Pursuit
“would he not leave the ninety-nine...” Luke 15:4
We left Moscow in the middle of the night that would be the beginning of a very very very long day: uneventful flying, arrival in Frankfurt, and then flying on to Bombay. We did discover the “shuttle” from one airport to the other airport and transfer of luggage, thanks to information from our new travel companion. We road across the tarmac to the domestic terminal and tried to figure out how to spend the next six hours!
It was long and long and we tried to rest in the coffee shop that did not allow sleeping. So we held the newspaper at an angle to look as though we were reading – not very restful but… there are certainly worse situations and places we could find ourselves in.
When we finally arrived in Raipur, G was actually waiting for us (a nice change from my usual missed connection) and we headed for the hotel. He made us aware of an opportunity to see a medical clinic the mission was hosting and asked if we were up for it. We showered and hit the ground sleep-walking and trying to run.
We rode through the city and what a complete 180 degree difference from Russia. I know V was taken aback at the sites, not really knowing what to expect. We arrived at the clinic, and walked through the gathered crowd. Of course the onlookers quickly multiplied, seeing white people arrive.
The physicians greeted us warmly and explained their goal in the community, as well as showing us the various stations where medicines and disease awareness was carried out. Children were coming in out of the surrounding housing, giggling, laughing and the obvious STARING. We left the hotel so quickly – I failed to bring any tricks, balloons or other fun. We left with just goodbyes and handshakes, but lots of smiles. When our two interpreters and staff workers suggested we go to the “Mercy House”, I insisted we stop at the hotel for “supplies.”
We arrived at the orphanage and the boys were neatly seated on the beds waiting for our
arrival. They sang a song for us in English (This is the Day) and waited to see what these strangers would share. They were quiet at first, not quite sure how to react or respond. But when I shared the “Coloring Book”, they really got interested.
I told the “Rainbow Story” using one tiny youngster who I placed atop the table. The boys finally started lightening up, just a little, and laughed a little easier. The best part was seeing the face of Sharat, my interpreter, when the Coloring Book changed colors. It was one of speechlessness! Our thirty-seven hours of travel in pursuit of the next mission was revealed in that one look of amazement.
“I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. “ Matt 11:25
We left Moscow in the middle of the night that would be the beginning of a very very very long day: uneventful flying, arrival in Frankfurt, and then flying on to Bombay. We did discover the “shuttle” from one airport to the other airport and transfer of luggage, thanks to information from our new travel companion. We road across the tarmac to the domestic terminal and tried to figure out how to spend the next six hours!
It was long and long and we tried to rest in the coffee shop that did not allow sleeping. So we held the newspaper at an angle to look as though we were reading – not very restful but… there are certainly worse situations and places we could find ourselves in.
When we finally arrived in Raipur, G was actually waiting for us (a nice change from my usual missed connection) and we headed for the hotel. He made us aware of an opportunity to see a medical clinic the mission was hosting and asked if we were up for it. We showered and hit the ground sleep-walking and trying to run.
We rode through the city and what a complete 180 degree difference from Russia. I know V was taken aback at the sites, not really knowing what to expect. We arrived at the clinic, and walked through the gathered crowd. Of course the onlookers quickly multiplied, seeing white people arrive.The physicians greeted us warmly and explained their goal in the community, as well as showing us the various stations where medicines and disease awareness was carried out. Children were coming in out of the surrounding housing, giggling, laughing and the obvious STARING. We left the hotel so quickly – I failed to bring any tricks, balloons or other fun. We left with just goodbyes and handshakes, but lots of smiles. When our two interpreters and staff workers suggested we go to the “Mercy House”, I insisted we stop at the hotel for “supplies.”
We arrived at the orphanage and the boys were neatly seated on the beds waiting for our
arrival. They sang a song for us in English (This is the Day) and waited to see what these strangers would share. They were quiet at first, not quite sure how to react or respond. But when I shared the “Coloring Book”, they really got interested.I told the “Rainbow Story” using one tiny youngster who I placed atop the table. The boys finally started lightening up, just a little, and laughed a little easier. The best part was seeing the face of Sharat, my interpreter, when the Coloring Book changed colors. It was one of speechlessness! Our thirty-seven hours of travel in pursuit of the next mission was revealed in that one look of amazement.
“I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. “ Matt 11:25
