with Jim, whenever
-Wayne
4. Jenna found a bottle from the medical store called Double Action. Its purpose is to make sure your bowel voiding process is pleasant and normal. It was hysterical because it had a little picture of a guy sitting on a commode (largely obscured y the advertisement) – but with an unmistakable large smile on his face. This little bottle occupied the focus of the group for an entire meal. Then there were endless references to it in the following days. Very funny.
I plan to have one more update after a couple days being back with observations integrating back to the norm. FYI.
Jw.
India 17 - Consult Complete
Wow - badda boom, badda bing! and just like that the training is over, the visioning is complete, the final P explained, and the last presentation has been delivered. Waves of jubilation, disbelief, relief, exhaustion - what now!
You can't take part in a day like today and not walk out with a take away that is life changing! In the morning the clients came and worked with the consultants to finish up the 10-P scorecarding and hammer out the client presentations. That ran through lunch. Then at 2:30 everyone transitioned into a prayer time for India. It was a powerful time as Indian and foreigners alike poured out a common passion to see India reached.
From the prayer time we immediately rolled into the presentations. The transformation of ALL clients from day 1 to the presentations can only be explained as 'God showed up'! Client after client spoke to the fact how God showed up, torqued their world, then helped pick up th
e pieces. This trip had a full range of personality types and backgrounds and clients. It was amazing to see as clients confessed revelations ranging from not putting God first in their business, to not consulting God about business decisions, to never receiving from the wisdom in their wife regarding their business, to living in deception resulting in blocking God out from their business. The confessions were authentic, the repentance was real, and the change in radiance was unmistakable.
Ironically, the videographer (a believer) had been in prayer and depressed about his business just this morning. After videoing the clients (a 2 min summary each had prepared), and then videoing the client presentations – he walked out on cloud nine and is very excited about the prospects of getting involved and repurposing his business.
It has been raining all day, but tonight it has truly reached torrential proportions. The report from the front desk is don't even think of making a run to the airport unless we have a jeep or similar high wheel base vehicle. Please keep the team in prayer as some are already en route to the airport, and more will head that direction tomorrow.
God Bless.
Jim Wynia
India 16 - Coffee and Eats
Client / Venture Update
Howdy all. Well it’s been raining off and on quite heavily over the last 3 days here in Chennai. This has slowed everything down (as rain paralyzes the city as I mentioned before), but the venture marches on!! Today (Friday) is coming to an end. Just one more day, then most of us start the packing. Yesterday and today had awesome impact! Every consultant is sparked up observing the passion, focus, and break through they are seeing with their clients and respective businesses. I too am very excited to see how God is moving with my client. One thing is for sure – we are not leaving this place the same way we found it :-)
This morning we had an absolutely incredible prayer time for Virendra the team leader who was also born and raised here in India. The word came that God will be moving mightily through him in partnership with others to help open up other cities here in India. It was a very moving time for all this morning when this word came and we had a focused time with God before the clients showed up. It is also very exciting to see the focus, dedication, and passion that the India consultants have displayed all the way through the venture!! They really get it! They see the need. They feel the hunger. They answer the call. God is doing incredible things. I am humbled to see the finger prints and results of God all over this venture and the lives of those in it.
None of us will be showing up the same after this experience I don’t think (I sure pray I don’t). It has really been fun getting to know everyone from all over the world: of course all the locals (India), Chucks (Nigeria), Garrett (South Africa), Ceelok and Ophelia (Malaysia), and all the rest based in the US (even though they are from all over as well).
Time To EatLast night we went out to eat at an ‘American Food’ place:
Gallopin Gooseberry. I have my first BBQ hamburger here in India. Not bad! A far cry short of In-n-Out I’ll venture – but it sure tasted good all the same :-). Tonight we went out to eat at some place called
Tanderi (or something close – sorry didn’t get the full name). It was a lot of fun. I think everyone is sensing the close of the venture and as most of the deliverables are complete for most folks the ‘work pressure’ is dropping off. So diner was a lot of fun. The food at this place was all Indian – and quite possibly the best restaurant food I’ve had this entire trip! (yes even better than Pizza Hut :-) ). No breakfast tomorrow…say no more (wink, wink, nod, nod). The desserts had some very strange names!!
For you coffee drinkers – the coffee I’ve had everywhere we gone comes in one of two forms. 1. it is pre mixed with almost a full cup of milk and stirred well (this is what you get in most of street shops). 2. they mix it in front of you by pouring coffee from one thermos (it literally has the consistency of used 30W motor oil), then add hot water and/or hot milk depending on if you want it black or normal. The taste is good though. I have lamented the convenience of Starbucks more than the actual product. Also, the Pepsi tastes funny, and Diet Pepsi is very difficult to find!! Pepsi is literally in every other shop on the street. But finding one that carries a diet variety of any kind is almost impossible!! (While Pepsi is everywhere, Coke is nowhere)
GoodnightHeading off to Bed! This is Friday night. Tommorrow is the day we help prep clients for their presentations with the presentations tomorrow night. Sunday is pack, and head off to the airport. This place becomes a part of you. I will miss everyone: clients, fellow consultants, the intercessors – but I can’t wait to see Renee and the kids : -)
Cultural Note: billboards are everywhere and you can't escape them. Also here is an example of a luxury taxi (seriously).
