A man named Pinto. I just have to tell you this story that is pretty epic. So I'll start with some back ground, we visited two slums, there are two brothers that run the churches. One is in one slum (Ashook) then Pinto is in the other. Pinto is a man that is so on fire for the lord that you can see the fire blazing in his eyes. He has a heart for the people that don't know god. Whenever we would visit his slum he would bless us with a meal and a story. His family is amazing and always makes me laugh. His wife is beautiful and he has two daughters and one son. So my story is: when we would visit him he speaks pretty good english but some of it is broken sentences, I don't know why but I can really relate with the culture and what they are actually saying so I always enjoyed talking to pinto. We went to see his puppet show, he is so talented! As well the way he worships at the top of his lungs really taught me that you're worshipping the one true god so why not go for it! He calls us brothers and sisters. We were in the market place on our day off just purchasing things and having fun with the locals. I was standing outside one of the shops talking to one of the store owners because half of my group was in one store and the other half was right next store. So I stood outside and who pops up none other than pinto. He came up to me and said sister! I was so relieved to see him. He brought two of the older boys from his home with him. He was upset at how much we were getting ripped off so he came up to me and said follow me and don't say a word. So I rounded up our group and we crossed the craziest intersection which by the way when pinto said follow him he meant it because he didn't look back once to make sure we were all together. So funny, anyway he took us to a local market and bartered for us. I was outside with the two other boys because there was no place to sit. The two boys I felt like they were protecting me because they kept watching over me, it really did feel like family. When they were all done, pinto came out and I thanked him immensely for his help, he called us his kids. I felt so blessed. He is an amazing man that watches over his brothers and sisters in Christ.
Another funny story I have is that, the market place we go to, we have developed relationships with people there that they are our friends. So we were in the leather shop because some people needed some bags. So we have been there like 20 times and the people know us so well that we are friends on Facebook. Anyway, the guy asked me if I was Indian I said no, he pointed at his face and said same same. As in same skin color. He said well in this shop I will give you the Indian price. Which is ten times cheaper than the tourist price. So Alyssa was buying two leather wallets and they were bartering back and forth and he wouldn't budge, he looked at me and asked if this was a good price that she was saying I said ya. He shook my hand and said ok for you this price. It was sooooo funny. He said you can get the Indian price in any shop. He offered to come barter for us too. I'm still laughing at that!
I like that market because our friends just come up to us and say hi! I have found too that when you become friends with them they also give you a better price. I can't believe how much they rip people off but when you think about it, it's the matter of a few dollars. So it's not to bad but still when you set the price for the day, they think anyone will pay that. I enjoy bartering with them especially the locals, because I know they are more willing to give the local price.
My next story is what happened at our last day of church. I was thrilled to go and see everyone for one last time! Not many people showed because Diwali is still being celebrated. It was still enjoyable! This kid grabbed my hand and pulled me into his house to pray for his mom and family. (this happens often) So I did, then I helped his mom make chapatti in the back on the fire. I don know why but they always laugh when we help them make chapatti. Then she fed me. So one thing you never do is turn food down especially in the slums. It is a sign of high respect when you eat their food and drink their water. So I did and it was soooo good! Then we had to go back to the other house to have chai. It was a great but sad day! I can't believe we've been here a month! All the relationships we have made and brothers and sisters in christ is epic to see. I didn't want to leave, I could have stayed there all day. Sitting with that woman who knew no english, making chapatti is an unforgettable experience. I cherish those times, that family is very special to me.
I had the chance to see Depa again, it was sad to say goodbye to her! Tomorrow we start debrief, we are flying to Goa which is in the south of India. I'm excited because it's only a week before we get back to NZ. It has been a great "India" experience. I've fully enjoyed all that God is doing here. He is an epic God!
*Note* this was written when I was still on outreach, I am currently in New Zealand, but really wanted to share these stories!*
Another funny story I have is that, the market place we go to, we have developed relationships with people there that they are our friends. So we were in the leather shop because some people needed some bags. So we have been there like 20 times and the people know us so well that we are friends on Facebook. Anyway, the guy asked me if I was Indian I said no, he pointed at his face and said same same. As in same skin color. He said well in this shop I will give you the Indian price. Which is ten times cheaper than the tourist price. So Alyssa was buying two leather wallets and they were bartering back and forth and he wouldn't budge, he looked at me and asked if this was a good price that she was saying I said ya. He shook my hand and said ok for you this price. It was sooooo funny. He said you can get the Indian price in any shop. He offered to come barter for us too. I'm still laughing at that!
I like that market because our friends just come up to us and say hi! I have found too that when you become friends with them they also give you a better price. I can't believe how much they rip people off but when you think about it, it's the matter of a few dollars. So it's not to bad but still when you set the price for the day, they think anyone will pay that. I enjoy bartering with them especially the locals, because I know they are more willing to give the local price.
My next story is what happened at our last day of church. I was thrilled to go and see everyone for one last time! Not many people showed because Diwali is still being celebrated. It was still enjoyable! This kid grabbed my hand and pulled me into his house to pray for his mom and family. (this happens often) So I did, then I helped his mom make chapatti in the back on the fire. I don know why but they always laugh when we help them make chapatti. Then she fed me. So one thing you never do is turn food down especially in the slums. It is a sign of high respect when you eat their food and drink their water. So I did and it was soooo good! Then we had to go back to the other house to have chai. It was a great but sad day! I can't believe we've been here a month! All the relationships we have made and brothers and sisters in christ is epic to see. I didn't want to leave, I could have stayed there all day. Sitting with that woman who knew no english, making chapatti is an unforgettable experience. I cherish those times, that family is very special to me.
I had the chance to see Depa again, it was sad to say goodbye to her! Tomorrow we start debrief, we are flying to Goa which is in the south of India. I'm excited because it's only a week before we get back to NZ. It has been a great "India" experience. I've fully enjoyed all that God is doing here. He is an epic God!
*Note* this was written when I was still on outreach, I am currently in New Zealand, but really wanted to share these stories!*
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