Just interesting to read and reflect back - here are my musings on our first full weekday in Vellore, Monday 9th February:
Today started as a bit of a wildlife experience with a gecko, a frog and
a spider all in the bathroom. Breakfast
was more "Indian" than yesterday, but enjoyable.
After breakfast we set off on visits, with the now usual hair-raising drive
through busy traffic. There really are
loads of motorcycles of a range of varieties.
Next we went the short distance to visit an HIV Aids project where we
met the staff and heard of the work they do, offering support to families whom this effects.
There were a few mothers making paper bags.
Next stop was the church offices, where we met Bishop Rajavelu. We had formal greetings and were each
presented with a garland and a shawl – a traditional welcome. On to lunch – chicken monica for me.
We left there to go to a school that has been supported by one of the Norfolk schools
in the Diocese of Ely. We were greeted
and sprinkled with petals as we walked across the grounds. Inside we were greeted by all the children
who both sang and danced as they offered a short and colourful cultural programme. There were a
number of speeches and introductions and one of our teachers spoke to the children on our
behalf.
We then – and in groups by now –
returned to the guest house for a quick freshen up before going off to a
wedding. Three groups went to three
different weddings. Ours was at the
church where I am preaching next Sunday.
We arrived late and sneaked in at the back – but were soon ushered to
special chairs on the platform. Despite
what seemed to be an abundance of clergy – someone reckoned nine – Fiona was
asked to put garlands on the bride and groom and I had to present their
marriage certificate and give them a blessing.
We then had a chat with the minister there – Sharma – who took us to see
the newly opened church library and then on to his house for something to eat –
my first experience of no cutlery! We then returned to the guest-house for evening prayers which focussed on the encounter Jesus had with the man at Kursi and some further thinking about encounters.
No comments:
Post a Comment