Jim Stuff

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.

posted by Winya @ 9:58 AM