Slums of Calcutta

It seems normal when you’re there.  It almost feels like everyday life is supposed to be this way, until you analyze it.  Wait, were the toddlers really walking around naked?  Did I really see people bathing in public in a community bath?  Was the old lady really just sitting there spacing out and were those men really passed out sleeping (or drunk) in the little barracks like that?  Well, yes.  The four boys grabbed my arms and briskly walked with me to their drop in center.  These boys are special boys.  They meet each day for a free meal and then go to the drop in center to spend some time together, either resting, coloring, or playing games.  It’s a safe haven from the drug addictions that all too often consume their lives.

All four boys were barefoot as we walked for 10 minutes to the center.  “Auntie, papaya!  Auntie lock! Auntie watch!” The boys would yell out English words they knew with pride and excitement as we made our way through the crowds, dodging cars and all.  My hands were sweaty, but they never let go.  One boy on each side and another holding onto my wrist – we walked on.  I could feel my heart quicken with excitement, and I trusted them to lead the way through unfamiliar territory, a place they called home.  I was almost convinced these boys weren’t really drug addicts like they said they were, until I watched them reluctantly toss their glue into a plastic bag to be disposed of.  Of the 20 kids I was surrounded with, nearly all of the children were under the age of 15 and addicted to glue or alcohol.  The center serves as a place to provide safety and build relationships, and all boys and girls are provided with the opportunity to come clean through a rehabilitation home.  I was seeing, for the first time, a group of children for whom the heart of God breaks.

I came to Calcutta with no plans.  It was a dumb idea really, but planning that far in advance when you don’t know what exists in the city is difficult.  So I got off the plane and began to process the ludicrous idea that I could be THAT flexible without a schedule.  There is a first time for everything I guess.  I had an idea that I would like to visit Mother Teresa’s ministry, and had heard that the sisters might know of other good places to visit, so I trusted that idea at least.

By God’s grace (big emphasis here), my host who quickly became a friend connected me to a place that works all over the city in community development.  This is the most amazing work I have seen.  They have many different projects around the city and are truly incarnational as the centers are located within the slums, close to the people.  Many of the staff that work at the centers have gone through similar programs themselves or have had their lives personally touched by the ministry.  Over the last two years I have been reading about “transformation” but this place lives it.  The community is truly being transformed by their love and dedication to serve among the poorest of the poor. 

One worker invited me to watch him cut the hair of some of the boys that are addicted to glue; a cheap high for those living in slums or on the streets.  Scissors in hand, he explained that he once sat where this boy sat, he understands what this boy feels, he grew up here and was addicted to glue too.  He talked about how he now loves spending time with the boys and girls.  “They (the center) don’t ask me to cut their hair” he said, “I taught myself by watching the hairdresser cut my hair in a mirror.  I wanted to be able to cut these boys hair too.”  It was a simple act of love, and it was beautiful. 

Over these next two weeks I am excited to participate in some of their activities and to see the ways that simple acts of love can transform the lives of those the world would consider weak or poor.  God sees so much more.  This organization has caught a vision of love and transformation that is inspiring.  They get it, and they don’t give up on people.  I am humbled by what I see.  It is a one step at a time type thing.  So here is to keeping my mouth shut and watching the love of Christ unfold in the slums of Calcutta.  

Crying at the airport

It is a chill afternoon in the mountain town of Kodaikanal, India.  I've come here to spend the week with the family of a friend from Fuller and have been enjoying the peaceful and relaxing atmosphere.  The rainy afternoons allow me time to sit, be still, and think more deeply about all that has been happening.

I have now been in India for almost three weeks and am slowly adjusting to the changes.  The tastes, smell, language, colors, transportation, even method of showering, are all quite different and keep my mind active.

