Reflecting on Bethel

I will honestly miss Bethel. As I am presently sitting on a train headed to Bangalore, my mind keeps reviewing the faces and the the stories that I have been privileged to encounter over the past week. I was brought to the train station in a car that was arranged for me by Dr Kanagaraj.  We arrived and found the appropriate waiting area. After about 20 minutes, I received a phone call from one of the students, he and another were there at the station! They had come to say goodbye. We sat and had tea there at the station and they remained with me until the train pulled away. What a wonderful group! No doubt, I will miss the people the most.

It has been a marvelous week of sharing in stories and experiences. Dr. and Mrs Kanagaraj were wonderful and made me feel right at home, or at least as if I were staying at Grandma and Grandpa’s house for the week. I think I have been to just about every major project on the Bethel campus, talking with directors and staff people, getting to know who they are and how they minister. I was able to teach the first two days of “Introduction to Communication,” which was a lot of fun. This morning I spoke in chapel, which was also a good time, but most fulfilling of all was the time simply spent in conversation with the students. Perhaps one of the most memorable experiences will be the time that I spent in the villages last Sunday, walking from place to place, trekking through fields, and seeing the places that the students minister.

Yesterday Jacob took me through the farm and fields. He explained a bit about where Bethel came from. It all started with a large plot of land that was given by Danish missionaries to be used to provide resources for the villages and to train the villagers how to farm and make a living. From there the farm grew, and diversified. Before long there was a hospital, and a school, an orphanage, a home for children, and eventually, a bible institute for training rural missionaries. Jacob was a product of this place, and he showed me around with a comfort and familiarity, I could tell that he was home.

I hope that I will see some of these students again. Possibly even at APNTS. Jacob is planning for Master’s work, and he would prefer to do it internationally. Andrews is also thinking about possibilities in graduate education. Whatever happens, I believe Pamela, the wife of Dr. Kanagaraj, put it best, “Lord willing, we shall meet again.”

Perhaps one of the most wonderful and distinctive things about this experience was that I had the opportunity to be in the dorms, attend classes, eat the same food as the students, and eat it in the same way--hands only. Everyone seemed to have so much doubt at my ability to stomach all the local foods with their spices, exotic seasoning, and indigenous methods of preparation. I was offered to have prepared special food that would be more agreeable to my stomach. Many doubted that I could handle it. That is why I told no one about vomiting in the bathroom of the Baby home. I figure, somethings are best left unsaid... at least for the sake of my pride. :-)

This week has also afforded me the chance to explore new and exciting forms of relieving oneself. I am proud to announce (especially to my dear brothers and sisters in the Philippines) it has been more than a full week since I have last touched, seen, or otherwise interacted with a piece of toilet paper. Beyond this, it has been another good 6 days since I have made contact with a toilet bowl. I think I need not elaborate. For many of you reading this right now, you are scratching your heads, wondering what I am talking about. That is fine. Don’t worry; don’t ask. Others who are reading these words may find themselves laughing out loud, knowing exactly what I am talking about. As for me, I type these words with a quiet pride. This is a true milestone for me. Perhaps one of many to come. So, take it as you may. I write these words with my head held high. I may have quivered with the cuisine, but in the bathroom... I was victorious.

It all seriousness, the week was unforgettable. Tedious at times, but nonetheless unforgettable. I am humbled by the wonderful hospitality that I have been shown, by the friends that I have made, the culture and cuisine and dynamic learning of which I have been placed in the midst. I have learned much, and look forward to the things that are still to be learned ahead.

It is now nearly six o’clock. The day is cooling as the evening sets. I have another two and a half to three hours till I arrive in Bangalore. I have made contact with Santosh Gnanakan, a former student from APNTS who minsters in Bangalore and is the host of a Radio program on one of the local radio stations. I am told to give him a call when I arrive. He texted me that there is dinner and a bed waiting for me when I arrive. Once again, I am humbled my the hospitality and sense of welcome that has been given to me ever since I have arrived. Tomorrow will be a new city, a new culture, and a slightly cooler climate, I am told. I look forward to see what I will find at the end of the train track.