India 15 - Me Here, Her There
Mosquito Update:
Mosquitoes are definitely a problem in some areas, but most areas I have been spending time in the last 2 weeks have not had a large mosquito problem. The largest concern is when we go out to eat or visit a client house or business location. The housing, hotels, work and conference locations I don’t even need mosquito spray. However, there are plenty of reasons to be careful:
Dengue cases (‘Den-gay) – Deaths this year 130
Chikungunya (‘Chicken Gan-y-A’)– cases reported this year 1.5M (I’m told this is very uncomfortable, joint pain, lot of flu like symptoms – recipients are out for a solid two weeks)
So far, I’ve had a totally of 3 bits – maybe! I say maybe, because if they were bits then the mosquitoes are pretty lightweight here cause they were nothing like the bits I usually get in Wisconsin or Minnesota.
Travel
Some more on the traffic scene! Traffic is continually an issue around here. The roads are very poorly laid out such that there is not a good path through the city. I have yet
to see a freeway. Yes accidents Do happen! I witnessed one where a motorcycle ‘bumped’ into another one (probably some cracked mirrors or lenses in that one). On the way back from Mahabalipurm a little white car scrapped against one of the vehicles our group was traveling in (SUV). That little car tried to race off, but the good guys (that B us) gave chase and then a motor bike jumped in and help corner the car all so that they could exchange information. Exciting!! In fact if you look closely at all the cars on the road for more than 6 months, they basically all have little dents all around them. Just the cost of doing business here apparently! (us perfectionists and control freaks would be having issues dealing with this).
Client Progress
Yesterday and today have been Unstructured Days meaning they are reserved for us consultants to meet with our clients to (a) catch up on any score carding activities (we provide a scorecard of the 10 key areas we evaluate for the business – the bulk of yesterday was spent catching up and refining) (b) go through Visioning one client at a time (this is a very intense time of prayer and discussion with each client – it is a Powerful time! Each of our clients has been freed, released, and empowered in these session) (c) the client takes the consultants out to their place of work for a visit (for me this was a small home office, then off to a large computer firm where my clients company sub contracts with them to maintain and run all their power / AC / generator / maintenance / plumbing / carpentry needs).
Me Here – Her There!
Some questions have rolled around in my head since making the decision to go on this trip (some cognitively, some not) related to the fact that I’m a family man, but I’m here with no famly.
Why does God have me here without my family? Would God be better glorified with my family here with me? Am I wrong to go on a missions trip without my family?
I actually had not given much to this one while in country, but the other morning while having breakfast I felt God just whispered why I am here, and my family is there. If my family was with me, yes they would have a very educational time, but it would be an impossible situation for Renee to watch the kids in a very unclean and un-kid-friendly environment. Also importantly, I realized that it is fully my personality that if Renee was here, I would have much difficulty focusing on my part. I would spend too much time thinking about is she overwhelmed with the kids, are the kids being exposed to anything their system is just not used to, etc. No reflection on her or them, that is just who I am and how God has made me. Now having been on this venture, if God drove a combined trip in the future, I would definitely know what to account for up front so that there would be no mental distraction. It was nice of God to drop that morsel into my thinking.
Cricket Mania
We’ll Cricket mania seems to be the rage here. I have to admit, I’ve had much more interest in watching synchronized diving over my interest in Cricke. (note: I don’t consider synchronized diving an actual sport regardless of what the Olympic committee says). But you know – I am actually starting to enjoy watching it!! It’s amazing what happens with a little education. It really does have a lot of similarities to American Baseball (which I DO consider an actual sport ;-) ).
4 days left!! Today is the end of day Wednesday. We have full conference / presentations Thurs and Friday. Sat we work with our clients on their presentation of what impacted them during the consulting. Sat night the clients present their results and then we wrap up. Sunday night most of us fly out (some leave Monday, early). So 3 days of work and one day of rest, packing, and travel. I’m getting excited about that last day J
India 14 - Worship Widows/Orphans
Monday Night.Church on the Beach!
