GCC March 2006 India Team

Reflection: Skip Dodge

2006-04-20T05:58:00.000-07:00

The March 2006 India Construction Mission trip to the Village of Anumanthai Kappam, India (just north of Pondicherry) challenged me in all ways. I will never be the same again as there are new challenges ahead of me now. The love that has developed for the people of India has consumed my mind since I have returned and I wish I could do so much more for the people of India.

I have learned so much during the Mission Trip to India, but most importantly I learned that Love is the same in any culture, language, or country. To be in India to build houses for the handicapped who had lost their houses from the Tsunami was so awesome. The love and passion that has built up in my heart for the people of India will forever be with me.

I was challenged as I met one of the house owners who had polio in his right foot. He was up walking around and I thought about how he was so happy despite his condition. He kept us company as we dug holes the first day and through out the week he would come by to say hi. Seeing him made all my tiredness seem like nothing.

I learned to communicate with Indian people with and without a translator. It’s amazing what just a smile and actions can mean when you can’t speak to one another. I also got the opportunity get to know my team mates better even ones I didn’t know at all before going.

I learned the true meaning of team through-out the whole week, but especially while we were in Paris. Everyone stuck by my side during the moments of getting through the Paris Security. I was scared, but at the same time felt a sense of peace. It’s in the times of testing when you truly find out who is there for you and this team was there for me. We had a great leader, Jack Magruder who was in charge of the trip.

Sunday, March 26, 2006 celebrated my 10^th year from becoming a Christ-Follower. It was so awesome to be able to share my testimony in the Church Planter’s Churches, India, the country I started out in. So many emotions flooded my mind as the day and trip went on. Again I felt so unworthy of the life Christ had called me to in America, but how I had recommitted myself to do whatever it is that Christ has called me to do.

What changed me the most was meeting Murali. Murali was a carefree little 8 year old boy whose smile and character melted my heart. When I think about Murali, I am always reminded that the Lord calls us to be child-like and not to worry about what will happen, but to serve Him unconditionally. Murali’s smile and character will be with me forever and I gave Murali my bandana as a part of me in hopes that he will realize that I came in the name of Jesus to help him and others of India.

Before heading home.......

2006-04-20T05:50:00.000-07:00

On Thursday before heading home the team had the opportunity to visit St. Thomas - one of the twelve disciple's tomb.

Also had the opportunity to shop at Spencer Plaza.

And then went to the Meridian for supper before going to the airport to depart back to the U.S.

The Finished House

2006-04-20T05:44:00.000-07:00

On Wednesday we finished House #1 and had the house dedication. We were presented with "lays" from the Indian people which had wonderful smelling flowers.

Here is the team receiving their "lays"

Villiage Culture Program

2006-04-20T04:53:00.000-07:00

Tuesday evening the Villiage of Anumanthai, India put on a little cultural show for us. Here all the kids are on the stage dancing for us.

Peekaboo!

2006-03-28T10:58:00.000-08:00

Here in India, the masons leave a one-brick wide hole in the walls in order to have "slots" into which to put the poles for the scaffolding when they construct it on the outside of the building in order to plaster and mortar over the brick.

Chad is playing "Peekaboo" here... mainly just because i asked him too for the picture.

Indian Geography 101...

2006-03-28T10:47:00.002-08:00

Randy Haycock gets a lesson in Indian geography from the TBL guys! Click here to see this humorous but memorable 101 survey.

Point of Interest from The Shogun...

2006-03-28T10:44:00.000-08:00

Just got an e-mail from Rob (we're both in India, but are about 8 hours apart from each other at the moment). He said that he has uploaded an on-line photo album of his pictures from this trip so far. Unlike our team (with predominately a construction focus), he has been visiting churches and training church planters, as well as conducting the graduation for the next "batch" of Purpose Driven Training pastors. Click here to go to his album.

Digital Postcards: Balloo

2006-03-28T10:30:00.000-08:00

We can’t do “digital postcards” without at least having one TBL guy give you a shout out! Seen here is Balloo (like the Bear from Kipling’s Jungle Book), one of the TBL team leaders and certainly one of the most comical and fun people you will ever meet. Click here to see Balloo’s message to everyone back home!

Digital Postcards: Samuel Peter

2006-03-28T10:28:00.000-08:00

Samuel Peter also had something to say, so we filmed it and am including it here. Click
here to see Samuel Peter’s “digital postcard” to you guys back home.

Digital Postcards: Tina Kiehn

2006-03-28T10:23:00.000-08:00

Tina Kiehn is an official honorary team member! She works for Habitat as a Site Volunteer Coordinator, and is an amazing person. She has worked for Americor, and now lives in Pondicherry where she helps coordinate local Indian Habitat builds with outside partners (such as GCC/TBL). She has a great sense of humor, is an exceptionally hard worker, and has helped to keep the team’s morale and spirits flying high. When I asked her to take a crack at a “digital postcard”, this is what she said (click here).

Digital Postcards: Elaine Bader

2006-03-28T10:20:00.000-08:00

Click here to see Elaine Bader's digital postcard.

Digital Postcards: Terry Akins

2006-03-28T10:17:00.000-08:00

Click here to see Terry Akin's digital postcard.

Digital Postcards: Kevin Maggert

2006-03-28T10:15:00.000-08:00

Click here to see Kevin Maggert's digital postcard.

Digital Postcards: Shelly Jackson

2006-03-28T10:10:00.000-08:00

Click here to see Shelly Jackson's digital postcard.

Digital Postcards: Skip Dodge

2006-03-28T10:07:00.000-08:00

Click here to see Skip Dodge's digital postcard.

Digital Postcards: Velma Rassi

2006-03-28T10:05:00.000-08:00

Click here to see Velma Rassi's digital postcard.

Digital Postcards: Les Rassi

2006-03-28T10:01:00.000-08:00

Click here to see Les Rassi's digital postcard.

Digital Postcards: Sue Haycock

2006-03-28T09:58:00.000-08:00

Click here to see Sue Haycock's digital postcard.

Digital Postcards: Randy Haycock

2006-03-28T09:56:00.000-08:00

Click here to see Randy Haycock's digital postcard.

Digital Postcards: Dan Blacketor

2006-03-28T09:50:00.000-08:00

Click here to see Dan Blacketor's digital postcard.

Digital Postcards: Shannon Papp

2006-03-28T09:47:00.000-08:00

Crew! I SUPER apologize for this, but i somehow lost Shannon's "postcard" in the transfer from my Cybershot to my laptop. I'll get it again tomorrow and re-upload it as soon as i can. Sorry... stay tuned! -samurai jack

Digital Postcards: Chad Anderson

2006-03-28T09:39:00.000-08:00

To see Chad Anderson's digital postcard, click here.

A Good Word!

2006-03-28T03:29:00.000-08:00

Many of the fishing vessels along the coast have the word PREPARE painted on their sides. I thought initially that this might be a reminder to be ready for the likelihood of another tsunami, but it turns out that PREPARE is actually an organization that has organized and provided fishing vessels for the families that lost theirs when the tsunami hit. A family without a livelihood is a family that has (or quickly will have) more problems than just lack of work, so PREPARE works to source corporate and individual donors to supply boats and some other materials (such as tackle and netting) back to those who lost them. Still, the irony of the word and the fact that they were plastered onto the side of the livelihoods of those who suffered most from the tsunami was striking. PREPARE indeed!

This Wasn’t a Prop From “Jaws”…

2006-03-28T03:28:00.000-08:00

Want to see what happens when a 35 foot wave picks up a fishing vessel and smashes it into the village ½ mile inland? This boat was fractured cleanly into 3 segments, and is still sitting useless along the shore. One of the things that amazed us the most about these villages is that the debris from houses, boats and everything else has pretty much been “locked in time” and doesn’t look much different than it did 16 months ago. Some additional pictures here show how boat hulls have only rudimentarily been fashioned into shelters, and the skeleton shells of many houses wiped away still remain untouched.

Tsunami Wake...

2006-03-28T03:24:00.000-08:00

After work today, we had the opportunity to tour 3 other tsunami-affected villages where Habitat is working. In each village, we were amazed at how much devastations still exists now that the tsunami is some 15 months past. In many instances, the same debris still lines the shoreline as it did 2 weeks after the disaster, and in many cases, “life as normal” still has not resumed for the people most affected by it. You can also see on most of the houses that actually survived just exactly how high up the water came. Pictured here is one of our friends from Habitat marking the high water stain on a house nearly ½ mile from shore! Most houses that were made of traditional Indian materials (such as thatch and wood) did not survive at all. Most that were made of sturdier materials such as mud and plaster had some minimal success in withstanding the waves. Even a good number of brick homes were completely decimated as well. In the three villages that we visited, a total of about 35 – 40 people lost their lives in the tsunami. Most of those people were children who lacked the ability to swim to shore, or were not strong enough to tread water until help arrived.

He's Good... But Not God!

2006-03-28T03:23:00.000-08:00

Chad’s a pretty spiritual guy, but he’s not walking on water in this picture. Rather, he and some of the team went down to the beach behind the TWR facility for a morning stroll before heading to the work site.

The "Almost Perfect" Con...