This is where the girls do homework and early morning prayer

India is a beautiful country, and each city has their own flavor.  I've been spending time in the outskirts of Bangalore, which is located in South India.  This city is known as the garden city as it is quite green.  During my first two weeks I stayed at a children's home; sharing a room with a girl from Myanmar who has dedicated her year to taking care of three girls from various parts of India.  We would spend afternoons talking and playing all together after school.  I am quite humbled by their spiritual discipline schedule.  Everyday they would wake up at 5 a.m. in order to start prayer and bible reading by 5:30 a.m.  Each evening they would also spend an hour reading the bible and in prayer together.  It felt like a special gift that I could be there to hear the prayers on their hearts and the ways that scriptures spoke to them.   I struggled to wake up so early and would be the last one at the table for morning prayer.  I'm curious to meet these girls in the future to see where God leads them.

A hindu temple that sits close to where we live.  We would walk laps around the land behind it.

There are many hindu temples here, which are colorful buildings with idols built all around up top.  In the morning I could see men praying to idols as they walk past.  It is my first time seeing people pray to idols in this way and I am learning more about the way that everyday life practices are intertwined with the hindu religion.  Even the cows in the streets are considered to be Gods.

I have purchased my tickets and will be traveling to three different cities over the next two months to see places that do work in community development or to meet people who have dedicated their life to serving others.  I can hardly believe this opportunity to see and discern what steps are next,

It is not without fear and difficulties though.   Within a few hours of arriving in India I found myself crying in a chair at the airport.  I had just argued with a lady over my next flight ticket which she said was non existent so I would have to pay for an extra flight.  My feelings of justice kicked in as I explained, I'd already bought the ticket, this was not fair, and I did not understand why they could not issue me the ticket.  She would not budge, "you have to pay," she demanded.  "Ok" I said, "how much," She responded with a ridiculous amount of rupies, something thousand, and so I asked, "how much is that in dollars?" 76 dollars.  My mouth dropped open and my eyes welled with tears.  I didn't want to pay, I can't just throw around money now.  To spare further embarrassment I told her I'd be back and stepped away to sit down and wipe my eyes.  Why was I crying?  I'm not a wimp, am I?  76 dollars is not the end of the world, suck it up.  But I couldn't.  I had arrived at 3 am, and had been to three different counters, waiting in line, only to find each time that my ticket was not there, maybe I was tired.

I sat there and observed the chaos around me as I pondered what to do.  I wanted to go home and sleep.  I saw a white girl chugging a yellow gatorade, looking all sickly.  She had probably been vomiting or something earlier to be chugging the drink like it was going to bring her salvation.  Fear seized me and I wondered why I had decided to continue on to India.  I felt so alone.  I felt weak and tired and ...alone...  What am I doing in India?  Tears continued to fall as I tried to process why in the world I was crying anyways.

The manager of the woman who I had been arguing with suddenly walked up to me quickly and explained he had found a way to get me a free ticket and rushed me over to counter to send my baggage.  He told me to make sure I booked my ticket next time (I promise I had), and said this time he would help.  What compassion.  I remembered praying as I entered the airport that God would provide people to help me through, I didn't realize I would need this much help, but I felt cared for in that moment.  Before I knew it I was on the flight to Bangalore, exhausted, alone, and a bit scared.  I guess I"m staying in India, not going home, I signed up for this.  Not giving a care what anybody thought,  I curled up against the window and fell asleep for the entire 3 hour flight over..     ,

One thing about being away from everything and everyone that you know is that it makes you experience all sorts of emotions as you truly examine your life and identity.  It makes you take a step back and see life from a new perspective.  It makes me realize just how much grace I need in everyday life.  Taking a step like this into the unknown made me realize, there really is no turning back, I've made my choice and I am here.  I have to learn how to be vulnerable and accept help from strangers (with discernment) and to embrace the changes in friendships and relationships over time.  It has made me grateful for what has been, curious about what will be, yet very attentive to the present moments as they quickly pass me by.  Presently, I am happy to spend this next week in a peaceful and cozy place before entering more unknowns in India.  I now think that I am in India for a reason, and it will take some time to fully understand why.  Hope all is well on your end.  I think of friends and family often.