Well our 2 day respite is coming to an end. We had Sunday and Monday with no official client activities and some to do as we pleased. Sunday we all got up later than usual and had breakfast. Then at 11:00 we all met down on the beach
and had an inspiring time sharing, singing praises (I brought down my computer and cranked up some tunes), had some typical intense prayer time, and got to know a couple more team members who had arrived the night before (Ophelia and C – from Malaysia). Powerful time!! We sat in those little white deck chairs on the sand, under a thatched hut structure with palm trees all around. Europeans were definitely within ear range of our worshiping and prayer – and I hope they were blessed
Then off to lunch. Then a few of us rented bicycles from the hotel and rode into town (about 1.5 miles away I’m guess). What a treat! What commotion! What a mess! Traffic was the typical clog. We did find an amazing temple hewn right out of some huge rocks – with lots of symbolisms and idols carved right out of stones. Amazing – National Geographic kind of stuff!! Then back to the hotel for a swim (swam as many laps as my arms would allow – penance for not being a good boy at the buffet spread). Then cleanup and off for diner on the seawall where they had prepared a tremendous diner out on the veranda. What a treat!!. Finally most of us hopped a transport into down and walked around the ‘garment district’ just browsing. Move over Rodeo-drive in Beverly hills! You can’t top this (well, maybe if they added some random cows they’d come close).
[imagine picture of exotic temple here - having technical difficulty]
Widows and Ophans
Monday (today) we went to visit the orphan school and widow workshop. It is amazing how widows are treated in India. It’s actually kept very hush-hush as the govt does not want the West to really understand how bad it is. Basically, once a husband dies, the wife is blamed. A widow is not allowed to cross the street in then 
morning. If a widow is seen while a wedding is coming out (processional) they are driven off, abuse, and can even be beaten. They cannot get jobs as no one wants their bad luck around. Many widows are 19-20 years old and with kids! Many end up in prostitution as they have no other alternatives. Many go home to their father’s household, where they are just treated like Crap!! Often even by Christians!! They are only allowed to eat leftovers. If the matron of the house is displeased the leftovers can be given to beggars and they have nothing. The view is just so incredibly pervasive that they are lower than a slave. It’s mind-boggling. If a husband dies or commits suicide, they often quickly hide/burn the body so there is no police report. If there is a police report then they are required to do a post-modem. This is super expensive and the new widow must pay. Then the police come back every week and push the new widow – “what did she do” to drive her husband to suicide! Sick stuff! So we visited a group that is making a huge difference by rescuing widows and orphans that are considered untouchable in most spheres. They provide them a trade so they can eventually be employable, have dignity, and provide for their own household.
After seeing and hearing how most organizations work in the region – it has really reaffirmed that you really want to support groups that provide, teach, train. Groups that just give handouts only perpetuate dependency! The group I mentioned that is making such a difference has been really key in help setup/bring Equip to India and they are acting as a client to see how their business model can also benefit from the consulting.
As I’ve been typing I’m been hearing lots of big booms outside the hotel window. I just looked out and sure enough there are fireworks as they celebrate the end of Ramadan. Please pray for the salvation of India and Muslims all over the world.
And here is a quick snap I got off of 4 people on one bike. It is common to see 4 people on a motor bike, but usually 2 are adults and 2 are medium size. This ride is actually quite comfy. The record this trip is we saw 5 people on one bike on the way back into Chennai today. Traffic safety is a TOTALLY different mind set here.
India 13 - Cultural Expectations
Cultural Expectations! God’s Perspective! God’s Heart.Cultural expectation! I’m realizing more and more my unrecognized trip expectations. I now realize I really expected to come, be repulsed by the country in general, expectantly wait to get out (due to I can’t stand the country), come to end, leave good-riddance.
Hmmm! Not a very flattering revelation I’d have to say. Sometimes God opens-up a portion of your heart and all you can say is ‘YUCK’!! My India experience, I’d have to say is exactly the opposite of what I expected. I expected to be repulsed but my response has been one of compassion rather than repulsion. I can now identify that I definitely didn’t understand when Renee came back from Indonesia and clearly desiring to follow that up with another visit. I definitely expected to come away thinking –, been there done that, bought the T-shirt! But this place really does grow on you! There is no repulsion.
Part of that is I fully expected to not feel safe especially in poorer areas (which is all areas as far as I can tell)! Yet I have not felt challenged or endangered at any time! I always assumed that poor areas just always fostered crime and danger! Interestingly, I have not observed that in the areas I’ve visited. Nor has that been the report of other team members making visits.
Venture NotesI worked with my real client again today and we really had a good day with a solid connection and communication. It’s so exciting to see his passion to educate and evangelize his employees and the community within which he works. I will include a picture of me, Anandan, and Jenna who is helping as a co-consultant.
We had a very fun time doing a little skit today. We routinely talk about parables after a specific 10-P topic. So the parable today was the parable of the unforgiving servant (who was forgiven a debt then goes and throws another into jail who owes a lot less). So I got to be “Dungeon Jim”. And Yes, sometimes there are jobs that invoke “This is a job for Dungeon Jim”! We put all the players into a pic, but it was my job to cart the various characters off to the Dungeon! Bruhahahahah!