2006-03-28T03:22:00.000-08:00

A young man approached Terry yesterday and asked him for an American dollar bill. “Why?” Terry asked. The young man replied that he wanted to use it as a bookmark as he had always been a fan of American money. When Terry said that he hadn’t brought any American money with him that day, the young man thought for a moment and then said, “Well, I guess 50 rupees would do instead.” (Note: $1 = 50 Indian Rupees). Nice try! :- ):

Guinea Birds: The Ultimate Watch..er..."dog"

2006-03-28T03:20:00.000-08:00

The Trans World Radio compound we are using as a residence and “base” is a delightful spot and is ideally suited for groups ranging in size from 6 to 2,500 (yes, can you believe that they actually have housing capacity for 2,500 people???). The grounds are carefully maintained, and some basic wildlife abounds within the walls. Among them are these Guinea Birds. They squawk at anything and everything, and sound somewhat like an Indian variation of a wild turkey. People say that they’re phenomenal watchdogs… except that they’re not dogs, of course.

Shovel Art!

2006-03-28T03:17:00.000-08:00

Okay, so we just thought it would be fun to do some creative stacking with the shovels. Hey, if people can weld spoons and pop cans together and all it modern art, why can’t we stack shovels and call it the same? I call the top one, “Pixie Parade Under an Azure Twilight“, the middle one, “Swan Sonata in Blue“, and the bottom one, “Bob”. We’ll start the bidding at $10,000.00… any takers?

The Multipurpose Mumtee!

2006-03-28T03:13:00.000-08:00

I have a quick MPEG of Shannon Papp mixing mortar with a Mumtee (and a vengeance!). A Mumtee is kind of like a “reverse shovel”, but is one of the massively multi-purpose tools used here in India for everything from digging, chopping, mixing and…well… anything else you can think of. Click here to see how you really use this unique Indian tool!

Feeling Crabby!

2006-03-28T03:12:00.000-08:00

These little crabs abound along the coastal regions of India in the tsunami zone. They are about the size of a silver dollar and will fit comfortably in the palm of your hand. They sure are cute little guys, but they’re fast as lightning, so you have to be quick to catch them.
Crab..

Stuffed!

2006-03-28T03:10:00.000-08:00

Oops! After gorging ourselves at Pizza Hut, we returned to the Trans World center to find that the staff had prepared supper for us. I turned to one of our TBL friends and said, “Hey, we’re all wasted and stuffed… will it offend him if we don’t eat?” “Oh yes, it will…” was the response. So, a few token members of the team loosened our belts and prepared to eat until we couldn’t swallow. Shown here is Chad Anderson’s perspective on how he felt afterward.

Never Thought You'd Be So Happy To See a Pizza Hut!

2006-03-28T03:07:00.000-08:00

Recipe for Ecstacy:
100 gallons of hard work
6 gallons of sweat
2 quarts of Gatorade
9 quarts fatigue
8 pints of roller-coaster travel
30 gallons of cultural over-stimulation
3 Pizza Hut pizzas
3 Pitchers of Pepsi
19 Servings of Vanilla ice-cream with chocolate syrup

Combine in order listed above. Stir vigorously. Enjoy!

After our Sunday Market experience, we trekked to an actual Pizza Hut in Pondicherry, and let me tell you, Pizza Hut pizza never tasted so good! Of course, overseas, Pizza Hut is a delicacy, so the restaurant is immaculately maintained, staffed with waiters and waitresses who make you feel as though you have stepped into The Drake Hotel in Chicago, and they even serve your pizza for you when they bring it to your table. Despite the surreality of that experience, combine a few pizzas, some Pepsi and some ice cream for dessert, and you’d be surprised at how happy you can feel. Better than drugs! Humorously, for 19 people to eat until they were completely stuffed only cost about $40 (including tip). Maybe I’ll try to pay in Rupees the next time we order at home in the States.

The Team In Action... In Another Way!

2006-03-28T03:02:00.001-08:00

On Sunday, the team split up to visit TBL church planters in their villages and areas of influence. Our two groups went in opposite directions and had fantastic experiences engaging the Indian worship experience. In addition, each team member had the opportunity to either “preach”, share their testimony, or pray for the church and ministry of the church planter, and each member of the team was profoundly impacted by the experience. Most TBL church planters organize house churches that range in size between 12 and 200, and many (if not most) meet in people’s homes, small rooms with dirt or concrete floors, or are small one-room church buildings with simple furnishings. One of the church planters leaned over to me at dinner the other day and with a measure of excitement in his voice said, “So, tell me… is your church air conditioned?” I smiled and affirmed that it was. He thought for a moment, and then leaned in again, “Yes, but the whole church?” “Yes, I replied… the entire church is air conditioned.” “Ah…” he smiled, “someday… yes… my vision is to have a church that is air conditioned as well… I think that will help people to want to come!” I smiled to myself and felt a tinge of conscience as well. If only my Indian friend had any clue about what we enjoy at GCC, he would probably have a seizure. We are truly blessed… and often, our Asian and African brothers and sisters far exceed us in how much they are able to accomplish with so little to use as tools.

Featured here are Elaine delivering a sermon at an Indian church, Skip and Les delivering their testimonies, and Shannon, Velma and Shelly praying for the church planters, as well as Shelly holding a small India baby who came to her quite willingly.

Fun Note: The day that Skip delivered her testimony was her 10th “anniversary” of deciding to follow Christ! How cool that she was back in India (her country of origin) on the day that she commemorated one decade of her journey with our Lord!

The Sunday Market: Think “School of Fish” Meets “Feeding Frenzy”

2006-03-28T03:02:00.000-08:00

After going to church on Sunday, the team headed into Pondicherry to peruse the “Sunday Market”, a weekly gathering along “Mahatma Ghandi Road” to peddle pretty much everything you can imagine for pennies on the dollar. It is the “collecting basin” for every knock-off brand manufactured item on the planet, and each vendor simply spreads their wares along the street and then hollers “auctioneer style” to those who pass by in an attempt to get them to stop and look.

For our part, the simple mass of humanity concentrated in a single location was mind-boggling. There were probably 10,000 people or more in each ¼ mile stretch of road (and the road is probably only 20 yards wide to begin with), and negotiating it (or just attempting to either move or keep from having to move) proved about as effective as resisting time or taxes. When in India, you find yourself “going with the flow” more by necessity than choice, because the sheer weight and will of a collective mass of people is irresistible in most instances.

At one section of the street, there was also a Hindu temple that we managed to capture on film. It is included here as well.

I LOVE This Picture!!!

2006-03-28T03:01:00.000-08:00

Here is another picture of a young Indian girl praying. She is a member of a TBL church planter’s congregation, and, like everyone else in the church, is extremely devoted to her faith.

Brothers!

2006-03-28T03:00:00.000-08:00

We value so much the interaction and ministry of our Bible League brothers and sisters. And the cool thing is, we think that it is reciprocal.

Indian People Are Beautiful!!!

2006-03-28T02:53:00.000-08:00

Truly, Indian people are among the most beautiful people I have ever seen. Their dark eyes and bright smiles shine regardless of the pain or difficulty of their lives, and their warm hearts and ready hands propel them to serve and love others and one another with a ferocity I have not experienced elsewhere. Their garments are beautiful, their children are adorable, and their culture is complex, intricate and exotic. Here are some pictures of “just faces” that I thought you should see. These are casual and random, so don’t think that they are posed or abnormal… seriously… everyone in India looks like this… they’re just beautiful!!!

Going For a Boat Ride...

2006-03-28T02:51:00.000-08:00

Since we’re working in fishermen communities, we thought it would be fun to take a boat ride around the backwaters to see some more of the coast “from the other side”. As a result, Mr. Samuel Peter arranged for us to pile into a couple of 25 foot motorized boats and putt around for about 15 – 20 minutes. While on the water, we were able to see first hand how Indians fish (they stand in their little canoes and net or reel with more balance than a Bolshoi Ballerina… seriously! It’s something to see!), as well as a beautiful sunset which Kevin managed to capture for us on film.

Wow!

2006-03-28T02:50:00.000-08:00

After work, we jaunted down to the coast for a quick survey of one of the villages. While there, one of our pastor friends (Pastor Paul) called all the children in the village to him, and within seconds, we saw a replay first hand of Jesus interacting with the children in the Gospels. The children were happy and excited, listened enthusiastically to Pastor Paul, and prayed ferverently as he led them. If this photo doesn’t melt your heart… you should make sure you’re still breathing.
Pray

But Without the Little Umbrellas...

2006-03-28T02:49:00.000-08:00

A traditional Indian drinkable snack is manufactured simply by climbing a tree, hacking off a fresh coconut with a machete, chopping off its top, inserting a straw and then passing it on to a guest. Susie Haycock is featured here with her beverage, and is quite pleased to taste the warm, fresh, thick, sweet coconut milk inside… but I think she would like to have had one of those little cocktail umbrellas in it just to polish off the exotic resort look and feel.

It's Like a "Where's Waldo?" Picture...

2006-03-28T02:44:00.000-08:00

Ever see those “Where’s Waldo?” picture books? Well, check THIS picture out! Kevin Maggert is nestled amidst a moving and happy blur of Indian children in the village adjacent to where we are working, and the expressions on each of their faces say more than I can with the limited utility of words.

Samuel Peter: The Wizard!