Alison
p.s. i think another day I"ll add pictures/commentary from my trip through Europe.  I completely missed a post on that journey.

There are many light outages so we would always use candles, the girls put together this collage themselves

Bindu on top of their building

Indian Sari :)  So fun!

Again, light outage, and they wanted to document it

Visited this work, Chai316, a center by a College that provides a space for community and witness.

My lovely host for the first two weeks.  Has lived in India for over 20 years.  6:30 am walks with her around this field.

I shared a room with Gracie who came from Myanmar to study in India and has dedicated this year to living at the girl's home.

Goodbye Head Lice

This update will be quick, and not so beautifully written - but I feel it is important to write this evening because - it is my last evening in Turkey!

Tomorrow evening I will fly to India.  Can I just say wow.  WOW.

Life has been crazy.  Over the last two weeks I traveled to 5 different European countries and saw some beautiful things while processing a lot of what has been happening.  I even had a 10 hour train ride, and you think that would be a good chunk of time to become bored - but I had so much on my mind that it wasn't even enough time and by the end of the trip I hoped I had more time to be still.

I am waking up super early to pack.  I am not excited to pack, never have been.  It is not a skill I have.

I think it is noteworthy to say that I had head lice over the past few days.  That is right, little bugs crawling in my hair and eggs ALL over. It was not the best thing to happen on this trip.  Let me tell you though, God cares about me and another friend, because we were not alone, we both had the little critters in our hair and as we were quarantined - we spent days together.  With murderous agility, we went through one another's hair to kill all the eggs!  Hours, I have spent well over 15 hours going through hair over the past few days.  In fact that is nearly all we have done, as we have enjoyed our last days together, we have formed a licting bond. (get it? like "lasting" bond - but I made a pun).  That's right, got my master degree now, see what I can do with language now!?

It is quite hilarious when you think about it.  We have had "phases" of ridding the eggs - one of which was covering our hair completely in olive oil and leaving it in for the night while sleeping with "shower caps" (which we couldn't find and were actually food coverings) and tshirts wrapped over our hair.  My blanket that night was a towel so that we didn't infect anything.  Comments were thrown around like, "Wow Alison, your roots look just like an egg, did you know that!"   I have four white hairs, and when you think about it - it's quite amazing that God knows the number of hairs on our head because THERE ARE A LOT.

Today we did my last check late at night, and am happy to report, no eggs were found.  Which is great considering the fact that today we visited the family I most likely got them from to say goodbye and to my absolute horror, the kids placed a hat on my head within 5 minutes of sitting down.  All I could do was make a silly face, smile, and discreetly take it off my head.  What are the odds?  We have learned though, that sometimes, it is more important to love then to care about silly things like bugs in your hair.  I am so glad we visited them, it was a special time.   I will post photos and video later if possible.  For now, I must go to sleep.  Much to be done in a short time.

Happy to report that discernment is happening, my heart is happy, and my trust is growing as I spend more time learning about the ways that God works in the world.  I can feel this heart being molded, and sometimes it hurts, but most times its good.

Have a wonderful week - do not take healthy for granted either!! Forgot to mention that I spent a day very sick in Greece too, it was not fun.  I am still taking antibiotics over 10 days later to rid the illness.  Start taking my malaria pills tomorrow!!  So...yes - if you are reading this, and feel good - for me, and the others who are reading this and don't feel so swell - please, do something active for us.  :)

Also - if you are thinking that this update is a good justification for your avoidance of travels or takings some risks in life - I disagree with you - and can tell you firsthand that it is worth it.  The joy outweighs the pain by a long shot.  Perspective.

Miss the fam!

Alison

The nomadic week

I've been living like a nomad with my one backpack for the past week.  Last friday, the people I was staying with got sick with a highly contagious bacteria that has continued to spread to different people we know.  I've stayed in three different places and have two outfits, one blue shirt and one black shirt.  It's been quite the week.

Not because of that though - it's been quite the week because I have met many new families with children from Syria.  I have seen little bright and shining faces running around and have heard various stories of what it means to seek a better future.

