I must be honest in admitting that I have been reluctant to write a blog because I don't really feel like the blogger type. But after numerous requests, I am reluctantly giving in.
I have officially finished my first week in South Asia and it has been full of many ups and downs already! Even after just a week, I am quite certain that it is going to be a year of growth, excitement and adventure. Everyone's prayers were answered for safe travel. There were absolutely no complications and I was even given a seat upgrade on one of my flights so I was able to get some sleep fully reclined. I arrived around 3:30 a.m. and it took another hour and a half to collect my luggage and get through customs. I was greeted by several other interns, which was such a pleasant surprise considering the ungodly hour that I'd flown in.
On the way home from the airport, I was able to get my first real glimpse of what my life was going to look like for the coming months. Even in the middle of the night, the traffic was absolutely insane. The roads were packed with every type of vehicle, from American cars to auto rickshaws to pedal bikes and it appeared that there were no street rules besides the necessity of horn honking. Crossing the street might be the most terrifying part of life here and really, the only time that I feel unsafe. I feel like I am playing a live game of frogger and I must strategically plan my route across the street or risk my life :) To get around, we must take motorized rickshaws, called "autos" here. Instead of the prices being metered like most cities in the country, we have to negotiate the price beforehand. Although I typically pride myself in my ability to negotiate, my white skin has pretty much diminished any bargaining powers I may have. It is not usual to argue with about 4 or 5 autos before we find a driver to agree to our price. After about 15 minutes of sheer frustration, we arrive at work feeling satisfied that our persistent arguing has saved us a total of around 10 cents.
Last Wednesday, I headed in for my first full day of work. The people who work in my office are absolutely incredible. They are all passionate people who love their work, but more importantly love the Lord. Each morning, we get to work at 9 for thirty minutes of "stillness," which is basically a time for personal devotion. From 9:30-10, we have office devotions, which is a time for the office to join together in prayer and thanksgiving for the cases we are currently working on. It's really awesome to be working for an organization with such a strong foundation. In so many ways, I am reminded of my own lack of faith but I know that this is going to be a time of immense growth for me.
Besides orientation in each of the office departments, I have spent much of my time searching for housing. This has proved to be a very challenging task. Once again, my diminished bargaining powers have not been very helpful as they jack up the prices when they hear "American English" on the other end of the line. I have learned that "fully furnished" does not always include beds, couches or kitchen appliances and often A/C and 24-hour water supply are considered "luxury amenities." In replacement of a one-month deposit in the states, all rentals require an advance of 10-months rent, which comes close to $9,000 total. There are just a few of the challenges we have been facing regarding housing, but we have a wonderful staff member who is helping us out so hopefully things will be arranged shortly! Please pray that we will find a place that is A) safe B) close to the office and C) reasonably priced.
Overall, it has been a really great week! There are still several uncertainties but I am trying to focus on the incredible things about this city, especially the work that I am so privileged to be a part of and the people I am able to work alongside. I have attached a link to a short film that I watched during orientation that paints an accurate picture of the lives of many of the victims we work to rescue. The film centers around a young boy, Kavi, who wants to escape from a brick kiln where he is forced to work as a modern day slave. It does cost $2 to watch but it is definitely worth it. If you are interested, follow the link below:
Kavi the Movie
I am committed to giving this whole blog thing a fair chance but might need a little time to figure it all out. I have taken some pictures and will do my best to post them soon! Lastly, I must give credit my dad for the blog title. For those of you who know him, this probably does not come as a surprise. After several rejected proposals that, of course, included some type of pun, we were thankfully able to settle on one. (Also, if you choose to "follow" my blog by clicking the link on the right, it will update you whenever I put up a new post)
Thank you so much for all of your prayers! I truly have appreciated all of the support and encouragement that I have received; it's made a world of difference.
I have officially finished my first week in South Asia and it has been full of many ups and downs already! Even after just a week, I am quite certain that it is going to be a year of growth, excitement and adventure. Everyone's prayers were answered for safe travel. There were absolutely no complications and I was even given a seat upgrade on one of my flights so I was able to get some sleep fully reclined. I arrived around 3:30 a.m. and it took another hour and a half to collect my luggage and get through customs. I was greeted by several other interns, which was such a pleasant surprise considering the ungodly hour that I'd flown in.
On the way home from the airport, I was able to get my first real glimpse of what my life was going to look like for the coming months. Even in the middle of the night, the traffic was absolutely insane. The roads were packed with every type of vehicle, from American cars to auto rickshaws to pedal bikes and it appeared that there were no street rules besides the necessity of horn honking. Crossing the street might be the most terrifying part of life here and really, the only time that I feel unsafe. I feel like I am playing a live game of frogger and I must strategically plan my route across the street or risk my life :) To get around, we must take motorized rickshaws, called "autos" here. Instead of the prices being metered like most cities in the country, we have to negotiate the price beforehand. Although I typically pride myself in my ability to negotiate, my white skin has pretty much diminished any bargaining powers I may have. It is not usual to argue with about 4 or 5 autos before we find a driver to agree to our price. After about 15 minutes of sheer frustration, we arrive at work feeling satisfied that our persistent arguing has saved us a total of around 10 cents.
Last Wednesday, I headed in for my first full day of work. The people who work in my office are absolutely incredible. They are all passionate people who love their work, but more importantly love the Lord. Each morning, we get to work at 9 for thirty minutes of "stillness," which is basically a time for personal devotion. From 9:30-10, we have office devotions, which is a time for the office to join together in prayer and thanksgiving for the cases we are currently working on. It's really awesome to be working for an organization with such a strong foundation. In so many ways, I am reminded of my own lack of faith but I know that this is going to be a time of immense growth for me.
Besides orientation in each of the office departments, I have spent much of my time searching for housing. This has proved to be a very challenging task. Once again, my diminished bargaining powers have not been very helpful as they jack up the prices when they hear "American English" on the other end of the line. I have learned that "fully furnished" does not always include beds, couches or kitchen appliances and often A/C and 24-hour water supply are considered "luxury amenities." In replacement of a one-month deposit in the states, all rentals require an advance of 10-months rent, which comes close to $9,000 total. There are just a few of the challenges we have been facing regarding housing, but we have a wonderful staff member who is helping us out so hopefully things will be arranged shortly! Please pray that we will find a place that is A) safe B) close to the office and C) reasonably priced.
Overall, it has been a really great week! There are still several uncertainties but I am trying to focus on the incredible things about this city, especially the work that I am so privileged to be a part of and the people I am able to work alongside. I have attached a link to a short film that I watched during orientation that paints an accurate picture of the lives of many of the victims we work to rescue. The film centers around a young boy, Kavi, who wants to escape from a brick kiln where he is forced to work as a modern day slave. It does cost $2 to watch but it is definitely worth it. If you are interested, follow the link below:
Kavi the Movie
I am committed to giving this whole blog thing a fair chance but might need a little time to figure it all out. I have taken some pictures and will do my best to post them soon! Lastly, I must give credit my dad for the blog title. For those of you who know him, this probably does not come as a surprise. After several rejected proposals that, of course, included some type of pun, we were thankfully able to settle on one. (Also, if you choose to "follow" my blog by clicking the link on the right, it will update you whenever I put up a new post)
Thank you so much for all of your prayers! I truly have appreciated all of the support and encouragement that I have received; it's made a world of difference.