2006-03-28T02:42:00.000-08:00

You can’t be around Habitat India for very long without being influenced profoundly by this man: Mr. Samuel Peter. He is a giant among men of God here, and his “war record” is immense. He and his wife (Gita) single-handedly initiated micro-credit groups in India several years ago until they were a federation of over 200 small groups working for equality between workers and their employers. He and Gita also under the umbrella of EFICOR (an evangelical, ecumenical organization that works to advance the Kingdom) began numerous HIV/AIDS education and prevention programs in Southern India, and he now works as the India Church Relations component for Habitat for Humanity International. Like all of our TBL brethren, Samuel Peter exemplifies so much of the reason we continue to work in India. He is passionate, compassionate, tireless and radically committed to the Gospel and the advancement of the Kingdom of God. He’s our “brother from another mother”!

Live, From the Field… Or…Well… Sort of “Live”…

2006-03-25T08:00:00.000-08:00

Okay, we’re going to try something new this go ‘round. I have interviewed each of the GCC team members and asked them to give me a 10 – 15 second “These are my first impressions of India” speech. If this is successful, you should just be able to click each of the links below for each of the team members, and it will take you to an MPEG file that you should be able to view with Windows Media or another player. So… don’t shoot me if it doesn’t work, but here goes:
See observations from Chad Anderson
See observations from Skip Dodge
See observations from Shelley Jackson
See observations from Shannon Papp
See observations from Les Rassi
See observations from Velma Rassi
See observations from Randy Haycock
See observations from Sue Haycock
See observations from Kevin Maggert
See observations from Dan Blacketor
See observations from Terry Akins
See observations from Elaine Bader

The Digging Song

2006-03-25T07:56:00.000-08:00

(To be sung to the tune of Tennessee Ernie Ford’s Sixteen Tons)

Well some people say that churches are for sittin and sleep,
But I’ll tell you right now that that just ain’t for me,
So i loaded up my GCC India team
And we got on a plane and flew over the sea,
We met our Indian friends, now isn’t that odd?
We’re another day closer to the Kingdom of God!
Now St. Peter don’t you call me, cause I ain’t done,
I’m down at the worksite having too much fun!

I woke up in the morning with the sun and the shine,
I picked up my shovel and I headed to the site
And dug 16 tons of Indian sand
And the Habitat leader said, “Well, oh my land!”
You loaded 16 tons, now isn’t that odd?
We’re another day closer to the Kingdom of God!
Now St. Peter don’t you call me, cause I ain’t done,
I’m down at the worksite having too much fun!

Well, I woke up and I went down to the house with no walls,
But by 10 in the morning they was 6 feet tall!
We laid down 16 tons of Indian brick
And they were straighter and smoother than a measuring stick,
We laid down 16 tons, now isn’t that odd?
We’re another day closer to the Kingdom of God!
Now St. Peter don’t you call me, cause I ain’t done,
I’m down at the worksite having too much fun!

Success... For Now!

2006-03-25T02:40:00.000-08:00

Crew! Just wanted to let you know that Immanuel secured a great place to upload the posts that i had been developing, and so, there are two things you will want to know:
1) There are like 20 posts here all at once, so if you are reading this, you should scroll down and read the ones leading up to it.
2) This place, while great (Wi-Fi rocks!!!), is quite a bit out of the way, so i don't think i'll be able to do this every day. As a result, i will continue to post as often as i can, but don't be surprised if there are some gaps in posting.

The team is doing great (if you can't tell from the posts and entries), and we hope you all at home are doing likewise!!!

Much love and thought!

-samurai jack and the gcc March India Team!

I LOVE this Team!!!

2006-03-25T02:37:00.000-08:00

Is this a great group or what? All these smiles were after a 9 hour day of manual labor in 100 degree heat! The fun must certainly outweigh the climate... and let me tell you, it DOES!!!

Arrival of the Shogun!

2006-03-25T02:32:00.000-08:00

Rob arrived today and spent some time slogging mortar and digging in a pit! Super-Pastor indeed! He had a great time, and then spent the evening with the team before heading back out to Chennai for the night before his train to Trichy in the morning!

The Sawar Melee ...

2006-03-25T02:26:00.000-08:00

After work, we stopped by a local shop so that the ladies of our team could stop and pick up some Indian clothing (most of them had decided to "go native" beforehand in order to minimize their packing load and weight). The experience was a fascinating and fun engagement for all of them, and they had a blast picking out their own very colorful garments to wear. Shown here are various team ladies holding up, bartering with the counter tenders, and carefully selecting their garments. They wore them to dinner as well, and looked great! Way to go, ladies!!!

What's That Around Your Neck?

2006-03-23T10:06:00.000-08:00

Shannon and Velma are wearing the following around their necks:
a) Popcorn tinsel to hang on their VERY early Christmas tree
b) A rare Indian snake called the Feathered Flower Viper
c) Fresh Jasmine garlands that smell like you just walked into Heaven

Hey, You've Got Something On Your Face

2006-03-23T10:03:00.000-08:00

This cow is:
a) Eating garbage directly off the street
b) Growing a new form of cow gotee to impress his girlfriend
c) Eating a “Lime Blast” fruit roll-up

Hey, Dude! Nice Fro!

2006-03-23T10:02:00.000-08:00

The guy in the picture here is:
a) Lawrence of Arabia
b) An example of what happens when Rogaine goes bad
c) Randy Haycock wearing improvised sun-protection while working 8 hours on the roof of a house-in-progress

Learning from the Masters!

2006-03-23T10:01:00.000-08:00

One of the great things about working with Habitat is that you can serve as a volunteer, but they hire skilled laborers to ensure that the work will be completed, with or without you. These guys are some of those skilled laborers. They’re brick-masons, and they can twirl a trowel full of mortar and make it sit up and do tricks too! And they’re VERY particular about their craft. Most of us found that even when we “did it right”, it was still wrong in some way, but that’s all just fine with us because they were exceptionally patient with us, and equally exceptional at their skills.

My Life As a Prairie Dog!

2006-03-23T10:00:00.000-08:00

I don’t know if you’ve ever tried to dig a hole that is 4’ wide and 4’ deep, but it’s a lot harder than it looks. One of the main reasons, interestingly enough, is that unless you have a 48” vertical leap, it’s very difficult to get out of one once it is dug. I jumped in to spell a dig team worker for a few minutes and was amazed at how my entire perspective on life changed. “This must be what a Prairie Dog feels like on a regular basis!” Terry and Kevin were in nearby holes as well, shoveling away until I could only see their heads and the tops of their shoulders, and there was something almost womb-like about the cool, dark sand. The down side was that I had to perform a maneuver similar to a beached whale to get out of the hole, flopping myself ungracefully full first and then “walrussing” myself forward until I could get a hold and stand up. “Nice Job, Shamoo!” was the humorous comment from one team member. I was afraid I had to agree… too bad there wasn’t even a Herring from the kind hand of a trainer for my trouble. Alas!

Oh Man, We WORKED!!!

2006-03-23T09:59:00.001-08:00

Breaking into four teams, we worked hard today! Team #1 worked on the roof of one house, laying brick and doing some roof-work. Team #2 did brick work above the “basement” on a house. Team #3 did similar brick work, but actually on the basement of another house. Team #4 were the insane kamikaze’s who spent the whole day breaking their backs by digging the footers for the “from scratch” houses.

A Thing of Wonder!

2006-03-23T09:59:00.000-08:00

I was soooo excited to include this picture and entry because it was just too incredible to miss. Beside the little dining hall on the site where we worked, there was a little hut that serves as a school and community center for activities. During one break, Elaine Bader ventured into the little hut and was immediately swamped by Indian munchkins. Elaine was incredible! She jumped right in and began interacting with the, counting in English (which they repeated flawlessly), identifying colors, and answering basic questions. Within about 30 seconds, she was literally neck-deep in small, smiling, rapidly moving and talking children, and this picture shows only a fraction of the joy that simply radiated through the room during the whole event! Yup, there’s a reason why this lady has such an immense passion for inner-city children… and it was cool to see that it translated to India without a hitch.

Yeah… You Might Want to Prop That Up a Little!”

2006-03-23T09:57:00.001-08:00

I’ve seen some bizarre structures in my day… but I think that this one takes the proverbial cake. Towering some 50 feet high, this… um… “grain silo”… I dunno… whatever it was, was in some SERIOUS need for either a wrecking ball or some additional support beams. Let’s just suffice to say that you won’t catch any of US going inside it… much less climbing to its peak to catch the view.

And It’s Vegetarian Too!!!

2006-03-23T09:57:00.000-08:00

It is probably noteworthy at this point to state that I’m not overly fixated on food normally… really… I just recognize that I have had several entries on meals and food and felt the need to state why. I suppose it’s because the food is one of those things that is perhaps the greatest illustrators of the differences between our two cultures. You eat food in India without silverware. The food is extremely flavorful… it makes our food taste like cardboard. But it’s all a little…um… “different”. Most Indian food is soupy, blended with rice, and impossible to eat “cleanly”. It is often spicey, and sometimes made from “questionable” items (I found the lower half of a goat’s heart in my mutton-biriani last trip… eew!). As a result, I highlight it quite a bit because it give you more than just a flavor of the food… it’s the flavor of India! Pictured here is Les Rassi chowing down on some tasty morsels from today’s fare for lunch. He’s pretty happy about it, if you can’t tell, and today’s lunch was completely vegetarian.