I also spent three days of this week in a kitchen where I continued the basic cutting skills that I was taught in Bolivia - cooking in other cultures seems to be a theme that I do enjoy.  We cooked for over 200 one day!  That's a record for me.  I hope to cook in India too.

We are currently in finals week (MY LAST ONE), so this post will be less words and more photos.  I am including photos from a trip that we took to Cappadocia, an ancient city, a few weeks ago and then just random everyday life here.  Including some photos from the bazaar which is currently happening below me.

Lord willing, on Monday I will travel to Greece to learn more about work with refugees there and then will continue on to Germany and Switzerland to visit friends and family!  It will be a short stay in each place, but I am so grateful.  Turns out that flights from Turkey are extremely cheap, and my measly savings can afford these joy filled gifts.  I don't think I realized how significant it was that I could share a room with Claudia and Sharon during my last few months in California because those savings can now be used to visit friends and family!

Crossing the bosphorus at night is gorgeous

this morning when I stepped outside, the bazaar was happening

crossing the bosphorus 

Cappadocia - see the holes?  Those are entrances to where people lived in the BC times!!!!

A castle 

These are churches - people are lined up to enter in.  Inside are beautiful murals, we weren't allowed to take photos.  Persecuted Christians sought hiding in this area during the Roman Empire

There were indications of the Christians that used to live here with crosses

This was a door, the caves had trap doors that could close off in case of intruders

We were inside a HUGE cave that could host 5,000 people.  Crazy tunnels underground

Inside one of the rock houses (above ground one)

Over the land - Claudia pose attempt - it will get better, wait till India! ;)

Inside the cave - we went so deep by ourselves and shut off the light to sit in pitch dark

Syrian Refugee Children

On the ferry :)

My first Persian meal with friends from Iran - so delicious and like nothing I have tried before

Visiting the town where some refugee friends live

coming into Istanbul at night - the little lights are the ships in the water.  Ships in the night!  Got so excited.

Tourist part of town

English time

Another area that friends live in

I have slowly gotten to know the kids from this family as their mother gives me arabic lessons 

Roaming the streets and looking for a cake - I really enjoyed spending time with these kids 

Walking in the street, woman like to walk with their arms intertwined and I love it.  I need to get braver at taking photos - so many interesting things to see.

Passions and dreams and hope in things unseen

It's getting late and I am getting tired - but, if I don't write this now - these memories won't be recorded or shared and so - a late night post from Turkey.  Here we go!

A few days ago I was hanging out with some friends as we all went around and shared our passions.  I watched as each person shared - the words speaking life into their eyes and their body posture becoming more assured as they spoke about the unique way that God created them to be.  I love asking people about their passions because it is a tangible way to see hope.  These passions, they drive us - they sustain us and move us forward into the difficult places.  In Hebrews 11:1 it says "now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see."  Isn't it crazy when we ponder how the passions that we have oftentimes breed dreams.  The type of dreams that build hope as we seek to see what we do not see come to life.  What are you passionate about?  Where do you place your hope?

Hope is a necessary thing for people living in the margins - people that for various reasons do not have access to all of life necessities or are caught in unrelenting situations that seem impossible.  There past few weeks I get to hear where some refugees place their hope - it's in the new place, the new home, plans to dangerously cross country border by boat or on foot - in a future where their kids can receive education and healthcare.  Yet, what happens when this hope is realized and they begin to see that it is not all that we need?  While very important and necessary, they do not end all pain, suffering and loss - there must be hope in something more - a living hope.  I know this hope is needed because, I have seen life without it while living in a suburb, and have visited places where the wealthy can have nearly everything, yet it is never enough.  These past few weeks I have been learning more about the importance of sharing the living hope of God while actively loving others with time, resources, and open space.  I am learning more about a God that follows through with His word and really does love the brokenhearted in their midst.  A God that brings dreams and people to their knees (ask me about that when I see you again) and especially, almost always, joy in the little things.