Diwali
Today is Diwali so there are lots of Firecrackers popping off all day. There are sudden loud booms, and strings of crackers going off, it’s just like the 4th of July when I was a kid. You know, back when we could actually light off firecrackers without a permit? Yeah, I can hardly remember it anymore either, but the memories are still down there.
Cultural Observations
- Cell phones are uniformly called “mobiles (mo-bI-l-s)”
- School years are called ‘standard’. The 12th grade is ‘the 12th standard! 9th grade is ‘the 9th standard’.
- Buildings start on level 0. To go to the ground floor you push 0 not 1.
Thanks for your prayers - Love all you guys.
jw
India 12 - Tsunami
Tsunami Info 
The place we are staying, The Ideal Resort in Mahabalipurim, turns out was on ground zero for the Tsunami that struck couple two years back. The other side of the Bay of Bengal received a lot of press but India also had impact. Along the coast when we were driving down here the other day, we passed a lot of small hut villages that turn out to be government sponsored Tsunami relief. I hope to attach a picture of one. In addition to many of the ho
uses in the area being wiped out (you can see rows of pads where they did exist), the hotel/resort we are staying at for these couple of days was significantly impacted. The dining commons where we take our meals was completed wiped out. The beach, the psalm trees – wiped out. All the fishermen lost their boats – and their livelihood. The boats were inland, and up in the trees.
After the Tsunami the b
oats were replaced by civic minded donations but the fishermen were afraid to go back into the water. So one of the local missions groups sponsored some famous cricket players to come down! They organized a party of sorts and all the boats went out - each with a cricket player. The belief in the people was that the sea would not hurt that many people so they all went out and their fear was abolished.
Today’s updateToday was a fantastic day of consulting. Before lunch I sat with the same client as yesterday and we worked through the topic of Products. His business is a Die Cast factory and wow we had a fantastic discussion on some future options he has. He has an incredible heart for God. At lunch my appointed client showed up, so for the afternoon I and another client worked with him and got to know him and his company. It was a good start, but it will take a day to really see him open up. It started, but he missed the first day where so much of the foundation is laid out. (following pic is of initial Client - not final Client)
Prayer
Please Pray that my client (Mr. A.), really gets it and digs into applying the principles he is learning in the seminar. He is very young and he and his cousin have a 600 person company. He also has an MBA and an incredible heart for God and a passion to reach others and his employees for God.
More Pics
Here is from the Resort seawall toward the beach.
Viru and Aunti (Virendra-Team Leader, and His Mom)
India Post 11 - (Equip)
10/19/06
Howdy - welcome to my new blog. I don't have a clue what I'm doing, so please bear with me as I figure this out.Today was an aweseome day. We had several clients back out at the last second and then several India consultants could not make it as well. Just after breakfast it totally downpoured here in Muhablipuram, but apparently it had been raining in Chennai since much earlier. Apparently Chennai is somewhat paralized when it rains.So we went with what we had. My actual client did not make it today, but will be here tommorrow. I sat with another client and consultant and we had an awesome time. It was amazing!! He is in his 50s I'd say -super successful already. several business under his belt. Has done amazing things - but it was so fun to see the lights going on about God in his business. He is already a much sought after speaker at churches and has won 10% of his workers to the Lord. But he was not connecting all the dots on everything...More later.
India Post 9 - (Equip)
Well - the enemy has tipped his hand that he has no intention of letting this happen without a fight.
Please pray.
1. clients are having trouble getting away from work.
2. the reports from the equip prayer network is they opposition on this venture is greater than even the initial venture in Indonesia.
3. many India consultants are now unable to come on this first most important day.
4. yesterday one of the consultants was at home with an extreme fever, unable to do much communication, his wife was so distraught that should was somewhat hysterical communicating over the phone (this is the husband/wife team who are consultants). The team had an incredible time literally on our knees with a passion prayer time. An hour later as we prepared to leave the hotel we got a call from Him and he was already feeling better! Praise God. Pray for 100% health and restoration.
5. as we ramp up - the powere just went off, fortunately it has come back on after only a minute or so.
I am doing very well this morning myself.
Thanks for your prayers. they are sustaining me/us.
India Post 10 - (Equip)
10/12/06
Well - the enemy has tipped his hand that he has no intention of letting this happen without a fight.
Please pray.
1. clients are having trouble getting away from work.
2. the reports from the equip prayer network is they opposition on this venture is greater than even the initial venture in Indonesia.
3. many India consultants are now unable to come on this first most important day.
4. yesterday one of the consultants was at home with an extreme fever, unable to do much communication, his wife was so distraught that should was somewhat hysterical communicating over the phone (this is the husband/wife team who are consultants). The team had an incredible time literally on our knees with a passion prayer time. An hour later as we prepared to leave the hotel we got a call from Him and he was already feeling better! Praise God. Pray for 100% health and restoration.