Coffee… the Beverage of Angels!

2006-03-23T09:55:00.001-08:00

After a really late night of meetings and introductions and orientations on Wednesday night, we all crashed pretty hard (hence my excellent wife’s interjected communiqué that there would be no postings… I was just too tired…sorry). However, we bounded out of bed and were met at the dormitory door by a pleasant gentleman bearing trays full of coffee. Indian coffee is GOOD stuff. It’s about 1/3 coffee, 1/3 milk, and 1/3 sugar… and was VERY welcome at 6:30… even “bounding” as we were (or were trying to be).

It's Like Digging a Hole to China... Or 9 Holes, To Be Precise

2006-03-23T09:55:00.000-08:00

According to HFH staff, it normally takes 3 days to dig 9 holes the size that are required for the footers. We did them in 1 day. They were impressed… which is cool to say the least, considering that they are the single largest housing provider on the planet. In addition, the gentleman whose home the holes will be for is a man named Tangaraj. He has a malady which affects one of his legs, but he is one of the most jovial and positive people you will ever meet. He and several of his friends dug with our team for the better part of the day, including one friend who was blind (and yet worked the hardest of any of them). Tangaraj is very excited about his new home, and the smile on his face showed his excitement clearly.

The Site!

2006-03-23T09:52:00.001-08:00

After arriving in Pondicherry, we zipped over to the work-site for a quick survey of the houses we will be working on for the week. There are a total of 13 houses, and they are part of a much larger build being sponsored by The Leprosy Mission of India (TLM). The total for the community is somewhere around 76 homes, and our component with/through Habitat are an addendum to that figure. The 13 homes are in various stages ranging from “scratch” (i.e. we will dig the parapets for the footers all the way up as far as we can go within our timeframe) to “mostly complete” (i.e. we just need to paint and plaster, or do some minor finishing touches), and we will have the opportunity to work on each of them in various combined teams comprised of Bible League and GCC volunteers alongside skilled contracted masons and builders.

One cool thing that we were really pleased to find out: all the homes that we’re working on and funding are being given to people with disabilities. Some are blind or lame or have some sort of impairment that prevents them from being able to achieve a quality of life comparable to others in their village.

Where’s Our “Cow-Catcher” When We Need It?

2006-03-23T09:50:00.000-08:00

Believe it or not, this is actually a fairly common site in India. Since livestock are allowed to roam with complete freedom, you pretty much have to make way for them…especially since they seem to somehow know that you’re not actually going to hit them. They “own” the whole country… and somehow know it.

One Year Later: The Drive to Pondicherry

2006-03-23T09:49:00.000-08:00

We were extremely humbled and struck with considerable awe on the drive from Chennai to Pondicherry. These pictures represent just a few of the myriad numbers of “Tsunami towns” which were constructed by the Indian government as “temporary houses” for tsunami victims. These little towns have no running water, no sanitation and no electricity, and now, a year plus after the tsunami, there appears to be little intent in many of these villages for anything to improve or change. In conjunction with the fundamental law that “temporary things tend to become permanent”, such certainly seems to be true here in these instances, and as many as 75 to 100+ families may inhabit one of the little plots (some having a total of over 1,000 people). There is a reason why we are here. There is a reason why housing is still such a critical need for people who were affected by the tsuami from a year ago. And there is a reason why we are attempting to equip local Indian churches with the capacity to meet the needs of people in situations such as this through world class partnerships.

It’s What Happens When Tobacco and Toothpaste Get Together….

2006-03-23T09:48:00.000-08:00

So let’s talk about “verilai”. In short, it’s the bad thing that happens when you wrap unidentifiable Indian ingredients in a small leaf and pose it to Americans as being “good for digestion”. It may be such, but it tastes like laundry soap… wrapped in a leaf that you picked up out of your front yard. Terry’s expression about says it all.

It’s Pronounced “Tali”… And It’s Worth the Trip.

2006-03-23T09:47:00.000-08:00

If you ever come to India, you HAVE to have a traditional Indian lunch called “Tali” (it’s actually spelled and pronounced more like “Thda’li”, but we’ll just stick with “Tali” for ease). It’s a multiple-course meal that basically runs as follows:

a) You are given soup (it’s a vegetable base with floating little leeks and bits of carrots) and a wonderfully tasting cauliflower dish that is similar to “Orange Chicken” at Panda Express… except that… er… well… it’s not “chicken” b) We all ordered a beverage called a “Sweet Lime Soda”, which is brought as a 1/3 of a glass of syrup (think hyper-sweetened Karo) doused with fresh lime juice, and then you add seltzer water to taste until you have a delightfully bubbly and refreshing primitive “Sprite” c) After the soup and cauliflower, each person is given a large lipped round tray with 18 smaller saucers in it, each of which contains some scrumptious and highly unique Indian sauce or chutney. In addition to these, fresh white rice and a number of “Indian breads” are also brought, and each saucer is either dumped onto rice, or used as a dipping agent for the breads d) After the multi-dish, fresh lemon water is brought to each guest in order to allow them to cleanse their hands, and e) for an after-lunch treat, plates of micro-sweet bananas and “verilai” are brought to the table.

The People Who Are REALLY Reaching India for Christ!

2006-03-23T09:46:00.000-08:00

Let me introduce you to the people who are behind the statistic that shows that one church is successfully planted in India every single day. These are the key administrative people behind The Bible League’s immense church-planting endeavor in India, and they are each one a giant in their particular field of expertise. From left to right, they are: Stalin, Yanashaker, Pandian, Jiborash, Solomon, Streeter, and Immanuel!

It's NOT a "Shawl"... It's a "Mantle"!!!

2006-03-23T09:45:00.000-08:00

One of our first stops after leaving the YWCA was to visit Bible League HQ to see how the organization works from the inside. It is here that I have to tell you that our Indian brothers and sisters are really amazing, and shame us as Americans when it comes to the issue of hospitality. Whenever a team comes to India, each member is greeted with some incredible token of welcome. In this instance, each team member received a unique shawl to wrap around their necks (or… as the manly men on the team insist, “it’s not a ‘shawl’ if you’re a guy… it’s a ‘mantle’!!!). We were also treated to cold pop and cookies while there. Mmmmmmmm!

Waking Up In India!

2006-03-23T09:44:00.000-08:00

After a brief nap at the YWCA, most of the team awakened to the sound of the hustle and bustle of a typically busy Chennai morning. The YWCA is actually its own “compound” (seriously, it’s a walled fortification that has its own vocational school, phone access point, and a couple of shops), so you can stroll through gardens and hang out quite comfortably for some time without getting Cabin Fever of any sort. At around 8:30 am, the team congregated in the kitchen for its first Indian meal, a semi-Western/semi-Indian breakfast consisting of fried eggs, toast and jam, idly (small rice pancakes), sambar (pepper-water sauce), and, of course, coffee and chai-tea. After breakfast, we were met by Immanuel (TBL’s illustrious administrative wizard who makes all things “so” whenever any of our teams come), and then promptly loaded onto busses and headed out into the city for a few errands before zipping on to Pondicherry.

We Are Experiencing Technical Difficulties...

2006-03-22T21:18:00.000-08:00

Crew! Just wanted to let you know that we are having some troule finding a relaible, stable and fast Internet connection. I'm using long distance dial up from my room, which not only means that the connection is weak and unstable, but takes forever to upload a single post. Right now, i have driven an hour in an Auto-rickshaw to work at the personal business computer of a generous Indian businessman, but his connection is old and slow, and i am finding that i still cannot load photos. As a result, please know that i have 20 something posts all ready to hit the blog... but without pictures, they're not much good, alas. As a result, we are going to try again this evening (Immanuel knows a good spot in Pondy), and as soon as i can upload the photos, there will be a much better picture of what we are and have been doing. So... please stay tuned. Don't give up on us because we're going to great lengths to make sure we can do "something" soon to establish a reliable and stable connection. Until then, however... sorry.

The team is doing great! Rob Wegner joins us for a little while today at the site before travelling to Trichy to begin church planter training. We dug 9 immense holes yesterday as one component to our jobs, and the HFHI crew leaders remarked that "normally, that takes a group 3 days... you guys did it in one... we're impressed!" THEY were impressed, and we were happy.

More soon... WITH pictures... so stay tuned. I'll hopefully have them uploaded and ready for you before you guys are ready to go to bed tonight. In the mean time, know that we think of you all, hope you are well, and want you to know that we are all doing well too!

Shinken!
-samurai jack

Checking in...

2006-03-22T08:43:00.000-08:00

Checking in from India...no, wait INDIANA!! Jack just called home and said they were not able to post tonight, but wanted you to know that the team had a great day! They toured the build site as well as The Bible League headquarters, feasted on great food and took lots of pictures! They're heading to bed to catch up on some much-needed sleep and will be up-and-at-'em at 5:45 a.m. to start work! Pictures and stories coming soon!

What a Team!!!

2006-03-21T14:04:00.000-08:00

After clearing Customs and Baggage Claim, the team was met by several people from The Bible League, as well as Mr. Samuel Peter from Habitat for Humanity. From the airport, we loaded our gear onto two large vans and headed to the YWCA where we will catch a couple of quick hours of shut-eye before trekking on to our project work-site in Pondicherry tomorrow morning.