This afternoon  I was glitterfied.  (I made up that word, in case you're wondering)  I spent some time with kids and we used glitter and glue to make art.  One thing I like about adulthood is that no one can tell you "no! it is too messy," because YOU"RE in charge.  So what is the first thing I went for in the cabinet?  Especially when their little eyes lit up with mine...THE GLITTER.  I suppose in hindsight I understand why some "adults" would prefer to keep the glitter tucked away; kids really do find genius ways to use the glitter and in their creativity can spread the sparkle to anywhere the eye can see.  My feet were covered in glitter, as were their faces and legs and arms.  So - attempting to avoid more mess - we put the glitter away and got out the paint.  To be fair, I didn't take the paint out, they took it out and I chose to look the other way. ;)  When they started painting mustache's on their faces, there wasn't much I could say (literally because I don't speak their language).  I let them continue in their escapades and would lift the little ones up to the mirror so they could see their silly faces - they smiled, laughed and giggled as they would puff out their chests and pretend to be grown up.  Messy?  oh yes.  Worth it? oh yes.  The joy these activities bring is refreshing.

To give a little perspective on refugee children in Turkey, these kids are stuck inside most days all day.  They don't have school, and they don't have healthcare.  Today I noticed the sweet little 9 year old smiling, and twirling like a princess with teeth that were white and grey at the bottom - dirty no less from no dentist check ups for quite some time.  This little princess is 1 of 7 kids.  Like many children refugees, the oldest three girls in their family work in factories already at the ages of 13,14, and 15 - because they have to - because of rent.  It's just the way things are for now.  I am learning Arabic from their mother, she is very patient with me as I quickly forget the most recent phrases we already repeated 10 times.  Today the kids quizzed me and I got a 50%.

To date, many new memories and stories fill my mind from the time thus far in Turkey.  I would be lying if I said it has all been wonderful.  It can be difficult at times to see the realities of this world and I also have had deep sadness wash over me from leaving the place I loved in California.  Uncertainty can be my best friend and worst enemy as I begin to ponder where my new community will be and what next steps I will take.  I miss the friends from Chicago and California that would sing the crazy tunes of life with me - and even now I wish these new friends could come with me in my suitcase. Yet - gratitude fills my heart.  I continue to learn more about what it means to be fully present and available to God's work in the world by beginning right where you are.  I will end this entry with a quote from an email I received this evening about discernment.

"What I learned from testing a call in Latin America is that my broader vocation is simply to enjoy God’s presence, do God’s will, and be grateful wherever I am. The question of where to live and what to do is really insignificant compared to the question of how to keep the eyes of my heart focused on the Lord. I can be teaching at Yale, working in the bakery at the Genesee Abbey, walking with poor children in Peru, or writing a book, and still feel totally useless. Or I can do these same things and know that I am fulfilling my call. There is no such thing as the right place or the right job. I can be miserable or joyful, restless or at peace, in all situations. It is a simple truth that came to me in a time when I had to decide about my future. Living in Lima or not for five, ten, or twenty years was no great decision. Turning to the Lord fully, unconditionally, and without fear is. He reminds me that I have no lasting dwelling on this earth, that I am a traveler on the way to a sacred place where God holds me in the palm of his hand. This deeper awareness sets me free to be a pilgrim, to pray without ceasing, and to be grateful." - Henri Nouwen

Amen to that.  From what I am seeing here - there is no better way, no bigger adventure, then living life with a God who loves the world times a trillion million billion stars shining bright at night.  May God grant us the wisdom to fathom it.

(P.s. it's late - so I am going to sleep - but I have pictures to share - so the next one will be photos)

The Discernment Journey: Turkey and India

I've now been in Turkey for over three weeks.

Just to clarify in case I haven't written this before and it hasn't been affirmed by all of the wise people in the world - time flies.  So you better make good use of it.