5. as we ramp up - the powere just went off, fortunately it has come back on after only a minute or so.
I am doing very well this morning myself.
Thanks for your prayers. they are sustaining me/us.
India Post 8 - (Equip)
Let the doors fly open: in ourselves, in our clients, in Chennai, in India.
God 4 – Enemy 0!
Well the venture is ramping up. Yesterday and this morning the balance of the consultants arrived and checked into the Hotel. Travel, setup, and kickoff have not gone unnoticed by the enemy. He has been working overtime to try and hinder and impair team members.
First Ruth had to get her Visa extended in order to be able to return to the US once the India portion is complete. She is a New Zealand citizen so she planned to get it renewed on a small layover while en route to India. The web indicated processing would be complete in 24 hours. Upon arrival, she was informed there is currently a 3 day minimum for Visas. The problem is here travel dates only allowed for a 1.5 day visit. The team prayed. God answered. Ruth received her Visa in an astounding 3 hours! Ruth is here with the team now.
Second Wayne and the passport fiasco! Wayne set aside his passport for safe keeping in his backpack or so he thought. He and family each looked through the backpack many, many times each! The enemy kept them from seeing it. The team prayed. God answered. Wayne's daughter looked in the backpack one last time (this is 30 minutes after he should have left for the airport) and God removed the blinders. Wayne is here with the team now.
Virendra's computer has crashed. He is getting the nefarious "Unable to load Operating System". AKA – that laptop is not happy. The team prayed. God is still unfolding this one. Please pray. Virendra is a little like a fish on try land without a computer. Add the fact that he is leading the venture and you can understand the importance of the computer (lots of material on it). Please pray for the restoration of that computer. We are claiming that this will be restored, and everything stolen by the enemy (time, frustration, hassle) will be returned 10 fold.
Jim's computer developed some hang issues. Even on reboot, once it booted it would hang. The team prayed. God answered. Turns out the built-in finger mouse pad has stopped working, but if I just use an external mouse, then things seem to work fine. Please pray that that this does not develop into something more.
So far a number of items have either fried or had their power adapter fried due to power mishandling. Please pray that God will not allow us to be blinded by the enemy's distractions and plug things into unprotected plugs and such. Please pray. God will answer.
Today was partially a catch your breath from travel, and sync up with team members day. We spent a good part of the day in meetings going over various topics from material review to basic logistics discussions. We also got out and did a tad of shopping for those awake after the long flights, and then finished off with a diner and training meeting with all Indian and non-Indian consultants together. That was very fun! This is the first time the balance of the 2 international teams have met each other.
The air of anticipation is real as the team(s) is locked and loaded and ready to get down to it. Please keep us in your prayers as we transfer to the initial consultation location tomorrow and setup shop in anticipation of the Clients arrival early Thursday morning.
-Jim Wynia
India Post 7 - (F10/Equip)
Hi again. Today marks the final day working at Force10 India and I have not transferred over to the hotel where the rest of the Equip folks will be arriving. Some have already started (Virendra and his mom are here).
Cultural experiences:
My largest accomplishment during the day today was running an errand all by myself and crossing the street with no assistance! Okay, I know that sounds like so second grade - but you have to understand there are no lights by my work, the cars don't slow down and there is rarely a gap like the kind you'd require to do the job in the US. No you have to weave your way through traffic (on foot) and just convince them that you are serious and are going to do it. Only then will they yield and shuttle to the right or left as they speed by depending on your direction. So I weaved around cars, motor-bikes, and auto's. My coworkers were extremely impressed after I had told them I did it. The locals do it all the time. I somehow now feel respected as not just a tourist - but rather a Serious traffic walking commando!
Tonight I went with Virendra, his mom, and Jenna (other consultant) to diner at the house of Ajit (connection from the last trip). We shared a meal at his house and enjoyed wonderful conversation. Ajit is the first one I've seen who actually has a house, not an attached apartment or high density town home type setup. Ajit lives with his wide, three lovely daughters (one Janae's age), and mother. Yes I used my fingers! They actually tried to convince me to use provided utensils, but I'm pretty sure it was a setup and the local preserve-traditional-edicate police were nearby waiting to nab me. Alas, I did not give in! I fought the good fight. I ate the good food. I lived to lick my fingers and savor every last bit of burning curry on my lips. [personal note: eating rice with your fingers is very challenging!!]