The Tradition Continues!

2006-03-21T13:57:00.000-08:00

It is a GCC India team tradition upon arrival into Chennai to have one team member pose by the “welcoming mural” next to Customs. Our very own Elaine Bader did the honor for this team, and is shown here “Vanna White” style next to the image. Upon asking, Elaine said that the mural reminded her of her own family. First, there are four horses, which represent her four children. Second, there is Elaine holding the reigns of those four children in a state of watchfulness and guidance and direction. Finally, there is Don (her husband) in the cart behind bowing in obsequious obedience and homage to Elaine’s whim and will. There’s even their dog “Jazzie”, portrayed as the lone white bird above the carriage holding the heraldric symbol of the family! But whatever the particular interpretation, the mural does pose an interesting statement: “Perform thy duty, and lay no claim to its fruits“. It is precisely that purpose for which we have come to India. We seek to serve and do our duty, and will pleased if Christ alone receives glory for it!

SAFE!!!

2006-03-21T13:55:00.000-08:00

After a pretty solid straight 36 hours of travel since leaving South Bend, we finally arrived safely and without further incident at Chennai International Airport in Tamil Nadu, India! Our plane touched down just a little after midnight, and after clearing customs and baggage claim, we were able to emerge into the heat of the night. Upon last check, it was a balmy 85 degrees (at midnight!!!), and the humidity is about 80%. Brrrr! Psyche!!! Anyway, shown here is our illustrious Chad Anderson having his passport and visa checked by local Indian Customs officials. Smiles help a lot, as does a casual greeting of “wanakum” (roughly translated “howdy”) when you step up into the line.

Do NOT pass Go, do NOT collect $200!

2006-03-21T13:32:00.000-08:00

Due to the nature of the situation described below, none of us managed to get a photo, but we had an… er… “interesting” experience in Paris as we changed planes to embark on the final leg of our journey from Paris to Chennai. After being whisked off the plane onto busses (seriously, the busses were just for us) and driven rally-car style around the airport at break-neck speed, we went through another layer of security and then…uh…oops. Our resident Missions Ninja (Miss Skip Dodge) was held up at the end of the security checkpoint with several polite but very involved security personnel beginning to ask her to open her luggage. Long story short, the security squad apologized for the inconvenience, but indicated that Skip’s bag had triggered one of the Ion Track explosive detector systems, and that they were going to have to engage extra security measures before allowing her to proceed. It would have almost been funny if we hadn’t been living it. “Have you been to a shooting range lately, Mademoiselle?” “Have you been handling firearms lately, Mademoiselle?” “Do you work around explosives, Mademoiselle?” Skip works in the IT Dept at Bethel College, which is about as far away from handling or manufacturing weapons-grade explosives as you can get, and somehow through the process, I managed to stifle the urge to launch into a sermonette about how Skip was “packing the heat of the Word of God” and “carrying the tactical nuke of God’s love to a lost and dying world”. Heh-heh… :- )

At any rate, already on a tight timeline to make our connecting flight, the team waited and prayed in eager anticipation until finally Skip was given the “all clear” and allowed to proceed. While piecing her luggage back together and rushing with the rest of the team to the gang-plank to board our 767, Skip was a little rattled, but very grateful to be moving on. I’ll tell you one thing, it’s scenarios like this that make you value having a bilingual team-mate! Chad Anderson (who grew up in France while his parents served as missionaries there) walked Skip through the entire process, was able to engage the security personnel well, and helped to encourage the general smoothness and eventual resolution of the issue, and we all found ourselves pleasantly stowed on our aircraft and glad to be underway and still on-schedule.

So What EXACTLY Does One Do With 7 ½ Hours of…um… Nothing To Do?

2006-03-21T13:29:00.000-08:00

Honestly, how many times can one watch Aeon Flux or Chicken Little in a row on the in-flight movies without passing out from digital overstimulation? While the Delta-Air France connection from Cincinnati to Paris was quite pleasant, most of the team members opted to stand, stretch and talk rather than engaging the cinematic selections offered on our in-flight displays. And as for sleep? Well… some caught an hour or two here or there, but most of us were too excited to catch too many “z”s.

Prepping for Dust-off!

2006-03-21T13:27:00.000-08:00

After the final round of cell-phone calls to loved ones, bathroom breaks and final luggage and carry-on re-packs, the team was officially cleared through security and ready to board our little Canadair Bizjet for the puddle-jump to Cincinnati. An item of note: the security guard was very intrigued that we were all going to India to work in the tsunami-zone, and made a special effort to come around to the other side of security to wish us all well and “God bless”.

The Journey of a Thousand Miles Begins With... Baggage Check-in?

2006-03-21T13:23:00.000-08:00

The old proverb doesn’t go quite like that, but in our modern day and age, baggage check in is, unfortunately, a rather necessary evil. I have to admit, however, that for 13 people getting ready to spend 10 days in difficult conditions, we had less than 10 actual check-in bags (5 of which were from Ron VanderGriend for us to “smurf” across into India for Bible League staff and church planters), and mostly carried our gear with us. Pretty impressive! Nonetheless, it still took us a good half-hour to 45 minutes to get everyone checked, passed and ready, and aside from a slight malfunction with Susie Haycock’s boarding pass from Paris to Chennai, everything went about as smoothly as it could have.

“Redy” to go!

2006-03-21T13:18:00.000-08:00

No, it’s not a misspelling in the title… and no, we didn’t all just coincidentally decide to wear red pique-knit short sleeved shirts with a GCC logo on the left either. This is the March ’06 India team in all of its red team shirt glory posing for a quick photo before loading onto a GCC shuttle bus (driven courtesy of our very own Tom Zachary!) to head to South Bend Regional Airport where we will begin the journey to India! Before leaving, however, the team enjoyed a few minutes in the Jungle Room in the Children’s Area at GCC to go over last minute details (“Show me your passports!”), tie on team identity luggage tags, and pray with some of the GCC staff.

Banzai!

2006-03-15T09:48:00.000-08:00

We had our final team training on Tuesday, March 14th, and decided to go a little "devotional" for the final time that we spent together before meeting on Monday morning to head to the field. The topic? Well, one of the "metaphors" that i have consistently utilized in my walk with Christ is that of the Feudal Japanese Samurai (not surprising for those of you who know me). I have long admired their extreme dedication and discipline to excellence, their undying committment to honor, compassion and other values that i find attractive, and have found as well that many of the "Bushido" (Way of the Warrior) philosophies overlap with Biblical ideology of the same vein. As a result, we posited 3 specific actions as metaphors for our "dying to" one way of life and our readiness to engage another: a toast, wearing of the traditional "white headband", and the symbolic "breaking of the bokken". These things are described in greater detail below, but the "point" to all of it is this: we will be changed in India. We will not return home the same people who left, and so, in that knowledge, approach the field with a sobriety and hopefulness for what will happen there. Here is what we did!

"Losing One's Life" for Christ: A Toast to Life...
Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me and for the gospel will save it. - Mark 8: 34 - 35

“One who is supposed to be a warrior considers it his foremost concern to keep death in mind at all times, every day and every night, from the morning of New Year’s Day through the night of New Year’s Eve.” (The Bushido Shoshinshu of Taira Shigesuke). As a Westerner, we view this as a rather morbid statement. However, within the confines of Bushido, one begins to understand that what Shigesuke is purporting here is not a macabre fascination with death, but rather an “accustomization” to it. As a warrior in a martial culture, the reality was that death could come at any time. Therefore, to live life in ignorance or denial of the possibility was foolish. Rather, one should live life as though every moment “counted” for something of value with the sincerest belief that it could indeed be the last. So then, rather than a cynical view of life which simply accepted death as an inevitability that should just be “waited upon”, the samurai rather attempted to experience life to the fullest with the greatest attention to their own collective growth, recognizing that if death could come at any moment, they wanted to be “ready for it” when it came rather than be found wanting in some area.

The same is true of this team in relation to wanting to be “ready” for whatever presents itself in India. And just as samurai in Japan would have commemorated with Sake (i.e. rice wine) the eve before a historic battle in which they would throw themselves with full abandon into the fray, so we broke out white sparkling grape-juice and drank to the shouts of “Banzai!” (a derivative of the frequently heard shout of “Tennouheika Banzai!” which means “Long live the Emperor!”, and was shouted as soldiers charged into battle) which is an exclamation of invocation to glory, long life and victory. It wasn’t Sake… but it worked just fine.

Absolute Commitment: Wearing the White Headband
I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. - Galatians 2:20

Did you know that “white is the color of mourning in Japan, and was often used significantly to indicate that the wearer of a suit of armor (Gusoku) laced with cords of that color was engaged in a battle from which he did not expect to emerge alive.” (Ratti and Westbrook, p.191) Having resigned himself to the inevitability of death, a samurai warrior was a fearsome opponent. No longer fearing to preserve his life, he was “free” to pursue the accomplishment of his mission details without being fettered by the constraints of attachment to his mortal life. As a result, since in their own minds such men were “already dead”, they no longer feared the consequences of any action that posed threat or danger to them physically, and while that meant that they would most certainly have been happy to have found themselves incorrect in their assumptions and returned alive from the battlefield, the accomplishing of the mission before them became the primary objective rather than merely their survival of it.