Over the next 2 months I will be here in Turkey completing my studies while learning about work with refugees.  After the time here, I will continue on to India and spend 3 months traveling to different cities and visiting people while learning about the good work that is done there.  So hold on tightly, this is going to be quite the journey.  Even before coming here, the thought would pass my mind, "Alison, why are you doing this?"  Time will tell.  Over the last two years I have been learning more about the Syrian refugee crisis - the biggest humanitarian crisis in our day.  To date there are currently over 4 million registered Syrian refugees and over 1,800,000 are in Turkey.  There are also refugees that come from Iraq and Iran as a result of war or persecution.  Over the last few weeks I have had the opportunity to meet individuals and families affected by these things.  Because I am in a season of discernment, I am curious about the many ways that God is working around the globe and so we shall see how these journies come together towards next steps after graduate school.

June 14, 2015 

 This past June we  "graduated" but I don't officially gain a masters degree until the end of September once my time in Turkey is done.  
Since the last post I have successfully finished my finals (something I wasn't sure could be accomplished), said goodbye to an AMAZING community of friends in California, and moved all my things back to the Chicago area before stepping on the plane to Istanbul, Turkey.  a LONG flight.

It took me a while to even realize what I was doing, I honestly don't think I even realized that I would be gone for the next six months until I was flying a couple thousand feet above the ground.

Ok - enough rambling.  The interesting stuff.  What is it like here?

Crossing the bosphorus on my first day here

It is really pretty.  There is a bosphorus in the middle of the city which separates the European continent from the Asian continent.  Everyday I am quite literally crossing the continents on a ferry.  The culture is a mix of western and Muslim culture (the call to prayer is going off right now at a nearby mosque - goes off 5 times a day).  Walking around the city I see woman that are fully covered with only their eyes showing, or covered with a scarf covering their hair or, just like me, walking around more modestly yet uncovered, and then there are girls wearing the summer stuff you'll see in the States, shorts, tank tops, summer dresses.  Generally, I am advised not to look at strangers that are men in the eyes as Turkish girls do not do this. I follow the advice.. most of the time, Don't worry mom, I"m safe!  (I"m just kidding though, I don't look at men, making sure you're paying attention)

People love "selfies" here.  I once spent over an hour watching people take selfies at a fountain.  It was fantastic.  The men have certain poses they like to do including a hand on the hip or one leg propped up.  I also had some woman try and do small talk with me, only to realize, I don't speak Turkish.

So -I have been told that I could be Turkish, or Iranian, or Syrian, or Kurdish, or....ya know, I just blend in.  So it has been quite interesting to encounter people speaking to me in another language and I can't understand a thing they're saying, to their surprise, I say "I don't speak Turkish," (in turkish), shrug my shoulders and smile.  Wish I could communicate more.

There is so much more I could write about - for this reason - I will be updating more.

The people I meet are so kind, and the refugees I meet all have unique stories and it is quite amazing to have this privilege to meet them, even if only for a short time.  Just tonight we said goodbye to a guy from Iraq who is from the city of the Old Testament Ninevah - he had to flee his town with his parents because of the war.  He is only 19 years old and in three days, after living here for a little over a year, they will now move to another country for asylum because that is where they are being placed as refugees.  As I showed fascination in his hometown, he continued to tell me about the history of his city and the ways that some people there still remembered Jonah to this day with a special three day fast.

Before this becomes too long.  Here are some photos.  More to come soon, it's getting late and I'm waking up early to run.

Said goodbye to a lot of really good friends - that was rough

This is Claudia - I miss her but am so glad we can keep in touch!

Trying on our gowns before graduation - some amazing people

This is Michelle - She's a wonderful women that I plan to stay in touch with - like many friends that I've made over the past two years.  So grateful.

Ran a race with Lisie 4 days before I left...still running here.  By God's grace, I will stay in shape!!

Grandpa and I.  Lovely breakfast out with the grandparents and Aunt Heidi the day before I left.

This is a cistern in Istanbul that dates back to the Roman Empire.  Water was stored here.

Went on a walk/hike with some people, beautiful trail

A mosque at night

Another Mosque at night.  So many mosques here.  During the call to prayer you can hear quite a few going off