Cultural Observation: I thought you'd enjoy getting an understanding on some local costs I've observed.
ride an auto all the way across town - 60 rupee ($1.33)
get a shirt pressed - 2 rupee. washed and pressed - 5 rupee ( $.04 , $.11)
diet Pepsi - 20 to 40 rupee depending on size and how white they believe you are ;-) ($.44, $.88)
pizza hut pizza and Pepsi - 210 rupee ($4.66)
buffet breakfast at a very nice hotel - 105 rupee ($2.33)
full Chinese diner at a nice hotel - 200 rupee ($4.44)
cup of coffee at a roadside shop (this is a small cup - (about 4 oz) I guess it has coffee, milk, sugar - 15 rupee [this is NOT Starbucks!!] ($.33)
Note: Gandi's picture is on every single paper rupee (not the coins)
I heard in a World Vision presentation yesterday that 79.9% of Indians live on 90 rupee a day or less. That is $1.00 a day. You can go to a few corner carts and get a small bowl of rice with a little curd for as low as 10 to 15 rupee. (Note: this is not recommended fare for tourists no matter how tight a budget your trying to hold).
The notes from the sermon yesterday:
Describing the parable of the sower
The seed feel on the the Hard Ground - this is willful sin. You know it is sin, but refuse to turn.
Repentance is turning around and walking the other way from the direction you were walking in sin.
This one is Refusing to turn around in spite of knowing you should
The seed fell on the Rocky Ground - this is hidden sin. This parable was spoken in Palestine.
There the soil looks okay on top, but just under the surface is many many rocks. in order to
grow you need to turn the soil and remove the hidden rocks.
Repentance is turning around and walking the other way. This one is turning (likely for appearance),
but then walking backwards.
The seed fell on the thorny Ground - this is having two masters.
Repentance is walking, stopping, turning, and then never look back.
This one is walking along, turn, stop, step, stop, turn, step other way, stop, turn, ....
The seed fell on the Good Ground - true repentance
This is walking along, stopping, turning, and going the other way, no looking back.
This is turning from my own sinful nature and instead following my one true savior.
Thanks for the prayers. Please pray that the team really jells over the next 2 days before we meet the actual clients. Tuesday morning will mark the fist time we have all met. There are 2 folks flying in from South Africa and 2 from Jakarta.
This is turning out to be quite a diverse team.
Thanks and God Bless."
India Post 6 - (F10/Equip)
Well I must be an official missionary type. I have had 2 separate meals at locals houses, ate everything put in front of me (cheerfully), and lived to tell about it.
Saturday afternoon I sat in on the equip training. When it was over us US Equipers went to diner at Anands house and had diner provided by his wife and mother. Curry chicken, fried fish, rice with white curd sauce, salad (3 kinds of onions and peppers chopped together), and chapata (sp?) (India fry bread). All of course eaten with no utensils. A little messy, and the salad was a little strong, but overall very yum. Rounded off with a tapioca type dessert. Anand lives in his parents house that they have owned for 44 years. He and his wife and 2 very young kids (2 and 6 mo.) live in one half, while his mom and dad have the other half. the house BTW is actually an apartment that is a little larger than average I'd say - likely around 4 bedroom. This is not an unusual arrangement here in India.
Sunday afternoon I sat in on the equip training and local group commissioning. When it was over, us US Equipers went to diner at Kamal's house and had diner provided by his wife and her helper. Fried fish (spicy), a rice/yeast pita type break, deep fried cauliflower (in a bread sauce), and a vegetable fritter. Again all very good, all with no utensils. Rounded off with ice cream and these little donut hole sized pastry that is soaked in syrup. Very yummy and very rich. Kamal is one of the India Consultants that just completed the training. He lives with wife and 2 kids (11 and 15) and their paid kitchen helper.
You'd never know what an incredibly picky eater I was growing up. Mom must be so proud! I feel like I left my food comfort zone checked at immigration. Lets just say that I really don't eat fish in the US - or onions - or curd.
Of course not all meals are a concern!!! For lunch (after church) I found my way to the local pizza hut to conduct a cross cultural experience. And I'm happy to report that the peperoni personal pan pizza really does taste exactly like it's counter-part in the USA. The diet pepsi accompanying it has a little different mix though. But a solid familiar meal is not far should I really need it :-)
Church was at PowerHouse. A church conducted in a local theater. It was very cool. Great worship music and the the message this Sunday was brought by the gentleman who is I believe the regional director of YWAM for a good part of India. Powerful message on the the parable of the seed sown and how each of the areas where seed fell deals with an area of Repentance and how we do or do not repent. I hope to translate my notes to share that soon.
This is the last night at the Force10 guest house. Tommorrow I have my final day at the Force10 office, then I'm back to do final packing and I scoot off to the Beverly Hotel a few km away to officially start the Equip venture. The Beverly is very nice and I'm looking forward to being with the rest of the team.
My health is running strong. Thanks again for your continued prayers. I am the feet on the ground, but the whole team includes God, you, and only then me.
Thanks and I pray God's powerful blessings of peace, hope, and love on your lives today.
jw.
India Post 5 - (F10)
Greetings from India.
First hot shower today. Ahhhhhh. Felt nice.
