1,440 Minutes: Just Getting Started

Here I am in India! It has already been so amazing here! Four months here will fly by.

Our flight here was without many problems. An hour late flight here and there. Nothing too bad. I had a great time with my teacher, Dr. Bob, during our layovers and  for my first 20+ hour flight, it wasn't that bad.

The first thing I remember about arriving in India and will always remember was the teachers of Lakeview Bible College greeting me and Dr. Bob. We exited the airport with our bags on a cart. Dr. Bob pushed cart and I scanned the crowd of people in darkness. Peter Ignatius waved his hands at us from across a metal fence. I recognized him at once from all of the pictures I have seen of him. We met up with him soon and were greeted by many bright, joyful faces.

 Most of the teachers of Lakeview Bible College stood before us and welcomed us to India with sandlewood lays around our necks, warm smiles, excited handshakes, and joyful hugs.

They took our luggage to the vans and we drove off. Immediately I knew we weren't in America. There are no lanes here.  

My driver and one of the teachers, Rex, swerved in and out of traffic like a pro. Many times I thought we came close to clipping a truck or car, but Rex didn't seem to worry.

A cow or dog could be seen strolling along the street as we zoomed by. Nevertheless, no worry flashed through my mind. I knew that Rex knew what he was doing.

The students here are amazing. Today I got a chance to speak to many of them. I don't remember the names of them yet, but they blow my mind. One told me that he wants nothing more than to preach the gospel to those who have never heard. His passion encouraged me so much. He will be a great minster to Northern India one day.

The all have different mother tongues and are from all different parts of India. They use English in order to communicate with each other. Their accents are thick, but I know I will learn to understand them in the coming months.

It is hot here, but I can manage. They gave me an air conditioned room and have been so kind to me. The students all stay in the unconditioned dorms.

The student's living accommodations are humble at best: common bathrooms, cement walls, thin mats for beds, and six or more live in each room. Nevertheless, I haven't heard any angry complaints. They take it as it is. If I hear someone at NC complain about our dorms after this... I might have to talk to them. . .

There is so much more and it has only been a day. But I have to go. Time for bed. I'll try to keep this blog updated now and then, but no guarantees. Classes haven't started yet. Goodnight.