Now, for everyone who is reading this, don’t panic. We’re not expecting to engage any danger or risk to our safety on this trip. That’s not what we’re talking about. Rob laughed when I told him what we were going to do because he said that everyone would panic that I was sending the team to their deaths :-)… so fear not. The point of the principle is that when we live as though our lives belong to Christ and not to ourselves, we gain the freedom to do whatever is necessary to accomplish the mission we have been given.

In ancient times in Japan, as stated above, a samurai with this mentality already in mind would demonstrate it outwardly by wearing a white “headband” (I have heard of this referred to as a “dochi”, but am unsure if this is the correct term or not) under his Kabuto (helmet), or by weaving cords of white thread through the ironwork and leather of his Gosuko armor. Well, since most of us do not own a full set of Gosuko armor, we settled on the headband.

A "Shinken" Mindset: Breaking the Bokken
However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace. - Acts 20:24

In Thomas Cleary’s forward to Miyamoto Musashi’s classic Book of Five Rings, he states that the Japanese word Shinken literally means “real sword” (Shin = “real”, Ken = “sword”), the extension of which means “to do [something] with a real sword” in modern understanding. This phrase was originally understood within the context of samurai warriors who practiced ardently day to day to become better swordsmen, but who used traditional wooden bokken (i.e. wooden swords) to prevent themselves from inadvertently maiming or killing their training partners during sparring. To do something “with a real sword”, however, meaning an unsheathed, razor-sharp Katana (samurai long sword), meant that you were intent on either defeating an opponent or losing your own life in the process. Such immediately required a level of concentration, earnestness and intensity that can be slackened slightly when only training with wooden blades. I can find no better analogy for how I intend to live my life for Christ, believing Him to be worthy of a mindset that is truly “in deadly earnest” about all that I do for Him, than to attempt to live it with a Shinken mindset.

To commemorate this movement into a "real sword" mentality, we broke our wooden ones. Okay... well... we didn't really have wooden swords, but we DID have wooden toothpicks, and so broke them to demonstrate the principle.

Finally, we spent some significant time praying for the people we will have an opportunity to serve, for our families back here at home while we are away, and for the work that we will be doing over the next several days.

We're ready!

Shinken!

-samurai jack

The Taj

2006-03-08T06:40:00.000-08:00

Tuesday, March 7, 2006 the March 2006 India Team went to the Taj and experienced a taste of what Indian food was like. The service was great and the food, well...........each team member came away with their own ideas and opinions but we had a great time especially eating with our right hand.

We started out by having "Chai Tea." We then had several Indian dishes consisting of: "Chicken 65" ,"Chicken Curry", a sauce to mix with the rice call Dal and some other dishes. Ron VanderGriend shared more about India and Cultural items as well as answered our questions.

- Skip Dodge

We Must Go

2006-03-03T13:41:00.000-08:00

As we continue to prepare for India this song is just another reminder of how we are doing exactly what God has called us to do.

" God of Justice" - by Tim Hughes

Click here to listen to it.

God of Justice, Saviour to all
Came to rescue the weak and the poor
Chose to serve and not be served
Jesus, You have called us
Freely we’ve received
Now freely we will give

We must go
Live to feed the hungry
Stand beside the broken
We must go
Stepping forward
Keep us from just singing
Move us into action
We must go

To act justly everyday
Loving mercy in everyway
Walking humbly before You God
You have shown us, what You require
Freely we’ve received
Now freely we will give

We must go
Live to feed the hungry
Stand beside the broken
We must go

Fill us up and send us out
Fill us up and send us out
Fill us up and send us out Lord

Eyes On the Ground...

2006-03-03T08:31:00.000-08:00

Crew! I just spoke with our friend Immanuel Iyasewa in India (Immanuel works for The Bible League and often handles lots of the logistics for our teams... he's a great guy... can't wait for you all to meet him!), who recently travelled to Pondicherry with Mr. Samuel Peter (from Habitat) to check out the site and accomodations. Here's what he told me about the anticipated schedule:

Initial Notes:
* We will be staying at a retreat center currently operated by Trans World Radio. The retreat center is large (it can accomodate up to 1,400 individuals) and will serve our needs well.
* The retreat center is approximately 40 minutes drive from the work site. This is actually not uncommon (it took us 30 min to get to the work site from our retreat center when we did the Nov/Dec trip), and in this instance, actually is easier and cheaper than staying in Pondicherry proper.
* We will be joined by 17 or so TBL church planters and staff for the build. This will be a phenomenal opportunity for them to see what is possible through the partnerships with HFH and other like organizations, and will help us to get a good feel for how collaborative teams function. The TBL crews are a riot! They are some of the most incredible people you'll ever meet, so having them there will be a blast!
* The cuisine at the center will be primarily Indian, though for breakfast, they will throw in some Western components like bread and jam, etc.
* I double-checked with Immanuel and... well... yes, it will be hot! Very hot. However, he said that they've been getting a lot of rain recently, so there may be periods of cool. If you've ever spent time in the jungle, however, you know that basically also means that when the "period of cool" passes, the humidity is amplified substantially in the heat. All to say "please make sure you are preparing adequately for the heat" in your packing.

Tentative Schedule In-Country:

3/22 - Arrive in-country, stay at YWCA or other interim facility for a couple of hours to sleep and freshen up, then travel to Pondicherry, visit work-site and orientation, stay at TWR Retreat Center
3/23 - 29 - Construction
* 2 of the houses we are working on will be built "from scratch"
* The others are in various stages of construction
3/30 - Leave Pondicherry to return to Chennai, day for shopping, relaxing, good food, fun

* Spencer plaza

* Bamboo House

* St. Thomas Mount

* Dinner at the Meridian (or something like that)
3/31 - Leave to return home early a.m.

The 7th Wonder of the World... in Mishawaka?

2006-03-01T12:30:00.000-08:00

Okay, so maybe "The Taj" restaurant in Mishawaka isn't the same as the real "Taj" in India, but we're still planning on having a great time next Tuesday when we hang out together there for a little Indian cuisine! I stopped by the place today and spoke with the manager (whose name is Rinco) and his staff about you guys, and they will be delighted to have us join them for some fun authentic food! I ordered ahead of time, and thought you would like to know what to expect. In addition, i'm going to list a "sloppiness factor" for you (1 * = not sloppy at all, *** = practically soup) to help you understand the varying degrees of texture with each component:

Black Bean Dahl***: Think "soupy refried beans". Dahl is made from all sorts of things and comes in various colors (depending on source materials and the geography where it is made) and flavors, but one of the more common in India is made from black beans.
Sambahr***: This is commonly called "pepper water" by "us Westerners" and is quite tasty, though many find it to be a little on the "spicy side" in comparison to some other things. Typically, it's ladled over white rice before serving.
Chicken 65**: I've heard a variety of stories about why "Chicken 65" is called such, but Rajendran's story is that it uses 65 spices... or did at one time. It's very flavorful (and is one of my favorite dishes). Think of it as a "dry rubbed barbecue with bite". It's not very "soupy" (you can eat it like Buffalo Wings), but the spices stick to your fingers "Cheeto" style and you will find yourself either licking (a cultural no-no in India, by the way) or wiping your fingers frequently to rid yourself of the lingering particles of spice.
Dosa*: Dosa is kind of like a potato (or other ingredient) burrito. It's a large, soft bread outer skin with "filling" of some sort. It can be either sliced into sections and served (as it will be at the The Taj), or just served in total where the diner is expected to tear it off in pieces and eat it by handfulls. Click here to see Mark Beeson eating "real dosa" in India last November.
Naan*: Think "tortilla" in Mexican food. Naan (and its close cousin, Roti) are multi-purpose, unleavened, soft breads that are served with many Indian meals. In the deep south (i grew up in Arkansas), the concept would be the same as "soppin' bread", as sections of a Naan are torn off and used to "sop up" other components. Typically, the best way to eat Dahl, for instance, is to form a "scoop" with a section of Naan and then use it to gather some of the Dahl before bringing it to your mouth.
"Chutneys"**: Chutneys ranging from very sweet to very spicy abound in Indian cuisine, and they are usually added supplementally to other components of the meal (usually rice or Naan).
Sticky Rice**: Rice is to Indians what bread is to you and me. It's served with every meal, and is the "base" for most dishes (particularly the "soupy" ones that need something "solid" to grab onto when eating with your hands).
Vegetable Brianni**: Think vegetable fried rice. Brianni can be made with a variety of other ingredients (such as mutton, chicken, pork, or, in some circles, even beef), and is light, pleasant, colorful and tasty.
Chicken Curry***: Curry is by far the most common dish in India, and while it doesn't always have to be made with chicken, no Indian meal would be complete without it. Curries, like pretty much everything else in Indian cuisine, can vary radically based on geography and available materials, and seems (at least to me) to be more a "way" of fixing the ingredients than an expected "end result" flavor.

REMINDER: I specifically requested "no silverware". So prepare to eat "Indian style" (i.e. with your hands).

