Wow things have been busy!
I've been really blessed to get to see more of how this organization operates and to begin to form some relationships with the women we work alongside. I'm pouring over the Bengali textbooks I've gotten my hands on which has helped me relate to the women better. There are (of course) considerable language barriers to forming deep relationships, but I've been really grateful for the ways some of the women and I have still been able to joke, smile, and work alongside each other at the sites. It's a humbling experience to know women who are so truly hospitable regardless of how little I'm able to communicate.
These past two weeks here in Kolkata have been a growing experience already. I know that I'm here only for a blink of an eye compared to many of the people and staff I've met who are investing so incredibly here. But God's using my time, nonetheless. If nothing more, God has at least used these past two weeks to further humble me and show me how dire it is that I recognize HIS reality and HIS kingdom. For me personally, some of the things this means is that I'm reminded I need to be a woman of integrity and that sometimes God is working in ways I cannot understand yet. God is mysterious. And His plan is huge and everything is connected.
I've gotten more used to taking the public transport and getting around on my own. It's empowering to be able to navigate around here on my own (well... or at least find my way around the areas I've been in hah). The staff and other interns from multiple organizations have been wonderful and really encouraging - it's been really valuable getting to know them a little.
FYI as it is for now - I'll be helping out at one of the sites on Mondays and Fridays, and then Tues-Thurs I'll be situated at one of the staff's apts doing research and grant work (I know it's gross but I'm actually super excited to do research!). I would, however, appreciate prayers for this because it's a lot of work and I could use God's guidance as I help look for potential grant funders.
So here are a few random thoughts:
1) The food here is somewhat different than in southern India where I was last summer. They serve dishes here that are more dry and there are a lot more street vendors that sell super tasty (and potentially dangerous) egg rolls, chow mien, and such.
2) My biggest fear here is probably that I'll get hit by a bus. Traffic can be crazy! In fact, I suggest you look up some youtube videos of Kolkata traffic just to get an idea ;p ha
3) It's actually gotten a lot cooler here since the first day I arrived. I mean, you probably still have to refrigerate anything chocolate, but I'm no longer sweating my face off (which is a good thing).
So, here's a story that was thought-provoking for me:
I was walking to one of the sites one morning when I ducked under a canopy to quickly get out my umbrella. I was standing there trying to pull it out of my purse when a well-dressed man in a red turban walked up to me. I usually walk quickly with my eyes down avoiding interacting with the men in this area, so I didn't want to talk at first. But this man was truly kind and sincerely trying to make sure I was alright and knew where I was. It's not the most amazing quick snippet to type up, but it meant a lot at the time and I was shown/reminded that there is a lot of kindness here and that God pours out His blessings everywhere.
Please pray forrrrrr:
My health! I've been pretty sick all week and it doesn't show signs of letting up. I'm getting on meds today, but it was be awesome to be healed like now.
The organization/staff/women. Please pray for God to continue blessing everyone here and that His blessing would be multiplied so His glory can be magnified! Also, some of the staff and interns are searching for discernment - please pray that God reveals His will and that we can obey!
Thank you so much everyone :) If you have anything I can also pray for, please comment or send me a message on facebook or in my email jennifer.kahanic@nwciowa.edu
Peace
- Jenni
I've been really blessed to get to see more of how this organization operates and to begin to form some relationships with the women we work alongside. I'm pouring over the Bengali textbooks I've gotten my hands on which has helped me relate to the women better. There are (of course) considerable language barriers to forming deep relationships, but I've been really grateful for the ways some of the women and I have still been able to joke, smile, and work alongside each other at the sites. It's a humbling experience to know women who are so truly hospitable regardless of how little I'm able to communicate.
These past two weeks here in Kolkata have been a growing experience already. I know that I'm here only for a blink of an eye compared to many of the people and staff I've met who are investing so incredibly here. But God's using my time, nonetheless. If nothing more, God has at least used these past two weeks to further humble me and show me how dire it is that I recognize HIS reality and HIS kingdom. For me personally, some of the things this means is that I'm reminded I need to be a woman of integrity and that sometimes God is working in ways I cannot understand yet. God is mysterious. And His plan is huge and everything is connected.
I've gotten more used to taking the public transport and getting around on my own. It's empowering to be able to navigate around here on my own (well... or at least find my way around the areas I've been in hah). The staff and other interns from multiple organizations have been wonderful and really encouraging - it's been really valuable getting to know them a little.
FYI as it is for now - I'll be helping out at one of the sites on Mondays and Fridays, and then Tues-Thurs I'll be situated at one of the staff's apts doing research and grant work (I know it's gross but I'm actually super excited to do research!). I would, however, appreciate prayers for this because it's a lot of work and I could use God's guidance as I help look for potential grant funders.
So here are a few random thoughts:
1) The food here is somewhat different than in southern India where I was last summer. They serve dishes here that are more dry and there are a lot more street vendors that sell super tasty (and potentially dangerous) egg rolls, chow mien, and such.
2) My biggest fear here is probably that I'll get hit by a bus. Traffic can be crazy! In fact, I suggest you look up some youtube videos of Kolkata traffic just to get an idea ;p ha
3) It's actually gotten a lot cooler here since the first day I arrived. I mean, you probably still have to refrigerate anything chocolate, but I'm no longer sweating my face off (which is a good thing).
So, here's a story that was thought-provoking for me:
I was walking to one of the sites one morning when I ducked under a canopy to quickly get out my umbrella. I was standing there trying to pull it out of my purse when a well-dressed man in a red turban walked up to me. I usually walk quickly with my eyes down avoiding interacting with the men in this area, so I didn't want to talk at first. But this man was truly kind and sincerely trying to make sure I was alright and knew where I was. It's not the most amazing quick snippet to type up, but it meant a lot at the time and I was shown/reminded that there is a lot of kindness here and that God pours out His blessings everywhere.
Please pray forrrrrr:
My health! I've been pretty sick all week and it doesn't show signs of letting up. I'm getting on meds today, but it was be awesome to be healed like now.
The organization/staff/women. Please pray for God to continue blessing everyone here and that His blessing would be multiplied so His glory can be magnified! Also, some of the staff and interns are searching for discernment - please pray that God reveals His will and that we can obey!
Thank you so much everyone :) If you have anything I can also pray for, please comment or send me a message on facebook or in my email jennifer.kahanic@nwciowa.edu
Peace
- Jenni
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