Thursday, October 2, 2008
teary
I just read some of the comments... and they just make me teary and remind me why we are trying to navigate our way through this crazy city. We can't find our hostel and it is frustrating and the city is packed with people because of the upcoming festival. I think today I just wanted to be done for a little bit and I got to be done by escaping via internet and reading your encouraging words. Thanks:) Danielle
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6 comments:
Way to go team! You have made it and are off to an unbelievable adventure. If it were easy it would not be worth doing. Hang in there and rest assured I am praying for you. I will forever recall our conversation around the campfire, God has used that to open my eyes. I will pray that the "planning" elements will come together...that's my thing, what can I say. Rock on! You are doing something that most of us just talk about, but rarely have the guts to do...congratulations.
Dave M.
This may not help a lot... and Erin may be able to relate... but when you hit that culture shock, it takes at least a week to really adjust. You go through the realization of a language barrier, homesickness, and maybe even some despair. But you're with some amazing friends/nurses. You can do it!
Dani!!!
Reading your blog makes my heart ache for India! I remember feeling so much of what you are feeling. The train stations lined with the abandoned and shunned of Kolkata. And oh my word... New Market! We've been there, walked those same crazy walkways with the little men with their baskets saying "come sista, you want sari? I take you to sari, come sista. I am working man. I help you sista." Sarah told me to tell you that if you go back to New Market you should find the little stand that sells tea and spices and say hi to our friend fayaz. He might not remember us.
Anyway.... hang in there Dani, keep yourself open and vulnerable and try not to build walls between yourself and the culture. The best advice about culture shock someone gave me is so simple but really helped me. She told me, "you need to submit to the culture." you have to find a point when you go beyond acceptance and really submit to it. Realize that it is different, not bad. I promise it will get better.
Remember, God has you there for a purpose, even when you are feeling like "Why the hell did I travel thousands of miles to this crazy city where I can't even communicate with the people I'm trying to minister to." I'm so sure that God has purpose for you in Kolkata. God is bigger than language barriers, just because we are restricted by them, God is not.
"Those who sow in tears, will reap with songs of joy. Those who go out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with him."
Psalm 126:5-6
I love you dearly! Sorry this is so long.
P.S. Sarah and I sent you an e-mail to daniellekenealy@yahoo.com before you left. Did you get it?
Love Kara Sievers
DANI! I love hearing your stories! I want to echo everything Kara said, and let you know you're in our prayers. The culture is so different it hits you like a ton of bricks right in the face. One of the girls that lives in India described her journey's in India by saying that while here, God "riped her face off". By the end of our time there, that phrase was so perfect for how we felt.
You are such a blessing. I love you dearly and can't wait to see how you are blessed there.
OH! and make sure to look up Fiayaz in the market, if you go again! He has been on my heart ever since we left. He sells tea - so if you ask one of the obnoxious men in the market to take you to "Faiyaz, the tea seller" they will probably take you straight to him. I've been praying for him hardcore since we left and would love for an American Christian to interact with him again. He is a good man. His name means "Love". Anyway, he probably won't remember us, but if you see him, tell him we say hi!
I realize we have bombarded you with messages for our Indian friends - know that we understand how overwhelming the city is, and will not be upset at all if you do not get to it. Time flies and I'm sure you're overwhelmed!
I'm praying for you! Love you Dani!
Sarah Miller
Hi Danielle,
Frank and Margaret are down for the weekend and we have been reading your blog. Grandpa is concerned about you young girls being alone. But we are all releived to hear you are in a better place. I love what you are doing and your friend is right that every difficult situation is an opprotunity for growth and being stretched is painful...how you respond and your attitude will make the difference! Not only submit yourselves to the India culture but to the will of God! We miss you and will be praying for you all. We wish you were here eating some of Grandmas doughnuts and coffee...her best to date!! LOVE and MISS you Danielle!! Grandma and Grandpa Kenealy, Frank Margaret and kids.
Hi Danielle,
Frank and Margaret are down for the weekend and we have been reading your blog. Grandpa is concerned about you young girls being alone. But we are all releived to hear you are in a better place. I love what you are doing and your friend is right that every difficult situation is an opprotunity for growth and being stretched is painful...how you respond and your attitude will make the difference! Not only submit yourselves to the India culture but to the will of God! We miss you and will be praying for you all. We wish you were here eating some of Grandmas doughnuts and coffee...her best to date!! LOVE and MISS you Danielle!! Grandma and Grandpa Kenealy, Frank Margaret and kids.
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