Yesterday, after work, I again connected up with Jodena and Jenna (the equip folks) and a potential client took us to "coffee shop" for a "concert" in a couple of "autos". It was a total kick. An "auto" here is a 3 wheel Jeepney. A Car is - well a car :-). You take "autos" everywhere unless it is really far away and then you might consider getting a "car". We had enough people to use 2 "auto" so it was absolutely fascinating to see these two guys work to stay together in the traffic here. Very impressive. We went through a lot of areas I had not seen before and that was nice. When we got to the "coffee shop" - there was no coffee (gasp). Us equipers were a little bummed at that, but hey, the "concert" was really fun. It was at a 'loft' above a house school way back at the end of an alley, definitely off the beaten path. I was actually kind of starting to wonder what we were getting into!
:-) God is good. Made some friends who were happy to talk and heard some amazing music. 2 guitarist in particular I think can easily rival anyone I've seen in concert. We were sitting 5 feet from the stage and how I couldn't even see their hands they were flying so fast. Some excellent old rock and roll, and some fantastic praise songs also. Mix in a little jazz, and who have a very professional outreach and a lot of fun at the same time. Went for a quick snack (aka late, lite, diner) afterward to Sparky's and had a good time to chat with the proprietor, the client couple, and Jodene and Jenna (equipers).
Driving around I'm realizing more and more how totally detached most Americans (definitely me) are from real poverty. We have so much and fret about things that if put in an India perspective, have little value. The whole "born into poverty (real poverty - not oh I only make $40K kind of poverty) - with no hope of getting out" is a reality that crosses my mind a lot. It really pushs your theology to be honest! Lots of people live on the street. You don't have to look to find them, you have to look to avoid them! I'm doing my best to grapple with the whole question of - what can one man do!
Cultural-note: We've been duped!! 1.1Billion Indians and as far as I've observed only about .01% wear sunglasses! Probably less. Can you believe that? you have to really search to find anyone wearing sunglasses! I can't live without mine, my eyes are so accustomed to being shielded. Okay seatbelts and motor bike helmets also - but that is another story.
My cold is on it's last gasp. Your prayers continue to help. My sleep is good also.
Praying that your day is blessed as God opens your eyes to something you've been to busy to notice before.
jw.
India Post 4 - (F10)
Hello again. Hope these updates are not too much. I've realized They are as much therapeutic for me I think as they are informational to you.
I truly feel your prayers and again, thank you so much for lifting me and team up daily. My cold is declining significantly and I am feeling 90% improved. Still a little congestion, but minor in comparison. Your prayers made the difference.
Last night I was able to sleep from 10:30PM to 6:15AM. Looks like the my body has mostly made the transition to local time. This morning is the first time I woke up and it was daylight outside. :-)
Yesterday evening I was able to meet up with the other 2 Equip consultants who are here doing training for the India consultants. It was great to catch up with them and was a great time meeting the India consultants who will be working hand in hand with us. Force10 has graceously arranged a car (taxi service) to be available to me anytime I wish. He made our shuttling to and from training very handy and convenient.
Rocket-Science moment of the week. This morning I realized that I have not had any hot water in my shower this whole week. Now the cold water at the guest house is not freezing cold so it's not like I was taking ice showers . The knobs and conventions are totally different and literally backward so I thought I was just 'having trouble'. But I really looked into it this morning as the realization just fully hit me. I am finally realizing that every plug in india has an accompanying switch. Every plug is turned off that is not in use. The water heater is this little 5 gallon thing mounted on the wall in the bathroom. I finally realized there is a switch to turn it on (as it turns out). There are no notes anywhere so this is not an obvious thing - at least to this bone-head american :-). So tommorrow I should enjoy my first warn shower :-)
Trivia-Fact of the day. Today is voting day. Our northern office is closed so people can vote. People here in our southern office (ODC) have half day off to vote. There is an official government law posted on many of the shops and lounges that there is No liquor allowed to be sold from yesterday afternoon, until this Sunday. I'm told they want to keep the natural tensions that arise under control. Interesting!
Some realizations that hit me yesterday and this morning:
I was feeling very good in the afternoon realizing that I'm just a couple work days away from getting to the meat of why I'm here (happy)
Once I met up with the other consultants, It really hit me that that portion hasn't even started yet and I still have over two weeks until I get to see my family again (sad)
While sitting in on the training I was hit anew with the realization that I have nothing in myself to bring here. God will show up and and it will be amazing, but only because he is the major partner.
Prayer Requests:
1. continued prayer for health. Cold completely go away. Good health come to stay.
2. deep moments with God in preparation for the coming 'venture'. It is clear that things will be getting more and more busy and I need to make sure I stay grounded.
Thanks everyone. God Bless you as you go throughout your day and are Jesus to someone you meet!
jw.