That said, we'll see you at 6 pm sharp on Tuesday, March 7th, at "The Taj" restaurant in Mishawaka. It's part of our Team Training, so participation is mandatory, and you'll want to be there precisely at 6 as i have asked them to have the food ready ahead of time and prepared for us. If you need directions, The Taj is located at the following:

The Taj
508 W McKinley
Mishawaka, IN

The restaurant is located in the shopping center by Martins and K-Mart at the intersection of Grape and McKinley, and is near the Osco Drugstore within that shopping plaza.

Click here for Google Map directions and map from GCC.

See you guys there!
-samurai jack

Trust Factor / First Aid Team Building Event

2006-02-24T04:48:00.000-08:00

On Saturday, February 18, 2006 the India Team got together for some Team Building exercise and for learning some Basic First Aid.

We started out the morning with learning some CPR from Dave Cherrone. He brought "dummies" that we practiced on and learned how to help someone who might choke. Scott Crouch came and helped the team perform Trust Building exercises by having a contraption made up of wood and some yarn (wires). There were many areas, some big and some little, which at that point the team had to figure out how they were going to get the team members through without touching the wires. This proved to very fun, but very tricky. We learned we had to work together to accomplish this. If anyone touched the wires points were deducted from a starting total of 100. We did pretty good and ended with a score of 80 when all done.

Dave then went over some Basic First Aid and we learned how to wrap a cut with gauze and whatever might be around. We then learned from Scott how to pull a truck or a large object by usuing a rope, pullies and some special knots in the shape of a "Z" We went over this inside where it was nice and warm and then went outside and hooked the "Z" formation to Dave's truck. With the team effort and the help of the "Z" we pulled his truck several feet.

We all had a great time and learned more about each other and what can happen with team work with the Lord ultimately as our Team Leader!

-Skip Dodge

India Team Information Meeting on Thursday, 2/16 After New Community...

2006-02-13T10:10:00.000-08:00

Crew! Just a quick reminder that we will be doing an Informational Meeting for India teams this Thursday after New Community in the Heir Force room from 8:30 - 9:30 pm.

YOU DON'T NEED TO BE THERE unless you want to be. This meeting is for people who want to have more information about going in either the August "1st Timer" trip or the JCWP trip (i'm assuming that you're already ON that trip, so you don't need more information about it unless you either just want to come or have specific questions) and don't have any prior information about it.

Now, that said, please be advised that you ARE, of course, welcome to come! Always! But you don't need to be there, and there won't be anything shared there that you either a) don't already know, or b) won't find out through your standard training curriculum.

Catch you soon!
-samurai jack

Clear! Just Kidding...

2006-02-13T08:07:00.002-08:00

Crew! Just a reminder that we will be getting together this Saturday (Feb 18th) in the Great Room at GCC from 9am - noon to do some fun team building exercises with some very special people!

The basic "point" of the exercise is to both build team dynamics, trust and cooperation, as well as learn some cool stuff that will make you feel better about being "on the field".

We will be joined by two very special individuals on Saturday, both of whom are not only very experienced in their particular fields, but who have a passion for training and preparing our teams for the field.

Mr. Scott Crouch
Scott and i have been talking about how to do team building exercises for some time, and he regularly helps train firefighters, EMS personnell and private groups in such things. A professional fire-fighter and long-time member of GCC, Scott's passion for engendering the kind of cohesiveness necessary for teams to function under high stress comes through whether he is training men and women to charge a building ablaze, or head into the far wilds of India. Scott will teach us how teamwork can move a truck with just the "power of team", as well as negotiate the wiles of "The Laser"!

Mr. Dave Cherrone
Dave is a career fighter, one of the founding members of GCC's Medical Team, and an educator for the community's firefighting programs. Dave as well has a passion for training GCC teams so that they will be prepared for the field, and will be on hand on Saturday to help us understand basic first-aid for 3rd World environments, as well as how to address some of the medical or preventative issues we may want to engage before going. Dave will take us through the basics of everything from CPR to Heat Fatigue, so you won't want to miss his recommendations for packing and preparation for the field.

Again, this is not one of our "Mandatory Meetings"... but we'd still really like to see you there if you can come.

But you can leave your defibrillator at home if you have one... really...

Are You Going to Eat That?

2006-02-13T08:07:00.001-08:00

Don't worry... i don't know this guy. I just thought it was a great picture of someone REALLY looking like they were enjoying themselves at dinner time.

And speaking of Dinner Time, many of you have been asking about meals and costs and what is provided and what is not while on the field. GREAT QUESTION!!!! Here's the basic answer:

What's Provided:
Basically, once we get to India, breakfast, lunch and dinner should be provided for you. There is one exception, so see below.

What's Not Provided:
Any meals to/from the field (i.e. en route to the airports, on planes or during travel) are at your expense. That's not too bad of a gig because most of the airlines will stuff you till you pop, and if you're bringing your own food anyway, then you should be just fine. However, any water, food or goodies that you consume either getting to or from India will still need to be sourced on your own.

Also the "one exceptions" to meals provided on the field is as follows:
a) Any meal that you choose to eat that is either in substitute of or in lieu of the provided meals will be at your own expense. For example, if you decide to pick up a Snickers on the way to the work site, then that will be your own deal. In addition, while on the field, we will generally eat as a team. If, for some reason, you decide to strike out on your own to sample some exotic cuisine at another location, you will need to do so with your own wallet in hand.
b) On the last day, we'll do some shopping at a place called "Spencer Plaza". Spencer is great and has a Subway, a Pizza Hut and a genuine "Food Court" (it's like UP Mall, but with more Indian shops and stores). As most teams generally like to separate into "hunting parties" for the time at Spencer to go after souvenirs, we generally say that lunch is on your own.

I'll keep you informed if i find out differently at any of these points.

Arrigato!
-sj

High Noon...Sort Of...

2006-02-13T08:07:00.000-08:00

Have you ever noticed how everything significant happens at twelve o'clock? Cowboy duels were fought when? "High Noon". The infamous "bewitching hour" (you know, when "the monsters come out") is at Twelve O'clock Midnight. And, of course, my personal favorite, LUNCH! That happens at noon regularly every day!

Well, fellow cowboys... er... and cowgirls, as many of you have been asking, we will be meeting at GCC on 3/20 at "High Noon" in the Atrium. This will give us time to "bag and tag" our bags (yes, we will have nifty little "team identifiers" for our bags so that we don't lose track of them), go over team binders and last minute details, dope out team items for travel, and load our gear before heading for the South Bend airport.

So, plan to be at the GCC Atrium at "High Noon" on Monday, 3/20 with your gear ready to "head 'em up, and moooooove 'em out"... because... well... "this town ain't big enough for the 13 of us any more, pardners!"

Confessions of an India Team Member: Randy Haycock

2006-02-07T09:45:00.000-08:00

Why am I going to

India

About 3 years ago God put it on my heart to go to India to help His people. At that time GCC was going mainly to encourage and give credibility to church planters. That not being one of my strong traits, I have looked for the opportunity I knew God would bring where He could use the gifts he has given me. He has given me a heart to help and comfort hurting and deprived people and a talent for building and restoration.

Through the partnership of Granger Community Church, the Bible League, World Relief and Habitat for Humanity God has made it possible for me to go to India and use the gifts He has given me. It is truly a gift from God to see the Light of Jesus begin to shine in a community that is distressed, skeptical and non-believing. When we first arrive there are some smiles and a little joy, but when we have been there for a week the love of Jesus has everyone smiling, happy and looking forward to another day.

I am going to watch God tear down the strongholds of depression, shame, disbelief and arrogance while He replaces them with joy, confidence, faith and Love.

Randy

Confessions of an India Team Member: Sue Haycock

2006-02-07T09:44:00.001-08:00

Why I am going to India. I have a couple of scriptures that will help explain that.

Matthew 28: 19) Therefore, go to make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. 20) Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the world. Amen. Matthew 5: 14) You are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. (15) Don't hide your light under a basket! Instead put it on a stand and let it shine for all. (16) In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.

Confessions of an India Team Member: Chad Anderson

2006-02-07T09:43:00.002-08:00

Why am I going to India? Actually, for me the real question is “why would I not go to India on a missions trip?!”

For the past four years, Granger Community Church has done a phenomenal job investing in the country of India by partnering with the Bible League and planting over 350 local purpose driven churches. I believe in Granger Community Church’s vision and what it is accomplishing to advance God’s Kingdom on a local, regional, and global level. I want to be a part of that!

We have a strong team. In Oct. 2004, a good part of this team was in Veracruz, Mexico and then again in June of 2005 in Benton Harbor, MI for the Habitat for Humanity – JCWP’s. I know their hearts! We share the same passion for helping hurting people. These are true friends and are my “other family”. I love hanging out with them and doing life together while serving in various local ministries and worshipping at GCC together.

We have a superb leadership team. Jack Magruder, Randy Haycock, and Dan Blacketor are heading up this deep recon India trip in March. These are great men of God, solid leaders and it will be a privilege and honor to have the opportunity to serve under their leadership!

People matter to God. That’s why I’m going to southern India. People are starving to find meaning and purpose in life. God did a wonderful thing in my own life, giving me just that. I want others to experience that same amazing and unconditional love and personal relationship with Jesus Christ. One of my “shapes” is feeling empathy, being an encourager, giving hope and help to broken people in whatever circumstance they’re facing. I feel strongly that making this two part trip to southern India is my next step towards Christ.