India Post 3 - (F10)
Hello again from India! (10/12/06)
Thanks so much for all your prayers and notes of encouragement. God is Good! He is providing and he is sustaining.
My cold got much worse yesterday afternoon. I went back to my residence at 6:30local after picking up some local cold medicine and went straight to bed. I slept from 6:30PM to 5:00 (roughly). I still wake up quite a bit but was able to go back to sleep. I feel 100% better than when I went to bed. My running faucet nose has change to a mild congestion. Praise God.
I was also able to connect with many from the team at my work place today - we had a group lunch and that helped to get to know some on a personal level.
I also got to experience a motor-scooter ride through the city during some peak traffic conditions. One of my guys took me to the money exchange on his bike. Wow - fascinating, exhilarating, amazing, and terrifying all at the same time. at least half the ride I could reach out one hand on either side and be able to touch either a car or fellow motor scooter - at the same time. Traffic is amazing here! I goes a lot slower that US expressways and such, but the congestion is off the chart.
Yesterday was quite busy so I did not have as much opportunity to think about how far away from home I am. I appreciate that. I am definitely getting more and more excited the closer I get to the missions part of the trip. I can totally see the hand of God in this and see how he has put me here a week early so I can have a much better understanding of the culture and location.
I Love you guys - thank you so much for holding me and fellow teammates up in prayer.
Jim.
India Post 2 - (F10)
Thanks everyone for prayer - today was a much better day than day one!
I had some good converstions with coworkers and am starting to see better where I fit in here.
Getting out at lunch for a walk with coworkers helped to see more than just the cars and scooters.
Getting in touch with the 2 others with Equip already present and doing training also helped feel connected to the ongoing Equip work in progress.
All in all very good. Thanks for the prayers.
Please pray for my health. I've a bit of a runny nose today (likely due to the lack of sleep). Some good sleep and vitamin C will hopefully nip that in the bud.
Thx. God Bless.
India Post 1 - (F10)
Well I'm here. In India, in Chennai, in the Force10 guesthouse. When they described it as spartan, they really should have emphasized spartan :-) actually it's not bad. 3 bedrooms each with locking doors, each with private bathroom/shower combo. The shower is interesting, apparently it just showers on the floor and drains down a drain. no seperate enclosure to catch the water. It is also clear that I won't be doing any actual cooking in the kitchen. Likely well populated with cooking 'tools' but nothing like America standards of course. There is another Force10 chap here in the guest apartment already that I know. That is good. another I know should be coming in tommorrow. Both guys I have a good relationship with. That helps to make me feel at home.
The flights were routine - no issues, very nice airlines Singapore Airlines. I'd recommend them to everyone.
Hong Kong layover was short and the airport was nice (got an actual Starbucks there - I expect it will be my last for 3 weeks.
Singapore layover was long (9 hours). The airport is very nice though. Lts of shops, free internet and stuff. It is very layover friendly.
Chennai airport - Well, not quite as modern as Singapore or Hong Kong :-) (to be nice). Immigration was quite efficient though (interestingly they do not look in your luggage) at least not once you have it in hand - maybe they do it before they release it to you, that did seem to take awhile.
Now driving in Chennai - I heard ALL the stories, but nothing can prepare you for actually being in it. These cars (like out of a 40s movie) clearly do not have blinkers or seat belts. Any car that does not have a horn would be smashed I'm convinced. The horn serves as everything - blinker, greeter, finger, everything. As promised there are some actual traffic lines on the roads, but they were clearly put there by some overly ambitious foreigner who does not understand that such 'advisory' conveniences are largely ignored. The most interesting intersection was a four way about the size of Leigh/Camden with a booth in the center, no lights or signs. Cars and motorbikes comeing from all directions. My driver decided it wasn't really supposed to function like a roundabout so he took the straight path of making a strict right turn. The problem is we are driving on the left so this is analygous to making a left turn into oncoming traffic - and well, everyone just accepts it, avoids you and moves on. Very exciting.
The uplink here at the guest apartment seems quite slow. it brings in web pages more like a modem than DSL. I'm runing a test to see what the actual time is. It's midnight here so the speed should be as optimal as it's going to get. Okay, aborting the DSL download test, it's taking way too long and does not look like it will be terminating soon. Formal classification: really slow :-)
it's at least 80F outside and the humidity is tangable. Should be interesting tommorrow when the sun it out. I arrived under a full moon and slight cloud cover. Beautiful sky. As we were zipping through town (I'm about 25 min from the airport), even though it is dark, I can see the contrast that people talk about. So may small business that make the town run. Homeless sleep right on the sidewalks in the darker areas. People seemingly everywhere even at 11:30 at night! hanging out it looks like. Amazing culture.
Well, need to take some herbs and vitamins and get some sleep.
Renee - give Janae and David a PBJ hug for me. :-)
Love you guys.
Both work of course.