Growing up in France as an MK, I was in constant contact with a mix of people from other countries and cultures. Unfortunately, currently living in Indiana, I don’t get that kind of interaction. I miss it. Let me rephrase that - I crave it! There’s something very special and magical about connecting and building friendships with people from other cultures. Spending time in India will be a fantastic opportunity to do just that again! Are we their yet?!

Chad

Confessions of an India Team Member: Jack Magruder

2006-02-07T09:43:00.001-08:00

Why am i going to India? Well, you know, it IS my job... and really, i HAVE to anyway. Yeah, that's it. I HAVE to. Repeatedly. Often. Constantly. With whatever excuse i can find. Just one more time! Just one more trip! That's all! Just one more! It doesn't really matter what the reason is any more... i just need to get there!

It might sound like an addiction problem to most people, but i can quit any time i want to... really. You see, with an "addiction problem", you can't stop something, even if you want to. But as for me and India? Well, I can stop going to that amazing country if i want to... i just don't want to, that's all!

Well... or maybe i'm hopelessly addicted. Maybe i'm addicted to the people there. The smiles and the beauty and scent of being on the absolute cutting edge of the Great Commission with people who have passion for God and their people that fuels and sparks my own. Maybe it's going with people like our GCC team members, who always bring the love and touch of Jesus Christ with them no matter how hard it gets or how far they are pushed. Maybe it's watching transformation happen all around us every time i go. Maybe it's the food... that wonderful, flavorful, succulent, spectactular food! Maybe it's the music and life and the love and the proximity to "where God IS". Mabye it's being able to do something exotic and difficult and fun and exciting for 10 days, knowing that when we returned, we had the opportunity to be in the shadow of the Hand of God... and perhaps a little part of it at the same time.

Maybe it's all of those things... and maybe i don't have a problem. Maybe i'm not addicted.

And maybe i'm lying, or in denial, or just too blind to call it what it is...

And maybe you'll all find out EXACTLY what i'm talking about in just a little over a month!

Confessions of an India Team Member: Skip Dodge

2006-02-07T09:43:00.000-08:00

I am going to India for several purposes but above all it is to serve God, the Father who has given me the opportunity to live and serve Him.

Going to India opens a real world of emotions, but yet a grateful attitude in me. I began life in India about twenty years ago and now to be going back for the first time as a "Christ-Follower" reminds me of everything the Lord has given to me in life, who I am, and all the choices I have made to bring me to this day and this India trip. While on the Missions trip it will be my 10th year anniversary when I chose to become a Christ-Follower.

I am going to India to build houses for those who have no homes or whose homes were destroyed by the Tsunami. But I am not just going to build houses. I am going because I want to be challenged in all ways (even with the food) and looking forward to the work the Lord will do in my heart and how the Lord will use me.

I also get the opportunity to learn how to build houses in India and then to bring back the knowledge I gain to help prepare the team that is going in Oct./Nov of 2006. In the midst of it all, I will get the opportunity to make new friends as well as further the friendships I already have with those who are going.

- Skip

Confessions of an India Team Member: Les and Vel Rassi

2006-02-07T09:42:00.002-08:00

Us, go to India? That’s a long way away from Indiana. Is this really our next step? It’s not really just a step it’s more like a leap….yeah, a leap of faith. God we’re just ordinary people, do you really want us to go to India? Well, OK God, we’ll go to the meeting and check it out. Hey, look who’s here, we know almost everyone. We went to Mexico and Benton Harbor with them. They’re just ordinary people too. God, I guess if all of them are willing to follow you to India then we should be willing too, but how will we know if this is really your will? For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. (Ephesians 2:10 NIV) Now we understand God, it’s part of your plan for our lives. Lord, we just want to allow You control. In our wildest dreams we never would have thought that His plan for us would include going to India but we’re willing and (almost) ready. He has given us the opportunity to go to India and he is sending friends whom we love and respect along with us. We know from past experiences that we will be able to do much more than build houses for tsunami victims. We’ll be able to share God’s love and develop new relationships. We are excited to see what God has prepared for us once we get there.

Les and Vel

Confessions of an India Team Member: Shelly Jackson

2006-02-07T09:42:00.001-08:00

"But you are the ones choosen by God, choosen for the high calling of priestly work, choosen to be a holy people, God's instruments to do his work and speak out for him, to tell others of the night-and-and day difference he made for you from nothing to something from rejected to accepted." 1Peter 2:9 (The Message)
I'm going to India to be the hands and feet of Jesus for 10 days. I will engage in the Indian culture as well as build homes for families that lost theirs during the Tsunami. It is an opportunity the Lord has given me to enlarge my boarders and experience the opportunity to worship and see the Lord being glorified amoung the Indian people. Life is designed to be one big worship service as we live and reflect the glory of the Lord. I'm so thankful that the Lord has gifted me with compassion and a heart to serve in missions. I'm looking forward the a big worship party with my team and the Indian people. To God be the Glory!

Confessions of an India Team Member: Elaine Bader

2006-02-07T09:42:00.000-08:00

Why am I going to India?

I prayed long and hard about whether or not I should make the commitment to go to India to help build homes for people who were left homeless due to the tsunami. I was heart broken to see and hear about the destruction the tsunami left behind. I believe that God has given me a choice to reach out to the hurting and the suffering with labors of love to better their lives and share a piece of my faith with them. I wanted to participate in the healing and the rebuilding of the lives affected by the aftermath of the tsunami. God’s answer to my question of why I should participate in this mission… was, why not? The question now is why not go to India? I had no reason not to participate and saw awesome opportunities. I knew I would be able to embrace this trip while balancing my family life. People who I admire and respect had faith in me that I would be an asset to the team and encouraged me to go. I believe that my life experiences and talents will serve others well in India. I believe that God has called me to serve in these efforts, to serve a purpose much bigger than any of us. I trust that God will bless this mission and that many seeds will be planted. So that is why I am going to India!

I am grateful for the encouraging words, prayers and gifts of those who are supporting me. I get reassurance and confirmation from them. I am so grateful for the opportunity!

Confessions of an India Team Member: Dan Blacketor

2006-02-07T09:38:00.001-08:00

In truth I have two primary reasons for wanting to travel to India. The first is to get a better sense on how we can encourage the local church to advance the P.E.A.C.E. plan once P.E. has been implemented. Can the church actually be the catalyst that leads to the social recovery of a community?

The second reason for wanting to go at this time is to see if we can become the connecting agent between various NGOs and the church without having conflicting agenda.

Finally, it has been nearly 30 years since I was fully engaged in a third world mission outreach where you can experience the raw and real battle between good and evil.

Confessions of an India Team Member: Shannon Papp

2006-02-07T09:36:00.000-08:00

I love and have passion for missions. Missions provides me thanks, the realization that I am already blessed and have so much to give to others. God has provided me with certain talents and mercies in order to build into others lives - perhaps to bring them to Christ! Now it is my job...my choice to use those talents and skills to honor Him!

The trip to India will enhance my life and hopefully make me more grateful for the life I already have, to have more joy in my life and to be the Godly woman I have been called to be. To appreciate simplicity and de-value materials good.

It will be a more valued and awesome experience to share with my dad, Dan Blacketor. Additionally, there are many friends who I have already had the privilege to be on mission trips with who will also carry the love of our Savior. Not only will this be a learning another culture, but I look forward to God's guidance, revelations for my life and hope to be used for His good.

In His Hands!

Shannon Lin Papp

TAKE A HIKE!!!

2006-02-07T08:13:00.000-08:00

On Saturday, February 7, 2006 four of us from the March 2006 India Team met at GCC and went to Potato Creek State Park for a 4 mile hike.

It was a little chilly, but we didn't let the cold stop us. And of course we took the most rugged advanced hiking trail we could find.

Hiking around the park helped us to bond as team members but for me The Lord used the hiking adventure to get me out of my comfort zone and to share more about my life and the Mission trip that we will be going on soon.

As we hiked along we came came to a couple of places to get our pictures taken.

We also had a little time for practicing drinking water without it touching our mouths.

We will be going again to Potato Creek State Park. Meet at GCC at 9:00am on Sunday, February 12, 2006 to car pool to the park. We will back to GCC around 12pm. Join us if you would like at 8:15am at LePeep's (next to Target across from GCC) or after for a lite lunch.

Up Up and Away

2006-02-02T10:58:00.000-08:00

Airline Itinterary

Delta Airlines

To India:
Depart South Bend 3/20/06 - 4:10PM
Arrive Cincinatti 3/20/06 - 5:12PM

Depart Cincinatti 3/20/06 - 6:50PM
Arrive Charles DeGualle (Paris, France) - 3/21/06 - 8:45AM

Depart Charles DeGualle - 3/21/06 - 10:05AM
Arrive Chennai, India - 3/22/06 - 12:40AM

Return to States:
Depart Chennai - 3/31/06 - 3:45AM
Arrive Charles DeGualle - 3/31/06 - 11:00AM

Depart Charles DeGualle - 3/31/05 - 12:30PM
Arrive Atlanta - 3/31/06 - 3:00PM

Depart Atlanta 3/31/06 - 4:36PM
Arrive South Bend - 3/31/06 - 6:25PM